#adelle x echo

[loisfreakinglane]

DOLLHOUSE // 1.01 “Ghost”

[milkbobatyun]

wake up, please

pairing: diluc x fem!reader

genre: angstober, events

summary: an argument causes you to leave the safety of the ragnvindr manor at night, would diluc ever get to hear your voice, ever see you open your eyes again?

word count: 883

a/n: idk, i thought this would fit diluc kinda well, sorry for re-traumatising this already traumatised boi (◞‸◟；)

the thick silence crackled with anger, your fists clenched, heart pounding in your chest. the tranquility of the winery had been shattered by your arguing with diluc. you wouldn’t call yourself a jealous woman, but seeing another woman drape herself over diluc had you seething. his lack of protest and unwillingness to push her away was enough to make your blood boil.

with a frustrated sigh, you threw open the study door, stalking down the hallway and slamming the front door as you left. the resounding echo was loud enough to make diluc wince from the study, guilt settling deep in his chest.

perhaps you were being foolish, going out into the night with only a thin layer of clothing and only a small dagger tucked at your side. but your rationality was clouded with frustration, danger the last thing on your mind. the weak moonlight barely illuminated the path before you, but you didn’t care, you needed space, to breathe.

but as that principle goes, you attract what you fear.

hilichurls. their grunts echoing in the quiet night as they had you surrounded, their bats dancing with flames and swinging as they ran towards you. you summoned your dagger, dodging the first attack and swining with a desperate arc, the heat of the wave dancing across your skin, teasing you with dancer.

you were outnumbered and unprepared, but you fought, adrenaline driving you forwards. they were weaker than they looked, but your body had taken a toll. with your clothing ripped and torn in some places, you stumbled home, a deep cut on your forehead the main source of pain, though the pain in your head was a dull roar compared to the turmoil in your heart.

the foyer was illuminated brightly with candlelights, though it remained quiet. with a clatter, you discarded your shoes at the door, head pounding with every step and fatigue seeping into your bones. the familiar scent of old wood and wine filled your senses as you staggered into the nearest armchair, its softness cradling your aching body as you collapsed into the cushions.

with a sigh, you succumbed to the darkness crawling at the edge of your vision.

diluc sat at his study table, trying to complete the paperwork that had been piling on top. his eyes scanned across the same line time and time again. his thoughts, wouldn’t allow him to concentrate, worrying about your safety. in the vast mansion, every creak of the floorboards, every step of the servants amplified the tension in his chest, his ears straining to hear something.

when he heard the muffled thud of shoes against the hardwood floor, he sprung up from his chair, his papers forgotten. diluc threw open his study door, racing down the hallway. his sharp eyes caught sight of the droplets of blood on the floor, his stomach dropping, icy dread chilling his veins as he ran towards you.

your slumped figure lay in the armchair, the shallow rise and fall of your chest a sign of life. the blood oozed from your forehead, dripping down in streams. diluc’s hands trembled as he reached towards you, ripping a strip of his shirt to press against your wound.

“adele!” diluc’s voice yelled out, raw with fear and desperation. “adele, go fetch a doctor! now!”

the blood soaked through the snow white strip immediately, the warmth coating his hands. his heart pounded in his chest as he applied more pressure on your wound, willing the bleeding to stop.

the medic arrived, treating your wounds with practiced hands, his face grim. diluc’s hawk eyes watched every movement, worry worming away in his stomach.

“young master,” the doctor began tentatively, eyes glued to the floor. “the lady may be asleep for a few days, no need to worry of course, but i am just informing you that she most likely won’t wake up today.”

“for her comfort, i suggest moving her to her bed.” the doctor continued, giving his instructions while he cleaned and packed away the bloody medical instruments.

diluc’s breath caught, swallowing thickly. his hands were still sticky from your blood, the heavy silence weighing down on his chest.

“thank you,” diluc whispered, his voice hoarse. the doctor’s words echoed in his mind. with gentle hands, diluc cradled your sleeping form in his arms, pace steady as he walked towards your room.

adele scurried ahead, laying out a change of clothes and preparing the bed. diluc softly set you down, placing your head on the pillow, leaving the room to wash his hands and allow adele to change your clothes with privacy, red hot embarrassment dusting his ears. 

quietly, diluc brought over a chair, sitting down next to your bed, hand hesitantly hovering above yours, before finally settling it on your cold skin. the sight of your head, swathed in the white bandages, tugged at his heartstrings. it was his actions, his words that had caused this. the burden of guilt settled on his shoulders.

“im sorry,” his whisper of apology fell from his lips as he sat next to you, the moonlight filtering through the gap of the closed curtains. underneath the milky light of the moon, diluc sat, a quiet vigil of guilt, praying for your forgiveness when you wake.

if you would ever wake.

taglist (open): @yeonjunsfox

∧,,,∧ ( ̳• · • ̳)  © curated with love by milkbobayun 2024 / づ ♡

[ruewrote]

𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑡 𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑠.

PAIRING: tdc!gally x fem!reader WARNINGS: gally's death, no use of y/n GENRE: angst SONG INSPIRATION: i miss you by adele WORD COUNT: 928 A/N: this was really fast paced but i've had the end part in my mind for weeks now so sorry if its rushed :)

navigation | ask

they could never make you hate him, even after what happened to chuck.

as much as you wanted to, you just couldn’t do it. he had been your best friend, your crush, your rock, your lover. 

it was so good at first, maybe too good to be true, whatever it was it felt right with him. gally was the only thing in the glade keeping you sane, whole.

with thomas grabbing you by your waist, pulling you away from his body. gally giving you a last “it’s okay,” before you were snatched away from him. 

tears streaming down your cheeks as you reached out for him, squirming in thomas’s hold trying to free yourself, as you were both tugged through the exit by others in full combat gear.

you were finally out of the maze, but at what cost?

after his death, you were distant from the others except from newt. he always made sure you were eating and drinking, checking up on you when distanced yourself from everyone.

newt was like a brother to you, having him close helped, but then again what could he do for what only felt like heartache. 

your eyes swollen and puffy as tears rolled down your cheeks, trying to keep your sniffles muffled by the sleeve of your jacket as the others slept.

time heals. well that’s what people used to say, but you think that’s complete utter bullshit because how does this ever get better?

everytime you closed your eyes you could see him, his hand shakily holding the gun in thomas’s direction, his eyes full of tears, the infection spreading across his skin. then bang! jilting yourself out of bed, chest tightening, tears. it was the same cycle every time you slept.

feeling as it was almost selfish, you got to live, you got a chance to try to survive, but here you were here moping. losing winston only added to your heartache.

nearing the last city the sound of angered shouts echoed far, definitely too many for the eight of you to take on, so you got closer to figure out what to do next. 

gently pushing through the crowd, trying to get to the front to see what was happening. a hand covered your mouth, muffling you crying out for help. the other around your waist as the person who grabbed you lifted you off the ground.

the others were still ahead of you, not noticing what was happening, until it was too late. out of nowhere mini missiles were getting shot at the ground beside you, making the person who had you fumble, almost letting you go.

another person in a gas mask watched this happen, they started to grab your legs and dragged you towards a truck, if you were gonna go, you were gonna go kicking and screaming all the way.

“get off of her!” newt yelled, dragging the man who had your feet off of you, but another two came up behind him and got him too.

both of you were soon thrown into a beaten down blue truck, leaving you sat side by side, breathing heavily. a certain are you alright? look shared between the two of you before staring down the three armed, masked people in front of you.

the car ride tense and rocky as the vehicle drifted around corners, making you bump shoulders with newt. 

it soon came to an abrupt stop, the doors being pulled open and the two of you nudged out of it. looking around you, you could see an abandoned car park, thomas and brenda, multiple guys with masks.

the sounds of muffled fighting could be heard in the van beside you, then bursts out jumping on the person, jorge punching them.

shouting about where brenda was, but soon stopped when he found her.

“it’s alright, we’re on the same side,” 

thomas stepping closer, pushing you protectively behind him, “who the hell are you?”

after a long pause the unknown leader takes off his mask, “gally?” you mutter in disbelief, peeking out from behind thomas.

his eyes soften at the sight of you, “hey sweetheart,” giving you that familiar smile that you had missed so much. 

it doesn’t take long for you to bound up to him, throwing your arms around his neck, bringing him into a bone crushing hug. he hugged you back even tighter, lifting you off of the ground with ease.

you moved back just enough to look at his face, a soft smile danced over your lips as tears filled your eyes once again, “what the fuck. how is this real?”

“i’ll explain everything inside, c’mon,” he placed you back on the ground, grasping your hand in his own as he signalled the others to follow him.

bonus:

you were now cuddled up in bed with gally. your head on his chest, legs intertwined, his arm wrapped protectively around your waist pulling you closer to him.

“i never thought we’d have this again,” speaking softly as you looked up at him, “i really thought i lost you.” 

he gazes down at you, brushing a piece of hair behind your ear, “whether you like it or not, i'm not going to give up on you…on us.”

“that’s what i like to hear,” you joke, playfully elbowing his side with your arm, earning a chuckle from him as you cuddled closer to each other.

for the first time in months you’d finally be able to sleep peacefully with him by your side again.

comments and reblogs are appreciated ♡

© ruewrote 2024.

[seeingivy]

long story short

actor!eren x f!reader

**part of my method acting fic

songs mentioned: saturn by sza, so american by olivia rodrigo, lover by taylor swift, good luck babe by chappell roan, margaret ft. bleachers by lana del ray, make you feel my love by adele, false god by taylor swift, only angel by harry styles, and long story short by taylor swift.

an: buckle in friends. songs and tweets and all :D

previous part linked here

six months later

The two of you decide that it would be smarter not to stay in the townhouse, for the time being. Because while Eren had bent backwards and forwards to buy the house without Levi noticing – which included paying a hefty tip to the realtors dealing with the sale – there was something too melancholy about staying there – and not having a plethora of voices echoing across the walls. 

Eren’s first plan – to stay in the cabin in Ireland that his parents owned – was your next best bet. And really, it was the quietest little patch of land, accompanied by what might be the coziest town you’ve ever been in – and it was every bit of perfect. 

The cabin was two stories and maybe the uniquest little house you’ve ever been in. With gold accents, a green kitchen, and what might be the prettiest garden –  it was almost far too easy to pretend that you and Eren had left the bright shimmering lights and camera flashes behind. 

Eren’s morning usually starts hours before yours – only because he insists that he has to run in the mornings to get a good start to the day. If you’re in a good enough mood, he’s able to coax you to come with him and the two of you choose to walk instead. Sometimes you wonder if Sukuna and Teddy talk about the same thing on their walks that you and Eren do. 

The neighbors are either too old to mention anything or perhaps too polite. Because they show up here and there, unassumingly with a fresh loaf of baked bread, that they simply couldn’t let go to waste. And their kids that you happen to see on holidays, their eyes linger for a little too long – almost like they’re trying to convince themselves that it really is the two of you – but never make a comment about if they ever do get the shred of confidence. 

There’s a kid, barely eleven, who brings homemade yogurt around on Friday, as an errand before he can go play with his friends. Sometimes Eren makes him late to his basketball games, because he finds himself lingering by the door too long, talking about things that are entirely lost to you. Though you should have figured as much, because Eren was always popular with the kids.

And you find a stray cat three months in – one that Eren lovingly names Milo. A tiny british shorthair, with light green eyes and white fur. Upon first inspection, you told Eren jokingly that you simply had to keep him, because he had Eren’s eyes. Eren took the joke a little too seriously, but the little diva that Milo ended up being always kept things interesting. 

The only thing annoying about the cabin is Eren’s placement of the furniture, specifically the well loved coffee table that, in your opinion, needed to be centered in the main room. And that’s only because every morning, you’d get your breath nearly knocked out of your chest when you walked straight into it. 

“You know, you need to move that goddamn coffee table.” you grumble, rubbing at the side of your hip. 

Eren looks over, before placing his hands on your hips and lifting you up onto the counter. It’s a lingering kiss that he presses to your knuckles, as you use your free hand to rub at your eyes, before looking over at the pan. 

“Connie’s on his way?” you ask. 

“An hour out.” Eren responds. 

“Okay, I’ll go set the clothes out. Anything specific you want?” 

“The green hoodie. That you stole and thought I didn’t notice.” Eren grates. 

You jump off the counter, pressing a lingering kiss to his cheek, before padding back into the room and setting the clothes aside. And it’s only a few minutes before Eren’s at your side, giving you a half-appreciative smile for returning the hoodie. 

“Are you nervous? You know he’s going to have a meltdown right?”

Eren scoffs. 

“Serves him right for what he did. Walking around talking about his girlfriend – you know, I’m half convinced she doesn’t even exist, Y/N.” 

You roll your eyes. 

“He’s literally bringing her along. You should have at least told him I would be here so you know…he doesn’t have a heart attack or something.” 

The two of you took the idea of privacy too seriously. A little too serious, because now six months had passed and most of your friends didn’t even know you were together. And really, the two of you were very close to getting found out since you had an awards show to attend at the end of the month. 

If Eren was any bit as hopeless as the neighbors mentioned, they would have the two of you figured out within a split second. 

Levi and Hange knew, naturally. And then Colt and Falco, and by extension Gabi, since Falco seemingly could keep secrets, just not from her. And it extended out slowly – your parents, his and Zeke, Lana and Sukuna, and Jean and Mikasa. 

Lana and Sukuna was an accident. Because Eren had been calling Teddy and you accidentally walked in the background. Jean and Mikasa were similar and only because you accidentally let his name slip from your mouth when you called them after their honeymoon. 

The secret was well kept, but you knew the news was about to spread around to everyone, because Connie was about to find out, when he realized that you were living here with Eren during his little visit. 

“Well, it serves him right. He’s about to tell everyone we know. Because he’s going to have to tell Reiner, who will tell Annie who obviously can’t keep it from Armin and it’s just going to snowball from there.” Eren mutters. 

You shake your head at him, as the two of you pad out to the front where Eren’s left the plates of eggs steaming. You shuffle into your chair – making it a point to slam your notebook shut – and naturally, the gesture doesn’t get past Eren. 

“What are you writing?” Eren asks. 

“Nothing.”

Eren grins. 

“Are you writing a song about me?” Eren jokes. 

You roll your eyes. And Eren’s too quick with it – guising it by putting his arm around your waist – but he all but snatches the book from underneath your elbow. And he looks to you for confirmation before he starts flipping to the page he was looking for you can see the recognition clock on his face, before he looks over at you.

“Saturn, hm?” 

You take the book back from him, running your fingers over the inked lines and the tiny drawing in the corner. 

If karma's really real How am I still here? Just seems so unfair I could be wrong though If there's a point to being good Then where's my reward? The good die young and poor I gave it all I could

Stuck in this terradome All I see is terrible Making us hysterical There's got to be more, got to be more Sick of this head of mine Intrusive thoughts, they paralyze Nirvana's not as advertised There's got to be more, been here before

Ooh (ooh, ooh) Life's better on Saturn Got to break this pattern Of floating away Ooh (ooh, ooh) Find something worth saving It's all for the taking I always say

I'll be better on Saturn None of this matters Dreaming of Saturn, oh

It plagues Eren, in the smallest of ways. It was almost like he could tell that on certain days, the reality of it all seemed to wear you down, to the point where you really didn’t say too much and spent far too much time by yourself outside. He figured this is the closest he would get to really understanding what it was like for you, in the two years that you spent by yourself. 

And it does really bother him, that this is the only thing he can’t help you with. Because having six months of the still, quiet life gave you time to think, to really process everything that had happened. 

And it was chilling. Because it would almost be easier, if this wasn’t the only thing plaguing your mind. But he had asked you time and time again and the answer was always the same – that you didn’t have any regrets, about how the two of you came back together, the relationships that you repaired, or even the havoc you wrecked at the award shows. That really, they were all means to an end. 

But there was one regret you did have, and maybe in the cruelest of ways, it was the one you couldn’t put to rest in this lifetime – which was taking Marco for granted. 

The smaller things helped – the sweet stories about him in the two years you missed, the voicemail that Eren had gifted you at the funeral, and all the polaroids you pulled off the wall. But deep down, in the pit of your stomach, it was the only piece of it all that you hadn’t been able to rectify yet. 

“Yeah, Saturn.” you respond. 

“Have you given any thought to my offer?” Eren asks. 

You wrote songs about Marco often. And Eren read all of them, helping you work through piecing together the composition. But one of the songs – one you called Bigger Than The Whole Sky – seemed to concern Eren so much that he left a tiny little card on your pillow that night. 

With the number to his therapist. 

Eren doesn’t say much, only because he knows it’ll fall on deaf ears, and that sometimes with you – sometimes his hands in yours are the only thing that he can offer. And the quiet offer of the therapist he gave was more of a think piece for you – hoping that you’d at least give it a chance someday.

But the resolve of it all is quickly shattered when the doorbell rings – with Connie and his girlfriend behind the door. 

Eren sighs. 

“Are you ready for everyone to know our secret?” Eren asks. 

“No. And yes. I’m kind of just excited to watch him kind of have a meltdown.” 

Eren grins. 

“You and me both. I’ll go get him.” 

You pad into the kitchen, reaching for two empty dishes and plating the extra eggs for them as you hear Connie hollering at the door, and relish in the little wave of excitement that rises in your stomach. 

“Okay, well. I made breakfast so just kind of help yourselves. Do you need the bathroom?” Eren asks. 

“We’re good.” Connie responds 

Eren gives you a bright and glimmering two dimpled smile as he stops in the kitchen, before looking over at Connie who now looks like he’s some mix of constipated and fraught. 

“I made you guys some plates. I do hope you still like eggs, Connie, because we haven’t had a chance to do groceries lately.” you respond. 

Connie’s eye twitches as you give him a bright smile before walking closer and opening up your arms. And he’s almost too confused – because he barely hugs you back before turning to Eren. 

“What’s she doing here?” Connie asks. 

Eren smiles. 

“You’re not the only one with a secret girlfriend, Connie. Two can play that game.” Eren responds, as he takes the plates and gestures for Connie’s girlfriend to follow him to the main table. 

Connie pauses, before looking over at you. 

“You guys are pranking me, right? Because I didn’t tell you? Because that’s in no way funny.” Connie asks. 

You point to the polaroids pinned on the fridge – a mix of old and new – before turning back to him. 

“While we do love to mess with you, even we wouldn’t be that committed to a bit like this. Now come eat, you’ve had a long flight.” you respond. 

Contrary to your wishes, Connie, in fact, does not eat. He spends the first ten minutes staring the two of you down – to the point where it’s almost creepy – before asking you an insane amount of questions. 

When did you start dating? 

Or better yet, when are you getting married? 

How does it feel to be a traitor? 

And it’s only after an insane amount of questioning, before he slumps back down into his chair, before offering the two of you a sweet smile. 

“You’re really dating, right?” Connie asks. 

Eren rolls his eyes. 

“That’s the tenth fucking time you’ve asked me that. I’m starting to think that it’s insulting – is it really that shocking to you that a pretty girl would date me?” Eren asks. 

Connie rolls his eyes right back. 

“Yeah, when that pretty girl spends her time being just as clueless as you.” Connie responds. 

You avert your gaze to your left, where Connie’s girlfriend – Maryam – is sitting and give her a smile. It’s one that she returns right back, before whispering underneath Connie and Eren’s bickering. 

“You’ll have to forgive him. This is a really big deal to him.” she mumbles. 

“Don’t worry, I’m well aware. He’s spent half of his young life trying to play cupid, I would only assume that it’s overwhelming to finally see your dreams come true.” 

She gives you a smile, as you elbow Eren in the side, and signal for him to stop. 

“Speaking of cupid, how did you and Connie meet?” you ask. 

It’s horribly bad timing – because the big sip of water she took goes immediately back in the glass as she gives Connie a weary glare. And he gives her a bright grin, before turning back to you. 

“See, it’s kind of funny. She –” 

“Connie!” she whispers. 

“What? You’re going to have to tell them eventually.” Connie responds. 

“Yeah, but I just met them. This is the kind of stuff you tell people years later, as in "haha want to know something crazy?” not like…two seconds after you meet them.” she whispers back. 

You and Eren turn to each other, giving each other a look, before turning back to Connie. 

“They won’t care, I promise.” Connie responds.

She gives him a weary look, before turning back to the two of you with wide, doe eyes. 

“Listen. I swear to god, I’m not a stalker. Y/N, I didn’t even know you were going to be here…and…and I didn’t even know I was like…talking to Connie before I was talking to Connie.” 

Eren interrupts her. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asks. 

She sighs, before lifting her palms and burying her eyes in the heels of her hand and Connie, for some unknown reason, seems to be enjoying himself a little too much. She gives you both one last look, before dropping her hands. 

“I met Connie on stan twitter.” 

“What?” you ask. 

“Well, he was one of my mutuals. And I…I always talk to my mutuals and we used to text all the time. And then I started really liking him and…and we made a deal to kind of meet up when he was in New York. And then I showed up and he was just fucking standing there. I knew for years that Connie was on stan twitter since he always used to accidentally send his burner tweets to his main but…I didn’t think I was talking to fucking Connie.” 

You and Eren bite down on your cheeks, fighting the urge to laugh. 

“Connie, I think you’ve finally met your match. This is kind of perfect.” you respond. 

“I know, right?” Connie responds, giving you a bright smile back. 

“You didn’t like…think he was punking you?” Eren asks. 

“Oh, I totally thought he was punking me. It was only until he mentioned all the things that we had talked about, over the years mind you, that I actually realized it was him I was talking to all this time. And it started to make more sense, because he always seemed to know more about things that were happening than what was kind of shown on the surface.” Maryam replies. 

You shake your head. 

“So who did you run a fan account for? Was it Connie?” you ask. 

She pinches her face. 

“Right. Well, I…I actually ran a fan account for you. Both of you. You’ve actually both interacted with me on Twitter…multiple times.” 

You slam your fist down on the table. 

“Oh my fucking god. You’re THE fan account girl. Your username is y/n jaeger and you…you have that green profile picture?” you ask. 

“Holy shit. We’ve like literally talked about you multiple times.” Eren adds. 

Connie takes his free arm and slings it around her shoulder, before flinging it around her shoulder. 

“Told you, they literally don’t care.” 

“I swear though, I’m really not a stalker.” she adds again, almost like she’s entirely embarrassed. 

You and Eren shake your heads. 

“Well, you didn’t even know I was going to be here.” you respond. 

“And you didn’t even know that the person you were talking to on Twitter was Connie.” Eren adds. 

“And for what it’s worth, if I remember right, you’ve been one of the people who’s been defending us since the start – especially when it wasn’t a very popular thing to do. Which is something we’re really grateful for. And well…I’m happy if Connie’s happy, which he very clearly is.” 

Connie gives her a smile, one that she returns, before turning back to you guys. 

“I know it’s kind of silly, but I just really liked you guys. I was really into fashion when I was a kid and I really liked your stylists. And then I watched your show and listened to your music – and I just really loved it. Classes and medical school and all that would get really stressful, but it was fun to talk about the little hints that you seemed to leave in your music and the beautiful documentary you made.” 

You and Eren turn to each other and smile. 

“We appreciate that, really. And well…this kind of worked out perfectly, because we might need your help in a few months.” you respond. 

“With?” she asks. 

Eren sighs. 

“We kind of want to keep the public off of our tails for some time. While we’re fine with telling our friends now –” 

“You better be fine with it because I already told Reiner and Sasha.” Connie adds. 

Eren gives him a glare before turning back to Maryam. 

“I know you have a lot of followers and if…if you made it seem like…” 

“Like you guys weren’t dating, other people would believe it.” she finishes. 

“Yeah. We’ve just spent so much of our relationship out in the open, we…we kind of want to share it with everyone when we’re ready.” you add. 

She smiles. 

“I’ll do what I can.” 

Connie helps you make dinner on the last day of his visit – only as a gesture to thank the two of you for your hospitality and for finally getting back together. It gives Eren time to show Maryam the final scripts of Attack on Titan that he has saved, delighting her by sharing all the scenes that got cut or edited in the final season. 

“Can I ask you a question?” Connie asks. 

“Sure.” 

“Are you happy?” 

You smile. 

“Very happy, Connie. Really.” 

Connie gives you a smile, before leaning forward. 

“But?” he asks. 

“No buts. I am really happy.” 

“I don’t doubt that, but…surely there must be other things you’ve been thinking about. I feel like there’s something else kind of lingering in your…aura.” 

“Don’t talk to me about auras, Connie.” 

“You’ve got a weird and off putting vibe every time I interact with you on your own, princess.” 

You sigh. 

“Did you talk to Eren?” you ask.

“No. I can just tell. So there is something that’s bothering you?” 

You pause, abandoning the spoon in the pot, as you look down at the mix of noodles. It’s a pink sauce – one that Connie swears by – that included a decent amount of the leftover vodka that you and Eren had gifted to you by the neighbors. You made a passing joke that Jean and Mikasa would love this dish and it made Connie laugh so hard he nearly burned his own hand off. 

And you’re not sure where it comes from but before you know it, there’s hot tears pouring out of your eyes and Connie’s warm arms around you. And it’s a quiet whisper that you’re able to muster out in response. 

“Yeah. There’s something bothering me.” you respond. 

“Well, no shit, princess. You’re getting snot all over my shirt. What is it?” 

You fight the urge to laugh at the sarcasm before pulling back and looking up at him. 

“Marco.” 

Connie sighs, before giving you a nod.

“Yeah, that’ll do it.” Connie responds. 

You pause. 

“I just…feel like something’s wrong with me. Everyone else seemed to have moved forward from it or…or seem like they’re handling it better than me.” 

“I think there’s different circumstances. What you have to move on from is entirely different from what the rest of them do.” Connie offers. 

You heave another sigh, using the back of your hand to wipe the wetness away. 

“What do you mean?” 

“What you went through was entirely different than what someone like…Sukuna struggles with or Eren for that matter. They’ve had their fair share of struggles, but yours is just different than theirs. That means you can’t compare the two. They talked to them right until the end. And because of your circumstances, you didn’t. It must be hard not to blame yourself for it.” 

Connie pauses. 

“When I was struggling after rehab, being…being around things like that again, at afterparties and stuff…I found it really hard to even keep my head level in situations like that. It was so overstimulating…so overwhelming, that I found myself locking myself in my house alone with her for a week.” 

“You sound like me.” you respond. 

“That’s exactly the point. Sometimes things are so overwhelming that you can’t do anything but that. Locking yourself in the house till you have a bearing on it. And people like Sukuna and Eren, I…I almost envy them sometimes. They find a way to keep moving forward when all I can find myself doing is standing in one place and staring at myself from the outside in.” 

“Eren’s really hopeful. And I know deep down that he is right. That Marco wasn’t mad at me, not in the slightest. But…I can’t help but be mad at myself. I feel like sometimes I’m reliving the entire thing over again.” you respond. 

Connie smiles. 

“You sound like me.” Connie murmurs. 

“You seem fine, though. For the most part.” you add. 

Connie reaches forward, cupping the side of your face. 

“I’m lucky enough that the people I’ve wanted to make amends with are still here. But even then, that wasn’t enough, not for the blame. Sometimes…you need a little extra help. And really Y/N, there’s nothing wrong with that.” 

Connie’s ears seem to ring in your ears as you watch him and Maryam drive away. And even more so when you and Eren settle in for bed that night and he reaches over to shut the light switch. 

You reach for Eren’s hand, locking your fingers in with his in the sheets, before squeezing three times, a gesture that he returns. 

“Eren?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Do…do you still have that card that you gave me? A few weeks ago?” 

Eren leans closer to you and you take the invitation to crawl into his open arms. 

“Of course I do. Did you want to use it, sweetheart?” he whispers. 

The warm tears return and Eren’s quick to wipe them away. 

“Yeah, I think so.” 

--

At the end of the month, Connie’s beloved girlfriend helps devise the best plan known to man. Which involved a little bit of acting, lying, and theatrics – something you and Eren were no strangers to. 

It was fairly obvious, after everything that had happened, it would be hard to make people believe that you and Eren hadn’t ended up together. And she figured it would only work if you admitted to the fact that you were dating other people and really sold it in your last press tour and awards campaign that you were soulmates – but in the platonic type of way. 

It’s why you spent three weeks in the press talking about your new beloved boyfriend, Bruce, who was just a normal guy that you met at your recording studio. Coupled with the newest song you released – so american, something Eren most definitely wouldn’t call you – people were quick to switch the breaks and think otherwise. 

Eren was doing the same, fawning in any and every interview, about his sweet new girlfriend Margaret, one of the assistant costume designers that he met on the set of Attack on Titan. About how she was the sweet love of his life, who had shown up right when he needed her. 

It wasn’t an entire lie. 

Besides the fact that it really is so fun to pretend in plain sight, the awards show was the first time that the group of you got to be together again. You were seated right next to Lana and Sukuna – the former of which is exuding the sweetest glow from her baby girl that’s due any week now and the latter who has a set of choice words for you when you take your seats together. 

“I don’t get it. Why don’t you just fucking tell people?” Sukuna mutters. 

You smile. 

“Simple. We don’t want to.” you respond. 

“Yeah, but your boy toy is about to win the award of his dreams, again, and you’re about to be ten feet away getting cock blocked by lesbians.” 

You smile. Eren, in all of his brilliance, was nominated for the Best Actor in a TV Show, yet again. And truly, it was no competition – you were all positive that he was going to win, something that he wasn’t so keen about himself. 

“We can hear you.” Ymir mutters. 

“We can switch seats if you want Y/N, for that part. If you want to sit next to Eren.” Sofia adds. 

You give her a smile, before sinking back into your chair and looping your arm through Ymir’s – who was going to be accompanying you as the opener on the Birds of a Feather tour, with her lovely Sofia, who she married last weekend. 

“Where are Jean and Mikasa? I have an itch to get blackout drunk right now.” Ymir mutters. 

“No point in trying.. They’re already back there and borderline blackout drunk with empty flasks already..” you respond. 

“Figures.” 

“They pressed some really wet kisses to my cheek earlier. If I didn’t love them, I would find it absolutely disgusting.” you add. 

You give Ymir and Sukuna a light nudge at your sides, before standing up to the group of people walking up to you. 

“Oikawa, right? From Haikyuu?” you ask. 

He towers over you, looking down at you as he offers you a smile. 

“That’s right. We’ve replied to each other a lot on Twitter.” he responds. 

“Right. It’s nice to meet you in person, again. I feel like we’ve probably walked past each other a bunch of times, but…it’s nice to talk.” 

He smiles. 

“Listen, I was planning on telling you this last weekend, but I’m planning on bringing my girlfriend to your opening show next weekend. She’s a really big fan…and she’d love to meet you.” 

You place a hand on his bicep, and really, only because you can’t reach his shoulder. 

“Of course. I’ll get you a seat in the VIP tent with everyone else coming, okay?” 

“What was last weekend?” Sukuna asks. 

Oikawa turns to his left, giving an entirely unassuming smile.

“Hm?” 

“You said you were going to ask her last weekend.” Sukuna clarifies. 

“Oh! Right, I just figured you’d be at Historia’s wedding that’s all. But she told me, it really is a shame that you were all too busy.” 

You’re dumbfounded as he gives you all one last smile, before walking away. And Eren and Connie are quick to join you at your sides, Eren’s hand ghosting across yours at his side. 

“What did that tool want?” Eren asks. 

“Did Historia tell you that?” Sukua asks, to which you shake your head.

“Was he hitting on you? I’ve seen him on Twitter, don’t even get me started.” Eren mutters. 

Sukuna rolls his eyes. 

“Dude, this is so not the time to be getting your panties in a twist.” Sukuna responds. 

“What did he say?” Connie asks, nudging you in the side. 

“Historia got married. Last weekend.” Ymir states, an almost gravelly tone to her voice. 

Connie and Eren give you a weary look, before turning back to her. 

“She didn’t invite any of you and told all the guests that you guys were all too busy to come. Too busy to come because you were at my wedding, with the date I've had set for months now.” 

Sofia stands at Ymir’s side, looping her arm in with Ymir’s as she offers a small smile. And it gets worse – because the horribly timed news made you all forget that Historia was the opener for the show that you wer eall sitting at. 

You can’t help but admit it, but the willowing white dress that she wears is beautiful. But there’s a part of it that haunts you, almost like she’s a ghost instead of a bride, as she takes the center of the stage with a pink guitar and a glimmering ring on her finger. 

“My name’s Historia Reiss. This is my newest song, everyone – it’s called Lover.” 

Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever? And ah, take me out, and take me home You're my, my, my, my Lover

Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand? With every guitar string scar on my hand I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover My heart's been borrowed and yours has been blue All's well that ends well to end up with you Swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover And you'll save all your dirtiest jokes for me And at every table, I'll save you a seat, lover

Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever? And ah, take me out, and take me home (forever and ever) You're my, my, my, my Oh, you're my, my, my, my Darling, you're my, my, my, my Lover

You watch as Ymir sinks into her seat, securing her own hand in Sofia’s, as you look over at Eren. And in the few seconds that you have between the commercial break, before you have to head backstage to announce the award, you lean forward and place your chin on her shoulder. 

“Are you okay, Ymir?” you ask, shooting Sofia a pinched smile over the way. 

“She’s fucking insane.” Ymir mutters. 

You’re taken off guard by the hostility. Only because in every rehearsal that you’ve shared with Ymir, she’s all but remorseful for how things ended with them – and even moreso, was looking forward to being friends again. 

“What do you mean?” you ask. 

“She’s trying to piss me off. I’ve heard that fucking song – it’s one she wrote about me when we were still filming season three.” 

You wince, sharing a look with Eren, before turning back to her and squeezing one of her shoulders. 

“I don’t know what her problem is. If she’s trying to make me feel…regret over what I did last weekend, that’s far from it. I have no regrets about the people or the person I’ve chosen for myself. She can sing herself sick about it if she wants to.” Ymir finishes. 

“Good for you.” Connie states. 

“Huh?” Ymir asks. 

“Good for you. Really. You know what you want and you’ve had it by your side this entire time. If she wants to be bitter about it, she can go right ahead. That won't stop you from having that by your side or make her feel any better – and I’m sure she’ll realize that eventually.” Connie finishes. 

You give Connie a smile, before gesturing to take your open seat as the ushers arrive to take you backstage. And you’re met with the sight of Hange and Levi – with a glimmering golden trophy and an envelope in their hands. 

“He won, didn’t he?” you ask. 

“We don’t know.” 

“Do you think they’d like kill me if I opened it?” you ask, as Levi places the glittering envelope in your hands. 

Hange smiles. 

“In all seriousness kid, I think they’re kind of anticipating you will. WIth you as the announcer and us handing over the trophy, it’s fairly obvious they’re expecting something great.” Hange responds. 

You give the two of them a smile as you turn over the envelope, breaking through the latch of the sticker, and pulling the little cardstock slip out. And surely enough, it’s in bright, bold letters. 

Best Lead Actor in a TV Show - Eren Jaeger, Attack on Titan: The Final Season 

You look up at them and smile, trying to contain that scratchy feeling in the back of your throat. 

“He did it.” you whisper. 

They both give you bright smiles as they link in their arms with yours, the three of you waiting for your cue at the side of the curtains. And on their mark, the three of you walk out into the bright lights, as you scan the crowd for where Eren’s sitting – noting the bright smile on his face and the wink he offers you. 

“I think the fact that I’m standing here, with Hange and Levi at my sides, is proof that one of the best actors of our generation has won one of the most special awards here tonight.” 

And you watch as Jean and Connie’s eyes go wide, as they reach forward and secure their hands on Eren’s shoulders, jostling him as he brings his hands up to his cheeks – in utter disbelief. 

“While he’s winning an award for acting tonight, I truly do think that the recipient is a jack of all trades. Because he’s been so involved in this beautiful show – from picking the co-star in his first chemistry screen reading, to bringing life to the pages, and at the end, actually writing them. It’s been a joy to watch him in his element for the last ten years and really, to share such a big part of my life with someone who is so special.” 

You look down at the envelope, pulling out the slip again. 

“The award for Best Actor in a TV show goes to Eren Jaeger, Attack on Titan: The Final Season.” 

It’s an obscene amount of hollering – mostly from Reiner, Connie, and Jean – as you watch Eren hug Gabi and Falco before pressing a kiss to Lana’s cheek and making his way to the stage. And it’s almost too sweet – getting to watch the lingering hugs that Hange and Levi give Eren, before he turns to you to give a polite hug. 

You take the few seconds you have to say your piece. 

“Hey. Guess what?” you whisper. 

“What?” 

“I told you so. All those years ago.” you respond. 

Eren presses a kiss to your cheek, before the three of you all shuffle off to the side, and watch Eren from a few feet away. And you watch as he runs his hand nervously through his hair, before looking down at the award. 

“I promise I’ll make a speech this time.” Eren starts. 

You all laugh, as he looks over at you, before turning back to the crowd. 

“I…I truly have no words for what this show has meant to me and what it has brought me. Almost ten years ago, two writers turned screenwriters, for whatever god awful reason, saw a film in which I had all but ten minutes of screentime before I got killed off. And for some reason, it spoke to them – so much so that they decided to make me the lead of their show. It seems strange at first, but they’re the first people I find myself being the most thankful for, because they’re the only reason that anything after came. I’ve made…” 

Eren’s voice cracks and you swallow hard. 

“I’ve made lifelong relationships and…and a real family. I’ve had the privilege of meeting my partner in crime, Connie, the sweetest friends I’ve ever had, Jean and Mikasa, and maybe one of the only people who understands me best, Armin. I’ve met maybe one of the most important people in my life, Y/N L/N, who gives definition to being the best friend and partner everyday, and most of all, I’ve met the love of my life, my sweet Margaret. There are no words for how thankful I am, really. Thank you so much.” 

There’s a resounding sound of cheers as Eren links his arm in with yours and the four of you clump together backstage. And in the few seconds of quiet you have, you reach forward and cup the side of his face before pressing another kiss to his cheek. 

“I’m so happy for you, Eren. You dream came true – the right way this time.” 

Eren smiles, before linking one of his hands in with yours. 

“You next.” Eren states. 

You scoff. 

“Leave it to you to make your award about me. Just be happy.” you respond. 

“I am happy. But really, you’re next.” Eren states. 

“You can’t become triple threats twice, Eren.” 

“You know, I’ve happened to write very convincing letters in the past. To have them accept demos from me on behalf of you, to consider you for awards for years on end. I think I’ll try my luck on that one and see where it gets me, sweetheart.” 

--

The following week, Eren’s standing by your side backstage with Sofia on the other side, in the mere minutes before you perform. If your timing was correct, Ymir was halfway into her set and seriously killing it, meaning that you were going to follow in under an hour. 

Gabi and Falco are the first ones to greet you backstage – and the first guests on the Birds of a Feather tour. 

When you think back to the past, all the memories of touring are the worst. Because the only thing you can remember is your legs shaking from the exhaustion, your ears deaf from the screaming, and your chest hurting from the pain – before you were dragged onto stage another time by Danny and Sareen and forced to do it again. 

It’s why you kept the tour relatively short by your standards, with thirty-six shows, and your friends by your side. 

If they wrote the songs with you, they could perform them with you too. And while Glue Song was technically Gabi’s request, Falco’s the feature – so it was only fair to let both of them sing it with you on the first day. 

And you watch from far as Eren stands behind both of their little vanities, hearing the ends of their conversation – as Eren reassures both of them before taking pictures of the two of them together. And it’s almost like he can see you watching him, because he turns to look over his shoulder, before offering you a smile and walking over. 

“Not that people know, but you and I are kind of the first ladies of the Birds of a Feather tour.” Sofia states. 

“What do you mean?” Eren asks. 

“My wife is the opener. Your girlfriend is the main set. We’re the first ladies.” Sofia states. 

Eren snorts as he reaches for the back of your hair, readjusting it against your bodysuit, before giving you a smile. 

“Ready?” 

“I think so.” 

Sofia gives the two of you a sweet smile, as she loops her arm in with yours and leans her head against your shoulder. And three songs in, you feel her tense you at your side. 

“Oh god. Here it comes.” Sofia murmurs. 

“Here what comes?” you ask. 

She turns her head to the side, confused. 

“She didn’t tell you? She added a new song to the setlist, it’s…about Historia.” Sofia responds. 

“Does she know that Historia’s actually here in the tent? With her husband?” 

Marcus, Historia’s newly wedded husband, was nice. It’s really the only word that you could use to describe him, because honestly, it didn’t seem like there was much else going on besides that. He mentioned a plethora of niceties when you met him hours prior – that he had missed you at the wedding, that he had memorized all the songs before the show started so he could fully enjoy it – and that was it. 

You could tell that he didn’t have the faintest idea about Historia and Ymir, or Historia at all. 

But he was kind. And he wouldn’t hurt Historia and you supposed that was all that mattered.

“That’s kind of the point, Y/N.” Sofia mumbles. 

The three of you inch closer to the edge of the stage, just out of view of the curtains, as you watch Ymir’s visuals change – bright graphic letters spelling out Good Luck, Babe! 

It's fine, it's cool You can say that we are nothing, but you know the truth And guess I'm the fool With her arms out like an angel through the car sunroof

I don't wanna call it off But you don't wanna call it love You only wanna be the one that I call "baby"

You can kiss a hundred boys in bars Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling You can say it's just the way you are Make a new excuse, another stupid reason Good luck, babe (well, good luck), well, good luck, babe (well, good luck) You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling Good luck, babe (well, good luck), well, good luck, babe (well, good luck) You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling

You look over at Eren, who is crushing your hand to oblivion at your left, before turning back to Sofia. 

“Jesus Christ.” Eren whispers. 

“I can’t even blame her. Historia came for blood last weekend.” 

“That’s not even half of it. It gets worse.” 

You and Eren widen your eyes, before leaning forward and paying attention again. And it’s insane, because Ymir’s crouching on the ground – before she fully lies down and starts belting into the microphone. 

When you wake up next to him in the middle of the night With your head in your hands, you're nothing more than his wife And when you think about me, all of those years ago You're standing face to face with "I told you so" You know I hate to say, "I told you so" You know I hate to say, but, I told you so 

You can kiss a hundred boys in bars Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling (well, I told you so) You can say it's just the way you are Make a new excuse, another stupid reason Good luck, babe (well, good luck), well, good luck, babe (well, good luck) You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling Good luck, babe (well, good luck), well, good luck, babe (well, good luck) You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling

--

a year and a half later 

After almost two years of being married, Jean and Mikasa welcome a baby girl, named Olivia, in October. And on her fourth week of life, they invite all of you over to meet her in Seattle. 

You’d be lying if it didn’t fill you with dread. 

“Why are you freaking out?” Eren asks, reaching down to adjust the charms of your necklace, the Saturn charm now accompanied by an ocean wave, against your collarbone, before looking back up at you. 

“Babies don’t really like me.” you state. 

“You know, they can kind of sense when you’re all…tense and stuff. Just relax when they ask you to hold her.” 

You groan. 

“Jean and Mikasa can keep their empath baby to themselves. What do you mean it can sense if I’m stressed?” 

“You’ll drop her if you’re being too stiff. Just cradle her head against you.” Eren responds. 

“That’s exactly why I can’t hold her!” 

Eren rolls his eyes. 

“She’s basically like your niece. You’ll have to hold her eventually.” Eren deadpans. 

“Maybe when she’s older. Fully conscious and talking and stuff, you know. Like Teddy.” 

Eren sighs, almost acutely aware of how hopeless you were when it came to this, from the way you acted with Lily. Except Sukuna was far less faith in you than Jean and Mikasa and agreed with you every time you refused to hold her out of fear. 

Eren locks his hand in with yours as he drags you to the porch, only to be met with Zeke and Carla answering the door. 

“You’re finally here!” 

Eren’s mom pulls you forward, nearly side sweeping Eren and trapping you in a crushing hug as you give Zeke a pained look at your side, to which the two of them only laugh in response. And when Carla lets go, she brings her hands down to your wrists, before squeezing. 

“You’re a vision in yellow! This dress is beautiful, Y/N.” 

“Mom. You’re laying it on a little thick there.” Eren mumbles, placing his hands on her shoulders before pressing a kiss to his cheek. 

“Shut up, Eren. This is the closest I’ve gotten to having a daughter.” Carla states. 

You look over at Eren – entirely aware of how much his parents, or more specifically Carla had been, about how he needed to propose soon. But Eren rolls his eyes as he walks off, greeting Lana and Teddy in the kitchen as you turn back to her and wrap one of your free arms around her. 

“Did you see Olivia yet?” you ask. 

“She’s beautiful. Oh, she looks just like Jean.” 

“Well, that’s a shame.” you respond. 

“I heard that, twerp.” 

You look over to find the source of the voice – a very tired Jean, with a stubble and a well grown out mullet – glaring at you. But the second you look at him properly, he gives you a smile as you run forward, wrapping your arms around him as he returns the gesture. 

“Hi, Mr. Dad.” 

“That’s the best you could come up with? Mr. Dad?” 

“Saying just Dad is weird. But I had to acknowledge the fact that you…have a whole child just out here and breathing and stuff.” 

“Wow. You really have such a way with words.” Jean states, as the two of you trail down to the kitchen, where Eren and Jean do their weird handshake. 

You feel a tugging at your legs, before you pick up Teddy who leans his head against yours. 

“You get bigger everytime I see you, kid. 

“I’m a growing boy.” Teddy shrugs, as you turn to Lana and laugh. 

“He’s getting every bit of sass from Sukuna.” Lana states. 

“I can tell.” you respond, before turning back to him. 

Sukuna presses a kiss to your cheek as a greeting, before Connie and Reiner join the group as well and do the same. 

“How are you today, Teddy? Did you see baby Olivia yet?” you ask. 

“Yeah.” 

You smile as you turn over to Eren, who leans against the counter and watches the two of you from a few feet away. He fights the urge to take a picture – only because Sukuna would tease him into oblivion – and makes a mental note to ask for one like it later, of Teddy snuggled in your arms and resting his head against your cheek. 

“Did you like her?” you ask. 

“She’s cute. For a baby.” 

“You wanna tell Y/N what you told me, Theo?” Sukuna asks. 

Teddy sits up, turning to Sukuan with confusion. 

“Tell her what, Dad?”

“About what you did when you saw Olivia.” Sukuna clarifies. 

He turns back to you, a smile on his face. 

“I held baby Olivia all on my own.” 

You turn back to Sukuna and Eren, the two of them laughing with irritating smiles on their faces as you stick their tongues out at them. 

“Oh, be quiet.” you murmur. 

“If my literal child can carry that baby, so can you.” Sukuna states. 

Sukuna rolls his eyes, before taking Teddy from your arms. 

“I’m gonna grab a drink.” Sukuna states. 

“I’ll come with.” you respond. 

The two of you walk quietly out to the little backyard, as you fill three glasses of lemonade and hold one out to each of them. 

“So do you just not want kids in the future?” 

“What? Of course, I do.” you respond. 

Sukuna snickers. 

“Are you not going to hold your own child?” 

You roll your eyes. 

“Pump the brakes, Sukuna. Eren and I aren’t even married yet.” 

“Speaking of. Are you two ever going to tie the knot?” 

You shrug. 

“We’ve talked about it before. It’s definitely in the cards but I told him that he should wait until he feels ready. And things are really nice now, the way they are. I figure he’s just soaking in it all.” you state. 

“Would you say yes if he proposed?” Sukuna asks. 

“Are you crazy?” 

“I mean…you’re saying that you told Eren to wait until he was ready. There’s no doubt you will of course, but are you ready for that?” 

You nurse the little glass of lemonade close to your chest, before looking up at him and smiling. 

“I’ve been waiting to marry him since I was like sixteen. Of course I’m ready.” 

Sukuna gives you a smile, before gesturing for you to follow him back inside where Eren’s waiting for you patiently. And you can tell by the excited smile on his face and the way that he grabs your waist exactly where he’s leading you next. 

“You should be excited. This is literally both of our best friends, in one person.” 

“I am excited. I just want her to like us, that’s all.” 

When you enter the room, it’s quiet – with Levi, Jean, and Mikasa’s mom by the crib and Mikasa sitting in the bed, rearranging the little toys. 

You and Eren beeline in different directions, with him heading straight for the baby and you heading straight towards Mikasa’s side. And you can’t help but do it – reach forward and cup her cheeks before hugging her full on. 

“Mikasa, you look so cute.” you mumble, as she nearly crushes you with her death grasp of a hug. 

Mikasa pulls back, rolling her eyes, as she eyes your dress. 

“Are you saying I look different after Olivia?” 

You roll your eyes. 

“You’re all full in the face. With rosy pink cheeks. It’s adorable.” you whisper. 

“Well, you’re quite adorable too. This is a beautiful dress – I’m going to side sweep Eren and propose first if he doesn’t get around to it.”

“I heard that, Mikasa.” Eren deadpans, from his far corner of the room. 

“That was the point, goofy.” 

Eren frowns as he walks over to her side, offering her a hug before sitting down with the two of you. 

“Goofy is the best you’ve got?” Eren asks. 

“There’s a baby in the room. I can’t exactly call you an asshole now, can I?” Mikasa whispers.

You both giggle, only to be stopped by the glare that Levi gives the three of you, as you clear your throats. 

“She’s perfect, Mikasa. She’s got your eyes.” Eren states. 

“Oh thank god. Carla gave me a heart attack downstairs when she told me the baby looked like Jean.” 

It’s only then that Jean walks over, with the tiniest bundle of little pink blankets in his hand, that the three of you stand up. And you take the natural position, standing slight behind Eren as he looks up at Jean, eyes wide. 

“Can I hold her?” 

“Dude, go ahead.” 

You and Mikasa share a look, irritated by their nonchalance, as you watch Jean carefully transfer Olivia over to Eren’s arms. She’s quick with it – securing all five of her tiny fingers around one of Eren’s fingers as he laughs, looking over at you. 

And Eren’s quick to notice that despite all your self-proclaimed fears about holding babies and giving birth, you have the same curious look in your eyes that you had when you met Lily. 

“Olivia, my name’s Eren and this is Y/N. Your parents are basically the coolest people we know.” Eren whispers, almost like he’s not trying to disturb the quiet peace in the room. 

“Well, not your dad. He could use a little help in that department.” you respond. 

“Stop badmouthing me in front of my child.” Jean responds, reaching forward to flick you on the forehead. 

But it’s right at that second that Olivia lets out the quietest little coo, before readjusting in her little blankets. And it’s enough to make the group of you laugh, teary eyed smiles from you and Eren, as Jean walks over to Levi and hands him the camera to take a picture of the five of you, together for the first time. 

And in the thirty minutes that Eren spends holding Olivia and whispering with Mikasa, it’s the free second that you take to talk to Levi. 

“Look at you. Trying to butter up Mikasa’s mom.” 

Levi glares. 

“She’s my sister.” 

“Right. I kind of forgot about that.” 

Levi rolls his eyes, as the two of you look out of the window, at the group of them all chattering downstairs. You can’t help but smile at Teddy and Lily sitting at the table, who are showing a very interested Ymir and Connie all of the drawings that they’ve allegedly done together. 

It was mostly Teddy of course, but he just liked to include Lily in everything he does. Which is something you’re told that Sukuna and Yuuji do together all the time – and it makes your heart warm all the same. 

“Is there a reason you never had kids, Levi?” you ask. 

Levi smiles. 

“Hange can’t have kids.” Levi states. 

You feel your throat dry the slightest, as you look over to the left, where Hange and Sofia are playing a very intense game of chess. 

“I didn’t know that. I always figured that you two weren’t…”

“A lot of people did. And I suppose that made it easier, because it really did break our hearts that we didn’t get to have any.” 

You smile, before leaning your head against his shoulder. 

“If it makes you feel better, I know that myself and fifteen of my peers have always seen you as a father figure.” 

Levi smiles. 

“It does actually. Only because my self-proclaimed children are all so talented that I have so much to brag about.” 

You press a kiss to Levi’s cheek as Eren beckons for you to join him downstairs, now that Olivia’s fallen asleep. And you all but oblige, trying to memorize the sickeningly sweet kiss that he gives you on the way down. 

“Do you ever think we’re going to have kids?” Eren asks. 

“Eren. You’re basically like born to be a dad.” you whisper. 

“What?”

“Every kid we’ve ever met loves you. Of course, we’re going to have kids. I’ve even taken the liberty of naming them already.” 

Eren gives you a confused look, before knocking on your forehead. 

“Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend?” 

“Hilarious.” you deadpan. 

“No seriously. I’m shocked Mrs. Scared of Pregnancy because of Reddit threads from when you were thirteen is saying this to me right now.” 

You roll your eyes, trying to make your way down the stairs, before he pulls back, pressing a kiss to your cheek as a consolation. 

“Okay, I’m joking. But tell me the names.” 

“No. You’re being rude.” 

“Come on. They’re going to be my children too. I want to hear it.” 

You sigh, crossing your hands over your chest, as you look up at him. 

“If it’s a boy, we’re going to name him Marco.” 

Eren smiles, giving you an approving nod, as you twist the rings on your pointer finger. 

“And if it’s a girl, we’ll name her Maya.” 

“Maya?” 

“Well, the plan is hopefully that we have a boy and a girl. We’ll name our kids after Marco…and his favorite poet, Maya Angelou.” 

Eren leans forward, pressing a sweet kiss to your lips. 

“That’s a deal.” 

--

Two days later, you and Eren seem to right a historical wrong, in your long winded history, in the mere hours before you attend Lana’s album listening party.  

By visiting the Seattle Aquarium, the way you were supposed to all those years ago. 

It was your idea when you made your weekend plan to be in Seattle. Because Eren had three extra days before he started shooting and before you headed back to New York to record with Niccolo – and it only felt right. 

Despite your horrible track history of attendance, the owners of the Seattle Aquarium granted you entry on Sunday, the day they were closed, and offered you the place for the entire day. Though you suppose, it’s only because you’ve given them such gracious donations over the past years. 

When you walk in, you run your fingers over the bronze plaque as Eren looks over your shoulder, admiring the lettering. 

With special thanks to Bruce and Margaret, whose generous donations have benefitted our environmentalist efforts and preserved over forty-five species of fish over the past year, nearby in the Pacific Ocean. 

Eren takes your hand, the two of you taking the little blankets and pillows, and setting them up right in the center of the aquarium, before you lie down against the little makeshift fort you made. 

And you’re not sure what it is – the dim lights and the overwhelming blue – or the fish swimming all around you and Eren in their not so little fishbowl, but you can’t help but feel the strangest sense of nostalgia. That a few years ago, you saw Jean and Mikasa get engaged for the first time, and it pushed you so hard that you were ready to confess to him under these same lights. 

“Do you ever think about what would happen if we actually ended up coming here last time?” you ask. 

Eren looks over at you, pressing a stray kiss to your forehead, before messing with one of the strands of your hair. 

“Sometimes. I figured we’d have to fight out of there someway, just in a different way.” 

“What do you mean?” 

Eren pauses. 

“They’d run a slander campaign against you. They’d probably dox Falco and Colt and your parents would get in the crossfire by proxy.” Eren murmurs. 

“Yeah.” 

“I figured they’d probably give Connie all the big roles so he wouldn’t have any reason to leave. Everyone would know about Lana and Teddy and well…I don’t know if Sukuna would be on our side the way he necessarily ended up being.” 

You lean closer to him, interlocking one of your free hands in with his. 

“I don’t know if we’d stay together.” 

“We’d stay together.” you murmur. 

“Yeah. I do figure it would be harder though. We kind of lucked out, twice, with how isolated the set was and then the cabin.” 

And Eren reaches into his pocket, wrapping one of his free hands around you as he opens up a little green box, to a glimmering diamond ring. 

“I figure this would happen farther down the line if things went that route.” Eren mumbles. 

You’re taken aback as you sit up in the little pile of blankets as Eren follows suit, a sweet smile on his face as he presses the little box into your hand. 

“I don’t necessarily know how things would have ended up if we got to be together all those years prior. All I remember, really, is watching you drive away from me and feeling like I had just experienced the loss of my life. For a second time. It only feels right to me that we get to promise to seal the deal here, for good, like we should have all of those years ago.” 

Eren takes the box from your hands, plucking the ring out of its little slot, and takes your hand in his. 

“Will you marry me?”

You can’t help but lean forward, nearly knocking him back down into the pillows as you press a kiss to his lips, which he smiles into. 

“I’m taking that’s a yes?” 

“Oh my god, Eren. Yes, obviously.” 

Eren sits up again, this time carefully securing the ring around your finger, before lifting your hand and pressing a kiss against your knuckles. 

“Did you tell anyone you were doing this?” 

Eren shrugs. 

“I asked for your parents and Falco and Colt’s blessing. Then I remembered that Levi exists and asked him for good measure too. And Lana, of course, just because I can’t keep anything from her.” 

You smile. 

“Was there someone else I was supposed to tell?” 

You pinch your lips into a line. 

“No.” 

“Oh my god, there totally was. Who did I forget?” 

You fight the urge to laugh as he reaches forward, tickling at your sides as you shove him off. 

“No one, Eren. I love the ring.” 

Eren twists his face in confusion, before leaning forward. 

“Who said anything about the ring?” 

You pinch your eyes shut, before reaching forward and placing your hands on his cheeks. 

“I love the ring. And I love you, it’s really not –” 

“You told someone what type of ring you wanted, didn’t you?” 

You sigh, as you look down at the sparkling diamond on your finger, that really is perfect. 

“It was a tiny request that I had. I should have known that you’d tell Lana and not Mikasa, in hindsight.” 

Eren shakes his head. 

“That’s not a big deal. I’ll just get you another one.” 

“Eren.” 

“Really, I was planning on getting you multiple anyway. You have to have one that has a silver band and one that has gold, because I know that you hate mixed metals. So really, you can tell me what it is that you wanted and I’ll keep it in mind.” 

You sigh. 

“It’s kind of cheesy.” 

“I’m not lactose intolerant, Y/N. Just tell me.” 

You sigh. 

“I like the diamond, but I wanted it set with another stone.” 

“I do like unique rings. Which one were you thinking?” 

“An emerald. Because it’s green, you know?” 

And you watch as Eren grins, fully understanding your request this time, as he leans forward, his lips a few feet away from yours as he whispers. 

“Are you telling me you want a green emerald because my eyes are green?” 

“Sue me, Eren!” you deadpan. 

And it’s a lingering kiss that Eren presses to your cheeks, before he leans back and looks up at the fish. You follow his gaze to the two yellow fish swimming near the top, as they make their way down to the other side. 

And Eren looks over at you and smiles. 

“No, I don’t think so. I think I’ll just marry you instead.” 

--

You’re slightly late to Lana’s listening party and the two of you sneak in towards the back door, where you greet everyone waiting for you backstage.  And it’s quite obvious that Lana and Sukuna shared the news with everyone the second you arrive – because Mikasa reaches for your hand the second you walk up to her and Lana gives you a lingering hug. 

“Oh thank god, I was starting to get worried.” Mikasa states. 

“All the comments got to you the other day, didn’t they?” Sukuna asks. 

Eren rolls his eyes. 

“On the contrary, asshole. Though the comments did start to piss me off, because I was doing so well at hiding it before you all started bringing it up and making her think about it.” 

There’s a little dinging overhead, signaling that Lana had to start, as the group of you all head out to the little audience – filled with about fifty of Lana’s fans who nearly start screaming the second you all walk out to listen with them. 

“Hey.” Eren whispers. 

“What?” 

“I’ll be back, but you should keep your hair in the front.”

“What? Why?” 

“I left a mark earlier.” Eren responds, squeezing at your shoulder as you glare at his retreating form. 

He shoots you a wink over his shoulder, before he walks backstage and Lana walks on. And it’s sweet, the flowery dress she’s wearing and the purple guitar as she takes the stage. You feel a tap on your shoulder, to find Sukuna at your side, smiling at you. 

“Congratulations, stinky. There’s not many times that I find myself believing in things like this, at least not before anyways, but you’ve proven me wrong, time and time again.” 

You loop your arm in with Sukuna resting your chin against his shoulder, as you watch Lana start to tune the guitar. 

“I could say the same thing about you.” you respond. 

The two of you quiet down as Lana starts and Eren walks behind her, taking a seat at the piano. He shoots you a smile from his spot, starting to play the piano composition as Lana starts talking. 

“I’ve written lots of songs about people in my very long career of music, now. And I’ve had many songs written about me by my friend Eren here. I figured it was only fair that I returned the favor by writing about him and his beautiful fiancee, with his help of course.” 

Eren smiles as he leans closer to the microphone. 

“This song is called Margaret.” 

This is a simple song, gonna write it for a friend My shirt is inside out, I'm messy with the pen He met Margaret on our rooftop, she was wearing white And he was like, "I might be in trouble" He had flashes of the good life He was like, "Should I jump off this building now or do it on the double?

'Cause, baby, if your love is in trouble Baby, if your love is in trouble Baby, if your love is in trouble When you know, you know When you know, you know

It kinda makes me laugh, runnin' down that path When you're good as gold 'Cause when you know, you know 'Cause when you know, you know And when you're old, you're old

Like Hollywood and me, that diamond on your ring The soul that you bring to the table One that makes me sing In a minor key Diamond on your ring 'Cause when you know, you know When you know, you know

--

The two of you tie the knot a year later, on a chilly December night, back in the old townhouse. It’s decorated to perfection – the walls that you originally took down are now covered again with polaroids of you and Eren, but all of your loved ones too. 

True to Mikasa’s statement all of those years ago, the flower girls at your wedding are Olivia and Lily – but they can’t exactly walk yet, so it’s only fair that Reiner and Connie carry them and their little flower baskets down the aisle. 

As busy as Mikasa and Jean are with the baby, they give up their spots as best man and maid of honor to the more seasoned parents, Lana and Sukuna. Though it feels entirely wrong to have Lana standing on your side and Sukuna on Eren’s, so you decide to switch the roles. Teddy’s quite possibly the best ring bearer and Levi’s the perfect person, who gives a sweet passionate speech about holding out for love, as the officiant of your wedding. 

Levi, however, is full of all sorts of tricks – which is something the two of you only note when it’s time for you to do your first dance. Because instead of the piano quartet that you organized, he’s sitting on the bench next to Hange instead, tapping on the microphone to get your attention. 

“I believe it’s time for the first dance.” Levi states. 

Hange rolls her eyes, before taking the microphone. 

“You’re so stiff, Levi.” 

“You talk then.” 

“No, you always tend to have a way with words.” 

You look up at Eren, admiring the two little pins on the lapel of his jacket – a crescent moon and the Saturn pin – before looking back at the two of them and their antics. 

“Eren and Y/N. You’ve written quite a few love songs, not only about the beautiful love that you share with each other, but the love that we all seem to have for one another as well. And really, we figured it was only fair that we all repaid the favor, by writing a song about the two of you for you to dance to.”

“And well, we know how much being surrounded by the love in the room means to you. So we’re going to invite everyone to join you on the dance floor, so you can be surrounded by it.” Hange states. 

The group of them all give you sweet smiles, as you all walk out onto the little makeshift floor, as Hange and Levi start playing the piano, Levi’s quiet voice filling the backyard. 

When the rain is blowing in your face And the whole world is on your case I could offer you a warm embrace To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear And there is no one there to dry your tears I could hold you for a million years To make you feel my love

You pause from looking at Eren, as you pull him closer – resting your ear against the beating sound of his heart – and catch it all again, the love in the room so warm it’s almost suffocating. Because it’s Falco still stepping on Gabi’s feet after all these years, Ymir spinning Sofia way too many times, and Jean and Mikasa dancing with Lily in their arms. 

“Can you believe they wrote a song about us?” you whisper. 

“I’ll fucking say. It was about time. Do you know how many weddings we’ve carried on our backs by writing songs?” 

“Don’t exaggerate, Eren. It was only like three.” 

“Three too many. I was expecting the damn fanfare when I walked in.” 

You both laugh, before leaning forward, and looking over at Hange and Levi – soft smiles that they give each other, as they play the piano together. 

I know you haven't made your mind up yet But I will never do you wrong I've known it from the moment that we met No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue I'd go crawling down the avenue No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do To make you feel my love

--

Eren makes his SNL debut three months after the fact and you figure that there's no better time to announce the fact that you and Eren are together. A silly little skit – where your fake characters are both named Margaret and Bruce – is the perfect end to what the two of you started at the beginning of the week, when you released your songs False God and Only Angel on the same day. 

But unbeknownst to Eren, you change the original plan you had – to play False God at the end of the show – and choose to play a different song at the end. Eren turns to you, giving you a last wink as the show starts rolling, and he turns to the camera. 

“Once again, Y/N L/N-Jaeger.” 

There’s a resounding sound of cheers as Eren takes his side next to Connie and Maryam at the front, as you start strumming on the guitar. 

Fatefully I tried to pick my battles 'til the battle picked me Misery Like the war of words I shouted in my sleep

And you passed right by I was in the alley, surrounded on all sides The knife cuts both ways If the shoe fits, walk in it 'til your high heels break

And I fell from the pedestal Right down the rabbit hole Long story short, it was a bad time Pushed from the precipice Clung to the nearest lips Long story short, it was the wrong guy Now I'm all about you I'm all about you, ah Yeah, yeah I'm all about you, ah Yeah, yeah

The first thing you catch sight of when you look out is Hange and Levi. And the first thing that comes to mind is that speech – watching Hange spilling tears into that microphone, watching it in your pajamas with Colt at your side and Falco fast asleep somewhere in the corner – and it makes your stomach jolt. 

Actually I always felt I must look better in the rear view Missing me At the golden gates they once held the keys to When I dropped my sword I threw it in the bushes and knocked on your door And we live in peace But if someone comes at us This time, I'm ready

Ricky comes to mind next, but it’s only because you can see Lana and Sukuna in the third row – their heads leaned against each other as they hold hands. Because it’s not exactly the justice she exactly deserved, but years after the fact, his horrible mouth had landed him on a blacklisted list of actors – and really, he was never to be seen again. Hyla and Scott were always around, but never warranted a second thought after what you had done to them – tearing their once empire to the ground with your own bare hands and a pencil. 

No more keepin' score now I just keep you warm (keep you warm) No more tug of war now I just know there's more (know there's more) No more keepin' score now I just keep you warm (keep you warm) And my waves meet your shore Ever and evermore

Past me I wanna tell you not to get lost in these petty things Your nemeses Will defeat themselves before you get the chance to swing And he's passing by Rare as the glimmer of a comet in the sky And he feels like home If the shoe fits, walk in it everywhere you go

The raw spot of hurt that was reserved for Marco softened over the years and the over-consuming feeling it once used to give you was now open – for you to give to other parts of your life. To your friends, to your family, and to Eren. 

Eren. 

Now I'm all about you (and now) I'm all about you, ah (and now) I'm all about you (and now) I'm all about you, ah Yeah, yeah I'm all about you (and now) Yeah, yeah I'm all about you

You can’t help but smile at him, feeling your heart nearly pounding in your chest, as you look at him – smiling back at you from the front row, his hands pressed to his chest, with a silver band around his ring finger. 

Long story short, it was a bad time Long story short, I survived 

Hange had told you, indirectly all those years ago, to show people the real you. And as much acting as you and Eren had done - method and otherwise - you supposed there was nothing more real than the love that existed between the two of you.

Eren closes the distance and you swing your guitar to the side as he brings his hands around your cheeks and presses one last kiss to your lips before the camera cuts. 

--

an: a very bittersweet goodbye to one of the most special fics i've ever written. i truly do not think that there are enough words that i can string together (which as ironic as someone who is a fic writer) to explain what this fic has meant to me, what your interactions have meant to me, and everything else in between.

this fic has truly been a piece of my heart - not only because i've poured so many of my real emotions into each of the characters, but also because it's brought me so much joy to share with people - and to have them nitpick and find all the little clues i've been leaving along the way.

whether you've been reading since july or just picked it up in the few days before it was finished, thank you so much for being here 💌

PS: method acting fun fact! this fic was actually a REQUEST that I wrote for someone, if you can believe it. further proof to kind of interact with writers and show ur love bc u can ask for a fic and then be stuck with this mumbo jumbo of almost 270k words at the end of it.

peace and love!!! ronnie out <3

(if you request any side pieces about this stories/ask any questions/etc!!! I am more than happy to always answer. i've thought of so much lore in my head)

taglist: @k0z3me @sugu-love @yihona-san06  @bsenpai @sweetenertea @mykyoon  @violetmatcha @rebeccawinters @cutiejg @bokutosthings @bookwrmm @mblrrr @wheredidmycrowngo @somethinginyoureyes7 @chilichopsticks @okaystopwhore @you-always-made-me-blush @itzmeme @firelordazulaaaa @whoami-72 @g-ghostly @intimacywithceline @erensmoodygf @cocomellxn @princess-ackerman @jaegerfiles @cacapeepee @rui-0836 @moonmalice @invisible-mori @sofiasber @bbybeeb @timetobegone @tee4str @ttokki2 @leave-rae-alone @ec3lipsy @officialsimpp @gojojang @yookayyo @lordbugs @multiplefandomthings @iobeyfandoms @camilo-uwu @justanotherkpopstanlol @mel-star636 @fvckingeetar @ttalgi @najaemism @ilovekimchi123 @youraggedybitch @xoyumiqls @leafguitar @spiidergirlsworld @luvs4kim @levin4nami @florichun @hoonmyluv

[cybertroniannugget]

Gift Giving Bumblebee x Reader

Dec 6

Look at that cute face

Fyi, I make sure to always use real lyrics for Bumblebee xD List at the end as proof.

Spotify is my best friend when writing Bumblebee.

As much as I love him, writing the bay version is tough. Always searching for lyrics that fit.

It's a little rushed, but better late than never right?

It's pure fluff

🎶Give it to me baby-Boots with the fur-tonight🎶1

“You want my boots?”

The yellow scout nods, pointing at your shoes.

“I mean sure, but why?”

🎶It's a wonderful surprise🎶2

“But that's no American tradition though.”

🎶Cuz I don't care🎶3

“So you wanna gift me something through St. Nicholas Day?”

🎶I love you, always forever🎶4

“Love you too, Bee. I'll give you my boots later, alright?”

He buzzes excitedly.

“Ey Bee, I need you on patrol with me.”, Jazz talks over the comm link.

Bumblebee’s antannae fold back and he whirrs a little annoyed.

You pat his cheek, smiling.

“I know, we rarely see each other, but this is important. I'll be here for a while.”

Another sad buzz echoes from his vocalizer, before he transforms and drives away.

Later in the evening you receive a message from Bee, asking you to put your boots outside your door.

“Okay, that's actually cute.”, you chuckle while walking outside.

Hearing someone round the corner you quickly walk back inside, leaving your shoes where Bee asked you to put them.

He has been busy lately with training under the new agreements between earth's government.

Daily exercises for the soldiers where they have to learn how to fight Deceptions.

And when he wasn't busy with that, he had to go on routine patrols.

When you wake up the next day, the first thing you do is checking outside to find your boots filled with Christmas chocolate and a note saying ‘I love you my honeybee’

Quick on your way back inside with the shoes in your hand, you put them down onto a chair, admiring what has been put in them.

“Oh, he even bought new headphones.”, you say, holding the packaging.

Taking your phone out of your pant's pocket, you dial the access code for his comm link, holding the device to your ear, waiting for him to respond.

“Bee, that's very cute, but you didn't have to do that..”, you say as he picks up with an excited buzz.

🎶I'm hopelessly devoted to you🎶5

“Where you at right now?”

🎶By the hangar🎶6

“Alright, wait for me there.”

A few minutes later, you walk into the wide open hangar where that yellow Bot you have grown to love stands waiting.

🎶Hello🎶7

“Hey there, Bee.”, you say smiling.

🎶How was it for you-Christmas present🎶8

“It was so sweet, thank you Bee.”, you say while walking up to him.

The scout crouches down to be more on your level and whirrs happily.

🎶Because I'm happy🎶9

You smile as you stand before him.

“So, gift giving?”

The scout buzzes confused.

“It's your love language.”

His optics widen, antannae standing up now as you said that.

“Don't worry, I love you too Bee. I figured something was up.”

Hugging him, as much as the size difference allowed, you couldn't stop smiling.

🎶You can be my safety zone-Nothing can come between You and I🎶10

You chuckle as you look at him, a hand on his cheek.

🎶You ready?🎶11

“Let's see how the others will react…”

Bee chuckles.

Here's the proof guys:

1 Pretty fly for a white guy-The Offspring

Low-Flo Rida

don't stop me now-Queen (obv)

2 Friday I'm in love-The Cure

3 I don't care- Ed Sheeran&Justin Bieber

4 I love you always forever- Donna Lewis

5 Hopelessly devoted to you- Olivia Newton John

6 Hangar- 8485

7 Hello-Adele

8 How was it for you-James, Christmas present- Doris Day

9 Happy- Pharrell Williams

10 The Ocean-Mike Perry & Shy Martin You and I- One Direction

11 Price Tag- Jessie J & B.o.B

[sevendeadlywhispers]

Someone Like You by Adele

0:57 ─────|──────── 3:46

↻ ◁ || ▷

High volυмe : ▂▃▄▅▆▇▉

🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡

➻❥ Pairing: Levi x Fem!Reader ➻❥ Description: an unexpected visitor shows up while you are getting ready for your big day. ➻❥ Content: sfw, spoiler free, she/her pronouns & angst ➻❥ Word Count: 1.2k

🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡🂡

Levi, feeling the weight of solitude, rose to the unwelcome sound of church bells. The echo of each chime resonated through his room, a stark reminder of the day's significance. It was a day off for the entire scout regiment, a day meant for joyous celebration.

However, freedom weighed heavily on Levi. Uncertain of how to embrace such liberty, he lingered in his quarters, avoiding the festive atmosphere outside. The idea of mingling with others, of engaging in the camaraderie that surrounded this day, felt alien and uncomfortable.

As he reluctantly considered leaving his sanctuary for his morning tea, an insistent knocking disrupted the stillness. 

"Not today," Levi muttered, hoping the visitor would take the hint. The knocking persisted, refusing to yield to Levi's desire for solitude.

"Go away," Levi grumbled, his eyes fixated on the people below, blissfully participating in the festivities. The voice on the other side of the door remained resolute. 

"I'm not stopping until you open the door."

With a resigned sigh, Levi opened the door, revealing none other than Hange. Their dress uniform presented a rare sight of order, but the persistent scent betrayed their put-together appearance.

"Well? Are you going to welcome me in?" Hange said with a smile on their lips.

"No," Levi said.

"Oh, what a shame." Hange pushed their way through the door, closing it behind them. They walked through his room, examining his belongings and touching everything in sight. It irked Levi, but he knew that no matter what he said, Hange wouldn't listen.

"What do you want, Hange?" Levi asked, bitter as ever.

"You know what I want," they replied.

"No," Levi said.

"Why won't you?" Hange questioned.

"It's not my cup of tea," Levi retorted. "Someone's gotta keep watch while everyone is out getting drunk."

"Well it was your cup of tea, though," Hange said as if it mattered to him.

"It was never mine to begin with," Levi spoke. "Is this what you came here for? If so, it's a waste of time."

Hange walked themselves to the door, turning the handle. They looked back one last time.

"It will be at the Gardens if you change your mind. It starts at noon." They closed the door behind them, leaving Levi alone with his thoughts.

For the first time in forever, Levi's thoughts reverberated louder than ever, grappling with the dilemma of whether to join the festivities or remain in the solace of his quarters. He found himself standing before the mirror, adjusting his appearance with a meticulousness reserved for missions. No dress uniform adorned him; there was no intention to partake in the revelry.

As he pondered his next move, the weight of the Captain's mantle felt burdensome. He didn't know how to be just Levi, he faced an unfamiliar uncertainty. It was a luxury he seldom allowed himself.

He didn’t know what he was doing here, the wood pressing against his knuckles. A woman opened it, and shame engulfed him as her eyes met his.

 "Captain Levi?!" she gasped, lowering her voice discreetly. "What are you doing here?"

Levi hesitated, his reply barely audible.

 "I came to—"

"Don't you dare," she interjected, her voice rising. "You and I both know you shouldn't be here, especially today."

"I'm aware," Levi conceded, but the plea to leave persisted.

"Get out of here then, if you know what is good for her" she urged, a mix of concern and frustration in her eyes.

Your voice, echoing behind the door, cut through the tension. "Who is it?" Your footsteps approached, and as the door opened, your eyes met Levi's after years of separation, capturing a moment frozen in the gaze of his midwinter's eyes you haven’t seen since your Scouting days.

"Levi," was all you managed to say, surprise and a rush of emotions overtaking you as you didn't expect to find him here of all places.

"If you know what's best, then you should leave," your older sister warned.

"Apologies," Levi uttered, his gaze lingering on you one last time. "Take care."

His voice, saying your name, sent a shiver down your spine. The way he spoke made you crave to hear it again, questioning if it was truly okay to succumb to the allure of his voice.

"Wait," you blurted out without fully grasping the consequences of your actions.

He paused, turning back to look at you. Your sister intervened, "You have 10 minutes. She has someone already waiting for her."

"Thank you," you whispered, and as your sister left, you closed the door behind Levi. The room fell into a heavy silence, his back faced to you. You sensed his mind wandering, thoughts racing without finding the words to express.

You chose not to break the silence. After all these years, Levi remained the same man you left – incapable of expressing feelings, even in life-or-death situations. Despite being humanity's strongest soldier, to you, he was just a man, someone afraid of love.

You believed you could fix him, tried everything to make him feel secure, yet he never reciprocated the effort to make you feel loved.

"How's life in the Walls?" Levi finally broke the silence, his back still turned to you.

"Everything I ever wished, Levi," you replied softly. "I have my own rose garden, you know?"

A small hum escaped his lips before he spoke, his voice carrying a weight you couldn't ignore. "Does he treat you well?" Levi asked sternly, as if he believed he could treat you better than any other man.

"Like a queen," you asserted with confidence, your stubbornness masking the true emotions beneath. You weren't lying to Levi; you were living in Wall Sina with the vice-captain of the Military Police, after all.

Levi remained silent, the somber atmosphere hanging between you, years of unspoken words echoing in the air.

"Why are you being so shy?" you asked, stepping closer, longing to touch him one last time, to feel the familiarity of his battle scars. "It's just me, Levi."

You spoke to him as if the glory days were just yesterday, your hand reaching out to his shoulder as if he were still yours. But was he ever truly yours to begin with?

His hand covered yours as he turned around to meet your eyes. "I don't mean to intrude," he said softly. "I just wanted to—"

"To what, Levi?" you pressed him.

"Reminisce. That's all," he admitted.

"Why today out of all days?" you said, frustration evident. "You know what today is."

He fell silent, avoiding your gaze like it held a painful truth.

"Why did you come here, Levi?" you pleaded, urging him to finally express his true feelings.

Once again, no words. "Just say the words, Levi," you begged. "Say it, and this can all be over."

His eyes finally met yours, and he took your hand, gripping it tighter than ever.

 "I hope you know I'll never forget you," he said, letting go and walking towards the door.

"I don't have to do it," you tried to stop him. "Just say the words, Levi."

"You look beautiful in white, I hope you guys grow old together." he said before leaving, leaving you with the echoes of unspoken feelings and the somber realization of what could never be.

When he left the room and shut the door behind him it was like you were a Scout all over again. Reliving the heartbreak as if it were the first time. He was the one you truly loved but he wasn’t the man you were marrying today. 

[mountain-in-springtime]

all i ask (a sequel to lying eyes)

pairing: jake kiskza x reader, josh kiskza x reader | word count: 2.7k | warnings: kissing, cursing, p in v sex (pls practice safe sex!!!) | my masterlist | link to part one of this fic (lying eyes)

summary: you make the hardest decision of your life and bid your lover a proper goodbye

author's note: okay hiiii everybody!!! i'm here with a part two of lying eyes, which is probably my favorite fic i've ever written. i'm not sure if this one is as good as the first, but i really do love it. soft and sad shit like this is my fave!! also this isn't proofread (what fics of mine are tbh), and it's based on the song all i ask by adele, which i'll link below.

*******************************************************

Your bathroom was always too cold. The tiles that pressed against your bare legs were a harsh, uninviting white, and they were icy enough to make you shudder with every movement of your body. You tried to will yourself to remain still as sobs wracked through your body, making you tremble and shake as your eyes screwed shut and your hand clamped against your mouth in an attempt to silence your cries. Your hand gripped your phone so tightly you couldn’t fathom how it didn’t shatter into a million little pieces. Each ring brought a strange mix of relief and dread. You prayed he never answered the phone, but you desperately needed him to. Just when you had decided that it was one ring too many and moved your thumb to hover over the ‘end call’ button, you heard an all-too-familiar voice.

“Hello?” 

Your heart fell to your stomach.

“Jake?” you answered weakly.

You should’ve known that he would notice the tremble in your voice. “What’s wrong?” His concern was as unmasked as ever. He never hid from you. It seemed you had done enough hiding for the both of you. For the three of you, you remind yourself bitterly. 

“I just… I can’t do this, Jake,” you confessed, prompting a new wave of quiet sobs to pour from you. Your hand found its way back to your mouth, and your teeth sunk into your palm and the taste of copper washed over your tongue. It hurt like a bitch, but you couldn’t afford to be heard. Not yet. 

Upon hearing your muffled cries, your lover gently cooed to you. “Hey, hey, baby. It’s alright. I’m listening. I’m here,” he soothed, “What can’t you do anymore, love?” 

You stayed silent for a long while, forcing yourself to steady your breath and find your words before speaking again. “I can’t be away from you. I- I thought that I could do this. That I could go back to him and love him and be everything I was supposed to be, but… fuck, Jake, I just can’t. I can’t lie to him or myself anymore.” Your thoughts poured out of you in one long, pathetic stream of consciousness. 

You heard a long sigh from the other line before Jake gave an answer you never expected: “He loves you.” 

“So do you,” you countered, too broken to ignore what was so glaringly obvious. It was the reason you called, and you both knew it. 

“I know,” was all he said in reply. 

“I love you, too,” you continued. The words stung with every syllable, but they were the truth all the same. 

He only repeated himself. “I know.” 

You felt your patience wear thin as you finally snapped. “Then what should I do? I don’t love him anymore. Not the way I did, at least. I don’t think I can anymore.” 

“I don’t want him to be hurt,” Jake sighed. His resigned voice sounded harsh and metallic as it echoed through your small bathroom. For a moment you thought that he was different, that this wasn’t the same man who held you all those nights and loved you so sweetly, but you knew that wasn’t the truth. You had felt the depth of Jake’s love, and you would be a fool to think that he’d regulate that affection to only one person. He cared for his brother just as strongly as he cared for you and probably stronger than you had ever cared for Josh. 

You wanted to scream at him. You wanted so badly to be angry and lash out, ask him why he didn’t want you anymore, but you knew that doing so would solve nothing and only drive old wounds deeper. Instead, you spoke evenly, trying desperately to make him understand. “Jake, if I stay with him any longer, he’s going to be hurt even more. You know that.”

The line went silent for a long time before he finally answered. “I know. I just… I wish things were different. I wish you had met me first. Things would’ve been so different.”

You nodded silently as if you had forgotten that he wasn’t in the room with you. Your head filled with images of shared beds, wedding bands, and the laughter of children with familiar sets of brown eyes. It was what you should’ve had, what you would’ve had if the timing hadn’t been so cruel. It was then as you mourned the life you never had that you made your final decision. 

“I’m going to leave him, Jake,” you confessed through the tears that began to resurface, “I have to do this. For myself.” You made it a point to add the last part, knowing he’d never forgive himself if he thought you did it all for him. 

“If that’s what you need to do,” he replied, his voice steady and sober. “Can I ask where you’re going to go?” The question hung in the air, answered before it was even asked. 

You nodded and sniffled loudly before answering him. “Can I come home?” 

His answer was immediate. “Of course.”

“Thank you,” you sobbed quietly, “I’ll call you before I go over. I have to go talk to him.” 

“Tonight?” he asked, concern lacing his voice. 

“I have to,” you confirmed solemnly, “I can’t do this to any of us any longer.” 

You heard a sigh echo through your phone’s speaker. “I understand. You’re gonna be okay?”

“Yeah,” you assured him as you wiped stray tears with the heel of your palm.

“Okay,” he answered, though you could still sense the worry in his voice, “Call me if you need anything, okay?”

“Okay,” you replied with a deep sigh.

After a moment’s hesitation, he spoke again. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” As you hung up the phone, a wobbly smile crossed your features. You sat on the bathroom floor for a long while, silently holding your knees to your chest as you contemplated what you were going to say to your husband. Your mind seemed emptier and emptier the more you tried to think about it, and you decided that all you could do was tell him the truth. He deserved that much. 

You stood from your place on the ground, walking to the bathroom counter. You ran a hand over your face, which only exaggerated the smears of mascara that lay across your cheeks. Your hands found the taps for the sink, turning them on and splashing cold water onto your face. A loud gasp left your lips at the icy feeling against your skin, but it was what you needed to gather yourself. You grabbed the towel that hung next to the shower and carefully wiped your face and hands with it before moving to the door. Your fingers gripped the handle and you took a deep breath before pulling it open to reveal Josh slouched against the wall across from the room. He wore a solemn look on his face, and it was enough to break your heart. 

“Hey,” you greeted weakly, unsure of what else to say. 

“Hey,” he answered, “Was that Jake?”

You nodded. “Yeah.”

“I thought that was over?” he asked, but the resignation was evident in his voice.

“So did I,” you told him honestly, “I tried really hard for it to be.” 

“I know,” he mumbled with a defeated nod, “I knew I could only keep you for so long. I just always wished that I had more time.” 

That statement alone broke your heart. Fresh tears started to pour down in the path of old ones as you broke down before him. “I’m so sorry, Josh,” you cried, “Fuck, I’m so sorry. I never wanted to do this.” 

He walked forward, pulling you into his arms. “I know,” he cooed, “I know you didn’t. It’s okay. I forgive you.” His kindness alone made you want to rip yourself apart. You didn’t deserve any of this. You had promised to love and cherish each other, and as a cruel reward for him holding up his end of the deal, you fell in love with his brother.

“You shouldn’t,” you answered him as you shook your head, “You shouldn’t forgive me. I don’t deserve it.” 

He shushed you and pulled you closer, his hand pressing your head into the comfort of his chest. “I could never be mad at you for loving, baby. That’s what we were made to do. Our time together’s just reached its end. That’s all,” he whispered. It all felt so wrong. How was it that he could comfort you when you were the one that ruined everything?

“I just don’t want you to hurt,” you murmured, your voice muffled by the thick sweater he wore. 

“I know,” he sighed, “And I’m not saying that it won’t hurt me for a long time, but I think we maybe both deserve a shot at being happy, don’t we?” He punctuated his sentence with a firm kiss to the top of your head, which only brought a new wave of sobs from you. You gripped him tightly as you nodded silently, unable to form any kind of coherent sentence. 

You stood there for a long time together, holding each other close as you wept shamelessly and Josh spilled out a few of his own tears. After you eventually both fell into silence, you brought your head up to look at him. His warm eyes studied your face with a mix of love and deep sadness, and you felt terrible knowing that you were responsible for both. His hand came up to the back of your neck, his thumb tracing small circles into your flesh. He wore a melancholy smile on his lips, and before either of you could think to stop it, you slowly closed the gap between you, your lips meeting in a slow, deep kiss. 

A groan rumbled in his chest as his hands found their way to your sides and splayed across your back, pulling you closer to him. You anchored one hand on his shoulder while bringing the other to the nape of his neck, toying gently with the stray curls that fell there. You were absolutely consumed in each other, skin burning hot through clothes as you molded into him. Once you finally pulled apart to catch your breath, you felt a panicked uncertainty wash over you. 

“Josh, we can’t. We shouldn’t,” you sighed, though it was unclear who you were trying to convince at this point. 

In response, he brought his hand up to cup your jaw. “Please,” he begged, his lips millimeters from your own, “One last time.”

You knew you couldn’t deny him. Even if it was over now, he deserved something like this, something to prove that all those years weren’t for nothing, that they weren’t loveless. You nodded softly, your eyes flitting up to his before pulling him in for another kiss. He moaned softly into you, and you felt him push himself against you with gentle need. You held each other close as you stumbled down the hall and into your bedroom. The sheets on the bed were still thrown about and unmade when your back pressed into the mattress. Your mouths stayed connected, afraid of what words would spill out if they parted. The longest you ever broke your kisses was for mere seconds to remove layers of thick sweaters and worn pajamas. His hands traveled across every inch of your body, and yours canvassed his own, knowing each touch would have to last a lifetime. It wasn’t until you felt him slotted against your entrance that either of you dared to speak. 

“I love you,” you whispered feebly, your hand reaching out to hold his. 

He took your hand eagerly and brought it to his mouth, kissing it gently before shaking his head, “No lies, pretty girl. It’s only me.” The sentiment broke your heart, knowing that there was still so much love between you, but not the kind that he needed. It echoed through your mind as he slowly pushed into you, a small gasp leaving his lips at the feeling. You winced softly, feeling the familiar stretch for the last time as you pulled him down onto you, nearly crushing yourself with his body weight. Your face was buried into the crook of his neck as he dragged himself in and out of you, only wanting to be close, not even chasing a high anymore. 

The way Josh loved was heartbreaking. It was so deep and endless and unconditional in a way that you had never understood until this moment. He was all light and good, even when his body and heart were consumed with hurt. It was more than you deserved, and you figured maybe that’s why you couldn’t last, but, in truth, it didn’t matter why anymore. This was the end, and all you could do was make the most of goodbye. 

Silent tears fell from your eyes and onto his shoulder, wetting his bare skin. You could feel his thrusts become sloppier, but they never quickened. He was desperate to memorize every inch of you, to remember how you felt for the rest of his life. It was all very slow and sweet and sad, which made it all the more surprising when the familiar knot in your stomach began to tighten. Soft moans fell from your lips, and you could tell that he sensed your oncoming high. His hand traveled down to where your bodies met, tracing deliberate, drawn-out circles until you both came undone. Your lips connected for one last time as he spilled into you and your body fluttered around him. As your highs faded, you felt him carefully pull out of you, the emptiness you felt seeming more devastating than ever. You moved to sit up, but he held out a hand to stop you. 

“Wait. Let me take care of you one last time, okay?” he pleaded, and by the look in his eye, you knew he needed this, too. If this was it, he needed to know that he had loved you right. Your eyes never left his as you nodded, watching him leave the room. 

When he returned with the damp washcloth, you found his touches to be as gentle as they always were as he carefully wiped between your thighs. He wore a sad smile on his face, which was an expression you were sure mirrored your own. When he finished, he had placed the cloth aside and leaned forward, his lips ghosting against your temple. He brushed a strand of hair away from your face as he pulled away, rising from the bed and getting dressed, allowing you to do the same. You grabbed a bag that you had hastily packed earlier in the night, and he followed you to the door. As you stood there with your things, you felt a strong need to say something, anything to him, but you were at a complete loss. No words could encompass how grateful you were to have loved him or how sad you were that you didn’t anymore, but maybe it was for the best that it was unsaid. Maybe it would only hurt more if the sentiment was shared aloud. 

“I love you,” he told you, his hand taking yours and giving it a final squeeze. 

You smiled weakly and nodded. “I know,” you replied, and somehow, you knew that was the right thing to say. It wasn’t a lie or a brush-off or anything. It was just an acknowledgment.

He returned your shaky smile as you exited your house. His house, now. You gazed back at it as you pulled out of the driveway, marveling at how nice of a home it was. It was funny how inviting everything seemed now that you were leaving, but you guessed that was something to be thankful for. There wasn’t a single bad memory that came from being with Josh, and as you drove away to your home, you silently hoped that he would have no more terrible memories at your hand. As the house left your view, you gave it a final wave goodbye, unaware that your ex-lover stood at the window, doing the very same.

taglist: @westernwoods @sunfl0wer-power @gold-mines-melting @alwaysonthemend @andtherestishistory13 @writingcold @sunandthemoontwinflames @livkiszka (send me an ask or dm if you wanna be added to my taglist!!)

[dan-the-womans-blog]

Title:Set Fire to the Rain

---

Haymitch Abernathy x Fem!Reader

---

District 12 had always been a place of despair and survival. It was a backdrop of soot and ashes, where life was more about getting through the day than living it. Amongst this grayscale existence, Haymitch Abernathy found himself in the same bleak routine: drunk, disheveled, and drowning in his memories of the past Hunger Games he had won so many years ago. He had long since stopped believing in hope, love, or redemption. But then, there was you.

You had always seen something more in Haymitch. Despite the walls he had built around himself, despite the self-destructive tendencies, you believed there was still a part of him worth saving. Your heart, though bruised by its own battles, saw his pain and wanted to heal it. For a while, it seemed like you were making progress. He began to drink less, laugh more, and sometimes, just sometimes, he would let you in past those iron walls.

But the Capitol never truly let go of its victors, and Haymitch was no exception. The memories, the nightmares, and the guilt were chains that he could never quite break free from. And on those nights, when the darkness consumed him, he would push you away with harsh words and cold silence, leaving you to pick up the shattered pieces of your heart.

One particularly stormy evening, the rain poured down on District 12 like a cleansing fire, a rare and violent storm. You found Haymitch in his usual spot, the run-down house that smelled of old liquor and regret. He was sitting by the window, a half-empty bottle of white liquor in his hand, staring at the rain as if it could wash away his sins.

"Haymitch," you called softly, stepping into the room. "You don't have to do this alone."

He turned to you, his eyes bloodshot and weary. "What do you want from me, Y/N?" His voice was a blend of anger and sorrow, each word a knife to your heart.

"I want to help you," you replied, your voice trembling with the weight of your emotions. "I want you to let me in."

"You can't help me," he spat, standing up abruptly. "No one can. Not you, not anyone. I'm broken, Y/N. Can't you see that?"

Your heart ached at his words, but you refused to give up. "I don't believe that, Haymitch. I believe you can heal. We can heal together."

He laughed, a bitter, hollow sound that echoed through the empty room. "Together? Don't you get it? I destroy everything I touch. I killed them, Y/N. All those kids. And I can't...I can't live with that. How could you?"

Tears streamed down your face as you stepped closer to him, your hands reaching out to touch his, but he recoiled, the look in his eyes one of pure torment. "Haymitch, please. Let me in. Let me help you carry this."

"No!" he shouted, the bottle slipping from his hand and shattering on the floor. "Just go, Y/N. Leave me. Save yourself."

Your heart shattered with the bottle, the finality of his words sinking in. You had given him everything, your love, your hope, your dreams of a future together. And now, it was all crumbling down around you.

"I can't," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the sound of the storm. "I love you, Haymitch."

He turned away, unable to meet your gaze. "Go, Y/N. Before I hurt you more than I already have."

With a heavy heart, you turned and walked out into the storm, the rain mingling with your tears. Each step away from him felt like a dagger to your soul, but you knew you couldn't stay. Not when he was so determined to push you away, to drown in his own misery.

The rain poured down, a cleansing fire that mirrored the agony in your heart. You walked through the empty streets of District 12, the sound of the storm drowning out your sobs. As the rain washed over you, you felt a small spark of hope amidst the overwhelming sorrow. Perhaps, someday, he would realize that he didn't have to face his demons alone. Perhaps, someday, he would find his way back to you.

But for now, you had to let go. You had to set fire to the rain, to burn away the pain and the heartache. Because sometimes, the only way to save someone is to let them go.

As the storm raged on, you whispered a final goodbye to the man you loved, praying that the rain would wash away his torment and lead him back to you one day. Until then, you would carry the hope that love, no matter how broken, could one day heal even the deepest wounds.

[m-r-nicely]

Love In The Dark

Cassandra x reader

Word Count: 1347

Summary: A song fic interpreting Love In The Dark by Adele cause I'm in a writers block. Set in a Modern AU.

As before, the colored texts are lyrics from the song, though some of them may seem a bit forced or out of place. I also skipped quite a few lyrics cause I couldn't find a way to fit them in.

The bold texts are thoughts.

The italics are just emphasized.

Warnings: hurt/comfort, depression, grief, mentions of death, bit of angst

___________

You stood from the bed to get ready for another day. Going out the door, you didn't spare a glance over your shoulder at the other side of the bed. She hadn't stayed long enough for you to wake up for the past month. It was small but it was progress. She would constantly deny it, though.

Just five months ago you'd been caught watching her, again, as she got dressed. From the moment the bathroom door opened across the hall to the way she pulled on her clothes. Your eyes scanned her body, taking in all the details that made her perfect in your eyes. Her stretch marks, moles, a few scars and even a plethora of tattoos. Each of which she had explained the meaning to on your several dates.

In a playful tone she said, "Take your eyes off of me," causing you to look at her face, which was now aimed in your direction with her signature smirk plastered across it. You had completely missed that she was done getting dressed. The bed dipped as she knelt on it in order to crawl up toward you.

"Why?" the question quietly fell from your lips as she came to hover over you.

"So I can leave," she whispered as she kissed your forehead, followed by your temple and cheek. Finally her lips met your own with a mumbled, "I'm far too ashamed to do it with you watching me."

"What if I never looked away?" you asked as a single strand of brown hair fell out of place for you to fix, "If I asked you to stay with me?"

Cassandra weighed her options before responding, "I can't stay this time," she stated, "because I have to be to work, but maybe the next time we both have the day off."

She chuckled at your pout, gifting you quick pecks until you smiled up at her. Once your beloved brunette was gone you got to have about another hour before you had to get up for work. On your way out the door you got a call from your soon to be younger sister in-law.

"Hey sis!" she shouted from her end.

You sighed, "Hello Dani. I'm on my way to work right now. What do you need?"

As you started up your car she asked, "What would you say if I told you I found a box of old home videos in mom's attic?"

"That depends," you said as you buckled your seatbelt, "do these videos have any embarrassing moments from Cassandra's childhood and were you planning on letting me see them?"

There's silence for a moment, "Yes," she drawls the word as she answers the first question, "and what if I don't let you watch them?"

You smiled, stopping at the red light, "Then I would say I don't love you anymore."

Daniela gasped and giggle over the phone, "Well we can't have that, now can we. How does this weekend look on your schedule?"

If you'd known that would be the last good day, perhaps you would have asked your fiancé to cherish it more. As much as you wish you could say that was the day you felt a switch flip, it just didn't happen that way. After that morning everything started blending together. Not in the long way either. The next couple days blinked by in a few minutes. The week seemed to end in a few hours. Everything after the call became an echo.

White noise.

Soon enough you'd started leaving in the middle of the night. Something in you just urged you to go get fresh air, and you listened to it. Every time you would leave and end up in the same spot.

You had to leave at night, otherwise she would lose her footing. How many times had she begged you, "Please stay where you are," when she sees you trying to go.

You still remember the first time you pleaded, "Don't come any closer," only for her to crawl into your arms.

The last time you held her through the night, she sobbed as she begged you to stay, but all you could whisper into her hair was, "Please understand, my love, I'm being cruel to be kind," just for her to tighten her hold on you.

The first month was bad, though it would all get worse. Her sobs got deeper as you stopped giving in to her desire to be with you. Her sisters and mother would come to check on her every few days. As much as you wanted to help them around the house and with the cooking, you couldn't.

Yet you couldn't leave either.

One night you heard Cassandra talking in the bedroom. You sat down in the hallway, knowing she was speaking to you, and listened. She was pouring her heart out. It was just like the day she proposed. Both then and now you found yourselves in situations you simply thought would never happen.

Then, just like when she was kneeling with the ring in her hand, she tearfully stated, "You have given me something that I can't live without," and she paused to compose herself before continuing with, "It hurts just how much that phrase has changed in meaning now."

I couldn't agree more.

She looked up when you stood, hearing the movement, and gasped. Her tears began to fall.

Please don't fall apart.

The aching on her face as she processed what she could do, knowing you wouldn't be here for long. Especially if she made a move to hold you.

I can't face your breaking heart.

"You can do this."

She sobs at the sound of your voice. Something you have withheld for at least a month.

"I'm trying to be brave, but I need your help."

"You need to move on."

"I don't know how," her sobs nearly break you entirely. You've never been able to hold it together when she was in any form of distress, and it was worse knowing you were the cause.

"Stop asking me to stay."

You said a single sentence, a quite vague one at that, but she knew exactly what you meant. You were here because she was unable to let you go. Her days were spent mourning you and putting on a facade for the world so she can get through work, but her nights were spent yearning for you to be by her side.

"I need you," she cried, "I can't do this with you gone."

You moved to be on the bed with her. Grabbing her face as gently as you could, you made her look at you as you said, "Cassandra, I need you to know that I don't regret a thing. Every word I've said to you, know I'll always mean. It is the world to me that you were in my life, but I want you to live and not just survive," you tried to hold back your own tears as long as possible whilst you spoke, "That's why I can't love you in the dark anymore. Even at night you have to mourn. So let me go and live life again."

"How?"

"One step at a time."

At this point you were crying together. You kept her eyes looking into yours as she was trying to bury herself in you, her hands turning white with the grip they had in your shirt. The same one you were wearing the day of the collision.

"You're right here but it feels like we're oceans apart," she whispers to you.

You nodded your head, "Like there is so much space between us."

What a mess, and to think one accident is the reason everything changed. In a moments notice at that.

You held her as she cried herself to sleep. Then the next morning came, and Cassandra woke up with a new feeling. She wasn't going to be able to fully move past your death for quite some time. For the first time, however, she felt like she was healing.

[synergysilhouette]

Brainstorming child units for these Engage characters

I was super sad that we couldn't have child units in 3H, and this was echoed in Engage--though I will praise Engage for being able to S-support everyone (even though not all of them are romantic). So because of this, I wanted to brainstorm ideas for child units in Engage. Sadly, I have no artistic skills, but I've got my imagination.

Iliad, the child of Alear. Early to mid teens, and I'd imagine they have a different color scheme so they don't look like carbon copies of their parents like Kana and Morgan do. I thought male Iliad's hair would be predominantly blue with a streak of red while female Iliad had red hair with blue highlights in the front (similar to Rogue from "X-Men"), but it'd be a cool detail if the ends of their hair matched the hair color of whoever Alear married. I imagine since their parents showered them with love and affection, they're much more emotionally and psychologically stable than Alear, as well as being a bit of a pacifist. In a contrast to Fates and Awakening, I'd like for Iliad's gender to match Alear's.

Neciso, the son of Pandreo. Originally I pictured him as a wolf pup type of kid, but then I imagined him as a young man who's also a kind priest like his dad--but he doesn't have the energy for parties. He's more of a scholarly type, but occasionally he'll let out an energetic howl.

Adele, the daughter of Alfred. Given the fact that Alfred dies young but it's never said how young that is, I think his daughter is super protective of him as she grows up (she'd be a teen here), training herself to be the strongest in the kingdom.

Emeraude, the daughter of Diamant. Due to the circumstances that made Diamant king, he wants Emeraude to be fully prepared for the worst-case scenario if she needs to become a queen immediately. That said, he also makes sure to spend a lot of time with her just in case she never sees him again.

Lazul, the son of Alcryst. A young man very big on upholding the honor of the royal family and looks up to his dad a lot, despite the latter's embarrassment. His cousin also encouraged his uncle to give him an education befitting a monarch, as she always saw him as her equal, just as their fathers did before them.

Aquamarine, the daughter of Amber. A young woman who inherited her father's romanticism and affinity for animals, she comes across as a fairy tale princess. She strives to become a legendary heroine--along with seducing a village boy or five. She's basically the female version of Laslow/Inigo and isn't shamed for that.

Chikai, the son of Yunaka. He frequently slips in an out of situations, and has a bubbly personality. It's believed he is also a thief, though he's so likeable most people find it hard to believe. He's a sly charmer (very similar to Hermes from the Hades video game).

Rubis, the daughter of Saphir. She's a popular knight and friend of Emeraude and Lazul. Her duty takes precedence first and foremost, and is the oldest of the child units (being in her mid-20s).

Eos, the son of Ivy. He's a young man known for being even-tempered and uncharacteristically kind by those who still deem Elusia with suspicion. He frequently wears a ghostly-white rose in his breast pocket, and while he's shy like his mother, he pushes himself to be more sociable to make others lose their fear for his kingdom.

Solanum, the son of Hortensia. As a little kid, one would be unsurprised by his childish behavior--though those who know Hortensia think it's because she spoils him, and that he'll likely be that way when he's older, too. He often sticks to Eos like glue, and is quick to protect his family.

Salix, daughter of Zelkov. Considered a counterpart to Chikai, she's known for being dangerous and charming--though while Chikai often keeps his criminal activity to non-life threatening activities, Salix is known for being lethal to her enemies. Her father doesn't seem to mind, considering her loyalty to the crown.

Tia, daughter of Timerra. Known as "the wandering princess," she's often found camping with her family and traveling on her own--unless her retainers happen to catch up to her. She has a close relationship with her family, and has a singing voice that is much better than her mother's--something her uncle frequently takes advantage of when Timerra tries to sing.

Taralli, the son of Seadall. Like his father, he is a renowned dancer and fortune-teller, though he often prefers to leave fate to chance, only reading fortunes when truly necessary. I imagine his outfit is similar to Inigo's "Indigo Dancer" outfit in FEH, except Taralli would probably be called the fated dancer.

Hope you like my ideas! Who knows, I may make more for other characters--maybe 3 Houses. Lemme know your thoughts or if you have any questions!

Update: check out the art @yanderefairyangel made inspired by these posts! We've both posted them on our Tumblr accounts.

[loisfreakinglane]

DOLLHOUSE // 1.06 “Man On the Street”

[cyarskaren52]

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#RockHall2023 Inductee @georgemofficial possessed extraordinary talent as a songwriter, vocalist, and producer. His incomparable vision and drive propelled him to superstardom - making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. For the latest on 2023 Induction, subscribe to our e-newsletter today. Link in bio.

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GEORGE  MICHAEL

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George Michael possessed extraordinary talent as a songwriter, vocalist, and producer. His incomparable vision and drive propelled him to superstardom, and he became the most-played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004 and one of the best-selling artists of all time. 

George Michael formed the pop duo Wham! with schoolmate Andrew Ridgeley in 1981. They achieved teen idol status with hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and the timeless holiday megahit “Last Christmas.” Michael’s first foray into the solo spotlight with the introspective hits “Careless Whisper” and “A Different Corner” eventually spelled the end of the group in 1986. 

After the global pop success of Wham!, in 1987, George Michael scored the hit duet “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” with Aretha Franklin and released his self-produced solo debut, Faith. With well-crafted hooks, mature lyrics, and funk and Motown influences, Faith was a Number One smash boasting four hit singles, including the title track and “Father Figure.” It was the first album by a white solo artist to lead Billboard's Top Black Albums chart and remains one of the best-selling LPs of all time. Echoes can be heard in the impassioned vocals and personal lyrics of artists from Adele to Lady Gaga to Mary J. Blige. 

Wanting his music to speak for itself, George Michael declined to appear on the album cover and in music videos for Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. The album is a masterpiece that alludes to Michael's struggle as a closeted gay man during the height of the AIDS epidemic. However, after coming out in 1998, Michael refused to shy away from honesty again, paving the way for a generation of proud LGBTQIA+ artists, from Sam Smith to Lil Nas X to Troye Sivan. 

George Michael died in 2016, leaving a remarkable legacy as a brilliant performer, activist, philanthropist, and champion for artist authenticity. 

Selected discography: 

“A Different Corner” (1986)

• Faith (1987)

• “Freedom! ‘90,” “Waiting for That Day,” Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990)

• “Too Funky” (1992)

• “Jesus to a Child,” “You Have Been Loved,” Older (1996)

• “Amazing,” “My Mother Had a Brother,” Patience (2004)

• “An Easier Affair” (2006)

• “This Is How (We Want You to Get High),” Last Christmas (2019) 

Nominee: George Michael 

[thanaredreamtof]

Soundtracks for current threads: @loveaffairxc

Justin x Felicity

This has been one of my favourite threads to ever write if I’m being honest. I love the tension, the hesitation, the drama…you’re a phenomenal writer and I can see everything playing out so clearly.

“I heard that you're settled down, that you found a girl and you're married now, I heard that your dreams came true, guess she gave you things, I didn't give to you

Old friend, why are you so shy? Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light, I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited, but I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it, I had hoped you'd see my face, and that you'd be reminded that for me, it isn't over

Never mind, I'll find someone like you, I wish nothing but the best for you, too”

This one really doesn’t need much explaining, the first verse and the chorus just sums up their current situation perfectly. I can so see a montage of him on his honeymoon, thinking of Felicity while he smokes and his wife sleeps, all the while Felicity has moved to London and spends her months going out and getting drunk to try and forget everything that happened. Old friend…showing up out of the blue…it isn’t over??

“Oh, I'm scared to see the ending, why are we pretending this is nothing? I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how, I've never heard silence quite this loud

Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room, and we're not speaking and I'm dying to know, is it killing you like it's killing me yeah

I don't know what to say since the twist of fate, when it all broke down and the story of us, looks a lot like a tragedy now”

I mean…this song was written for them. When it all broke down? The beach scene? I’d tell you I miss you but I don’t know how???? I’ve never heard SILENCE QUITE THIS LOUD? - both the beach scene and their first meeting in the art gallery again.

F loyd x Felicity

I am loving these two so much, and I think this first song could also fit our Diana and Tommy thread too but….

This song screams Felicity and Floyd. Please don’t be in love with someone else? Im wonderstruck blushing all the way home?

The first verse especially reminds me a lot of Floyd, and maybe his version of seeing Felicity.

“There I was again tonight

Forcing laughter, faking smiles

Same old tired, lonely place

Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy

Vanished when I saw your face

All I can say is, it was enchanting to meet you”

That just reminds me a lot of his relationship with his father, and how people avoid him because he is so powerful.

But then I think these words really fit both of them:

“My thoughts will echo your name, until I see you again

These are the words I held back, as I was leaving too soon

I was enchanted to meet you

Please don't be in love with someone else

Please don't have somebody waiting on you”

These words are really interesting because I think of how Floyd first worried that Felicity was in a relationship and had a child, and then realised she wasn’t, and in reverse she thought he may be single and then realised he was engaged. “Please don’t be in love with someone else” is very relevant for them.

[misscrazyfangirl321]

adelle x dom: some kind of au where he wasn't a traitor or swapped sides?

I hope this counts!

-

He’s already in her office when she arrives. That isn’t altogether uncommon-he’s always been prompt, and she often finds him there waiting for her-but the state of him certainly is. He’s slumped on her couch, face in his hands, a strange mix of stress and surrender that sends a thrum of panic through her. Always, he is steady. Firm. On an even keel, sometimes when even she cannot manage it. 

“Mr. Dominic?” It comes out softer than she means for it to.

When he looks up, there’s surprise in his eyes. Another terrifying thing; he’s the most observant soul she’s ever met. How could she possibly have snuck up on him, especially without trying? He swallows once, then twice, looking at her like he’s never seen her before. No-like he might never see her again. She has half a mind to turn and look for Alpha-for who else could shake him like this-but she cannot break his gaze.

“Ma’am.” His voice is rough. 

“Is everything alright?”

He laughs. It’s a dark, bitter sound, one that she very nearly wants to run from. Instead, she straightens her shoulders, arching a brow and staring him down. “No,” he says finally. “No, it’s not alright. None of this is alright. This was supposed to be easy. It wasn’t supposed to be-this wasn’t supposed to happen.” 

Is she even breathing? He’s not making a bit of sense-and that won’t do, not at all; he’s supposed to be the sensible one, the voice of reason to keep her focused-and she cannot recall the last time she was this afraid. “What wasn’t?”

“You weren’t supposed to get under my skin.” He grimaces. “I wasn’t supposed to care about you. Not like this. Not at all.” 

Stupidly, she finds she wants to smile. There’s always been a romantic inside her, carefully hidden away (from all but Roger; he gets to see every reckless impulse, every silly softness she tucks inside her chest, and it’s safe because no one else will ever know), and such a dramatic declaration from someone as carefully contained as him, well… It’s enough to make her heart rate pick up, fear giving way to something far softer. She knows what she ought to do-shut this down, not risk their carefully curated working relationship-but she isn’t altogether sure what she will do when she steps forward, holding out a hand. “Laurence-”

He flinches back like she’s burned him, rising to his feet. “Don’t,” he warns, voice scalding. “This isn’t a love confession, Adelle.”

Embarrassed, and annoyed for it, she stops, squaring her shoulders. Of course; it was foolish of her to think, even for a moment, that this was as simple as all that. To think he would ever put his heart on the line like a hero from a movie of old. “Then what on earth is it?” 

“A death sentence, probably.” He sighs, running a hand over his face, and all the fight seems to drain from him at once. Turning away, he looks out of her grand glass window. “I work for the NSA.”

The words echo in her mind, refusing to land, to form a coherent thought. They’re sounds, consonants and vowels, a string of syllables that cannot come together. The meaning is there, just at the edge of her mind, but it cannot come through. And then, all at once, it does.

“That isn’t funny.”

“Not a joke.” 

Everything in her rebels at the idea (but the alternative is that he’s lying to her-either way, he’s lying to her, and that simply isn’t possible), and her legs don’t feel altogether strong enough to hold her up. She crosses to the couch and sits, pressing her hands together tightly. “What are you saying?”

He turns back to face her. “I’m a spy. They sent me to keep tabs on the Dollhouse, to make sure the technology stays under control. That it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.”

She thinks she might be sick. Thinks she might cry. Thinks she might cover her ears with her hands and pretend she cannot hear him, no matter how Topher-esq that would be. She does none of these things, however, just steels herself, meeting his gaze as steadily as she can. “Why are you telling me this now? Is it because you’ve come to care for me so much?” She forces as much mockery into the words as she can manage, the full force of his betrayal lodging itself between her ribs, anger and hurt coming in on a rush. 

“They offered me a promotion.”

“Shall I say congratulations?” 

“To assassin.” There’s something soft in his eyes, and another day, she might get lost in it. Now, though, it just burns, so deeply it takes her a few seconds to make out his meaning. When she does, the room suddenly feels too cold. 

He could do it, she knows. Dozens of people in this building, and he could end her and escape before any of them even realized. She’s seen what he’s capable of, and it’s always been a thing of beauty to see-his strength, his skill, wielded for her and her alone-but now she’s suffocatingly aware that even with him several steps away, even with her just a few feet from the door, she’ll be dead before she even knows he’s moving if that’s what he wants. 

When she says nothing, he continues. “They’ve found someone to run the Dollhouse. Someone who works for them, who’d do things their way. And they want me to make sure the position’s open.” 

“And… Are you?” 

“No,” he says, and the air comes back to her in a rush. “But it won’t take them long to figure that out, and then they’ll find someone who will. You need to run.”

Part of her-a very small part-wants to do just that. Another, even smaller part, wants to ask him to come with her. Even now, even after everything, the thought of being apart from him twists in her chest. Quickly, though, she pushes those impulses down, burying them under the professionalism that’s kept her alive for years. 

“I’ll deal with them when they come.” She stands, and something shifts in his eyes. An uneasiness. As though he understands that she’s leveling out (as if he can feel the ice settling inside her, protecting her from the swirl of emotions). “For now, the only one I need to deal with is you.” 

“And what are you going to do with me?”

“You’re a spy, Mr. Dominic. I trust you remember the contract you signed when you came here?” She exhales. “Any action taken against the house will result in you being sent directly to the Attic.” 

Scoffing, his face twists into an odd mix of resigned disbelief. “Really? I just saved your life, and that’s how you’re going to thank me?”

“Saved me by not killing me.” She arches a brow. “That is rather the bare minimum, I should think.” She turns, tries not to think of all he could do before she even reaches the door, and starts forward.

“Where are you going?”

“To Topher, of course. He’ll need to prep the chair.” 

“So you’re just going to leave me here?”

“Yes.” She keeps her gaze locked on the door ahead of her. “I’m going to leave you here, alone. I’m going to go alert Topher. Likely Langton as well; I’ll need someone with a gun, in case you try anything foolish. And when I return, we’ll take you down to the lab and deal with you. Permanently. And if you get any clever ideas while I’m away, don’t. Our security is top-notch.”

She knows he must understand. Because yes, it’s the most brilliant security she’s seen in an age; he set up every part of it. He knows this place inside out better than she does. He’ll be long gone before she can return with the others.

Is it weakness on her part? Is it strength? She doesn’t know. She knows only that he has saved her, that he’s put everything he believes in on the line to keep her safe, and she’s helpless to do anything but return the favor. 

“Adelle-” His voice has gone low, soft and full of emotions she doesn’t even want to try and sort through. 

“Don’t.” She lets her lips twist into a smile. “This isn’t a love confession, Laurence.” 

(There isn’t even a trace of him when she returns to her office, Langton and Topher in tow. Topher’s too upset to think of it, but suspicion flickers in Langton’s eyes as he looks at her. No matter; she gives him firm orders to track down Laurence Dominic, whatever it takes.

They both know he’ll never find him.)

[best-character-named-x-poll]

Best Character Named X Poll

I'm doing a series of "Best Character Named X" polls where all the characters have the same first name but are from completely different media, feel free to send in name/charcacter suggestions, I'm posting one poll a day. New polls scheduled for 1:30PM GMT everyday.

If your favourite character is not included in the poll very sorry i have either never heard of them or actively chose not to include them as theres only 6 characters per poll. Characters will only count of that is their first name, surnames do not count. Official characters in canon only, please do not submit OCs.

Round 368: Molly

Round 369: Jonas

Round 370: Claudia

Round 371: Aiden

Round 372: Cynthia

Round 373: Oscar

Round 374: Mabel

Past Polls

Poll Ideas under the cut

Names that I have a complete list for*

George, Diana, Andy, Nora, Angel, Judy, Jo, Miranda, Pearl, Jamie, Tam, Klaus, Luna, Delilah, Juliet, Celia, Katya, Minerva, Ebony, Miriam, Percy, Bianca, Amara, Cleo, May, August, Matilda, Jared, Kendra, Liesel, Fitz, Aurora, Ramona, Orion, Kala, Madeline, Anastasia, Kit, Marian, Lena, Polly, Cora, Leah, Irene, Laurel, Hilda, Valentine, Joe, Skye, Walter, Marissa, Hope, Oberon, Lorna, Ace, Calvin, Bridget, Ulrich, Roger, Stella, Lenore, Wanda, Winona, Hannibal, Newt, Dorian, Dorothy, Una, Marnie, Mirabel, Olympia, Toby, Chip, Fearne, Axel, Gil, Bo, Rue, Leslie, Agnes, Luther, Sally, Delia, Richter, Scarlet, Ray, Nigel, Selina, Harley, Blue, Perry, Duke, Tao, Cornelius, Wendy, Apollo, Celeste, Summer, Esther, Cole, Kieran, Melody, Haley, Prudence, Azrael, Lauren, Pauline, Darcy, Lee, Red, Stuart, Octavia, Tsukasa, Esme, Ella, Riley, Pyrrha, Rupert, Orlando, Blair, Ike, Yukari, Tanya, Briar, Amber, Akira, Irma, Marlene, Trixie, Harriet, Letitia, Koichi, Katrina, Echo, Annette, Nami, Dale, Nina, Carina, Lance, Yuki, Donatello, Puck, Callie, Moe, Hunter, Poppy, Titania, Melinda, Jackson, Sunny, Dee, Freya, Randall, Caeser, Sasha, Zain, Edith, Candy, Raiden

Names I have an incomplete list for (welcome to send character suggestions)

Richter, Yasmin, Chase, Tina, Rudolf, Melvin, Melissa, Adele, Adeline, Jem, Dolores, Jude, Ginger, Bellamy, Jacob, Reese, Nemo, Addison, Adelaide, Candace, Abraham, Ragnar, Destiny, Hero, Drew, Wallace, Jean (feminine), Cheryl, Shane, Tegan, Matthias, Liam, Ellis, Dennis, Josie, Mike, Bailey, Eden, Giselle, Suki, Keith, Wilfred, Blaine, Pam, Brianna, Sabine, Roman, Kalina, Mindy, Monet, Zara, Marcus, Elias, Mira, Glen, Farah, Faith, Enid, Ross, Antoinette, Elodie, Mallory, Kay, Renee, Willow, Albert, Howard, Oswald, Clem, Jace, Howell, Rowan, José, Christian, Ravi, Dev, Valerie, Norma, Tristan, Jolene, Yumi, Sakura, Carol, Carrie, Casper, Septimus, Rosalind, Rosamund, Rosie, Rosa, Gerald, Geraldine, Gerard, Ariel, Ariadne, Anya, Ida, Rocky, Mal, Solomon, Sol, Vera, Vincent, Nolan, Sage, Jojo, Calliope, Roxy, Roxanne, Silver, Noel, Noelle, Stacy, Lloyd, Alba, Virginia, Eva, Amos, Petra, Marla, Dante, Gretchen, Rhydian, Russ, Tate, Tatum, Morris, Ambrose, Doug, Grant, Graham, Aaron, Ivan, Paris, Doris, Rain, Sora, Wayne, Helga, Garth, Constantine, Sonny, Courtney, Jamal, Niall, Cecil, Cecilia, Cat, Katherine, Ophelia, Laurie, Lori

Feel free to send more suggestions

*subject to change, you can still submit a character if there is no strikethrough if you think theres a character that its an absolute crime i dont add. Please don't suggest anything for the names with a strikethrough as they are polls that are already in my queue waiting to be published.

[laufire]

Adele/Echo from Dollhouse?

On paper, I SHOULD have been all over this pairing. I mean. Just look at my track record when it comes to older/younger antagonistic femslash!

And I think I could have been... if Echo was better acted. Sns. Eliza Dusku excelled at Faith, and was even quite good at playing the part of Caroline (I am, in fact, a bit more into Adelle/Caroline than Adelle/Echo), but she didn't manage to pull off Echo's multiple personalities and that really hurt her character, her storyline, and her potential dynamics.

In another world where she was played by an actress capable of such range Echo would've definitely been my favourite, as her narrative really appeals to men. And in that reality, Adelle/Echo would've been CATNIP to me.