#after seeing them looking at Thena the way they were

[softquietsteadylove]

How about jealous Thena in the Doctor au?

Let’s say a small group of 4 doctors 2 females 2 males in different expertises are visiting the ER to gather some information on something medical. And these 2 females would not stop flirting with Gil

"I have to say, I'm really quite impressed."

Thena offers a genial smile. Making nice with other people has never been a forte of hers, but the visiting doctors from a nearby hospital have been perfectly civil. "Our staff is quite impressive."

"You run a tight ship, Doctor," the other male doctor comments, also making light talk as they tour through the hospital. The ER is the last stop on their trip, releasing them back on the ground floor after touring through the rest of the hospital.

Thena gives Ajak a wink on their way to the main door, "believe me, it's all her."

Ajak winks right back at her and then nods at the visitors, "she's my favourite kid here."

Ajak is an odd handful of years older than Thena at most.

"We've heard such wonderful things about your triage centre," one of the female doctors offers a bright and lovely smile. She's a pediatric specialist, if Thena remembers correctly. "It doesn't surprise me--wow."

The other female doctor also cranes her neck to look down the hall. "Wow is right--those are...?"

Thena's eyes bounce between the women, a strange and uncomfortable feeling welling up in her chest. "Those are two of our paramedics, Gil and Kingo."

The visiting women grasp at each other, not even attempting to hide their interest as the muscle of the ER make their way over to them. They grin at each other before looking back at Thena, "who's the one waving at us?"

Thena bristles. "Gil."

"Hey," he greets them with a smile, because of course he does. Kingo doesn't even bother to say anything, continuing on to the nurse's station without him (as is a regular thing, with Gil).

"Gil, these are the visiting doctors here to look at our facilities," Thena introduces (somewhat). "Ortho, Cardiovascular, Peds and Neuro."

The doctors might be a little surprised at her choice to list their specialties and not their actual names. But Gil isn't surprised in the least, giving them a friendly smile and a tilt of his head. "Thena's been showing you around, huh? Well, you won't find a better run ER."

"Yes, we were just remarking upon that."

"Are you just getting back?"

Thena watches as Pediatrics drifts closer to Gil, her hand raising up as if to touch his arm before drifting down again. She instead clasps her hands in front of her, batting her eyelashes at him.

"Yep," Gil answers blithely, totally unaware that he's being ogled.

"The paramedics at our hospital are never in on time after a run," Neuro sighs, landing herself at Gil's other side, even closer than Pediatrics did.

Gil skips over both of them, though, looking at Thena, "I try not to stay out too long. Just in case I'm needed here, y'know?"

She smiles at him, able to forget about the intruding doctors for this one, tender, fraction of a second.

"You help out here, too?" Pediatrics gasps, now actually laying her hand on Gil's arm. "A real jack of all trades, aren't you?"

Thena taps her toe on the floor, although it's silent, given they're all wearing running shoes.

"Well, Thena and Ajak are the real captains of the ship, down here," Gil shrugs. The only awareness he even has of the hand on his arm is his confusion over it. "If we're not out on a run I just kind of float around. Some of our interns are real airheads."

Both women let out a loud and exaggerated laugh. Neuro takes the opportunity to pat the back of her hand against Gil's shoulder, although it's a little too close to his chest.

"You're funny!"

Gil is funny--everyone knows that. Thena crosses her arms. "It might be funny if it weren't such a headache."

The Orthopaedic specialist at least gives her a sympathetic smile, "some of ours are terrible too."

"Wait you just got in!" Pediatrics gasps and beams at Gil, "so you can show us one of the ambulances!"

Thena rolls her eyes, muttering just to herself, "it's an ambulance, it should look just like yours."

"Uh, yeah, I guess," Gil shrugs, though. He looks at Thena, asking her to come with them so he's not stuck hosting three strangers by himself.

If it were anyone but him; Thena sighs but follows behind them. Ortho and Cardio are talking to each other from either side of her but she's not listening. She can't possibly; Neuro is walking so close her elbow keeps knocking together with Gil's, while Pediatrics is all but hanging off his arm as they walk.

Not that it bothers her, but they could have a little professionalism. A modicum, even--one fluid ounce of professional integrity!

"Here we are," Gil announces as they exit into the ambulance bay, his particular bus parked right outside. "We have the usual stock of stuff. Although Thena had the idea for us to add an inventory specifically of fast working anaesthetics."

"Really?"

Gil is beaming with pride. "Well, we're always advised to be so stingy with them. But patients can describe what they're feeling better when they can think straight. Plus, women in particular are used to downplaying their pain, even when it's really serious. So we always try to give them just a little bit more than the recommended amount."

"That's so forward thinking!" Pediatrics gasps up at him.

Gil seems like he's barely heard her, "it was all Thena's idea."

"And Ajak," she mutters, not that anyone is listening to her. Pediatrics and Neuro are still chattering away at Gil's sides while Ortho and Cardio have climbed into the bus to examine the extra supply Gil was describing. She looks down at her hip. She's being paged, "Gil."

He leaves the sides of the visitors in a second, pulling his hands out of his hoodie pockets to touch his palm to her elbow. All she does is look at him to tell him that it's not something she can ignore. He nods, "you go."

She nods back at him, offering a smile before trotting back inside, her ponytail swinging behind her.

Thena's ass looks great even in the unflattering scrub pants. The two male doctors have obviously noticed this over the course of their tour, leaning out of the ambulance just for the privilege and indulgence of watching her go.

Gil clears his throat loudly.

The two doctors scramble out of the back of the ambulance - Gil's ambulance - and tug at their white coats. "I-It's quite a fine piece of equipment you're running."

"Hm," Gil glares at them as he tosses the massive doors closed with one hand. His hands are back in his hoodie pockets, mostly so they won't see the fists he's making. He leans down slightly to the shorter men, "I know my wife is beautiful, but do you mind keeping your eyes to yourselves, Doctor Dumb and Doctor Dumber?"

"Y-Your-"

"We didn't-"

Gil just shrugs, heading back into the ER without waiting for their distinguished and invited guests. "Honest mistake. Just don't let it happen again."

[peppermintquartz]

(Tommy's pov of this)

He's in the process of making sure the bird is ready to go when he turns and sees Howie, as well as two unfamiliar young guys following him.

Good-looking faces too. Maybe they should do the calendar next year. The shorter one has large, soulful eyes and a confident stride that speaks of military experience; the other is a tall, leggy man with a boyish smile and seems to be visibly thrumming with energy.

Of course they bring in the studs after I'm gone, Tommy thinks, half-exasperated that he's missed out on eye candy and half-amused at his own shallowness.

"Howie, hey!" Tommy says and embraces his former colleague and current friend. It's not always possible for them to meet up, but a life debt is not something Tommy will forget. "Long time."

Howie claps him on the back. It feels like a silent thank you, which, given the enormity of what they're going to do, the less said aloud the better.

Can't risk someone overhearing that they're going to steal a helicopter on a mere hunch.

Tommy knows he has a good poker face, and it's proven to be effective because no one seems to realize how nervous he is. They may cause an international incident if anything goes "pear-shaped", as his old instructor Winslow used to say, but Tommy isn't about to back out now.

"This is Tommy, Tommy Kinard," says Howie to the other two, telling them about him being a former member of the 118 and also about his being a fathead. At least Howie acknowledges that Tommy's grown out of it.

"Thanks to you," Tommy says. He sticks out his hand to the new faces.

Soulful Eyes grins when he grasps Tommy's hand. A firm grip, almost challenging. "Eddie Diaz."

Tommy smiles, feeling like he's found a kindred spirit. "Pleasure. And you are...?" He extends the hand to the other young guy.

"Uh, Evan," he says, eyes wide and curious like a puppy in a new environment. His hand is warm and dry. "E-Evan Buckley."

"Hi Evan." The splotch just over Evan's left eye is a birthmark, Tommy discovers. To his amusement, Evan doesn't let go of his hand, as if he's completely forgotten that they were just shaking hands in introduction. Tommy doesn't want to embarrass the guy, but he doesn't want to rudely snatch his hand away either. He opts for a slight tease. "I'm gonna need that hand to fly the chopper, kid."

"Oh! Oh, right. Sorry." Evan drops Tommy's hand like it's hot. His ears go red. Tommy thinks, That's so cute, and then sternly warns himself not to read too much into anything. He's not falling for a straight guy again, just because they're cute. And he's glad that he doesn't read too much into Evan's fluster because Evan says, "I was just, um, thinking, about Cap and Thena."

Bobby Nash must mean a great deal to Evan, judging by the way his gaze skitters from Tommy's face to the chopper and bounces lightly on his heels. For some reason, he reminds Tommy of Bambi.

Howie sticks his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, we're gonna need Hen to show soon with some coordinates. Can't go flying all over the Gulf of Mexico."

Tommy makes a mental note to re-check fuel levels. It's definitely topped up, but ninety minutes one way and ninety minutes back in what will definitely be rough conditions is not a walk in the park. Nevertheless, he keeps his tone light. "We'll do what we can."

A pair of headlights slide along the road that leads to harbor. Tommy doesn't really know if it's Hen, but his nerve is starting to give, so he says quickly, "Wait, I see a car pulling in. Might be her. Get in the backseat, strap yourselves in. Once I get Hen clear of Melton, we'll dash. Hopefully she has a good cover story..."

Eddie doesn't hesitate as he scrambles in, nearly knocking his head on the roof of the chopper.

Seeing that they aren't about to call him out on his fake calm demeanor, Tommy blows out his cheeks to center himself. Then he smiles, asking, "If we're all arrested, can I blame it on you, Howie?"

Howie snorts as he gets in next to Eddie. "Yeah I really twisted your arm with the 'Please help us save Cap and Athena'."

(In fact, Howie actually said, "Hen has a hunch, she won't let us help, but she''ll need a chopper. So I'm gonna need you to steal one for us to save Captain Nash and his wife." And Tommy agreed instantly. He trusted Hen Wilson's hunches too.)

"You know it's because of your irresistibly pretty face," Tommy quips as he helps guide Evan - the tallest of the three - in without hitting his head. "Alright, put those helmets on. Careful, Evan," he says when Evan nearly bounces the helmet off the bridge of his sharp nose.

It's a very nice nose. Be a shame to bruise it.

Fuel. And preflight. Tommy inhales sharply and gets into his seat as the three firefighters strap themselves in. It's a calming ritual by now, and he feels ready. He knows he is ready.

And Hen should be here by now.

"Alright. She's ready to go when we are," Tommy announces, patting the stick fondly. As he opens the door to get to the hangar, he says to the three men, "Don't touch anything. I'm gonna hang out near Melton and run intercept."

Howie rolls his eyes. Eddie holds up three fingers of his right hand, like a Scout's promise. "We'll behave."

Evan beams a dazzling smile at Tommy, like they're not actually about to commit a crime.

It's a good thing Tommy has to focus on flying into a hurricane, because otherwise his heart will be tripping all over itself to get Evan to smile like that once more.

Nope. No crushing on a straight guy, Kinard, we've been through this.

Instead, Tommy jogs towards the hangar where he sees Hen approaching Melton, holding a form that Tommy knows will not stand up to scrutiny.

Boy, if you can't convince someone, confuse them, Winslow used to say over drinks after their flying lessons. Act like you know exactly what you're doing and seventy percent of the time they'll let you get away with it.

Tommy takes a deep breath, puts on a smile, and walks into the light of the hangar.

--

edited on AO3

[shadowsndaisies]

hangman meets 'thena

wc: 1.7k

synopsis: word is, there's a new pilot on board carrier air wing nine, and she flies for the VFA-14, the Tophatters.

main masterlist

athena-verse master post

a/n: the highly requested hangman and athena meet blurb, let me know what else you'd like to see from this universe, especially things that exist outside the storyline. or even if you just want more of certain characters. This serves as a precursory understanding to Jake and Athena, it probably doesn't answer every question about them, but it might help you see their foundation a bit better. but special shoutout to @djs8891 @tgmreader @rory-cakes and @fanreader75 for asking specifically about hangman and athenas dynamic (mentions at the end as well)

You’d heard of him, everyone active had. The only active aviator with a confirmed kill, never mind that your dad had two.

Hangman was exactly what you expected if you were honest.

Phoenix, who had taken an instant liking to you as soon as you’d been reassigned to the Tophatters, had filled you in on all the Lemoore gossip. Phoenix flew with the VFA-41, the Black Aces, also based out of Lemoore, and in fact, on the same carrier as you, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Nine. Her first order of business was getting you caught up on the carrier, that included learning the players, and while she was happy to introduce you to different Naval officers, the only one she warned against was Hangman.

Someone really should have told her that at your core, you were your father’s daughter.

Let it be known, you did not go looking for him. He appeared in all his Ken Doll Aviator glory as you were doing a morning check on your F/A 18E. Apparently he also flew an F/A 18E, ‘Nix on the other hand had an F/A 18F, as she normally flew with a WSO.

He approached, full of cocky attitude, and maybe it was all the years being raised by both Ice and Mav, but when he spoke it was like you could understand him just as fluently as you did with them. You could see where Nat was coming from with “honestly, Athena, Hangman in two words? Texan Douchewad.”

“Well, Howdy, darlin’, scuttlebutt was that there was a new girl on board, glad to meet you, name’s Hangman,” was his introduction.

You couldn’t help the smirk when he said girl, “Isn’t the hallmark of a proper southern boy, that he’s, well, proper?” you shoot back, eye brow quirked. “I’m a woman, not a girl.”

It was fun, watching the way his smirk melted, how his brow furrowed, as he tried to catch up.

“You-”

“Phoenix gave me a run down, but to be honest, I’ve always preferred forming my own perceptions,” you shrug, as you continue your check.

As you brush past him, you aren’t surprised to hear him following after you. “Ah, so my reputation precedes me then?” he muses, and you can see the way he uses his charm and humor to cover, a shield of bravado, too bad he didn’t realize you were raised by bravado.

“Not exactly, though I did see your plaque at Top Gun, to be fair, I saw Phoenix’s too,” you shrug again.

“So you’re the fresh blood, huh?” he prompts, and finally you turn and smile at him.

“I guess fresh blood is better than being called new girl. Name’s Athena, you’d do well to use it,” you tell him, smile in place.

“Athena? As in th4e Greek goddess of war and wisdom?” he asks, brows furrowed down.

“That’s the one,” you nod, moving to check the landing gear.

“Athena as in, the Naval Aviator who climbed through the ranks and had two separate stations before she went to Top Gun?” he follows up and you turn.

You turn to face Hangman, and now your brows are pulled, “How’d you know that?”

“I keep tabs on things that pique my interest,” he shrugs, and your lip curls on the end. “Rumor was you had Admirals arguing over who got you under their command…”

“Nice to meet you Hangman,” you decide finally, climbing back from under the plane, and offering him your hand.

“Pleasure’s mine, Miss Athena,” he smirks back. “It true your old man flew too?” he tacks the question on as he shakes your hand.

You can see it in his eyes, nepotism, you know it’s where is brain’s gone. It’s like you couldn’t escape it, everyone assumed that’s how you got as far as you have, as quick as you have. They were wrong.

“Yeah, mostly f-14s though, nothing with the juice of my baby,” you straight up lie, so what if your dad was still flying? So what if he was probably flying f/a-18s or something experimental? No one but you needed the specifics, and you’re pretty sure it wouldn’t help you fight against the nepo-baby claims. Too bad no one realized how much of a detriment being attached to Maverick actually was. It made most of the higher ups uneasy about taking you on, unsure if you’d inherited your father’s need for speed and reckless streak, you had, but you were just better than him at keeping it in check, if Ice taught you anything, it was that — “ice cold, kiddo, no mistakes.”

“Must’ve been nice, having a leg up like that,” he’s still smiling as he talks down at you.

You match his smile and catch the flicker of confusion in his eyes as you walk up closer to him. “It was, see, it prepared me for a lifetime of dealing with cocky naval aviators and their inflated sense of bubble wrap bravado.”

“That all?” he presses, staring down at you, the two of you now face to face, staring hard at each other, but you caught the little twitch of his eye at your term.

“No,” you smirk before turning and walking away, “but I’ve got a hop to prep for, see you around Hangman.”

…

He finds you in the Mess later that day. You’d just returned from morning drills with your squad, and was eating with Phoenix.

“Ladies,” he greets, setting his own tray down in the seat opposite you.

“And I’ve officially lost my appetite,” Phoenix decided, standing up. “Athena, I’ll catch you later, I’d say it’s nice to see you, Bagman, but we know better,” she states, grabbing her tray, patting your shoulder and walking away.

“You sure know how to clear a room, Hangman,” you note, eyes flicking to Phoenix over Hangman’s shoulder, Nat was clearing her tray and pauses to look back and roll her eyes dramatically as she looks at Hangman’s back.

Your lip twitches and you lift your glass of water to cover up the smile threatening to split your lips.

“Bubble wrap bravado,” Hangman repeats back to you, echoing your statement from yesterday.

“What about it?” you challenge.

“Explain it to me,” it’s not a question, not in how it’s phrased, but you understand that he is asking.

“Protective to an extent, easier to pop than you think, so long as you apply the pressure properly. Problem is, everyone knows when it does, it’s usually a bit loud,” you explain, and he seems so incredibly focused on you.

You didn’t mind the hyper-focus though, you’d coined the term a long time ago. It had originally been for a different boy, one with a temper, but who you’d watched grow up. Ice had thought it an apt descriptor, he’d even taken it to describe a few officer’s he’d interacted with over the years.

“Hmm,” he hums, eyes glued to yours.

“You disagree?” you ask.

“No. I think you hit it on the head,” he admits and your lips curl up just the slightest bit, at least he seemed honest… cock sure and stubborn too, but honest.

“A naval aviator for a father was a lot of things, Hangman,” you admit, hesitating for a moment, deciding how much you wanted to say. “It was limited time, and firm goodbyes. It was getting behind a yoke for the first time when I was 12. It was learning ranks at the same time I was learning how to do multiplication,” you say, and you study how his expression changed which each revelation. “Having a Naval Aviator for a father might have given me a home field advantage, but that’s all it did. The rest, the wings, the assignments, I earned those,” you tell him seriously.

“Sure you did,” he nods along condescendingly, but his eyes betray his curiosity, and for now, that was enough for you.

You smile again at him, though this time it is a bit sour. “You don’t believe me, that’s fine, fair even, to be skeptical. But you should know, you’re gonna eat crow when you realize how wrong you were,” you tell him seriously, before standing up with your plate and glass, and walking away.

…

You get your chance to prove him wrong just a few days later when the Tophatters get assigned to a drill with both of the other squadrons on board the carrier, the Black Aces, and the Vigilantes. Meaning both Nat and Jake are in the air with you.

After is the first time Jake looks at you with something other than cocky contempt. As if seeing you fly up close resolved some of his concerns, but there’s still something there. He was waiting for the other shoe, too bad no one told him that you’d had both feet firmly on the ground since you signed your life to the Unites States Naval Services.

You get paired with him about a month and a half later for a cover assignment for an emergency evac of a SEAL team.

Normally assignments were set within squads, but it was an emergency evac and the carrier was docked. You and Jake had been the closest to the carrier at the time who were qualified, and so you were the two who were sent off. You flew south into South America, and while a lot of the details were later labeled as redacted, Jake never questioned your ability after. Nor should he. You saved his life.

He did however decide that meant you were friends, much to the immense annoyance of one Natasha Trace.

Considering the entire mission had been classified and redacted, you weren’t able to explain a lot of it to her, but when Jake started choosing his words a little more carefully she did her best not to start anything either. When he started sitting with you in the mess, she eyed him carefully. And when he started following you around in any downtime that lined up, she kept her mouth shut.

She found a new case study in the two of you, the outward and obvious differences between Hangman with Athena, and Hangman without. Her eyes jumping from how easily you let your guard down with him, and how utterly soft Hangman could be when he thought no one was paying attention.

Natasha, to her credit, had tried, desperately tried, to get more information out of you regarding your budding friendship, but all you would ever offer was a simple, “people tend to be more complex than what meets the eye, ‘Nix, I’m proof of that. So is he, and so are you.”

She decided then and there, you had way too much tact and patience, and maybe, just maybe, that was what Hangman needed.

...

everything: @butterfly-skinnylegend

athena’s tags: @omgbrianab @smoothdogsgirl @bazellawriz @sbrewer21 @inky-sun @djs8891 @rory-cakes @geeksareunique @je6291 @whoismurphyslaw @kee-0-kee @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @thespillingvoid @youdontknowe @burningcoffeecupp @mrsevans90

...

[just-an-enby-lemon]

"When Hector died I felt anger." His sister looks at him skepticaly. The scars on her face a scary reminder, it should not be possible for them to hurt like that, to feel so much, to almost die, but their dad, their king could do it. "Even before the war the achaeans were your champions, yours, dad's, Hermes, Ares's, even Hera's. Hector was mine."

"You ruined his sister in pettyness." She finally says cold and almost unafected. He knows her way to well and they are long past that, he has no idea what she is thinking but he knows she'll never forget today, he won't either, he just hopes she forgives.

"Aren't mortals there for us to ruin?" His conviction about it used to be stronger, more honest, he didn't care for Cassandra but mayhaps he should have.

"Did you knew they existed before us?" His sister answers never one to refuse a debate. Ares was better at this types of conversations, Ares for all his faults was better at being a brother to all, Apollo was a good brother to Artemis, his other half, maybe to Hermes, sometimes, but he still didn't knew how to be with the others. "They were there with the old gods and with the Titans... they'll likely be there after us."

He wants to say it won't be an after them. But this aren't his words and the lightning never stroke him (it had never stroked Athena either, what's the point of being the favorites when you can still be hurt?).

"I love the sirens."

"You already made that point."

"I could not raise Hector and his clan as a reason. It was the gods will, dad's will, that made Odysseus kill Hector's son, and I already had my permited vengeance when I helped Paris kill Achiles."

She nods serius.

"Hector was my champion but I would never have his death be a reason to fight with dad. I would never have protected his child. I didn't."

"Are you here to blame me?"

"No... I... your mortal, you call him friend, it's true isn't it? He is not just a champion."

"I was never one for lies." But she smiles, a mischivous glint in her eyes, she was always one for lies, but she was also always one to tell truth when it actually mattered.

"Was it worth it?"

"Be more specific, dear brother." She knows what he wants to ask but she also knows how hard it is for him and how frustrating it is for the god of poetry to lose his words. This is her smaller, pettiest revenge and it fills him with relief that maybe things didn't change irreparably between them.

"All that happened today, all your suffering, not only the physical pain but the knowledge, was your friend worth it?"

She looks at him pondering the question before answering resolute. "Yes. Absolutly."

He smilles soflty.

"In this case I hope Odysseus makes home well and recovers from all his misfortunes. He must be really exceptional to have your friendship."

"He is."

"I heard he is a marksman. I don't think he'll need it but I'll still do my best to garantee his arrows do not miss a single target." It's the closest to an apology he'll ever be able to say. He hopes she takes it.

"Apollo, what you said about knowledge, I always knew we weren't really imune from father just cause he called us his favorites." His eyes grow bigger, she must really love her mortal, a small part of him thinks, Zeus will end us all one day the bigger part says in a small panicked realization. "Goddess of knowledge." It's a small jest, a way to take him out of his own fears, she'll never say she forgives him but now he knows she does.

"Silly of me to ever have forgotten it." He answers. More because he fells he has to say something. "Now if you forgive me, I have new bands to find and you have a long list of concerned sibblings to listen to and a mortal to save. Good luck, Thena."

He didn't really nicknamed his sibblings, there was always 'sweetheart', 'darling', 'honey', 'girlie' but never nicknames. Those were for Artemis and Hermes only. He should start changing that.

"See you arround, fanboy."

Athena never ever nicknames, she isn't soft, she isn't silly and her jokes are always dry. 'Fanboy' sounds like Hermes. THIS is the actual closest to forgiviness he'll have. He laughs musically as he leaves.

[redheadspark]

Hawuuuu again can I request 8. Why do you always think you have to do everything on your own? And 20. "I'm so so sorry, you don't deserve that," with Druig

I kinda imagine this scene taking place in Tenochtitlan scene just when Druig was leaving

A/N - HAWUU! Thanks for the request, my friend! I love this for Druig!

Together

Summary - Druig thinks he's going to be alone out in the jungle. He was proven wrong.

Warnings - Angst and Fluff mixed in!

“Druig…Druig come on talk to me,”

“I’ve said what I needed to say,” 

“No, stop,”  You placed your hand on his arm to stop him from walking further away from you, seeing him sigh in both frustration and in anger as you both were hidden under the towering trees of the jungle.  The night air was chilly and the adrenaline of the night’s events was still at an all-time high.  You were still reeling over what happened: Thena having Mahd Wy Rhy, watching a group of humans being murdered with no way of stopping it, and now the fragment of your own Eternal Family.

Seeing Druig walk away from your family was heartbreaking, but it was more heartbreaking to see through his eyes the pain he had to endure as genocide was happening with him being able to stop it.  You could see the betrayal in his eyes, heard it in his voice, and when you saw him walk away from you all, it felt like you were feeling the heartbreak yourself. 

You had to go after them, even after hearing Ikaris simply tell you to let him run off.  You ignored him, chasing after Druig as he and the soldiers under his control were going deep into the rainforest.  All you could think about was Druig and how he was feeling.  He left in such a state it was hard to get a reading on him or simply talk to him.  

You finally caught up to him at a small clearing, the cluster of soldiers that followed him were simply hanging around with their haunting yellow eyes.  You could still read the hurt on his face, wondering what you could do to help him.

“Look, all that happened back there…I’m sorry,” You simply said to him, not knowing what else to say to him as he was still stiff in his stance and the anger was on his face.  This was not that Druig that you knew, who would crack a joke to lighten the mood or have a good intuition on what the humans needed.  Deep down he had a good heart, though it was rare to see with the others on The Domo.  So to see him like this, lone out in the jungle after walking away from all he knew, it scared you and made you wish you could change what happened.

“I’m so so sorry, you don’t deserve that,” You kept saying to him, seeing him watch you and some of that festering anger start to melt away, “I understand how you feel, you love the humans so much.  I’ve seen it over the years, and I wish the others loved the humans as much as you did.  If you need to leave, then you can.  But just know that….that I think you made the right choice—“

He hugged you, making you go quiet in shock.  

Druig was never a hugger, he rarely did and would rather use his words for affirmation than physical contact.  This was new, awkward a bit but really new.  You did feel the hug, almost like his own soul and energy was melting into your own.  It was surreal to feel it, to almost feel his heartbeat against your own, a simmering warmth was now in your belly as you hugged him back gently.  Perhaps he was still reeling from what happened and was now realizing what he did, or he was simply feeling alone out in the middle of the jungle.

But you knew one thing, he needed this contact.

He pulled away before you could say anything, seeing him wipe his tears with his fingers before you could see it as you let your hands fall at your sides again.  Seeing this side of Druig, open and raw with no one around to see or witness this image of Druig, 

“You don’t need to do this, Druig,” you reminded him as he was shifting a bit on his feet, “You can go back and try to explain to them what you’re feeling,”

“I can’t,” He replied, his voice hoarse and almost broken as he was clenching and unclenching his fists, “Not after what happened and how they did nothing to stop it.  I have to do this on my own and—“

“Why do you always think you have to do everything on your own, Druig?” You asked him suddenly, Druig going quiet and looking at you as you gazed at him, “All the time I have known you, you always think you had to be alone in what you wanted to do.  You shouldn’t have to, not when it comes to something like this,”

“What are you talking about?” Druig asked you, having you pause and look back in the direction where the city was.  You knew it was up in flames, no longer having any evidence of life.  In fact, it was almost symbolic of what was happening in your family at that moment.  How the humans were evolving on a path that seems both thrilling and dark at the same time.  You could see the cracks already forming amongst the others, whether it was in meetings or simply being around each other.  The last thing you ever thought you could experience was those cracks.  

“I’m coming with you,” You said to him, seeing his eyes go wide as you sounded so sure of yourself.  He searched your eyes, thinking you were joking or wishing him to feel better.  But you were not going to be swayed in what you wanted to do, thinking about from the moment he chose to go down the stairs of that temple.  He was your friend, and seeing him suffer was hurting you from the inside out.  You are willing to go after Druig rather than let him go alone.  

He had more heart than anyone you knew.

“You….I can’t let you leave them to come with me,” He said in a stammer as you shrugged.

“Why not?  You need the help with these soldiers,” You explained, gesturing to the soldiers that were still standing around in the area, “And the last thing I want for you is to be alone.  Plus, they don’t need me,”

Maybe that part hurt when you said it between the pair of you, but you knew deep down that you had no more part with the others back on The Domo, let alone in a fight.  You were not strong like Ikaris or Thena, nor were you popular like Sersi or Kingo.  You felt out of place for a long time, only needing to put on a brave face for Ajak and protect the humans.  

Perhaps this was your sign to finally spread your own wings.

Druig took your hand in his own, you feeling his fingers lace with you and his warmth.  He didn’t have to say a word, but you felt it in his touch that he understood and that he was grateful.  You smiled, seeing him smile back for the first time that night.  

The End.

Hurt and Comfort Prompt Session

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

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

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

Chapter Twenty-Four

The thirtieth day of the ninth month of the year. A day that usually filled Maera with dread, and cause her to withdraw from those closest to her. But that would have to wait until later, as there was much to celebrate and prepare for this year.

The castle seamstress worked diligently, her nimble fingers adding the final details to Lady Maera's gown for the upcoming Harvest Moon Ball. Her maid Thena, observing the dress's design, couldn't help but comment, "That dress is quite daring for the royal court, my lady."

Maera, her eyes twinkling with mischief, smiled as she looked at the exquisite gown. "The design actually hails from Volantis," she revealed, her voice tinged with excitement. "My brother Dermot sent it to me in a letter from Essos as it features House Wylde’s colours." The seamstresses had been hard at work on it since her arrival in King's Landing, and they had executed the design beautifully.

Thena chuckled and commented, "I should've known it was from somewhere with a warmer climate. It's more revealing than a typical Westerosi dress."

Maera's laughter filled the room as she responded, "Men are easily swayed by what they see, Thena. I intend to use their weakness for the flesh to my advantage by wearing such a stunning dress."

As the seamstresses continued their work, Maera's thoughts drifted back to the return from the hunt. She remembered her father, Lord Jasper, bubbling with excitement at the prospect of the position Master of Coin being included in the marriage terms for his daughter. "I'll need to get it in writing from the King and have the document approved by the Hand," he had said, his mind already busy with the practicalities of the situation.

Maera chuckled at her father's meticulous nature. "Only the Master of Laws would think through things so methodically," she teased, her eyes gleaming with affection.

Ser Arryk, who had shared the carriage with them, chimed in, offering his congratulations. "You handled the situation with Ser Reginald at the feast exceptionally well, my lady."

Maera acknowledged his words with a nod but couldn't help her sarcasm from slipping through. "I appreciate that, Ser Arryk," she replied. "Although I would have relished the sight of you taking at least one of Ser Reginald's fingers,” causing the trio to laugh heartily.

After returning to the castle, the first thing Maera did was ask Thena to help her change into her comfortable bedclothes. Once she was more at ease, she made her way to Helaena's room, eager to share the day's events and gossip. She also requested that Thena stay and listen to the interesting details.

In Helaena's chambers, the two friends settled in comfortably on her bed with glasses of wine, and Maera began recounting the confrontation with Ser Reginald at the feast. Helaena relished every moment of the story, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she listened.

When Maera mentioned that Ser Reginald had stormed away when everyone toasted to her, Helaena burst into laughter. "Oh, that must have been quite the sight! I wish I could have been there to witness it myself," she exclaimed.

“You were right though, your Grace!” Exclaimed Maera. “Two feathers were set ablaze by dragon fire. And, oh my, did Ser Penrose burn.” The ladies giggled at sight of the disgruntled knight.

Helaena couldn't help but express her satisfaction with how Aemond had stood up for Maera during the ordeal. "It seems your friendship with my brother is on the mend," she commented with a sly grin. "Perhaps it will return to what it once was when we were children."

Maera chuckled at the thought, her heart warmed by the idea of restoring their close bond. "I'm not sure if we'll ever be as close as we were back then," she admitted, "but I'm certainly hopeful for a new kind of friendship.”

As the night wore on, Maera and Helaena continued to share stories, fits of laughter echoing through the chamber, almost reliving the carefree moments of their childhood. It was a night filled with laughter and warmth, a much-needed respite from the challenges of court life.

The seamstress carefully finished the final details on Maera's gown's sleeves, making sure every stitch was perfect. Just as she completed her work, Queen Alicent and Queen Helaena entered the room, prompting a respectful curtsy from Thena, the seamstress, and Maera herself.

Queen Alicent took a seat at the dining table, while Queen Helaena couldn't contain her excitement as she rushed over to her friend, commenting on the beauty of Maera's dress. Maera thanked Helaena graciously and began inquiring about her own gown. "Has your dress been finished?" she asked.

Helaena's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she replied, "Not yet. The embroidery at the bottom of the dress should be completed later today."

Maera was intrigued and asked, "What design have you chosen?"

Blushing slightly, Helaena shared, "Perisomena moths." And Maera gave her Queen a knowing smile.

The seamstress, having heard the conversation, chimed in with a compliment. "You will look beautiful in your dress tomorrow night, your Grace. As will you, Lady Maera," she assured the women.

Once the seamstress had helped Maera change back into her usual attire, Maera thanked her warmly and dismissed her. Thena was tasked with fetching some tea and cakes for the Queens, which she did promptly.

Maera turned her attention to Queen Alicent, inquiring about her dress. "Is your dress also finished, your Grace?" she asked curiously.

Alicent nodded but humbly remarked, "It is, but it will not be as glorious as Helaena's or yours, I am certain.”

As Thena brought in the tea and cakes, Maera decided it was time to express her gratitude to both Queens properly. She began by addressing Queen Alicent. "I want to thank you, your Grace," she said sincerely, "for allowing Ser Arryk to be my sworn protector. I've never felt safer in the castle."

Then, she turned her gaze to Queen Helaena and continued, "And thank you, my Queen, for vouching for me to King Aegon, for allowing my future husband to become Master of Coin. It means the world to me to serve the royal family here in the capital."

Queen Alicent interjected, emphasizing, "It's the least we could do for you, considering all you've endured." Maera wasn't entirely sure whether Alicent referred to the scandalous rumors from Ser Reginald, or Aegon's inappropriate behavior, but she chose not to delve into that matter further, instead focusing on the kindness she had received.

After a pleasant time of conversation and enjoying each other's company, a servant entered the chambers, interrupting their gathering. She curtsied and addressed Queen Helaena, saying, "Forgive me for the intrusion, Your Grace, but the children are asking for you."

Helaena promptly got up, excusing herself from Queen Alicent and Maera. She smiled warmly at them before departing to attend to her children.

With Helaena gone, Maera turned her attention back to Queen Alicent. She couldn't help but comment on Helaena's remarkable skills as a mother. "Helaena is a wonderful mother to her children," Maera remarked.

Queen Alicent nodded in agreement, her expression a mix of pride and melancholy. "Yes, she is," she admitted. "She's a better mother to her children than I was to mine."

An awkward silence hung in the air before Alicent bravely broached the topic that had been haunting Maera's thoughts. "I know, Lady Maera. About Aegon's attack," she began, causing Maera to lower her gaze, still feeling the shame and fear of that day. Alicent, showing a touch of compassion, reached out and touched Maera's hand, offering an apology on behalf of her son.

Maera acknowledged the apology with a somber nod. "I'm aware of the King’s behavior," she admitted quietly, "and I've heard many tales of poor maids suffering at his hands."

Another awkward silence followed, but Alicent, seemingly concerned for Maera, asked a delicate yet probing question, "I am sorry to ask this, sweetling, but for the sake of the crown, I must. How far did Aegon…take things with you?"

Maera's face flushed with embarrassment at the question. She just wanted to get forget the whole incident had ever happened, but conversations about it seemed to keep appearing. Alicent went further, suggesting the use of Maester Orwyle's assistance, mentioning Moon Tea to erase any evidence of the traumatic encounter.

However, before Maera could respond, Thena, her loyal maid, asked for permission to speak, which Alicent granted. Thena confidently stated, "When Ser Arryk I entered the room, there was no… evidence of Aegon having truly violated Lady Maera, my Queen." Alicent looked at the maid with a questioning gaze, unsure if she was speaking the truth.

She continued, "I understand that with such a delicate matter, the word of a servant may not be sufficient, your Grace. However, it should bring you additional reassurance that if such a violation did occur from the King, Lady Maera got her blood this morning, and the laundry maids can vouch for this as well."

Queen Alicent seemed content with this response and thanked Maera for hosting her. Maera curtsied respectfully as the Queen left her chambers. After the door closed, she released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

Thena, concerned for her mistress, asked, "Are you alright, my Lady?"

Maera nodded and replied, "Yes, I am, Thank You Thena. Please, fetch my cloak and alert Ser Arryk. I would like to visit the Sept."

The interior of the Sept of Baelor was a breathtaking sanctuary, a testament to the grandeur of the Faith of the Seven. Tall marble columns rose toward the arched ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings that depicted the seven aspects of the gods. Stained glass windows, dappled with colorful light, bathed the sept's interior in a celestial glow. The sept's hallowed halls echoed with the soft murmur of prayers and the solemn melodies of hymns, creating a sacred ambiance that transcended the passage of time.

In the quiet of the Sept, Maera lit a series of candles at the grand alter, each one a silent prayer to the Seven. Her whispered words echoed softly within the hallowed space.

"To the Father," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "bring justice to those who have sinned against us, and show them the path of righteousness."

She moved to the next candle and continued, "To the Mother, protect my family whilst I cannot watch over them, ensure they feel my love even though I am so far away."

Maera's steps were deliberate as she approached the third candle. "To the Warrior, grant me courage to face the challenges ahead, and may our soldiers fight valiantly in the war. If my House can assist in anyway, let it be known and we shall do it."

With each candle, her requests grew more personal. "To the Smith, bless me with resilience, that I may endure the path I walk. And grant me strength to mend the bonds with those from my past.”

Her thoughts turned to her own future as she lit another candle. "To the Maiden, guide me to kind suitors whose intentions are true, and let my marriage choice bring honor and advantage to my family. Please, protect my sisters as they enter their own marriages and ensure their husbands are good and kind men."

As Maera moved to the sixth candle, she whispered with a touch of sadness, "To the Crone, bring me wisdom to guide me to make the right decisions."

The seventh candle, however, held a deeper meaning. "And to the Stranger," she said softly, "with your guidance, may my mother's soul find peace in the heavens."

Finishing her prayers, she moved away from the alter and walked towards the individual statues of the Seven. Maera then knelt before the Statue of the Mother and lit thirteen candles, one for each year since her mother's passing. The soft flickering of the candlelight cast a warm, serene glow around her. With her prayers concluded and a sense of comfort washing over her, she stood with thoughts to leave the Sept, feeling a little lighter and more at peace than when she had entered.

Amid the sacred silence of the Sept, Maera's steps drew her closer to the statue of the Warrior, which was close to the exit of the building. There, she found a cloaked figure, knelt in earnest prayer. A sense of familiarity washed over her when the hooded figure turned to acknowledge her presence—it was Aemond. With a warm smile, she approached him, her footsteps barely a whisper on the Sept's cold stone floor. Maera offered him a respectful nod before speaking softly, "This is the last place I would expect to see you, Prince Aemond."

He nodded in acknowledgment and replied with a thoughtful hum, "We all have our faith, Lady Maera."

Aemond gestured for her to join him, and she gracefully complied, kneeling beside him. Together, they shared the tranquil stillness of the Sept, a sanctuary away from the turmoil of the world outside.

After a time, curiosity tugged at Maera, and she asked in a hushed voice, "What did you pray for?"

He paused for a moment, considering her question before answering, "Strength, from the Warrior."

Maera couldn't help but chuckle softly. "You couldn’t possibly need anymore strength, my Prince."

Aemond's response was a silent laugh, a momentary break in the sacred hush. As the quiet lingered, it was Maera who broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you not going to ask what I prayed for?"

Aemond's gaze remained focused on the altar, and he replied with a knowing tone, "No need. I know you were praying for your mother."

Maera blinked in surprise, taken aback by his intuition. "How did you...?"

He cut her off gently, his words carrying a hint of understanding. "On this day, during your previous stays in the capital, you'd spend most of it here, in the Sept. You did it every year. After a while, Helaena told me why.”

Her surprise turned into a small smile, and she nodded. "Very observant."

Together, they shared the solitude of the Sept, finding solace in each other's presence and the sanctuary of the gods. As they knelt together in the Sept, Aemond broke the sacred silence once more with a question, "What was she like? Your mother?"

Maera's lips curled into a soft smile as memories of her mother, Lady Gael, warmed her heart. "Sometimes," she began, "when I look at Helaena, I see glimpses of her. My mother had this thick, curly silver hair, and incredibly bright violet eyes. She always smelled of wildflowers and gave the warmest hugs." She paused for a moment, a distant look in her eyes.

Their gaze shifted to the statue of the Warrior, a solemn moment of reflection. Maera spoke quietly, "My grandfather, Vaegon, missed out on so much by not being a part of her upbringing."

Aemond hummed in response, his eyes fixed on the statue. "I know what it's like to have a bad father."

Maera carefully chose her words, her voice laced with empathy. "A father should never neglect his children, as King Viserys did with the children your mother provided him. Especially as he sought after sons for so long."

With their thoughts shared, they both decided it was time to leave the Sept. As they put on their cloaks to cover their hair, Maera turned to Aemond, her expression grateful. "I never properly thanked you for defending me at the feast, for standing up to Ser Reginald. Or for dealing with Aegon, after what he did."

Aemond responded with a sarcastic tone, "I have no idea what you're talking about, my Lady. The King must have tripped and fallen after too much to drink for that bruise to appear on his face." His words elicited a chuckle from Maera.

After a moment, Aemond added, "Consider it payment for how I treated you before."

Maera smiled at his words. "It's a start."

With a nod, Aemond turned and began to descend the steps of the Sept. Maera couldn't help herself and called after him, "Will I see you in the morning for our sword practice? I hope you don’t intend to miss it because of the ball." Aemond smirked and nodded before continuing on his way, leaving Maera with a sense of anticipation and excitement for sparring.

In the comfortable confines of the carriage ride back to the Keep, Maera couldn't help but smile to herself, her thoughts dwelling on her recent encounter with Prince Aemond. Things between them were changing, evolving, and she found herself genuinely enjoying his company. There was a growing sense of camaraderie, a connection, just like all those years ago, and she even missed his presence when he wasn't around.

Across from her, Ser Arryk, her ever-watchful knight, sat, his gaze fixed on her with unwavering intent. After a brief moment, he broke the silence, his voice cautious but earnest. "My lady, may I speak freely?" Maera nodded, granting him permission to voice his concerns.

Ser Arryk's words were filled with worry as he ventured forth. "The Prince is not the boy you once knew, my lady. While you may currently be on his good side, please understand that he can change his stance just as easily. Since the... incident with Prince Lucerys, he's become even more twisted, more bitter. The man you're seeing now is not the true reflection of who he has become."

Maera took in Ser Arryk's counsel with a thoughtful expression. She knew that the prince was complicated, bearing scars of his past actions and losses. "Thank you for your honesty, Ser Arryk," she responded. "I will heed your advice and tread carefully."

As Maera's carriage traversed the bustling streets of the city, a thunderous roar echoed through the air, reverberating against the stone walls and causing hearts to skip a beat. Maera instinctively stuck her head out of the carriage window, her gaze turning skyward. Against the backdrop of the cloudy sky, the two magnificent dragons, Ēbrion and Vhagar, soared in unison, their colossal forms casting fleeting shadows over the city below. Their colossal wings beat in powerful synchrony, creating a resonating thunder that reverberated through the city below. Sunlight danced off their scales, casting an ethereal shimmer upon their azure and bronze forms.

Maera returned to her seat, smiling to herself at the blooming friendship between the dragons, which mirrored her own friendship with the one-eyed Prince. However, like the dragons, Maera knew that if he wanted to, Aemond could burn her.

Note: As someone who writes, it’s hard to tell yourself that these filler chapters, even though I’ve filled them with crucial information, are just as important as the juicy main ones 😩 anybody else feel this?

Tags: @blue-serendipity @grungegrrrl @ammo23 @shesjustanothergeek @marvelescvpe

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

[metaphorical-goblin]

#18 kiss with Junthena

“Oh, this is a good one!” Athena thrusts another flower into Juniper’s hands. “What’s this one?” 

Junie looks down at it, brushes her fingers over the rows upon rows of petals. “Well, it’s a rose, though I’m sure you guessed that.”

“I did.”

“It might be a chippendale garden rose?” She tucks it into her hodgepodge bouquet, assembled entirely from Athena’s own clippings. “But I think they try to develop their own flowers here, so… this might be a new variety?”

“I can check the tag for you!” Athena jumps back and forth on her feet, like she’s about to do a fifty-meter dash (which… she probably is. Her girlfriend never passes up an opportunity to run). “Just give me, like, two seconds—”

“Oh, Thena…”

But she’s already sprinting off, and Junie holds her flowers to her chest as she watches her legs flex in her shorts. They’re a good blend like this, she thinks. Juniper spent almost her entire life before school in the woods, so she had the chance to become rather intimate with all sorts of forestry. She can still remember sifting through her grandma’s hand-crafted guidebook, with unblemished leaves from white oaks and red oaks and northern oaks and— well, a bunch of other trees that weren’t oaks.

Thena, on the other hand, had always lived in the city. Hustle and bustle were her norms, and even though Juniper couldn’t quite wrap her head around that, she appreciated having a hand to hold while they walked through busy streets and fought traffic to get to this experimental garden off a nearby college’s campus. They had a good balance like that; Junie to slow them down, and Athena to pull them through.

She crouches beside a stalk of irises (bleeding hearts, maybe?) and strokes them gently with her finger as Athena sprints back up. “Rosa occasus solis!” she says confidently, sporting an award-winning grin.

At Juniper’s blank stare, she clarifies. “Sunset rose! Which makes sense ‘cause of the…” Then, she reaches over, gently, and traces the outside edges of the flower’s head, red fading into orange. “The colors and everything.”

“Oh, wow!” Juniper holds it closer to her face, thumbing through the different layers. “What a unique name. I wonder how they developed it?”

“There’s— There’s actually a tour! Over there!” Athena thumbs over her shoulder. “And we can definitely join it because it’s led by this volunteer that’s worked here for twenty years or something, and— Oh! And they have over seven hundred varieties of hosta! And the story is pretty cool, but I’d rather you hear it from, you know, her.”

Juniper’s chest tightens. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose on the group. It’s… It’s no trouble. We can keep wandering ourselves.”

“No, it wouldn’t be any trouble! It’s free to join and everything! Since, you know. She’s a volunteer.”

“Um…” It wasn’t that Juniper didn’t want to; in fact, she really, really wanted to. “I just don’t want to be a bother, is all. I don’t need to see everything.” 

Athena stared at her, lips pursed, as her eyes traced up and down. Then, she shrugged. “Well, alright, I guess. If you’re sure.” Then, she leaned forward to give her a kiss. Junie had started to come around on the sweet, casual kisses in the middle of shopping or walking or simply meeting after her classes. It was just her simple way of showing everyone, “yes, this is my girlfriend, and I love her so so much.”

This time, though, when she reached up to cup Thena’s cheek, Athena did something different. Junie’s head tipped back, and Athena—

Athena reared back and blew so hard into her mouth that Juniper was simply… stunned into silence. She could almost swear her cheeks blew out, just a little. Her wrist still rested on Athena’s shoulder as she pulled back, blinked, and Athena’s grin simply grew wider and wider. 

“Okay?”

“I…” I wanted a kiss, actually… “Why did you do that?” she asks, a confused giggle bubbling out of her.

“So you,” she said, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose, “would do this.” Then, in true Athena fashion, the woman turned on her heel and sprinted away, running back to the tour group, who had since made their way over to the miniature swamp section.

Juniper laughed. “Athena Cykes!” She could hear Thena laughing even now, glancing over her shoulder and slowing her pace to run backwards for a few steps. 

“Come on!” she goads from across the lawn. “Are you gonna come get your kiss or not?”

Junie’s heart flutters in her chest. She pulls her flowers closer to her. 

Then, she slips off her wedges and hikes up her skirt. 

“Wait for me!”

---

send me a smoochie prompt!

[callsigndragon]

The Christmas Date | Chapter 11: Christmas makes me cry

Pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Fem!Kerner!Reader

(Ron Kerner is Slider, Iceman’s backseater)

Wordcount: 2.3k

Summary: Y/n “Athena” Kerner and Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw hate each other. Everybody knows. What happens when they have to fake date for a whole week to avoid Iceman and Slider’s matchmaking plans?

(there won’t be smut in this series)

Warnings: maJOR ANGST. Thena has a panic attack. anxiety. you know the deal. major fluff to compensate at the end. partial nudity (there's underwear on in the characters involved so don't worry)

A/N: Okay so this came to me randomly a few hours ago and i just...had to write it. This episode was supposed to be completely different but my heart wasn't having it so I changed it. Pros: Solo won't be doing anything more to thena (you're welcome). Cons: you're not gonna get rid of the other part of the angst that's is coming in the next chapters. FINAL ANGST I SWEAR. maybe.ALSO this chapter is a bit weird, you'll notice a song in the middle of the text, IF YOU CAN LISTEN TO IT WHILE READING THAT PART. You'll thank me later.

Taglist: @ducks118 @milestellerwife @craftymoonchaos @littlebadariell   @xoxabs88xox  @alexxavicry @tayrae515 @shrimping-for-all  @mak-32 @my-soulmate-is-mycroft @harper1666 @purplevortexx @abaker74 @ssprayberrythings @melllinaa @loveless-simp  @k-k0129 @mygyn @castle-bookworms-world @chaoticversion @one-sweet-gubler @loveforaugust

@taytaylala12 @benhardysdrumstick @green-intervention @waatermelon-sugaar @smells-like-perfect-senses @interstellarloneliness @tay-bluey @diggorycullen @dhwanishah09 @inky-sun @luckyladycreator2 @nograce-nomercy @witchybabel

(If you want to be added, write in the comments!)

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His lips wake you up, as if he were a prince wanting to rescue his princess from an eternal slumber. 

“Not now, I want to sleep more,” you whine, pulling up the covers and hiding underneath them. 

“I woke up early and went to get you some nice French toast from that place you like. I got you one of those fancy coffees with unpronounceable names and arranged it all in front of the fireplace, where my dad’s Polaroid album is waiting. You’re getting out of bed now, please?”  

Oh, shit. The album! You kick the covers away from you, hugging Rooster and covering his face in kisses. His giggles make you smile. “Morning, handsome nugget.” 

“Morning, beautiful grouchy.” 

You move back a bit to look in his eyes, sighing at what you see in them: pure love and adoration. “Why did you go all the way out for me?” 

“First of all, you deserve it, so shut up. Second,” he sighs, getting up from the bed, “I wanted to make this morning a bit easier for you before going to the station to report… the monster.” 

You swallow, looking at the floor. “I’m not gonna report him” 

“What?” 

“We’re leaving in two days, I don’t think it’s necessary. We won’t see him again after this” you shrug. 

“Sweetheart, this is not how things work. You know it.” He kneels in front of you, opening his hands and waiting for you to grab them. You don’t.

“I-I know but I can’t go to the station and talk about it. I’m doing my best to block those memories, but they’re so recent, a-and I…” Someone knocks at the door and you begin to tremble, tears welling up in your eyes. 

Are the walls moving closer? Why does it look like the room is getting smaller? You can’t breathe. Run. You can’t. You can’t move. 

“Oh no, no, no. Grouchy, look at me.” 

You can’t. Your eyes are closed, protecting you from the outside world and the white, menacing walls that keep getting closer and closer as if trying to crush you between them. 

“Thena. Thena, please. Look at me. Only at me.” 

Someone is touching you. The monster has finally gotten what he wanted. He’s carrying you around, maybe looking for a bed to lay you down. You need to get out of his arms. You hit him everywhere you can, but it’s not working. He’s stronger than you. 

The soft knock is now an insistent banging against the wooden door. Erratic and incessant sounds that echo in your ears. Is he here again? Has he come to finish what he couldn’t yesterday? 

Make it stop.

Make it stop. 

Make. 

It. 

Stop. 

Rooster looks at the trembling girl in front of him, not knowing exactly what to do. He can’t touch her, not like this. He can’t get consent from Thena, he’s not going to touch her. But if he can’t ground her back to reality soon, she’s going to get worse. 

I’m sorry, Y/n. I’m sorry for this.

Rooster carries her to the bathroom, bridal style. She screams, hits him, and tries to escape, too immersed in her own nightmare to realize that the monster is not there. The person knocking on the door is becoming impatient. Probably Slider, worried about her daughter’s screams. Rooster can’t open the door now. He needs to take care of Thena first. 

The world can wait five fucking minutes. 

He goes straight to the shower, opening the faucet and standing in the freezing water with Thena in his arms. He doesn’t know if this is going to work, but it does for him when he has panic attacks. He’s getting soaked, but it doesn’t matter. She matters. His star is agonizing, and he needs to bring her back. 

The bedroom door bursts open, and Thena screams, tossing around in his arms and crying even more. Slider walks in the bathroom with a worried expression, followed by Iceman and Mav. 

“What the fuck is happening?” he asks with a mixture of anger and fear. 

“At this point, I think she’s hallucinating.” Rooster responds, his voice breaking down at the thought of Thena going through something he can’t help her with. “It’s Becca here?” 

She appears from behind his father, tears in her eyes. “I’m here” 

“I need you to come here and talk to her. Maybe hearing a female voice would calm her down.” 

Becca nods, stepping into the tiny shower and talking with her in that motherly tone she always uses with Jesse. Oh, Jesse. Rooster hopes he’s not seeing this. Nobody should see Thena like this. But poor Jesse might be so scared if he saw her favorite auntie in such a state. 

“Hey, sweetheart. It’s me, Becca. You’re here with me. You’re safe. Listen to my voice, please. You’re safe.” 

Becca keeps talking with her for a few minutes, with Thena’s body slowly relaxing between his arms and her eyes, which have been closed the entire time, opening slowly. She looks around, confusion spreading over her face. The trembling doesn’t stop, however. 

“Grouchy, can you hear me?” 

“N-nugget?” she mumbles, her voice hoarse for all the screaming. 

“Yes, my love, it’s nugget. I’m gonna ask you a few questions, okay? Answer if you can," she nods slowly, and Rooster employs a technique taught to him by his therapist years ago. “Tell me five things you see” 

She doesn’t move her gaze from him, as if she were scared that if she looked around, she would see the monster’s face in front of her. “You. Your scars. Y-your stache. Your wet hair. The faucet” 

“Now, four things you can feel” 

“My wet clothes. The water on my skin. Your body is trembling… are you cold?” 

“Focus now, fly girl. One more” 

“My feet on the ground” 

He nods; she's returning slowly but safely. “Three things you can hear”

“Your voice, your breathing, water running” 

Her breath slows down to a normal rhythm.

“Two things you can smell” 

“You. And soap” he looks at one of the shampoo bottles Thena had kicked when he got her in the shower, now opened and oozing. 

“One thing you can taste” 

She stops shaking. 

“Nothing. I didn’t have breakfast. Oh god, Rooster…” 

"There you are," Rooster exhales, relieved. “Please don’t go to places where I can’t follow you.” 

She hugs him harder than she's ever done before. Becca turns off the faucet, being careful not to touch Thena by accident, and steps out of the shower, getting wrapped in a towel by her dad. 

“I’m sorry,” Thena whispers. 

“Don’t. You have nothing to apologize for. Let’s take you out of these cold clothes. I’ll run you a bath and wait for you downstairs with a warm cup of chocolate.” Rooster offers, knowing that if he doesn’t warm Thena’s body, she will get a cold. 

“Don’t leave me,” she pleads. 

“Never” 

“Once you two are ready,” Becca says, talking for all, “we would like to know as much as you can tell us of what has happened here” 

Rooster looks at Thena, she looks at the ground, considering her choices, and then nods slowly. “He’ll tell you. I can’t think or hear about it. Not yet” 

The family nods, slowly leaving the bathroom and the room. “I don’t know if I can be alone with my thoughts in a bath…” 

“I can keep my underwear on and join you,” he offers. 

She nods, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. “He broke me, Roos.” 

“You’re not broken.” 

She opens her mouth to say something else but closes it quickly, as if she wasn't sure how to express her thoughts. “I’m cold” 

“I’ll get the bath started.” 

You look at Rooster getting inside the tub, leaning against the white end. You take off your clothes, you’re only wearing Rooster’s hoodie that he gave you last night, black yoga shorts, and your underwear. You’re not ready to take off your underwear yet. “Can I keep this?” you ask him, signaling to the mismatched bra and panties you’re wearing. 

“Sweetheart, you’re the one that decides, not me.” 

You nod slowly, getting closer to the tub. “This may sound contradictory because ten minutes ago I was trying to escape from your arms, but... can I sit with you?” 

“You mean, your back on my chest?” 

“If it’s okay,” you insist, asking for permission. 

He doesn’t answer, just opens his arms as a nonverbal confirmation. You smile a bit, getting inside and sitting in the middle of the tub, leaning slowly against Rooster’s body. You don’t really understand how, but he’s the only touch you can tolerate right now. Whenever he isn’t there, you miss it. Crave it, even. It’s completely illogical. 

The hot water pierces your cold skin, warming it slowly. He moves his arms to rest on each side of the tub, avoiding any more contact between you and his body. He doesn’t want you to be overwhelmed. 

“Thank you, Bradley,” you whisper. 

“Don’t need to thank me, little star” 

“Star? That's a new one," you say as you lift your hand from the warm water and grab Rooster's large one. He turns his hand, his palm facing up, and your fingers slowly trace the lines. 

“I said once that you were my Polaris. You’re my little star” 

“What if this star doesn’t shine anymore?” you question with tears in your eyes. 

He kisses your head. “You don’t need to shine to be my star” 

“Do you still want to be with me after all this?” 

And there it is, the question you have been afraid to ask. 

“Y/n look at me” 

You turn around to see his calm and comforting expression. “The only way you’re getting rid of me is when you say you don’t love me anymore” 

“I think I love you more than yesterday,” you admit shyly, his hand moving to caress your cheek. 

“And I think I love you less than tomorrow.” 

Rooster stated that he will inform your family about the monster and everything that happened not only yesterday, but years ago as well. He asked for Ice’s help, because both of you knew that once Slider learns that his best friend hid something so important from him for years, things will get uncomfortable. 

You can’t stand being in a room alone, so he hands you his headphones, looks for a playlist that he has on Spotify named ‘the brightest star’, and presses play. You want to ask him why the playlist is called like that, but you see the family entering the room, and you know that it’s the moment to tune out the world. In your hands, you have Goose’s album. It’s old, and some pages seem to be, quite literally, hanging from a thread. You should get a new album, too. 

You look at all the pictures, finally finding that picture of baby you and a 4-year-old Rooster. He’s wearing his dad's glasses. It is truly a beautiful picture. Maybe you can get a copy and have it in your cockpit. 

Rooster playlist changes from a silly and happy Paramore song to a song you haven’t heard before but it has the most beautiful lyrics. 

Let your arms be a place she feels safe in. 

Wait, what’s this song about? You unlock Rooster’s phone, quickly opening the music app to read the lyrics. 

She always has trouble 

Falling asleep 

And she likes to cuddle 

While under the sheets

She loves Pop songs

And dancing, and bad trash TV

It's as if this song was talking about you. 

Has a hard time accepting 

A good compliment 

She loves her whole family

And all of her friends

It’s this playlist about you? Does he have a special selection of songs that remind him of you? 

So if you’re the one she lets in

Take it

If she gives you her heart

Don’t you break it

Let your arms be a place 

She feels safe in

This might be the most beautiful song you’ve ever heard. And you wish he would sing it to you. He has a beautiful voice. 

She’ll love you 

If you love her 

On days when

It feels like the whole 

World might cave in

Stand side by side 

And you’ll make it

She’s the best thing you’ll ever have

She’ll love you

If you love her like that

When you raise your head to look at Rooster, you notice the room is empty. It looks like he finished his story, and all of them left the room to leave you some space. 

He takes off your headphones. “What are you listening to, grouchy?” He stays silent for a few seconds until he registers the song and smiles. “Oh, is this one?”

“Roos is this-”

“Is the playlist about you? Yes. Absolutely. At first, it only had one song. When I see you smile”

"80s song, how typical of you," you say with a smile. 

“Well, the lyrics fit, don’t you think? Anyway, then I kept hearing songs on the radio that reminded me of you, or had a very deep meaning or… just like this one, it was made for you” 

“If it helps… your arms are the safest place on Earth for me” 

“And when I see you smile, I can face the world,” he admits, leaning close to your face to kiss you. 

“Agh, you’re literally DISGUSTINGLY CUTE,” Nick says, covering his eyes while walking towards the sofa, where his phone is. 

“Get lost,” you both say before closing the distance and kissing each other with so much love you feel goosebumps on your skin and tears in your eyes. 

Feeling loved has to be the best feeling in the world.

A/N: Anyone interested in hearing the playlist? Is small but cute, i swear. I'll leave it here.

[chaotickryptonitecomputer]

Alone and Broken

Ajak’s voice came out clear and firm “This is where I say goodbye. You are free to go. I want you to go out there and live a life for yourselves. Not as soldiers, not with the purpose you were given. Find your own purpose and one day when we see each other again, I want you to tell me what you found”

As everyone begins to leave, and I quickly follow Gilgamesh and Thena who are speaking in quiet tones, down the steps and into the forest. Walking deeper into the trees they both seem to have finish their conversation before turning to me. “You’re not coming with us (Y/N)” Thena’s voice is low and cold

“I’m not afraid of you Thena, I know who you are, I know who I fell in love with.”

Gilgamesh glances at Thena before gesturing to the side and walking off.

“I don't love you; it was nice while it lasted a warm body after a battle but now that the deviants are gone, I have no need for someone as weak as you.”

I strike my head in disbelief. “I don't believe you it was never about a warm body and I’m not going to let you push me away when you need someone the most.” I stepped towards Thena attempting to touch her arm only for it to be slapped away.

“Maybe I wasn't clear I don't want you you're a burden thinking about you following me around for the next 100 years makes me sick to my stomach. I never loved you I only used you.” Thena’s voice is cold, and her face twisted into a disgusted angry expression.

My blood runs cold I start to feel sick to my stomach. Thena turns and walks away without another word leaving me standing alone in forest.

Every day since then I have been alone, I would forever be grateful to Ajak for giving us our freedom, but I was alone. The last words me and Thena exchanged running through my mind on a loop. I have been in love with Thena for as long as I could remember and for a while, I thought she was as well. I was one of the eternals aggressively against her losing her memories despite the fact of her Mahd Wy’ry, but she used me. I was always just a background character in the eternals. My powers concerning the elements were never much help, Ajax always told me that my heart was my greatest power but now I can't help but disagree because here I am three thousand years in the future and yet I'm still alone. Not one of my so-called eternal friends has ever come to look for me, not even Ajax.

I’m brought back to present day with a sharp knock and the door of my cabin. I shake my head to get rid of the memories like brushing away cobwebs before standing. I take a few steps towards the door before pausing and remembering I live in the middle of the woods there's no civilization for two hundred miles out. I grab a knife from the table I’ve been seated at and make my way towards the door before speaking. “Who’s there?” my voice come out raspy and dry, like sandpaper against a wall.

“It’s Sersi…. from college.” The voice says a bit hesitant at the end “Everyone else is with here too, well except Ajax and Gilgamesh.”  

My mind raced as I stumbled back from the door, bumping into a table, then a chair as I tried to process this. Several thoughts swirled around my head as I stepped closer to the door. Why were they here? None of them care about me, they all disappeared never caring abut me. As these thoughts run through my mind, I start to get angry.

Twisting the doorknob, I tear the door open, nearly taking it from its hinges. “What do you want, I’m not quite in the mood for company.”

They all stand there, surprised at the venom in my voice. I glance around taking in the faces of Sersi Kingo, Makkari, Druig, Ikaris, Sprite, Phastos, and Thena. The air catches in my throat as the sight of Thena, and it's like no time has passed and I've just had my heart broken all over again. She attempts to meet my eyes but ignore her and everyone else in focus on Sersi.

“We need your help, Ajax and Gilgamesh were killed by deviants and...”

“Why should I help you?” I cut her off before she can finish. “Why should I care about two dead people who didn't care about me, as a matter of fact why should I care about any of you.” I scoff shaking my head.

Sersi flinches as if slapped and looks over her shoulder to the rest of the group for help. Kingo steps forward a wide smile on his face. “Come on (Y/N) you know we've missed your…”

“Missed me? Ha yeah right, I hate liars been three thousand years and now you miss me. More like you just remembered I existed I need more help on your little mission. Now Druig and Makkari I can understand, but the rest of you just didn’t care enough to check on me.” As I speak ice grows around my feet and wind starts to circle around me forcing them to step back from the door as I step forward.

“(Y/N).” Thena says her voice holding none of the chill it did when we last spoke.

As I force myself to meet her eyes all the feelings, I've tried to hold back seem to rush back filling my ears with a roar. “You don't get to speak to me ever again, or did you forget what the last thing was you said to me. Let me give you a little reminder ‘It was nice to have a warm body after battle, I have no need for someone so weak’. Or hey this was my favorite ‘Thinking about you following me around for the next one hundred years makes me sick to my stomach. I never loved you’.  

By the time I'm finished speaking there is a cyclone circling around me while my fingers start to spark with the beginnings of fire. Thena’s face is twisted as I repeat her words back to her the same ones that have been running through my head for hundreds of years. Then Ajax’s words which were always kind and soothing Appear in my mind ‘Your heart, your compassion is your greatest gift never lose the love you have for others.’

Shaking my head once more I finally speak again. “I'll help you but after I want you all to leave me alone. Since you were all so good at it before it shouldn't be that big of a problem. I refuse to be a second-rate person in anyone's life especially people I used to consider my family.” Glaring at them all before my eyes rest on Thena once more.

“Please don’t look at me with such hatred. I didn’t mean to hurt you I didn’t mean any of what I said I was trying to protect you. We can still fix this.” Thena’s voice cracks as she looks back at me with despair

“Maybe in another life but you made me miserable, and I still loved you. How could you have thought this wouldn't hurt me? This can’t  be fixed you've ruined what was between us for good now.”

[thelikesofus]

you are my boy, buckaroo

9-1-1 on Fox | 1724 words | hostage situation, athena is buck’s mom prove me wrong, established relationship buddie, wrong place wrong time buck strikes again

tw gun mentioned

Read on AO3

Athena is in the middle of lunch when her phone vibrates in her breast pocket. It has been a day and it's only 2 pm. Her morning patrol ended at a residential home for someone’s idiot boyfriend who had left his keys at work and his girlfriend had called the cops thinking someone was trying to break into their house. The guy’s phone had been in his pocket the whole time yet he hadn’t thought to call his girlfriend to let him inside. 

For a moment she considers ignoring the call and enjoying her sandwich in peace she knows that Harry has a basketball game today and he was going to call her when the game ended.

Leaving her sandwich on the plate with a sigh she tugs the phone out of her pocket and grins at the caller ID. “Hello, Buckaroo. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“‘Thena.” A tiny voice whispers down the line. Athena’s hackles are up instantly and the skin on the back of her neck goosebumps immediately. 

“Buck? What’s going on? Are you in trouble?” She’s already walking out of the station and crossing the parking lot to her patrol car, her sandwich abandoned. She keeps her phone tucked between her shoulder and her ear as she fishes out her keys and climbs into her car. “Talk to me, Buck. What’s going on?”

“I’m at the grocer's on West Adams Boulevard.” He’s still whispering and between the shaking of his voice and the commotion around him, Athena can barely pick up what he’s saying. “They barred the doors. I think someone has a gun.”

“Okay. Okay, Baby. I’m on my way.” She throws the patrol car into reverse and rips out of the parking lot. “Are you somewhere safe? Buck?”

“Athena, I don’t think–.” There is shouting on Buck’s end of the line followed by a grunt and a lot of rustling.

“Buck!”

“This one had a phone!” A voice that isn’t Buck’s carries down the line and Athena’s heart feels like a lump in her throat as she switches lanes and turns onto the next block. 

“Buck?” There’s more yelling and then the call ends with a resounding beep.

It takes twenty minutes to get to the grocer Buck mentioned and when Athena pulls up there are already two other cruisers and the ambulance from Station 26 parked outside. Athena swings open her door and charges across the parking lot with her phone still gripped in an iron fist. 

Glancing at the building, she can see very little movement inside though most of the windows are blocked by display cases and overstocked food aisles. “Sergeant Cammeray? What's the situation?”

The older sergeant looks at her and calls out, “Sergeant Grant. Were you called to this too?”

“No, but one of my boys is inside? Can you tell me what’s going on?”

He nods and walks over to meet her pointing towards the front door as he walks. “I’m told it’s a hostage situation. We’ve got about ten civilians inside, two men went in just before 2 o’clock and barred the doors behind them. Someone walking down the street called 9-1-1 after they heard gunshots from inside. We’ve had one girl who snuck out through a back door in the loading bay,” He points to a young woman sitting in the back of The 26’s ambulance with a shock blanket wrapped around her shoulders. 

“She able to tell you anything?” Athena asks.

“Not really. She works there and was in the back when they came in. They must have seen her leaving though because they barred that back door behind her.”

“So they let one escape but haven’t started making any demands?”

Cammeray shakes his head. “We’ve got a hostage negotiator on their way. There haven’t been any more shots fired, for all we know it was a warning shot, to scare them.”

Athena turns up her nose. “For all you know someone could be bleeding out in there while you’re all standing around twiddling your thumbs!” 

An hour passes since Buck first called and the negotiator arrives, a stout man with a terrible mustache but who seems to be very good at his job. Or at least, he thinks he is, Athena starts to doubt that at the two-hour mark. There has still been little movement from what she can see through the windows.

Special Agent Sully reports that the men inside are starting to make demands, willing to negotiate. Then more vehicles pull up unannounced as simultaneously all chaos breaks out inside. There’s crashing, sounds of shelves toppling, glass breaking, and gunshots. Three consecutive shots are fired and Athena decides that enough is enough and marches towards the front door, plotting vengeance with every step if they have harmed even a single hair on Evan Buckley’s head. 

She is brought to an abrupt halt by Cammeray blocking her way. “Sergeant Grant.”

“You better move out of my way Gordan or you’re gonna have another thing coming.”

“Sergeant Grant, one of them is an ex-marine. This is out of our jurisdiction now.”

“Jurisdiction my ass. Move!”

“You will be the first one in behind them.” Cammeray indicates to the NCIS unit and SWAT teams both gearing up across the parking lot. “But not a moment sooner.”

This seems like overkill for a grocery store and patience is not Athena’s strong suit—she is well aware—but the wait becomes torturous as a fourth and final shot echoes from the building right as SWAT breaches the doors, front and back.

True to his word, Cammeray lets Athena through as soon as the two men are led out in handcuffs by two NCIS special agents. Inside the store is a mess. The shelves have been ransacked and the till is hanging from the bench by its wires. Athena however is more focused on scanning the array of people who were previously being held hostage but are now being checked over by the paramedics from Station 26. 

Finally, she spots Buck and some of the pressure in her chest eases when she sees him shuffling to his knees as the paramedic who was checking him over moves on to another patient. 

It only takes her a moment to cross the store and crouch in front of him, her hands instantly coming up to cup his cheeks. “Athena?”

“Hey, Baby. Yeah, I’m here.” Buck sighs and falls into Athena’s side. She wraps her arm around his shoulders and runs the fingers of her free hand over his hair. “How come any time there’s trouble, you always find yourself in the middle of it?”

“Special talent?” Buck mumbles and she chuckles as she rubs her hand up and down his arm.

“Okay, let me look at you.” She holds him away from her and brings her fingers to his face.

“The paramedic already cleared me, ‘Thena.”

She tuts at him and turns his face from side to side. There’s a scrape up one side of his face and a nasty welt around his right eye. “Let me fuss for a moment, please. I was worried about you, and for good reason, it seems. Did one of them punch you?”

“Yeah.”

Athena levels him with a flat look and Buck sighs dramatically. “He had a gun, Athena. And he kept waving it at this lady and her baby, and I just–.” Buck motions with his arm and Athena resists the urge to cuff him around the head. 

“Just what? Tackled him?”

Buck glances away and won't meet her eyes.

“Oh, you are so glad your boyfriend isn’t here right now.”

“Please don’t tell Eddie,” Buck begs, spinning back to turn wide pleading eyes on her.

Eddie is out of town visiting his parents in El Paso for the weekend, Buck was supposed to be there with him but following one of that other A shift crew breaking their collar bone on a golf trip, Bobby had to regretfully ask Buck to stay behind. Athena knows full well that Eddie would have Buck’s head on a pike for putting himself in danger again, especially while Eddie wasn’t there to protect him. 

“You know your boy will find out one way or another.”

Buck sighs and leans heavily into the side of the ambulance door. “I know, just, not tonight. Please?”

“Okay,” Athena relents and reaches out to squeeze his shoulder. “But you are coming home with me tonight.”

“Athena–!”

“Nope, no excuses. The guest room is yours and I’m not letting you out of my sight until the sun comes up again.”

Bobby is waiting at the front door when they arrive at the Nash-Grant house and as soon as Buck is within three feet of him Bobby grabs the boy by his shoulders and holds him firmly in place as he looks him over much the same way Athena did. 

After dinner, Buck finds Athena on her favorite lounge chair in the back yard and he perches on the edge of the one next to her. 

“Hey, Athena.” He starts quietly, looking down at his hands. “Thank you, for coming today, I mean.”

Athena sits up smoothly and reaches out to cup Buck’s cheek, forcing him to look up at him as she smooths her thumb back and forth against the apple of his cheek. “Buckaroo, you are my boy. I will always come when you call me. Always.”

Buck's eyes instantly turn glassy and Athena rises from her seat to kiss his forehead before departing for the night. “Get some sleep, Baby. There’s a toothbrush for you in the bathroom drawer.”

Buck gets a third round of being fussed over when Eddie flies back into Los Angeles the next afternoon—a day earlier than he was meant to be back—but word travels fast and Eddie changed his flights as soon as he heard what had happened. Athena watches from the kitchen table as Eddie winds his arms tightly around Buck and pulls him close to his chest, dropping a kiss on his forehead and to the bruise forming over his right eye. 

“I am never leaving you unsupervised ever again.” Eddie says firmly and Buck rolls his eyes but lets Eddie continue to fret over him and Athena can see the pleasing blush that creeps up his neck at the attention.

[endy-x]

ArtFight Recap (1)

Recap 2 / Recap 3 I thought I'd go and post my attacks from artfight that I did, I had a ton of fun this year, I'm going to post them in batches because there is a lot and I do not have the energy to make an individual post for all of them

If you want me to remove you from this list, or add or remove any links in any way just message me and I will!

Im going to put a keep reading here because there is a lot of stuff here so I dont want to block your feed if you're not interested

My first attack Fanale Nightshone was for Kanato4 Very cute character design and was very fun to draw

My second attack was Aster for YellowSubmariine- Very cool design and I'm Really proud of how it turned out

My Third attack was Preston For @shinibobo A really cool looking character who I had a great time drawing and I am very proud of

My fourth attack was Beck For WolfRocket [ Twitter wolventooth and Instagram wolventooth] Very Fun character, and all the refrences were great

My Fifth attack was ✩ Dear Ochi ✩ for Dearochi [Twitter dearochii] Very cool looking character and I'm very proud of the details for this one

My sixth attack was Phoebe (☆☆) for @yesimlithiyum This character design really caught my attention and was very fun to draw

My Seventh attack was Olivia "Ollie" Beck ⚜ for laundrymachin_inc [Instagram laundrymachin.inc] This character design stuck out to me so I had to draw it

My eigth attack was Vir ❤️ for @skystrikeflame I saw this super friendly looking dragon who I couldnt just not draw

My ninth attack was Keres for Any1999 [Instagram Any1999] I loved the multiple arms, I reckon if I drew them again I could draw them even better but for now I'm happy with it

My tenth attack was Gabriel Lucitor for @kottcakes-but-jazzy [Instagram kottcakes]This was a really fun character to draw and looks really cool especially in the original style!

My eleventh attack was Amiera for Holojing [Instagram Holo_jing] I really liked the art style and this was a super cool looking character

My twelfth attack was Kymeros (BG3)❤️ for @skystrikeflame After getting a revenge I drew another character for them, they are a great artist, definately check them out

My thirteenth attack was Akoi for @sleepy161 This character was especially fun to draw because of the side profile and the giant hair

My fourteenth attack was Max for Alex_Lucci [Twitter @AlexLucci2] I loved the outline style for this character and the colours were really cool

My fifteenth character was Lucky for Labo_coco Very fun to draw and very cute

My sixteenth character was Dorothy Ebbetis [Scifi AU] for KingSybbyl [Twitter KingSybbylDraws] Such a beautiful character design and I'm very proud of how she turned out

My Seventeenth character was Noh by MsTweets [Twitter MsTweetums] I love her art style and character designs and Noh was extremely fun to draw

My eighteenth character was Cringe for @sweetnsour-stuff Very fun to draw and I dont see many characters which are just a whole bird, very cool character, very fun to draw

My nineteenth character was Aurel (Vampire) for Rakuuu Such a pretty vampire

Attack 20 was Thena for @pensirru Super cute character and very colourful, great to draw

Attack 21 was Naruki / Rook for @raioknight I love how he looks and he was a joy to draw

Attack 22 was Anneliese Skyla for tinyhorsefan I loved her design and had to draw her

Attack 23 was Dukes for ravenkroftt [Twitter ravenkroftt Instagram ravenkroftt.art] Was super fun to draw, super fluffy too :D

Attack 24 was fable the sheep for corbbeoedn [Twitter punytoon] I loved this character design and it really inspired me with the claws

Attack 25 was Jonah for DuckorApe [Instagram truck_stop_tiger] not sure why its so much bigger than the others lol but the reference was very cute and he was fun to draw

Attack 26 was Rivet for aloette_art [Instagram aloexcv] Not sure what about the design inspired me but the character is really pretty and I'm very happy with my drawing

Attack 27 was calliope for kaybay Very cute character design and very fun to draw

Attack 28 was Iggy for POLA_RIS [Twitter @POLARIS_GL] A very cool looking character and very fun to draw

Attack 29 was Azael for Abiador [Instagram Abi_ador] Super cool design, very fun to draw

Attack 30 was Cole for @theyellowbridg3 I loved the monochromatic vibe and the sunglasses are really cool

[softquietsteadylove]

Helloo, how are you?

So its halloween and i have a little request for something scary. Maybe the eternals somehow end up in this very old and problaby haunted house, and then the ghost in said house take a liking for Thena, so they start to hide her and make the others see her when she is not there. And poor Gil is more scared that he would like.

(Also thank you for answering to my asks🩷😭)

"This place really is massive," Gil commented mildly as he moved the flashlight around the walls. It was just the sound of their steps and their breathing. The halls of this old asylum were oppressively quiet.

"It's easily the largest space we've ever been in," Thena agreed as she too moved moved her light to examine their surroundings. "Its a good thing the others agreed to come with us to man the equipment."

Their friends were being good sports about it, whether or not they were present as true believers or because if half of their group was already in, they might as well all come.

"I hope they don't hate me for dragging them out here all Halloween night," he gulped as they turned a corner down - what a surprise - another pitch black hallway.

Thena scoffed at the idea, though, allowing him to walk even closer to her, all but clinging to her arm. "Please, all they would be doing is loitering at Phastos' anyway. He and Ben would be watching something, Makkari and Druig would be pretending not to make out in the corner and Ikaris would be trying - and failing - to hold Sersi's hand during the whole movie."

Gil snickered beside her. Thena's observations could seem cutting at times, but they were never all that inaccurate. And they could be pretty funny, in that way. "I'm sure he'd get there eventually."

"I have yet to see it," she drawled about their mutual friend, more frenemy when it came to her and Ikaris in particular. "Speaking of, when did they last check in?"

Gil pulled pulled out his walkie-talkie. "Ground floor, do you copy?"

"Ugh, Gil--aye, we're still 'ere. You don't have to go all air traffic control for it."

Well, if he was going to be such a stick in the mud. Gil huffed, "roger that, Party-Pooper."

"Oi!"

Thena took his hand and pulled the walkie closer to her. "Sersi, tell us if he holds onto you too tight and we'll switch floors."

"Watch it!"

The constant radio static of the channel clicked again and Sersi laughed. "He's really quite all right, you two. Anything up there?"

"Nothing, so far," Thena sighed before remembering to add, "over and out."

Gil smiled as he put the walkie back in his pocket. Thena probably thought it was silly too, but she would never actually say anything. It was one of the many ways in which she indulged him on these ghost hunts. "Hey."

She looked at him, wondering what had caught his attention. Once she saw him wiggling his hand at her, her smiled turned a little bit shy as she slipped her hand into his. "Do you think they'll know what to look for?"

"I told them about what all the equipment does, they should be able to tell if they get any activity," Gil murmured as they turned down a hall into a more residential looking area. "Whoa, this looks like an actual house."

"This must have been an area for those in a palliative sort of care, like a true hospice," she muttered, pressing closer to him. It was still old floors and concrete walls, but there were now rooms with more than nothing, some even still had an old metal bed frame in them. There was a dresser or two, even a mirror.

Gil winced as their flashlights both hit it head on. He lowered his, but he blinked and rubbed his eyes after the fact. "Can't believe something like that is still standing in a place like this in one piece."

Thena had no comment on it, apparently.

"Kinda freaky, right?" he sighed as he rubbed at his eyes again before shaking it off. "Thena?"

He looked around.

"Thena?" he called out with a little more urgency. He moved the flashlight around, plenty of the room doors were open, but he would have heard her. He would have felt her, wouldn't he? "Thena?!"

He rushed to check each of the rooms, forgetting how creepy everything was. His stomping feet were echoing all over the place, but that didn't matter. "Thena, where are you?!"

All that came back was his own voice bouncing around. He was starting to panic.

"Thena, please, answer me!" he panted, even moving the creaky, old doors to make sure she wasn't hiding somewhere. How could she have just vanished into this air?

He shouldn't have let go of her hand.

"Thena, please!" he shouted, retracing their steps, shining his flashlight down every hall he passed. He knew most of them led to dead ends. Where could she have gone? His hand pulled out the walkie-talkie again, fumbling with it a little. "G-Guys?!"

"Gil, what's wrong?"

"Th-Thena!" he gulped, knowing they needed more information than that. "She was right next to me and-and now-"

"Whoa, Gil, slow down. Nothing's happened to Thena, I'm sure she just went to look at something that caught her eye," Sersi attempted to diffuse his worry.

"Why the hell weren't you keeping an eye on her?" Ikaris snapped at him in sharp contrast.

"Oi," Druig chimed in on his set. "You all need to calm down, I just saw 'er."

"What?" Gil frowned. Druig and Makkari were on the second level, although most of it was sectioned off thanks to a fire from the last century. He rushed to the stairs, "you're sure?"

"Yeah, I saw her walk clear through that light grid you put up, actually," Druig narrated. He paused and then continued, "Kari saw'er goin' down the far stairwell."

"You mean the one to your left?" Gil asked, rushing down the main stairs so quickly he almost tripped at the very bottom. But he took off, full on sprinting.

"Yeah?"

Based on where they had set up, there was no way Thena could be on the stairwell to their left, because it led to absolutely nowhere, just a collapsed hallway downstairs and a boarded up room at the top. Whatever they had seen wasn't Thena.

"Keep your nightvision cam on, okay? And you two stay there--and stay close together!"

"Gil, man, you okay?" Ikaris asked a little more sympathetically, obviously hearing the urgency in his voice over the loud and static-y walkies. "Like Sersi said, I'm sure Thena's just fine."

"I'm on my way to you, just sit tight," Gil huffed. His chest felt tight, like it was on fire. He looked around, only now on the second floor. This place was such a massive hell hole, who knew what kind of malevolent spirits were in here. "Guys?!"

"Hold yer bloody horses, man, hell," Druig flashed his light at him from within the main hallway of the floor. As soon as Gil rounded the corner, though, Druig was already on his feet. Despite his words, his face was dead serious, "she really not with you?"

Gil gulped. Tears sprang to his eyes, although he knew this wasn't the time. He shook his head, trying to catch his breath. The light grid they had set up to pick up any kind of movement was still shining into the closed off areas ahead.

He jumped, but Makkari rubbed his back with a reassuring smile. Druig shone the light a little closer to them to illuminate her words. This place is like a maze, I'm sure she's looking for you too.

That was actually what worried him. He had screamed for her, at the very top of his lungs. And not only had he not heard anything back, but apparently none of their friends had heard him either, which seemed impossible.

And if he couldn't hear Thena, then how would he know if she needed his help?

"Where did you see her?" he asked, shining his own light closer to his face for Kari to read his lips.

She pointed. I swear I saw her walk through the grid. I thought she saw something in the window.

Thena would never walk through the light grid herself; it would compromise any evidence they got of a spectral figure. Still, Gil moved closer to it. He shone the flashlight into the corridor, through the propped open door. It was hard to tell with the light in the window reflection, but he was pretty sure it was just a boarded up, empty room through there.

Druig took the liberty of packing up the light grid and putting it back in his bag. "Take a look."

Gil slid closer to the darkened hallway. Despite never having been on one of these hunts before, all their friends were far less scared than he was. Maybe because they definitely didn't believe in ghosts. His heart hammered as he entered the suffocating dark of the hallway. He pressed his flashlight to the window of the door that was boarded closed. If something jumped up at him he might have a heart attack.

It was just a closed up room, full of evidence of fire damage. He angled the light around as best he could without giving himself nothing but reflection to look at. He jumped as some kind of movement caught his eye. He tried to follow it but it was gone as soon as he saw it. But he knew it moved towards the other door to the room.

And it looked blonde.

Druig and Makkari made room for him as he started running towards the main stairs again. "Come on!"

"If she's messin' with us she's makin' us go through a hell of a workout," Druig felt the need to chime in, following him down the stairs.

But Gil knew that wasn't the case. Maybe - maybe - she might mess with Ikaris a little, possibly Druig, all in good fun. But she would never make him worry about her like this, she just wouldn't. She would never scare him like this, not when it was always her calming him down on these hunts.

It really was like a labyrinth in this place. Gil leapt down the last two stairs and whipped open the doors to the main floor. "Did you see her?!"

Ikaris and Sersi both jumped off the bench of the entrance hallway. They looked at each other and then at him. They still had most of the equipment set up around them, and a floodlight pointed at the ceiling for a little more illumination of the area.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Ikaris growled at him for storming in the way he did. "Didn't you see her on your level?"

Druig shrugged, "thought we did."

But Gil rushed past all of them, taking a right and pulling open the doors. This place was so massive, it was hard to keep track. But if the figure he had seen in the other room had been Thena, or worse, something else, it would have ended up in here. "Thena!"

Still, nothing but his own voice. It didn't echo like it did upstairs, though. He moved his flashlight around, seeing all the junk that was pushed into this empty but undamaged area of the building. He moved more slowly.

His heart was still hammering, but he made himself take each next step. He couldn't stop until Thena's hand was in his again. "Thena, are you in here?"

He could have sworn a voice whispered back to him. It would have been great potential evidence if he had any equipment or was recording anything. But for now, he took the potential whisper of 'she's mine' and scowled. "No, she's not."

Whatever whispered at him didn't have another reply to that.

Gil slid around a corner constructed of old office furniture, flashing his light in every nook and cranny. "She's my girlfriend! Whatever you are, find someone on your own plain of existence!"

Something rattled in a far corner. He really was going to have a heart attack in here. But he gulped, re-grasping his flashlight in his sweaty palm. No ghost was getting his precious Thena--not tonight.

He moved closer to the rattling. It was a doorknob turning. Okay, so he might die in here tonight. He hoped his friends would escape, at least. But if he did die, then maybe he could be with Thena. If she had died alone in here, he would never forgive himself.

There was a door, and the doorknob was turning.

Gil let out a breath and steeled his resolve again. He could do this. He would do this! He could do anything if it was for Thena. Thena, he repeated to himself as he reached for the doorknob, Thena, Thena, Thena.

As soon as he touched the doorknob, it was no longer locked, and flew open. Thena tumbled into the room, straight into his chest as he caught her. Both of their flashlights fell and rattled on the ground as they held onto each other.

"Gil!" Thena gasped into his shirt, burying her face in it as soon as she knew it was him. "I-I-I didn't--I-I thought-!"

"It's okay, it's okay," he gulped, holding her as tight as he could without hurting her. It was really Thena in his arms, small and warm, blonde hair under his chin. His tears came again, and he didn't force them away, "you're really here."

Thena held onto him just as tightly, clawing at the back of his shirt so she could hold fistfuls of it. "I-I turned around and you were gone--just gone! And I tried shouting for you but I couldn't hear anything around me but silence. And then I thought I saw this--th-this thing-!"

"It's okay, I'm here," he whispered. He couldn't process any of what she was saying right now. All he could think about was the comfort of having his Thena in his arms again.

Slowly, they released one another. Thena sniffled, laughing as she put her hands on his cheeks. "I'm supposed to be the one here for you."

He laughed as well, just as watery and tearful. He put his hands on her cheeks as well, "I can be here for you, just this once."

She leaned into him again as he kissed her.

"You two okay?!"

Thena pulled back and picked her flashlight up first. She shone it around the room, "where are we?"

Gil frowned as she handed him his flashlight as well. "We're on the ground floor, in that side room we checked out first thing tonight."

"The ground floor?" she repeated, looking completely baffled. "We were on the third floor. I-I felt something pull me and I thought it was you, then I was in this completely other room. I was trying to find my way back to you in the hall."

Nice try, ghost creep; Gil took her hand, weaving their fingers together. He could carry his flashlight in his mouth if he had to.

"Gil," Thena continued to frown as he guided them back towards the entrance, "I didn't go down any stairs. We can't possibly be downstairs again."

"It's okay, Thena," he reassured her blindly. It didn't matter. None of it mattered, now that his fear was lifting. He waved as a flashlight circled from where the door was. "I got her!"

Collective sighs of relief were had. Ikaris was the first to bark at them, "what the hell, Thena?! You nearly scared the big guy half to death--that's not funny!"

"Shush," Sersi soothed the beast beside her, as she always did. "We're just glad you're both okay."

Druig and Makkari gave them both more curious looks, "where the hell were did you go?"

"I-" Thena looked at each of them, seeming completely stunned. "I don't know."

"Doesn't matter," Gil spoke up, more sure of this now than he had been about anything all night. "We're getting out of here--now."

He pushed through them, pulling Thena to the door to the outside, hand in hand. He could hear their friends packing up all the equipment behind them.

"Yappin' orders at us now, is he?" he could hear Ikaris gripe behind them.

"Stop it, they've been through enough." How did Sersi put up with him?

Finally outside, Gil took a deep breath. He put his hands on Thena's cheek again, urging her to do the same. She did, but she looked up at him. "Really Gil, I thought I was making my way back to you. I didn't even see any stairs, there's no way I could have-"

"We'll figure it out later," he resolved. They could do that in a safe place, where there was overhead lighting, and a warm mug of her favourite tea. Maybe he'd even have a blanket around her shoulders and massage her feet. "All that matters is you're safe."

Thena's face shifted to something like guilt. She looked down at their joined hands. "I thought I saw you."

"What?"

"What lured me away," she admitted quietly, and maybe with the first bit of true fear he had heard her voice all night. "I thought I saw you in one of those other rooms. That was what made me follow...whatever it was in there."

It had lured him the same way. But, again, that could wait until they were in a brightly lit space with firmly locked doors.

Gil kissed her forehead and pulled her into his arms. "I found you again, so it doesn't really matter."

"Hm," she sighed, nuzzling her face into his chest again. "I knew I'd find you, I guess you finding me is okay, too."

Ah, his invincible Thena. She was the truly unshaken of the two of them. But he had to admit, he was assured by tonight that he had what it took to square up if he really needed to. If it was for the woman he loved, at least.

[mirkwoodshewolf]

IATCOD Chap. 28; Plan in motion

*Author's note*

This was a chapter long in the making due to life getting in the way but I finally got around a week ago to finally get this chapter done. Not a lot of action in this, just some plot settings to get ready for the main action that'll happen the next few chapters. But I hope you all enjoy this chapter no matter what. And yes I had to use the death whistle from Puss in boots the Last wish so credit goes to Dreamworks for that. 

NEXT CHAPTER

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@queen-paladin

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@thats-s0-ravenn

@gay-and-ready-to-cry

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After Cain had returned back to Hela's chambers and told everyone what Druig had suggested, there was silence in the room. Everyone pondering in concern, fear, and denial.

"And you're sure there is no other way?" asked Gandalf.

"It has worked one other time. With Fili and Kili sons of Dis, nephews of Thorin Oakenshield. Hela gave to them the very gauntlets she wears that holds our kins celestial stones. When Sauron took full control over her body, the stones used both their bodies as a host to banish Sauron's spirit from her very body before releasing them."

"Bofur and my uncle Oin did tell me that tale when I was still a lad. Never before had they been both in awe and struck with terror at the sight of what happened that night."

"I too was there when it happened. Never would I have thought that two Dwarves could hold the power of nine Celestial gems and live." Said Legolas recalling that night at Bard's house.

"But Merry still needs time to heal. He's not ready." Proclaimed Pippin worriedly.

"And the raw power of a Celestial's stone is nothing to be trifled with. I have seen what gripping a celestial stone can do." Aragorn said with a distant yet horrified look in his eye as he remembered one incident with some wild men in the North when they came to take out the remaining members of the Dúnedain.

The chief of the wild men had foolishly thought he could take Thena's stone for himself to enhance his weapon's strength and durability. But when he went to take the stone from Hela's gauntlet after ripping it from her arm, his body began to crack and burn like firewood.

His screams sounding like something both unholy and holy at the same time. His eyes became soulless white and gold until his body exploded into a pure light before Hela managed to contain Thena's stone once again.

"How do we not know that the same could happen to Merry if he takes hold of Druig's stone?" continued Aragorn.

"He wouldn't have suggested Merry if he didn't feel some sort of connection to him. Trust me Aragorn, I don't like this either but we are running out of options and out of time." Cain said as thunder rumbled once again and the red lightning began to flash in the sky once more. Cain and Aragorn turned to Merry and Aragorn said to him.

"The choice is yours Merry." Everyone turned to the hobbit who still looked exhausted from his Black breath recovery. Merry slowly stood up, Pippin tried to help but he held his hand out to refuse help. He slowly walked to the center of the room and said to everyone present.

"Since starting this quest back in the borders of the Shire, Pip and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. But even then I didn't care, all I wanted was to see Frodo away from the danger. Only to find out that he must bravely face the danger himself to destroy the biggest threat to our home. And Sam, loyal hearted that he is, he willingly without a second thought vowed to go alongside Frodo even if it costs him his own life. Boromir died to save Pippin and I. Without a second thought, he kept bravely fighting until his last breath took hold. I have lost—many of my friends, and thousands-nay millions more all over Middle Earth will suffer if Hela is not awakened. If there is a chance to free her from her curse, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to play my part in saving Middle Earth."

Everyone took to heart of what Merry had to say. He walked back over to Druig's stone and called for him once again. The black onyx stone glew bright until a golden light shot out once again and appearing before him once again was Druig.

"You have made your decision." He spoke down to the young hobbit.

"I have." Replied Merry.

"Then what say you, Meriadoc Brandybuck?" Merry took a deep breath before exhaling through his nose and he said.

"How do we save Hela from herself?" A slight grin came across Druig's face then he told Merry.

"Take my stone within your hand, once you feel the full strength of my power coursing through your body, press the stone to the crown of your head. And we shall become One mind, One body, One soul."

"You both shall become one? But will Merry still be there? Your soul won't overwhelm his?" asked Pippin.

"He has accepted the terms young Peregrin Took." Druig said turning towards the other hobbit. "Time is of the dire most essence now, and we must bring her back now before it is too late." Druig's spirit then shot back into his stone and the glow of the stone faded.

"He's right Pip. If we're going to do this, it has to be now. If Hela is truly dying from this spell, Druig and I need to act now. And we've already lost a day already." Merry and Pippin looked at each other then after a moment of staring at each other, Pippin gave him a nod.

"Pippin, come join us." Cain said as he took out his knife and he slide the blade across his palm. Pippin walked over towards the others who were now starting to huddle on the other side of the room.

Using his blood, Cain drew along the floor a Celestial rune circle to protect everyone within the tower from any Celestial power outbursts. Everyone stood within the circle while Merry stood over the table where Druig's stone rested.

He turned to the others as Cain now began to wrap his wounded palm and he gave the young hobbit a strong nod. Merry nodded to him and took a deep breath as he reached out and took the stone within his bare hand.

As he grasp the stone into his palm, Merry's arm began to slowly crackle open like lava seeping through Mount Doom itself, he fell to his knees in agony as the power of the Mind celestial began coursing through his veins. But he kept a firm grip on the stone as well as holding his enclosed fist with his free hand.

The group watched in despair as Merry was forced to endure this pain alone. Pippin softly whimpered and said.

"We have to make him let it go! He's hurting can't you see he's in such agony!"

"No Pippin, we cannot interfere at this point." Gandalf warned him as he held him back.

"Merry?" cried out Aragorn. Merry continued to grunt and cry in agony.

"Merry talk to us." Cain ordered. As Merry continued to groan and pant in agony he finally spoke up.

"I'm fine. I'm alright." Slowly he raised his enclosed hand as he felt the full power of the Mind Celestial coursing through his entire body. But even with such power coursing through him, it was causing the gem to feel so heavy, he could barely lift his own arm.

However Merry knew he had to do what Druig had told him. Using his free hand, he guided his enclosed fist towards his head and with a cry, he open his palm and pressed the stone into his very head before a flash of light and wave of red energy shot out hitting the barrier but knocking down all the furniture in place. Then Merry fell onto his back with a thud and Druig's gem embedded into his very skin.

"MERRY!" cried Pippin as he ran through the barrier. Everyone crowded over him but Cain warned them.

"Don't move him!" Gimli held Pippin back as both Gandalf and Cain knelt over the unconscious Merry. Cain used his enhanced senses and could hear Merry's heart beating normally. "His heartrate and breathing is normal." Gandalf waved a hand over Merry's face.

"And his spirit is still in-tact." Suddenly Merry's eyes shot open but they glowed the same golden light that Druig produces whenever he used his mind controlling abilities. Cain and Gandalf backed away as did everyone else as Merry now stood up but there was a difference to the way he stood. He looked down at his hands and he said.

"I almost forgotten what it's like to have an actual body."

"Is that you Druig?" asked Cain.

"No, it's Sauron. Of course it's me." He turned over to Pippin and said, "And don't worry Pippin, Merry's still here. I just need to take control when performing the spell. However I do need to request something of you all. Performing this spell, requires my full concentration and power. Both Merry's body and Hela's will be completely defenseless, so someone needs to stand guard over us in case time runs out." They all turned to one another before Haldir spoke up.

"I'll do it." Everyone turned to him and Haldir said as he looked to Cain, "It's what Hela would've done for me." Cain nodded.

"I admire your heart and loyalty to my sweet Hela, but you'll need a better weapon than your own. Take Aeglos and place the tip of the blade to Thena's gemstone. It was once the host of her powers, and should any Deviants come to the tower seeking her or my power, you'll need the power of the Celestial of War to aid you." Druig told him. Haldir nodded then Merry walked over towards Hela.

He stood over the head of the bed and placed his hands on each side of Hela's temples. Golden light emanated from his palms and bounced between his palms and Hela's temples which also began to glow. Soon the small glow from Merry's eyes grew bigger until his whole eyes were nothing but a pure golden light.

"It's happening. Now it's up to him and Merry. The rest of us will continue to get the people down below and prepare for the Deviants as well as the Celestials of Sauron's attack." Said Cain. As the others began to leave the tower leaving Haldir alone, Cain said to him, "Haldir," the march warden turned to him. "Take it from someone who has tasted vengeance for over 2 Ages. When Nergal shows himself, do not engage him alone. You will wait for us to aid you in taking him down, understood?" Haldir turned his head with a narrowed, hateful look in his eyes. "Understood?" Cain asked in a firmer tone.

"Go help the others in getting the people to the lower levels of the city. They've suffered enough at the hands of a leader who could care less about them." Haldir said as he went over and took Aeglos from Hela's side.

Cain turned but had a suspicious look on his face as he left to join the others to help evacuate and prepare Gondor for the oncoming Deviants.

Within Hela's mind, both Druig and Merry walked through a dark chasm with the only light coming from the very floor they walked upon. However the floor itself was a sea of souls glowing a pure blue light.

"Is this really what's inside Hela's mind?"

"We're only at the gate. Everyone has their own unique gateway into their subconscious." explained Druig.

"So what is it that we're looking for?"

"A tree. A very large tree."

"A tree?" asked Merry unsurely.

"Being the Mind Celestial I've come to see that in everyone's mind, no matter the race or species, the gates of their minds hold a very special tree to which I've called them the Tree of Life. Each branch representing a person's memory or thought. It's what makes them the person or creature that they are. And if my hunch is correct, Hela's tree may not look like it once was." As they treaded through the ankle-deep water, Merry began to grow weary of the souls that were moaning and weeping.

"Who are all these people?"

"The souls that had been lost but could not move on. Remember Hela is the bridge between the Seen and the Unseen world. Souls pass through her in order to move onto Mandos' halls, even under this spell they continue to come to her. But they're trapped here until she gives them her blessing."

'You are correct.' A voice spoke up. The boys stopped and Druig stood in front of Merry protectively as a spirit soon raised itself up from the water before taking the shape of King Theoden.

"Theoden King?" Merry gawked.

"Hello Meriadoc." He then turned to Druig and said, "And you must be her twin brother Lord Druig. Hela told me many stories of you and your sister Makkari the Speedster when I was a lad." Druig nodded and Merry said.

"Theoden King, we're looking for Hela's Tree of Life, can you take us to it?"

"I can but I must warn you. The spell that has imprisoned not only us but Hela herself has grown too strong. If you dive too deep into her mind, you too may also suffer the same fate as she."

"That's a risk we have to take. I won't leave here without knowing my sister will be okay." Answered Druig firmly. Theoden's spirit looked at both of them as Merry gave him a strong nod.

"Very well." He faded back into a spirit ball and began the light to guide them through the darkness and towards where they needed to go. Eventually they came upon a grand willow tree that stood nearly as tall as Treebeard himself, but just as Druig had thought, the lush green vines had been dried up and were starting to crumbling.

Within the vines were small thought bubbles that would normally be as bright as bubbles should be, but they were now dimmed and grey with faded memories hazed over.

"This is Hela's Tree of Life?" asked Merry.

"Yes. But it's worse than I imagined it would be." They walked up to the tree as Theoden's voice spoke to them.

'Remember, dive too deep and you too may suffer the same fate as she. Though I do hope you are successful in returning our Hela home. Good luck.' His spirit then dove back into the sea of souls. Merry walked up to the tree and touched the main trunk. He could feel just how malnourished the tree was.

"Any ideas on how we can fix it?"

"It's not up to us, it's up to Hela. Only she can mend her own Tree."

"But how are we going to find her?" Druig walked around Hela's tree until he had found what he'd expect to find. Glowing in a haunting green and black aura of magic was a large mushroom that was attached to one of the roots of Hela's tree. The light pulsating and almost sounding like a heartbeat but what had Druig in awe was the mushroom was showing a vision much like Hela's thought bubbles on the vines of her trees had.

"I think I might have found her." Merry came around and knelt down beside him. The two of them stared at the mirrored image of what looked like a large green pasture (much like the Shire) and Hela was out folding laundry. "You ready for this?"

"Let's do it." Answered Merry. Druig took his hand and together with their free hands, they reach out and touched the mushroom all while their eyes glowed a pure gold. The second they touched the mushroom, the black and green aura shot out like lighting trying to fend off Druig's and Merry's touch. Both the Celestial and the Hobbit groaned and cried out in pain but they kept a firm hold on the mushroom. Until they were encompassed by the green light.

"Merry? Merry! Wake up!" Merry's eyes shot open and he saw Druig kneeling over him. "Easy there halfling." Merry held his head in pain as he let out a small groan.

"What happened?"

"We got absorbed by the curse and sent into this false world. I must say I'm impressed by your mental stamina, any normal person would've crumbled by now. Think there might be a future for you being a Mind Celestial." Druig held his hand and helped Merry onto his feet.

"Hela once said I would make a clever one."

"And for myself I can see why she said that." Merry gave a slight smile before asking.

"Now that we're here, how do we find Hela? This place is nearly as big as the Shire."

"We just start walking. Hopefully we'll come across her. And we may just find out just what exactly this curse is doing to her." The two then proceeded to walk once again onward this time through the peaceful green pastures.

Back in the real world, Cain was standing along the very edge of the city where Denethor had leapt to his death. He could sense the very change in the air from the darkened clouds, the difference in the lightning and the very air seemed denser as if a dark spell had once again been placed over all of Middle Earth.

"We've gotten the last of the civilians gathered in the lower caves. And Faramir and Gandalf finally managed to work out the protection spell Hela had made for the city. It should be up later tonight." Aragorn said behind him.

"With all that Denethor allowed to happen, this city doesn't need to suffer twice at the hands of a bigger threat than orcs, trolls and wargs." Said Cain. Aragorn stood beside him and said.

"They'll find a way to bring her back."

"It's not bringing Hela back that I'm worried about." One look on Cain's somber face and Aragorn knew what he meant.

"You fear for Haldir's mental state at losing Hela."

"Grief—is a powerful feeling. Especially if it's fueled by rage. I may not be able to physically see his eyes but I can sense his heartbeat. His deep, sharp breaths through his nose, and the anxious ticks he's now been having at the tips of his hands, especially since he took hold of Aeglos."

"You fear he might turn into what you became." Cain solemnly let out a deep sigh. Aragorn placed a hand to Cain's shoulder and he told him, "He may not know it now, but he'll need your guidance before the end. Who better to understand what he's going through, if you can find the way, he will too before the end."

"I hope so Aragorn, I really hope so." Aragorn turned and headed back inside the palace leaving Cain to stand alone once again. However Cain felt a dark presence behind him and he withdrew his axe and his blade soon met with another and a voice said to him.

"You can even sense Death coming for you. Impressive."

"Deimos." The two of them uncrossed their crossed their weapons. "Why are you here?" Cain sneered lowly in the tone he's always used for those who were impure of heart.

"Apologizes for interrupting your little brotherly love session with Isildur's heir, but I had to come see for myself what wasteful plan you all have tried to come up with to save yourselves." Deimos chuckled sinisterly.

"You underestimate them. Even in their darkest hours, until there is no hope remaining, the Fellowship and the people of Gondor will continue to fight till their last breath."

"It's a waste. You cannot save them from the inevitable. Without Hela's power, the Deviants will take each race of Middle Earth, one by one until all is nothing but shadow and stone."

"And what do you three get out of all this in the end? If all is meant to be shadow and stone, what will you and your brothers do?"

"What Perses and Nergal want is up to them. I, however, have a different score to settle." Cain heard as Deimos unsheathed his second sickle. "As I'm sure you're aware, each Celestial while cut from the same cloth based on one's powers, there are the Celestials gifted with sub-level powers. A power solely focused to one main power."

"Yes. Like those celestials who could only control one element, or be able to see into the future."

"Hela had her time to be the high Celestial of Death, but she missed the whole point of her existence entirely."

"How so? By teaching that death shouldn't be feared? That it is another path to the next life."

"That! That right there!" Deimos snarled in distain. "You actually believe that death is a merciful, that it's something to be fully embraced and accepted like how you view Life. No, no, no. Death should be feared, uncertain, and permanent." He emphasized on the word permanent as Cain could feel his red eyes cutting right through him.

"You've come for me." Cain realized.

"Now you're catching on." Deimos then began to circle around Cain like a predator, eyeing him as he continued, "When you were brought back by the desperation of your brother Ikaris, you didn't value what he had given you. And while I find the very idea of resurrections and reincarnations absurd, what I loathe more than anything in this world are those who think they can cheat Death."

"As you said, it wasn't my choice to be brought back to life."

"You don't think I don't know how throughout the first 100 years of your banishment you tried to end your own life? And yet with each time, you survived."

Cain's heartbeat escalated, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, a cold chill ran up his entire body. He could hear the blades of Deimos' sickles cut across the cobbled stone beneath them.

"But here's how we can rectify all of this. When the time's right, I will come for you, and you and I shall face off in a duel to the death. See who truly has the blessing of the Valor on their side. You do that, and I swear to not harm a single hair on anyone else's heads."

"You really think I'll trust you to do that? After the way you beat Haldir and Hela nearly to death."

"A mere demonstration for what I have in stored for you. They were just so I could get to you. You agree to fight me, and death will only come for you." Deimos then let out a soft yet haunting whistle and when Cain turned around, he could sense that Deimos was gone, only hearing the brief whistle before it too was silenced.

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Almost as if he had been strung up on strings, he collapsed to his knees, his heart still racing in such fear that he only felt when he came before the Nine Nazgul.

In Hela's mind, Merry and Druig continued walking along the grassy over hills until they came to a quaint little cabin. To Merry it almost resembled Frodo and Bilbo's home of Bag-end with a similar green circular door but it was a big-people sized home.

It had a small front deck with a porch swing, and the front yard was covered with wild flowers. A gazebo that looked exactly like the one in Lothlorien stood at the side of the cabin.

"Is this what Hela dreams about?" asked Merry.

"She was never one for riches or grand castles. When we were children, she always said she'd get herself a cabin and plant wild flowers as far as the eye could see." Said Druig. "But even so, this is still a prison so don't get swept by whatever you see. Remember Theoden's warning." Merry nodded as the two of them soon heard the sound of arrows being twanged from an bow around back. They heard the arrow hit a target so they came around to see someone who looked like Haldir doing some target practice.

Instead of the normal Marchwarden uniform or even armor, he donned on a simple dark green tunic and grey trousers. Haldir notched another arrow into his bow and released it and it split the arrow that was already in the target.

"Can he see us?" Merry quietly asked.

"No. This is an illusion, they usually can't see nor hear us."

"Even if this were an illusion, we Elves can hear the flutter of a humming bird's wings 10 leagues away." Haldir actually responded to them. He turned towards them and greeted with a warm smile and a bow of his head, "Welcome Merry, and back already Druig? It's not even been 20 minutes since you left." Merry looked up at Druig worriedly. While Druig's eyes expressed shock, he turned to Merry and told him telepathically.

'Just follow my lead.' Druig cleared his throat and said, "Well you know how it is. Big brothers and all, can't leave you two alone for one second."

"Even after all this time we've been married, you still can't trust us alone. Though I can understand, being an older brother myself. What can I do you both for?"

"We're actually here for Hela. Is she in the cabin?" Merry asked the Haldir illusion.

"Unfortunately you won't find her in the cabin. At this time of the day she's down at the farm just over that hill. What do you want with her?" there was a hint of suspicion to this fake Haldir's tone but Druig plainly said.

"Just received a message from Keoghan about the Midsummer's ball tonight. Apparently Kingo once again burned the cake and they need Hela's help since she is the best baker out of all our kinsman."

"Very well. But I must warn you, one of the cows just recently gave birth. She'll be on the fight if you anywhere near her pen."

"Thanks for the heads up Haldir. Good day." The two of them bowed to Haldir the Mind Celestial bow before heading over the hill where Haldir said the farm was at. "Tell me you caught the way he got suspicious on why we needed Hela."

"I did. There was also something in his eyes that gleamed the same color as the spell that shot out around us when we touched that mushroom on her Tree."

"You are indeed a clever hobbit Master Merry." They soon came up and looked down at a large farm. With large shire horses running freely around the wooded area in the back, large mountain dogs helping log around eggs, crates of apples and corn, and ducks and chickens waddling about the farm grounds.

As they walked through the farm grounds, they heard soft humming coming from the stables. They slowly walked in and soon found Hela brushing a white stallion's mane humming softly.

"Hela?" Merry called out to her. She jumped and smiled.

"Merry, this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting you till next month for Pippin's birthday. And Druig, back so soon. Let me guess, you thought Haldir and I were having another sweet rendezvous at the gazebo that you walked in on just shortly after we began courting." At that openly suggestive statement, Druig's cheeks went red as he said.

"No but thank you for that unholy image that is now seared into my brain." Hela giggled and said as she stroked the stallion's nose. "So what brings you both here?"

Merry turned to Druig wondering if they should break it to her now since looking at her, it seemed like they had found the real Hela. Druig was torn because the last time he had seen his sister this happy was when they were children. After Sauron came fully into power by the time the three of them came of age, Hela always held such a burden on her shoulders. Like the weight of the world fell on top of her weighing her down and taking her innocence away bit by bit until all that was left was a hollowed shell.

Here she seemed—happy, relieved even. No wonder why she's refused to awaken from such a dream. But he knew she had to, but they had to approach it delicately at first.

"Keoghan reached out to me halfway on my journey telling me that Kingo burnt the cake for the midsummer's ball again." Hela let out a sigh and shook her head.

"That Kingo, he can put on a show with Sprite but when it comes to drawing or cooking, he's hopeless. And I thought Apollo had banished him from the kitchen?"

"He did, and that banishment is still in affect but you know how Kingo is."

"He always finds a way." Both he and Hela said together. "Sorry Snowmane, afraid this grooming session's gonna have to be cut short." Snowmane huffed and let out a shocked whinny. "Don't blame me, if I don't go stop Kingo, he could blow the whole castle up." she got out of Snowmane's stable and walked pass Druig and Merry. "C'mon, we better get a move on. I'll have to tell Haldir first of where I'll be heading."

"Actually we just told him that before we came to find you." Merry said.

"Oh well okay then. That's one less thing to worry about." As they stepped out, Hela raised up her fingers and let out a sharp, loud whistle that almost resembled an eagle's scream. They waited for a bit until finally a real eagle's cry was heard and swooping down was Hela's great eagle Icarus. "Hey Icarus, think you can carry Merry to the palace?" he let out a soft trill before lowering himself down for Merry to climb on.

Druig nudged the hobbit forward and Merry raced up and with Hela's help, mounted on top of the great eagle.

"But what about you?" asked Druig.

"Why would I need Icarus to fly?" Hela's normal dress soon morphed into the Starlight Celestial armor. "Being born a Starlight Celestial, I never need aid in flying again." As Hela shot up onto the air like a shooting star, Merry and Druig looked at each other worriedly before Icarus soon took off following behind his mother and Druig used his levitating powers to fly right beside Merry and Icarus.

Another night was passing even through the dark, thunderous clouds that covered all of Middle Earth. Gandalf, Aragorn and Cain all stood along the balcony near the throne room as Cain said.

"One more day to go, and the Deviants will return to Middle Earth."

"Any word of Merry and Druig's progress?" asked Aragorn.

"I had just met with Haldir, no changes." Gandalf replied solemnly. "I know Merry is strong and Druig is powerful but I fear they may not bring our Celestial of Death back in time."

"We still have time." Aragorn stated. "All we can do now is give Merry and Druig the aid they need. We've coded the protection spell, the second we see those demons appear, we activate the spell."

"It won't just be the Deviants we'll need to worry about. Nergal, Perses and Deimos will also need to be stopped. I fear their goals are more than just what Sauron had intended for them. And if they try to stop Merry and Druig from helping Hela, Varda help us all." Cain said as thunder once again rumbled in the sky and red lightning flashed in the sky.

[shadowsndaisies]

dogfighting 101: 06 - dead and buried

wc: 1.6k

synopsis: if it wouldn't result in a court martial or a dishonorable discharge, you probably would punch that stupid mustache off his face.

main masterlist

athena-verse master post

Your last run had been with Payback and Fanboy, you failed.

After, you sat and listened as Bradley almost got both himself and your dad killed. Jake’s running commentary doing nothing for your nerves. When all three came back from their run, you were stood in your black tank top and your flight suit rolled down and tied around your waist. Your sunglasses were perched on your nose, blocking the glare you had hyper-fixated on the idiots walking your way.

“’Thena! Darlin’!” Hangman’s drawl always seemed to emphasize your callsign, often dropping the first A, and elongating the E. Usually the way he says your name could get you to smile, but this time your gaze doesn’t even flicker to him, a stark contrast to just last round, when the two of you had been giddy off of catching Maverick with tone.

“Keep walking, Seresin,” you say seriously, and for the first time Rooster can ever admit to, Hangman simply does as he’s told. He doesn’t argue with you, or tease you. He doesn’t even glare or smirk cockily back at those left to face off with your ire, in fact, if anything, it looks like the smile all but melts from his face. Instead, he just keeps walking, not even bothering to look back, and Rooster’s brows furrow, because not for the first time today he’s left wondering what had the two of you been through to develop the relationship you had?

“What the hell were you thinking?” you all but hiss, pulling your shades off, so Bradley can see the full force of your glare.

He doesn’t know why he says it, he knows it’s not the right thing, or the right time, but he scoffs, and he sees your jaw shift at the sound, “So, now you want to talk to me?” he asks, and Maverick who had kept a distance, walking further behind him and Jake, was now catching up and was forced to stop as he watched the two of you face off, Bradley didn’t miss his sharp inhale at the tone you both were giving off.

“Don’t pull that bullshit with me Bradley!” you shout back.

“Bullshit?” he finally shouts back, and Bradley has to admit, part of it, of yelling at you, it feels really good. “It’s been twelve years since we’ve spoken! Nine since I’ve heard anything from you!”

“And whose fault is that?” that shuts him up, because now he knows you’re done pulling punches. “Whose fault was that Bradley Bradshaw?”

“I never meant for it to go like this,” is all Bradley can offer you, his voice suddenly weak as he pushes his own sunglasses up to look you in the eyes.

“Yes, you did,” you argue back, shaking your head at him.

“No, (Y/n)-” he tries to reach for you, as if it would help in making you understand.

“Yes, you did, Bradley!” you smack his hand away and instead point at him accusingly. “You did, because you were the one who said what you said, you were the one who took the insecurities I trusted with you and twisted them, the one who said all the hateful things you could think of, and then to top it off, you were the one who gave me an ultimatum!” you’re screaming at him, and he’s glad the tarmac’s basically empty now, because he’s sure that if Warlock or Cyclone heard about this, you’d both be booted from the program and probably given a formal reprimand.

Bradley also doesn’t know how to respond.

So instead he gapes at you. How does he explain how hurt he was to you? How does tell you he knows how wrong he was to say what he said and demand what he did? How does he apologize after hiding behind emails for the last twelve years.

He stumbles over that, hiding, because that’s what he’d been doing, isn’t it? And he was stupid enough to trick himself into thinking you would see it any differently.

“You made a decision, over a decade ago. You threw away a friendship that mattered. You threw away lifelines, and people who cared about you, and you did it without even asking for the whole picture,” you tell him, venom dripping from every word. “Let me make myself perfectly clear, Rooster. I have no intention of trying to resurrect what you killed and I was left to bury twelve years ago, but we’re both here, and so is Dad. So get your shit together, because the stakes are too high to be living in the past,” his shoulders drop and you hold firm as you finally make the point you’d intended to bring up.

You stare at him hard for a second before brushing past him and heading straight for your dad. He sees it in the hand movements, the stance, you’re laying into him. Probably equally pissed about the the corkscrew cobra maneuver, that he and Mav had just pulled. There is however noticeably less tension in you as you yell at your dad.

Bradley finds himself stuck for a moment, with the realization of how much anger and hurt was in your voice as you spoke with him. He had been too hopeful, he realizes, to think that emailing you would fix what he had broken. Too stupid to consider the real weight of what he had said, and how much more it meant coming from him than anyone else.

He finally forces himself to look away and walk back toward the hangar. He is extremely annoyed to see Hangman standing there. A witness to the mess that had just occurred. Though he doubted Hangman could hear much if at all. The other pilot rarely needed a reason to give someone a hard time (except you it seemed).

Bradley geared up for another argument, or at least a dig, but Hangman didn’t even acknowledge him as he approached. Instead, he kept his gaze on you, brows squinted, focused. Bradley slinks past him, bewildered at the flip, but gets stopped before he can fully exit the hangar.

“Getting killed on day one would be pretty counter-intuitive to wanting to go on this mission, and it might even make her hate you more, which I honestly didn’t think was possible.”

Hangman’s voice echoes a bit, but he doesn’t turn to look at Rooster, not even when the older pilot turns to look at him. Instead, Hangman stays focused on you, and you alone, and Bradley is left wondering what the fuck? once again, because that has to be the least contentious thing Jake’s ever said to him, and Bradley know that it’s solely for your benefit.

...

everything: @butterfly-skinnylegend

athena’s tags: @omgbrianab @smoothdogsgirl @bazellawriz @sbrewer21 @inky-sun @djs8891 @rory-cakes @geeksareunique @je6291 @kee-0-kee @fanreader75 @whoismurphyslaw @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @thespillingvoid

[lovelyfanatical]

I Get a Sugar Rush Whenever I'm With You - Chapter 10.1

Good evening fellow Drukkari stans, or whatever time it is for you! We've officially made it to the final week of the competition, aka the beginning of the end! And coincidentally, Bake Off is airing a new season! If you've missed any previous installments and need to catch up, you can find them all on my Table of Contents here. Last time, Makkari got Star Baker, and Druig was eliminated. What will he do next? Find out now, in the next mini-chapter of Drukkari in the Great British Bake Off!

Sersi was already seated at a table when Druig arrived. She waved him over with a gentle smile on his face, and Druig plopped himself down on the seat across from her, mumbling his greetings. After exchanging pleasantries and putting in their drink orders, Sersi turned back to him and asked, "So, what's this all about, Druig?"

"I don't know what you mean," he lied, sipping his beer.

"Seriously? I nagged you about getting drinks for a week and you only now ask to meet up?" she asked. Her eyes narrowed as she continued. "Did Makkari send you to check up on me?"

"She did not. But while we're on the subject, how are you feeling about seeing your ex and your current boyfriend at the same party?"

"I actually feel fine. Ikaris and I are on decent terms, but it's none of his business who I'm seeing now. Besides, Dane and I are taking things slow," Sersi said nonchalantly. Druig must've looked surprised at this answer because she added, "Makkari already asked me. She really didn't put you up to this?"

"Nope," was all he said in reply.

Sersi gave him a long look, silently studying his face before she asked in a gentler tone, "Druig, are you and Makkari speaking again?"

"We are," he answered carefully.

"You resolved whatever happened that week?"

"We did."

"So, what's the problem?"

Druig averted his gaze as he thought about his answer. He didn't know why he had to think about it. He'd been thinking about it since Saturday. This was the very reason he'd reached out to Sersi in the first place. He needed to tell someone. Hunter had already put up with him for weeks and was unlikely to be helpful. Phastos had proved a good listener, but he was quite busy with his family during the week, and Druig didn't want to distract him ahead of the final. Of everyone else, he felt Sersi would be the most sympathetic. So, he took a deep breath, looked her in the eye, and let the words spill out.

"I'm in love with her, but I don't think I can ever tell her."

Sersi hadn't looked the slightest bit surprised by the first part of his statement, but her eyebrows rose and drew together in confusion at the second part. "Why ever not?"

With that, the flood gates were open. Druig told her everything that had happened, things he hadn't even told Phastos about. The investigations, the clandestine baking sessions, the accidental bed-sharing. Sersi mostly listened, only asking a few questions as they came up. When he finally finished, he was quite a few drinks in. Sersi had stopped at two drinks, but she was still wearing the same perplexed expression.

"What is it now?" he asked, feeling rather spent.

"I think I'm still missing something. Why can't you tell her how you feel?"

"Because I don't think she feels the same way. Also, she's my best friend, and I can't risk losing her again. The bed incident really did a number on us both."

In an instant, something seemed to click for Sersi. She reached across the table, putting a hand on his shoulder to steady him as she said, "Druig, the bed incident did a number on Makkari because she loves you too."

Now it was Druig's turn to draw his eyebrows together in confusion. "I don't think so."

"She absolutely does. And from what I can tell, I'm pretty sure everyone else knows by now."

"No, they all know that I'm in love with Makkari. Not the other way 'round."

"How do you know?"

"Because they all tell me whenever she's not there to join the conversation! Thena kind of told me to ask her out, then Ajak told me not to, Sprite just called us gross-"

"Sprite insults everyone. I think it's her way of being friendly."

"I wasn't finished. Phastos did think we were dating already, but when I explained it to him, he said I should respect her wishes but also talk to her-"

"And what do most of these interactions have in common?"

"I'm not sober or drunk enough for this much critical thinking, Sersi."

"C'mon, I know Makkari's not the only detective. Use your deductive reasoning, Watson!"

Druig sighed dramatically, but used what brain power he had left to replay those moments back in his head. His face relaxed as an idea began to form. After what felt like a lengthy silence, he gave his answer. "As time went on, the others pre-supposed that we were a couple?"

"Which means…"

"They think Makkari has feelings for me, too."

"There you go!" Sersi said excitedly. "Myself included, by the way."

"Wait, is that why you kept hounding us about drinks?"

A sheepish look came over Sersi's face as she admitted, "I may have had a very silly plan to set a date and time that worked for both of you and then not show up myself."

Druig merely raised an eyebrow at her confession, and Sersi scrunched up her nose in embarrassment.

"I know, it's completely childish, but I don't usually play matchmaker with my friends, and Makkari seemed to like the idea, so…"

All of a sudden, realization hit Druig like a bolt of lightning. "That was the surprise Makkari was talking about. Why you didn't want Kingo to join us."

Sersi was smiling proudly now. Druig felt an involuntary grin spreading across his face as well.

"Makkari does love me."

"Glad you finally got there," Sersi replied gleefully. "But if she asks, I didn't tell you. You figured it out on your own. Got it?"

"Got it."

"So, what will you do with that information?"

"Oh, I'll do something. But not until after the competition. I don't want to distract her from that," he explained.

"Very considerate. Let me know if I can help with anything," Sersi offered.

"I will." Druig held up his drink. "To Sunday?"

"To Sunday," Sersi answered. They clinked their bottles together and downed the rest.

-

Big sister Sersi is my favorite Sersi, tbh 😊

Part 35

[redheadspark]

Worth Fighting For

Summary - You seek out Druig after the near Emergence

A/N - I had a request for this for the Spring Pormpt Session, but I lost the request, either I deleted it or it got deleted on its own. I am SO SORRY that I lost it, but I remember it's for Druig and number 6 (Pulling their partner in their lap) So I wrote it and I hope that helps!

You never knew the open fields of South Dakota to be so quiet, so calm.  You weren’t used to this.

The calm you were used to was filled with jungle sounds and animals constantly bellowing in the air, not to mention the running waters of the river and the soft rustling of the green foliage leaves. But now all you see was land, flat and as fast as you could see amongst rolling hills and chilly air as you stood outside the farmhouse.

Ajak’s farmhouse.  You missed her.

The last time you saw her was back when you and Druig left the family, all 500 years ago.  You were sad to leave her, but you also understood where Druig was coming from when it came to standing to the side and letting the humans harm one another.  You always were the mutual factor between Druig and Ajak, loving both of them with all your heart and never wishing for the other to feel blindsided.  But Druig was your husband, your better half, and you had to follow him and not lose him in your life.  You knew deep down that Ajak was glad you left with him, she always praised your relationship and how you two complimented each other so well. 

But still, you missed her terribly, and you hated Ikaris for taking her away.

Shivering a bit in your jacket, you could hear the chatter inside of the house and you turned to look at the worn-down farmhouse that had Ajax’s touches here and there.  You could see she used the home for all its worth, and you had to wonder if she ever dreamt of the family being there again.  It was nice that you were, but not under the right circumstances.  So you walked back over to the front door, opening it to let yourself in.

Phastos and Ben were chatting with Thena, and their son Ben was watching the news that was playing the clip of a marble Tiamat poking out of the ocean, which left Makkari sitting on the bottom step of the stairs.  You looked eyes at her, seeing her give you a small smile and gesture up the stairs to the second floor.

He’s taking a shower, but I think he needs you. She explained with her fingers, her soft smile showing it was true.  Druig went through a lot on that beach, taking on a nasty wound from Ikaris thanks to a blast to the chest.  You saw he was hurting when you two reunited on that beach amongst the waves, but things had to be done.  There was no time to rest and recharge, not until now.

Thank you, ‘Kari.  You signed to her, squeezing her shoulder gently as you walked past her up the stairs.  Every creak under your boots was heard from each step while you were now on the second floor, the small hallway that led to two bedrooms and one bathroom.  One of the bedrooms was slightly open, and you noticed the light that was shining through and had a small sense that your husband was there.  Carefully and with barely any noise in your step, you poked your head in.

Druig was perched on the edge of the bed, freshly showered, and was wearing a thing shirt along with what seemed to be sweats.  His leather jacket was on the back of a chair that was to the side, his wet hair plastered to his face as he was looking out the window and sitting a bit too stiff for your liking.  You tiptoed your way in, closing the door gently behind you so you wouldn’t spook him or snap him out of his trance.  

“How was your shower?” You asked, walking over to stand in front of him. But his eyes were still on the view through the window, making you feel a bit worried as you then noticed his hands.  They were curled up a bit tight, almost in a fist at his sides while the thin shirt he was wearing was not hiding the massive bruise and wound that was on his chest.  

It made you beyond sad and angry that Druig would go through something like this, the Eternal who was the Pacifist and wished for humans to simply be kind to one another.  He wished to help them, to guide them into being together in peace.  Druig simply loved them, and yet he was almost killed by someone who was blinded to the truth. 

“Druig,” You said his name in a hum, not wishing to sound mad yourself at the pain he was going through, but it was still heard in your voice.  Druig’s eyes were still in the view, yet his hands were uncurled from being fists.  One of them opened up to you, almost like a flower that was ready to bloom.  There was nothing that would hold you back from taking his hand.  

You laced your fingers with his, feeling how cool his skin was against your palm.  You were going to say something else, maybe ask him how he was feeling, but he gently tugged you towards him.  Before you knew it, you were in his lap and his arms were around you to keep you close.  

At first, you were shocked.  But you felt it in the way he held you and tucked his head into your neck, you knew he didn’t want to talk about it.  He would hold you like this in the past when he needed comfort or to simply unwind, when talking wasn’t going to help but simply having someone be right there for him.  He never spoke about it or mentioned it, you figured that out on your own from being with him for so long.  

This was one of those moments.

You rubbed the back of his head with your fingers, feeling his soft hair along the pads of your fingers as he was berthing you in and still not saying a word.  He had days that were filled with grief or chaos, and days that were stressed or frustrating.  He love holding you, whether it was when you two were entangled in bed together or simply falling asleep in each other’s arms, there was something about him being able to hold you that brought him back to a safe space. 

He needed it after all he went through on that beach.

“I love you,” You said against his head as he was still holding you possessively, you feeling him hum as a sign that he was hearing you, “I love you with everything in me, okay?  I’m thankful you’re here and you didn’t leave me, Druig,”

He squeezed you a bit tighter as you kissed his forehead, the pair of you simply listening to the rolling winds outside the farmhouse and letting each other heal from all that happened.  You would hold him for every minute if you had to, as long as he was wishing for you to hold him and to bring him back to his old self you would.

His heart was worth fighting for.   

The End

Spring Prompt Session