#also i have no idea what else to draw other than them so if anyone has any suggestions for horse ships PLEASE let me know
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So Iâve seen you draw and tag a couple of different ships, just wondering which are your favorite???
Love your art btw :D
Thank you!
I donât have a specific ship i'm particularly loyal to, so I guess Iâll rate them and also provide my own headcanons:
(disclaimer i dont know ship names so imma just try my best)
Trine-shipping: yes, put the three of them together, I donât care. familial, sexual, romantic, platonic, its all good. I go crazy seeing them stand next to each other in the cartoon what do you want from me.
thunderwarp: I see this one a lot and I quite like it. these two being mates with starscream doing his own thing kinda makes sense considering starscream has a bunch of other ships. also makes it fun when something happens to one of them and starscream is left in the awkward position of having to deal with that.
thunderstar: been thinking about this one more lately. theyâre like foils to each other. thundercrackerâs a good boy to starscreamâs bad boy, and he does such a concern about all the morally dubious stuff starscream gets up to. but at the same time, he admires starscreamâs ambition and rizz and starscream the kinda bot that would pull you so high if you followed him. I think out of anyone, starscream is the closest to actually trusting thundercracker.Â
starwarp: i had this thought one time of what if skywarp is like the horniest asexual and starscream is the most traumatized aromantic, and how would that even work XD nothing solid in the works just an idea that I had. ive seen these two less often outside of trine shipping but it can be pretty hot. I like when they are being protective of each other. I always see skywarp as more emotionally open than his trinemates and starscream can use some of that open and honest emotional love and care. someone to forcfully make him accept being loved. someone who will actually push back when heâs being stupid. and with skywarp being loyal to megatron, so much angst potential for both of them.
starbee: im a sucker for the whole ghost bee starscream dynamic. I already made a post about these two, and after all this time I still really enjoy this ship. I think characters that donât actually like each other at first but grow into a mutual respect is so tasty. I think some people donât like the ship because they headcanon bee as too young? well, starscream is actually younger in my fic lmao, but also theyâre like 6 million years old and are born with full adult processing capabilities, I donât think age matters here :P its less about intimacy for me anyway. I like them together because of how much it takes to get there.Â
starwavewave: okay this one is 100% fueled by tfone but guyssss guysss theyre married and megatron is their son and im just aaaagh dont seperate them! such a kookie dynamic, the cool headed soundwave, the emotionally volatile shockwave, the arrogant yet cowardly starscream, all being fail dads to their little scamp leader. hahaha. high command polyculeÂ
megastar: gasp, rated above skystar. yes, I just find this dynamic more interesting. I like an abusive ship sometimes for the angst but I also enjoy seeing megatron when he isnt abusive? kinda catharsis maybe. I read a fic once where the war is over and starscream invites megatron to one of optimusâ high profile parties and is appalled at megatron showing up in robot equivalent of underdressed, meanwhile megatron the working class miner is like âI washed, what else was I supposed to doâ XD and I just love that haha. theres just so many ways to take it. I wont be doing any megastar in my au, I just tag anything that has megatron and starscream interacting with megastar cuz thats the dynamic to me
skystar/jetstar: iddkkkkk i know this is the most popular ship but itâs just!! idk! its not as interesting to me haha. I love this as a past ship, they were roommates in college, starscream opened himself to someone, chose to become close and then was hurt by it. just another wound on starscreamâs spark before he ever even meets megatron. I donât think theyd get back together after the ice. idk how well I can write this so Iâll just explain how it happens in my au here: skyfire died and starscream created this version of skyfire in his mind that was perfect, he memorialised him because he was dead! you just cant live up to how someone remembers you. I think that was part of the reason why starscream reacts so badly when skyfire âbetrayedâ him. unlike thundercracker, skyfire knows how to set healthy boundaries. not to mention heâd been on ice for four million years, lost his entire life, everyone he knows, and his entire civilisation, planet, and culture to a war he had no part in. botâs gonna be upset. pissed off even. skyfire shouldnt have to be some soft sparked punching bag for starscream, heâs kind and a pacifist but heâs also going to get upset and have feelings. I think starscreamâs betrayal would hit pretty hard, heâd gonna be upset about how much starscreamâs changed, how much damage starscream helped cause during the war, and also starscream shooting him in the back for wanting to protect the native wildlife! when they properly talk to each other again itâs going to be heated on both sides, and I think after some hard work from both sides they could end up in a place where they are willing to be friends again, but I donât think theyâd conjunx. skystar isnt end game to me, but it is canon and an important part of the story
starop: I think ive read one fic where I really liked this ship. itâs just such a random pairing. my initial reaction is just noooo optimus prime?? but that guyâs everyoneâs dad! Ive been told a big part of it is theyâre both megatronâs exâs and thatâs pretty funny. not for me sadly haha (opxmegatronoldmanyaoiotpfrfr)
starjackâŠwheelstar? whatever the starscream and wheeljack one is. Iâm not into this one. I see where people are coming from with it, but wheeljack isnt an interesting character to me. they can be science bros tho
starscream and windblade: ive seen this like once or twice. not for me. windblade is like, starscreamâs daughter or something idk XDÂ
soundstar: uuuh i dont see it. sorry! i legit have no thoughts on soundstar. theyre coworkers XD. ive seen fics where the seekers are really young and soundwave moms them, and thatâs really cute. okay, I like soundwave as a caretaker if the seekers are young, but yeah I donât think I understand this one.Â
shockstar: nooooooo. tho ironically theres more canon content there to fuel this one than soundstar (is this emotion?) but still no XD I donât even hate shockwave! let him be sunstormâs dad, thatâs cute. but no, shockewave too creepy. no ship. they are also coworkers
what other ship is there even? oh yeah
starprowl: this is apparently a really popular ship?! I guess in a way prowl is sort of like the autobotâs starscream, undermining his leader, arrogant, willing to do the dubious play. theyâre both ruthless. I like this one better than starjacked, but its still an odd pairing to me.
oh! knockout and starscream, i can kinda see it? like, as a rebound after breakdown? I like knock out and breakdown, so Iâd only see these two as like friends or if something happened to breakdown. theyâre a LOT of fun when they interact tho heh heh, perfectly clashing personalities
on the topic of tfp, I guess starscream and arcee is a ship? I can see this similar to my enjoyment of starbee, theyâd have to work reeaally hard for this one to work but they have had potentially positive interactions in the show (before starscream screws it up) so its possible in a better world where starscream doesnt suck they could become friends. him killing cliffjumper is gonna be a huge hurdle tho!Â
dont talk to me about airachnid
do people ship starscream and ratchet? I donât ship it, but I do really like interactions between them. starscream is so terrible but he also gets hurt a lot. ratchet is grumpy and prejudice but heâs the best doctor and heâll fix him up! I like when something terrible happens to starscream and ratchet cant help but feel bad for the guy. thatâs the good stuff.
lastly i have been asked a few times on trinebee. im assuming this is bumblebee and the trine. i hadnt thought about it but it makes sense! if youre a starbee shipper, but you also support trine propaganda, then it only makes sense to bring bee into the trine. also bee and thundercracker are friends! the only ones who havent really had any interaction is bee and warp, and honestly idk if I see those two getting along but bumblebee is everybodyâs friend so XD Iâm sure itâll work out!
and i think those are all the thoughts i have on the ships!Â
no hate on anyone who ships any of these!!! you all do what you do, these are just my opinions, and honestly Iâm just not a huge shipper to begin with haha. I amâŠunsure if there will be any shipping content in my au, I write my scenarios very much âcanon but to the leftâ and so it comes out very sex-less because romance and intimacy is just not the type of content Iâm in the business of writing. but, idk, i think about it sometimes. sometimes I think about the end of chapter one of thundercrackerâs origin, the night starscream took thundercracker out on a not-date. i think, who knows, in some version of the story maybe they shared a kiss? maybe they went back to the apartment and things went further? maybe. but of course, in every version of the story, starscream is gone the next morning.Â
happy valentrineâs day!
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Fellow William analyst, greetings! I hope you are well, I hope you don't mind a question/ask.
I am curious about your thoughts on the lack of reaction we see of Will at the "one life" reveal at the dinner scene, if you haven't already shared your thoughts before! We know Annabel wasn't shocked, but what about Will?
It took me longer to answer than I thought, sorry
I'm not sure I can say anything new, but yes, it's pretty damn suspicious. The composition of the frame stylized as broken glass, makes it easy to draw Will with everyone, and a frame later we see him with other panicking students, so RnF didn't show his reaction quite intentionally.
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But I also want to talk about his behavior further. In the next episode, Will doesn't behave the way you expect him to. Given his weak-willed personality, it seems like he should be scared and overwhelmed by the prospect of a survival game (like Morella for example) but he's confused at best, and moreover, confused by everyone else's reactions. He even tries to justify the deans, basically gaslighting the rest of the students.
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Will is not afraid, but he does not understand why others are. I have only two possible explanations: either he knew, or he just doesn't care, just like Annabel. Or maybe both.
Maybe he has played these games before. Maybe he doesn't plan to fight for a second life (at least not in Nevermore, again just like Annabel). Maybe because he is somehow connected with the academic staff with all his doll aesthetic, there is no second life for him in general, he just works there. There are many options, but here I would prefer to focus on his parallels with Annabel - two characters whose reactions we don't see in this frame.
This is actually not the only scene where they are absent, contrary to common sense. In episode 6 we see the merit board for the first time. Most of the names on it are blurred, but some can be distinguished. Among them are Lenore, Annabel, Duke, Morella, Ada, Prospero and Will. All of them, except Annabel and Will, are present in the room at this moment.
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I wouldn't have paid much attention to this scene if it weren't for Prospero. Why is he there? He doesn't speak a single line, and we haven't been introduced to him as a character yet. His presence here is useless. So maybe the idea really was for all the characters whose names were visible on the board to be in the scene(or at least have already been introduced, like Annabel).
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So what about Will? My main problem with shapeshifter characters is that they can be anyone, anywhere, at any point in the story. Especially if they can also create their own copies. He could have already been introduced and we just didn't notice.
Now let's talk about the games these kids love to play so much. We know that Annabel is a talented chess player, and Montresor constantly uses card game slang. But did you know that it was William Wilson from Poe's original story who was a cardsharper? I just think it's such an interesting detail. Nevermore`s Will has never been seen like this, but considering how much of a board game aesthetic this webtoon has, I think it's important to note this.
And finally, there is a similarity that also makes them very different: both Annabel and Will have ribbons as an essential symbol, but it has a completely opposite meaning for each of them. For Annabel, the ribbons are a symbol of madness, fear, and perhaps her golden cage. It appears in her hallucinations after Lenore's fake death, as well as when Ada shows her her main fear.
Will, on the other hand? The ribbons are his weapon. He uses them to tangle other people. Curious, although his spectre is obviously a marionette, he doesn't have a control bar for strings, he controls the strings himself (not always successful but still).
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No matter how weak-willed Will is, he's the only one in Annabel's group who isn't influenced by her. She blackmails Montresor, Prospero respects her as a leader and friend, Ada admires and envies her. But she doesn't have anything on Will. In the chess allegory, he will obviously be a pawn (and I`ll write a whole post about it, I swear), but not Annabel's pawn. I have an idea that sooner or later, Montresor will think of using Will to find dirt on Annabel in revenge. After all, given their spectre abilities, it's easier for them to find out lenabel's secret.
So, let's summarize what we found. Absolutely nothing. This post turned out to be longer than I had planned, because I was a little carried away, but I hope you found something interesting for yourself in this stream of thoughts.
Here, take funny little Will everyone. He deserves to be noticed.
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#although if his spectre had a control bar it would look pretty cool#nevermore#nevermore webtoon#nevermore webcomic#nevermore will#will nevermore#nevermore annabel lee#annabel lee nevermore#annabel lee whitlock#nevermore theory#analysis I would say#I don't have much to say she said#and then she analyzed every pixel of every frame where this little rascal was ever mentioned#I can't be saved
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idk man i cant get over them
#genuinely becoming on of my fav ships and thats sso funny bc i drew them originally bc of that one video#and here we are#if the op of that fucking video sees this i hope youre happy /gen#also i have no idea what else to draw other than them so if anyone has any suggestions for horse ships PLEASE let me know#mlp#my little pony#mlp fim#my art#applejack#cheerilee#cheerijack
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Out of Proportion
Ok fine here you go, a comic relating to the show which I do not acknowledge as being real in any way. I made this for other reasons too, the one of which is that I really wanted to draw that motion Richter did on the first page. The other, I think you can figure it out.
#so that's what I meant by if I had ideas I'd draw them#which was just that anyone that's so starkly different (or straight-up OCs) was a hired actor#but as I've now removed my eyes I have not much else to establish on this 'adaptation' other than I don't want to see/talk about any more#also I only picked carmilla's 'actor' as I couldn't think of anyone else who'd double for this extra job she has to do#doodle-daas#comics#you have to have like Layers to context to understand this huh-- oops but also not sorry#I just wanted to draw something stupid again
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now some people may not like to hear it but even the worst people who exist are still people & there is no human being who has More right than others to decide whether others deserve to live or die (does not mean i personally condemn murder in self defense or anything of the sort or killing fascists or whatever i'm just saying as a baseline This Is How it Is) & this is why the death penalty is not a good thing no matter how good & trustworthy the people in any government might be. people on average also deserve the chance to learn to do better. & no, someone who's been forcefed propaganda their entire life will not let go of that deeply entrenched mindset so easily, it's not particularly unrealistic & it absolutely sucks to deal with but in the context of tangibly working toward world peace it's also not an issue to try & help such people both in material ways & in helping them learn better rather than cut them down or abandon them to a grim fate. all this to say that's why i don't think garlemald is written badly, as unpleasant as the experience might be. walks off the stage
#ffposting#also if you hate garlemald's writing THIS much but like emet-selch i think theres a disconnect there i just dont understand.#like he made it that way. you do understand this is all because of him right. maybe you should be more upset about that.#garlemald is very uncomfortable & the real life parallels it draws make it a very very touchy Thing to deal with#but i do not think it is handled badly.#their supremacy is entirely gone by the time of edw the people there have known nothing but propaganda#the populares are known to be a minority. people like cid or jenomis aren't that common. this is why they get along#the propaganda is such that even occupied domans like asahi fell for it & feel absolutely nothing for their kin#thats what propaganda does. there is absolutely a degree of responsibility regarding what they do & i would never say otherwise#however the idea that we should let them die & not get a chance to rebuild after theyve lost everything (again) is like. huh.#when you want to work toward world peace in a meaningful way you cant just abandon anyone like that.#like thats a whole people. they suck! but it is not immutable & they deserve the opportunity to do better like any other#id much rather they face retribution for their actions in meaningful ways including working toward reparations#wrt all the peoples the empire occupied than to round them up to kill them or worse let them die to the telophoroi#OR to becoming blasphemies. that would make things so extremely worse.#i just dont understand how you can have sympathy for jullus when he was just like everyone else at first#but you want to leave the rest of them to die. & i dont get how you can like emet & want them to die.#like he fucking did this its a pretty notable very fucking bad thing that he did. no doubt varis has made it worse#but varis was in power for like 2 years at best.#that emet was playing a role & did not actually believe in or care about what he was doing does not erase that he did it#& i personally find it hypocritical to like him if you balk at the idea of garlemald restoration. clears throat#i believe in killing fascists but i also dont believe in punitive justice#& by the time of edw garlean civilians do not hold the systemic power they once mightve#which i think is also important. their entire country is in shambles.#if anything its the ideal opportunity for them all to start anew & learn better. shed their preconceptions as one might say#that said i still skip garlemald cutscenes bc i dont need cunts calling me a savage â-_-#do not take any of this for garlean apologia i fucking hate dealing with them on an individual level as a xaela player lmfao#but yeah. if you can feel pity for livia who is a military general WHO HAS ACTIVELY KILLED YOUR FRIENDS#but not for the civilians whove never been exposed to anything other than propaganda. idk man. 30 tags. fly free my post
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Why is it so hard to find ppl that actually understand bruce? I am tired of either finding ppl that see him as an abuser or others that only love wfa version of him I am really tired of this like really I can't even join a Fandom without getting my favorite character not getting mischaracterized left and right đ
I'm going to rant a little bit here, and I apologize in advance. This isn't really directed at you. But I'm kind of tired of this flavor of ask. I get it a lot -- half of these asks are praising me for having a "good" interpretation of canon, and the other half are blasting me for being too "fanon" and bending too much to fandom tropes in my posts and writing. And of course the nonstop WFA hatred in my inbox is tiring.
Be the change you want to see in the world. If you don't like what the fandom is doing to your blorbo, write him your way. But sitting at the edge of the playpen complaining about how someone else is playing with their toys isn't useful. And it's really getting annoying to me, as a content creator.
I'm also tired of the superiority some canon-adherents have over those who write/draw more fanon tropes. So many of you are SO bitter over the idea that fandom is "ruining" Bruce or your other Batfamily blorbo because how DARE they write your blorbo in that way that is so OOC. How DARE they! And yet, you sit on the sidelines and create bitchy tumblr posts about how those fandom participants are stupid, or ill-informed, or simply don't have the higher thinking ability to understand your blorbo like you do.
And yet. You don't write Bruce the way you "enjoy." You don't create content or share posts or promote those canon characteristics you so highly value. Instead, you write posts complaining about the others in this fandom and deride them for being stupid like adhering to canon strictly somehow makes you better than anyone else. You mock their acceptance of fanon tropes as canon as if there is required reading in this fandom, entirely dismissing the idea that the line between DC fanon/canon is confusing as hell on a good day, and ignoring that the natural progression of engaging in fandom is finding out -- sometimes on your own timeline -- what actually happened in canon. Especially when canon is so vast.
And guess what? At the end of the day, we are all on the fandom website(s). You're still reading fanfiction at the end of the day. Canon or fanon or some blend of the in-between, you are still a fan participating in fandom content in some way or another. And we are all equal in that respect.
We are all here to enjoy these characters. Fanfiction is a medium that allows us to further explore canon, yes, But it is also a way to explore the OOC, the what-if's, the out of character but fandom-fave ideas and tropes people want. The fact that OTHER people enjoy those things should never impact your enjoyment of fandom.
If you cannot handle someone else playing with the same toys as you, but playing with them in a way you don't like, you need to go back to preschool. And if someone won't give you your toy back, find another one. Write the story. Create the post. Build your own engagement from the ground up, finding likeminded people if you can. They are definitely on here.
But I get the impression that when people complain about fanon "ruining" fandom, what they're actually saying is "I'm upset that canon content isn't as popular as fanon content." And that, I can't help you with. We can't always change what other people love or want to engage with.
I'm sorry that this rant is blunt, but it's been simmering inside me for a while. I'm really tired of getting and deleting this ask 15 times a day. You will not find much sympathy on this blog for canon purism and the derision of fanon/fandom, and for that I apologize. But it's the truth.
I enjoy consuming content about both "fanon" and canon Bruce. I like the contrast and complexities. But I have seriously had to stop following a ton of blogs in the last year who don't create "canon" content anymore and instead spend their time complaining about other people in the fandom who are just enjoying themselves and creating their own content. It's incredibly disheartening and frustrating.
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The Heart of Rome (Marcus Acacius x OC)
All Chapters List
I. Heal the HeartÂ
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Odi et amo. Quare id faciam, nescio. Sed fieri sentior et excrucior. I love you and I hate you. Why I do this, I have no idea. But I feel it happening and Iâm in agony. [Catullus]
Following the conquest of Egypt and its incorporation into the Roman Empire, there was a growing interest in its ancient culture. Over time, many in Egypt began to express a desire for greater autonomy and control over their own affairs. Dissatisfaction with Roman control over Egypt became part of the Egyptian psyche.
This is precisely why, immediately following the death of Emperor Septimius Severus, preparations for revolt began in Egypt. His emperor sons, Caracalla and Geta, were mainly focused on quarreling with each other, drinking, and enjoying themselves, while their subjects faced starvation. They organized games, watched gladiators fight, and took pride in their activities. Even when informed of the revolt in Egypt, they continued their indulgent ways, showing little care for anything beyond their own pleasures and daily pursuits.
The Egyptians were, of course, aware of their limitations; they knew they could not be as strong a soldier as their emperor father. They were confident that the day would come when, with the help of the Greeks, they would overthrow the Roman governors in Egypt. After all, they had been preparing for this since the death of Severus. Among them were also Jews, all eager to establish the sovereignty of ancient Egypt. However, there was one crucial factor they did not consider or pay much attention to.
General Marcus Justus Acacius.
They say, you can feel the ground shake when he walks on it. He makes his opponents feel certain of their own death at the very moment he draws his sword. A daring commander with few who could stand up to him. It is unclear whether this is an exaggeration or not, but it is still rumored that he cut a lion in half in the Colosseum.
A beast in every sense of the word.
More than that, he is a leader who manages his legions very well and spurs them on to achieve success during the war, a man who has not yet tasted a failure and has well-earned the title of general in every way.
Since it was obvious that no one else could succeed in suppressing the rebellion, he was immediately sent to the region with the intervention of his Empresss Julia Domna, the mother of the two emperors.
Just like she guessed, he had succeeded in putting down the rebellion; of course, no doubt, as soon as his name rang through, the rebels, along with all the inhabitants of Egypt, knew that they were already defeated.
Some were forced to surrender, those who resisted and fled were found and killed by the Roman soldiers, but not all. The general didn't kill the surrendered ones, he took them as captives which was pretty fair for a beast. In contrast to him, the ones who fled were not, they were so desperate that they didn't know what to do and they started attacking everything and everywhere like rabid dogs.
They even attempted to violate the laws of war and mapped out a plan to kill the General and his soldiers, and even all the medics, in the night at their camps. It was a suicide mission, but they were on the verge of success.
"Has anyone seen the General? Heâs not in his tent!" A burly soldier entered, gripping his sword, which was stained with the blood of the rebel he had just killed. He quickly searched through all the tents, wearing a look of concern on his face.
The clinking of swords echoed in the darkness as the soldiers cut down the last remaining rebels to death with their swords.
Soon, the soldier ran to his General, relieved to see him, but he was wounded in the abdomen moments ago. As he gently pressed his hand to his injury, a small amount of blood emerged, shining like rubies under the moonlight as it dripped from between his strong fingers onto the grass. His attackers were no longer alive, they were all lying on the ground, were literally cut to ribbons. They attacked him in his sleep when he was wearing nothing but his tunic, catching him off guard. He nodded to the soldier, demanding assistance as his white tunic transformed into a crimson hue. He had been wounded many times before, countless times, but this was nothing like before and was undoubtedly the worst injury he had ever sustained. "I think I⊠gotâŠ," he groaned; it hurt much even when he spoke, feeling like beneath the wound, his blood was boiling. "âŠpoisoned." These were the last words spilled from his lips before his enormous body slumping to his knees, collapse altogether to the ground.
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The woman with waist-length with black hair was dragging you along with her as she walking across the meadow, you were struggled, couldnât control your feet, as if the ground was sliding under. She had her hands outstretched at her sides, even though her back was turned, it was not difficult to see her smile by the sunlight reflecting the curve of her chin. She abruptly ceased her movement and bent down to gather a few herbs in a meadow. She plucked them, gathered them in her palms, and kissed them. You heard the whispers between her lips and the harmony of the wind rippling through your ears. It was clear that she was blessing these herbs. When she turned to you, you staggered backwards, hypnotized by her face, so beautiful, mesmerizing, her eyes hypnotizing yours, it was impossible to look away, no escape from them.
Perhaps even more surprising than anything else was that her face and eyes were identical to yours. It really was truly astonishing. She handed you the plants like they were rare jewelry. You could see her arms shone in the sun, and her skin looked like fine marble. It was impossible to believe that it could be human skin; it must have been that of a goddess, but why did her face resemble yours?
'Heal the heart, child,' her voice sang through the meadow like a gentle breeze. You couldn't move your lips, but she heard you anyway.
âHeart?â
A warm wind blew, and the silhouette of the woman came closer, startling you. Her hazel eyes were turning green under the sun. As she slightly opens her lips, you locked your eyes on them and waited eagerly for the answer.
âThe heart of Rome,â almost whispers, âServe it,â a little loud now like commanding, âHeal it...â again whispers then gently puts the herbs on your hand.
A strong wind blew, and the silhouette of the woman danced with the wind. The sunny sky burst into a starry night as the wind embraced the silhouette and rose to the sky, to the stars. You felt the ground under your feet, but your eyes were drawn to the enchanting sky.
As the wind finally gave way to the silent night, you looked at the herbs you were holding in your hand. These kind of herbs you were used to seeing almost every day, but what you were not used to seeing was that they were sparkling like diamonds between your fingers. It was as if you could feel their healing power on your skin.
Abruptly, you heard the voice again, echoing across the meadow. Your ears were once more caressed, blessed, but this time, the words were different.
âCure himâŠâ
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You barely heard your name being called and your body was shaking, slowly opened your eyes, you saw a familiar but worried face.
âWake up, please, you need to get up now,â the concern in the man's voice brought you back to reality, the effect of the dream disappearing like a cloud of dust between the stone walls and dissipating into the air.
âUncle?â
You had rarely seen this face of your uncle who had taken you in when you were an orphan, who cared for you, protected you and raised you well more than any other father or mother ever would.
You sat up from the firm mattress you were lying on, âI thought we were travelling tomorrow night?â
âNo, no, that's not why I woke you up,â he put your big dark cloak over your head. âYou need to hide.â
You were startled to hear shouting and footsteps coming from outside the wooden door of the room. This was not the sort of noise you would normally expect to hear in this Valetudinarium (hospital, clinic) at this late hour.Â
âWhat is going on?â You rub your eyes with your fingers, trying to figure out the situation.
Your uncle tucked your hair deeper into your cloak.
'The Roman soldiers are gathering all the medici (psychians). I have to go with them.'
'Roman soldiers? I thought they left after they put down the rebellion, and slaughtered thousands. Besides, they must have a medicus in their camps, why would they-?'
He grabbed you by the shoulders, his anxiety evident.
'I heard that some rebellious individuals killed the Medici in their tents, and then-'
A soldier's voice was heard from one of the nearby rooms. You both turned your heads in that direction, startled, and then looked at each other again.
'Their general was targeted. The rebels attacked him in his sleep. He managed to fight back, but he was poisoned. Now, they want me to save him.'
âPoisoned? But Uncle, he might already be dead! If you canât cure him, theyâll blame you or punish you!â
âDonât think about that now. You need to hide. Remember, as a woman, you arenât allowed to be here. You have to conceal yourself and wait for my return.â
The soldiersâ voices were heard nearby.
"No, Iâll come with you. If itâs aspis venom (a venomous snake found in the Nile region), weâll use the same techniques as we did with the boy last time. It would take too long to make the antivenom alone. Let me help you."
"Itâs too dangerous for you, my dearest, to go among the soldiers. Even if you wear menâs clothes, we canât hide the beauty of your face."
You walked over to the cauldron in the fireplace and ran your hands over the soot that had accumulated beneath it.
"It worked before," you said, rubbing a bit of soot on your cheeks.
"That was only at the market. This time itâs more dangerous. Iâd never forgive myself if I couldnât protect you there."
"I was going to give this to you tomorrow, as I promised last time, but there's no time now. If anything happens to me, you will open it. Everything about your true family is in here."
You took the envelope from him with shaky hands. It had been sealed by the former emperor himself, and you wondered what was written inside.
Your uncle grabbed your shoulders and shook you to ensure you understood the importance of the letter. "No one should ever see this. Do you understand me? No one! After you open it, hide it. Do not let anyone see it. But don't lose it; hide it as if your life depends on it. You'll understand why."
You nodded firmly and swallowed hard, tucking the letter into the bag hanging around your neck. You hid it at the very bottom under the medicine bottles, causing them to rattle in the process.
"Aya, youâre going to have to choose," he said, looking at you intently before leaving the room.
"Choose what, uncle?"
"To run or to stay. Itâll all make sense when you read the letter," he said, glancing down the hall before grabbing your wrist. You were confused, but you knew you had to think about this later.
"We have to get out now; soldiers are outside. Quick!"
'I was going to give this to you tomorrow as I promised last time, but there's no time now. If anything happens to me, you will open it. Everything about your true family is in here.'
You took the envelope from him with shaking hands. The previous emperor himself had sealed it. You wondered what it meant.
Your uncle grabbed your shoulders and shook you, making sure you understood how important this letter was.
âNo one should ever see this. Do you understand me? No one! After you open it, hide it. Do not let anyone see it. But don't lose it, hide it like your life depends on it, you'll understand why.â
You nodded firmly and swallowed hard. You tucked the letter into the bag hanging around your neck and hid it at the very bottom under the medicine bottles, making them rattle in the process.
âAya, youâre going to have to choose,â he looked at you before leaving the room.
âChoose what uncle?â
âTo run or stay. Itâll make sense when you read the letter,â he checked the hall and grabbed your wrist. You were so confused but you had to think about this later.
'We have to get out now, soldiers are outside, quick!'
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The soldiers had gathered all the medici they could find at the army camp headquarters near the tents. There were seven of them, but they were unable to find a solution for the General's injury. As you and your uncle were next in line, a burly soldier of higher rank approached you both. You kept your head down, avoiding eye contact. Everyone was in a rush, nearly all mobilized to save the General's life. Your gender didn't matter to them at that moment. Just as you were about to follow your uncle into the tent, the soldier raised his hand to stop you.
âOnly the medicus.â
âMy aide, sir, let him in. He's as expert as I am.â
As your uncle is their last hope, he let you in but did not follow you inside, standing guard outside the tent. The General's squire stood next to him, looking at you with tears in his eyes. It was a heartbreaking sight. The sorrow had enveloped everything inside the tent, and you could feel it deep in your bones.
The General lay on a mattress in the west corner of the tent. He was unconscious, but you noticed his lips moving as if he were murmuring. You stepped forward to take a closer look at his face, which you had been so curious about.
His face was exactly as you had imagined, yet somehow different. He had numerous scars, as if he had been born with them, and his light brown skin embraced them. His mustache and beard were partially gray, and his nose and chin were perfectly shaped, as though Prometheus himself had spent extra time crafting this man. His face was stunning, causing your heart to race. You had never felt this way about any other man, though you had never had the opportunity to do so.
You were somewhat disappointed to see his eyes closed. You longed to know what they looked like and were eager to see his expression when he opened them. You were momentarily surprised by the desire to touch his face. For an instant, you forgot why you were there. Meanwhile, your uncle had picked up the sword with which the General had been wounded and was examining the blood on it. You moved over to help him, keeping one eye on the General, who lay there with his imposing build and half of the white tunic he wore stained red.
Your heart constricted with pain, and the dream you had came vividly to mind.
âCure him.â
"We need to check his wound!" Your uncle's loud voice startled you, and you squinted at him, feeling ashamed.
As your uncle gestured for you to come closer, you saw that the wound was not deep, but the skin around it was turning pale from the venom, and the edges were curling inward.
"He doesn't have much time. Let's start making the antivenom now," he said, swallowing hard. The situation was worsening, and you knew you had to cure him no matter what. Perhaps this was why the gods had shown you this in your dream; they had warned you in advance that your life depended on it.
The process of making the antivenom took slightly longer than you had anticipated, but you persevered admirably. Your uncle cleaned the wound to neutralize it while you sweated through your clothes. Finally, when the antivenom was ready, your uncle carefully applied the antidote to the wound, but he was exhausted, his fingers shaking. You stepped in to help despite feeling weary yourself. Your eyelids felt heavy, but you managed to see your task through to the end.
The soldier from earlier entered the tent to check on the situation. You bowed your head and stepped back.
"We've cleaned the wound, and once it's neutralized, we applied the antidote. We just need to wait now," your uncle informed him, wiping sweat from his forehead. "We need to give him some time and ensure he drinks water soon to avoid dehydration."
As the soldier examined the wound, you turned your head to look at the squire boy, who had been sobbing just moments ago but had now already fallen asleep. Poor boy, you thought.
The soldier then ordered you to leave the tent and wait outside.
You felt your arms and legs go numb with fatigue and collapsed to the ground, sitting cross-legged and trying hard to stay awake. Your uncle was in the same state, but he still struggled to resist sleep. In the end, he couldn't keep his eyelids from closing.
You woke up to the sound of soldiers shouting and arguing. Turning your head, you couldn't make out what they were disagreeing about, but their noise was overwhelming.
"You better go in and make sure the General drinks some water. He needs to stay hydrated," your uncle said firmly, likely keeping an eye on the soldiers outside.
The tent was empty except for the General. A soldier from earlier was outside, reassuring the other soldiers. You approached the General to check on him. His forehead was covered in sweat, and his body was fighting off venom. You quickly grabbed a damp cloth and pressed it gently against his forehead. Then you touched his lips with your thin, fragile fingers. An intense feeling grew inside you. As a secret medicus, you had touched the faces and bodies of many men and women to heal them. However, touching this man's face and lips felt different from the others.
You took a deep breath to steady yourself. This was nonsensical.
You opened his lips carefully and dipped a rag into the fresh water in a copper pot. You pressed it against the General's dry, pale lips, squeezing it gently through his mouth.
After doing this several times, you decided you had done enough. Just as you were about to withdraw your hand, the General's strong hand suddenly grasped yours with a firm grip. You were shocked and winced in pain, causing you to open your hand with pressure, and the rag fell to the ground.
You swallowed hard, your heart racing as you gazed at his face. He opened those eyes you had been so curious about and looked at you with a cold, calculating stare, squeezing your wrist so tightly that you felt it might break at any moment. You suppressed a scream and moaned in pain. 'Sir, I'm trying to help you!' You sounded as if you were crying, then he groaned in pain, throwing his head back and closing his eyes.The effort must have exhausted him. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he breathed quickly.
When he finally released your wrist, you threw yourself backwards for dear life, rubbed your wrist with your other hand and stroked it, praying to the Gods to take the pain away. You could have sworn to Jupiter that if he had squeezed your wrist any harder, you would have heard a cracking sound coming from your bones.
How could he possibly be so strong even when exhausted, so close to death?
As the pain receded, you took a deep breath and forced yourself to calm down. Your thin wrist was marked in red, like poppies, as if the shadows of his fingers were engraved on your skin.
You glanced timidly over your shoulder; he was still lying there with his eyes closed. But you had just made a terrible mistakeâhe must have heard your voice and realized you were a woman. Only the gods knew what he would do when he regained consciousness.
You had to leave immediately. Wrapping your wrist in a clean piece of cloth, you tucked the sleeve of your dress into it to hide the bandage. As you stepped out of the tent, your uncle grabbed your arm and pulled you behind it.
âUncle, the general opened his eyes for a moment and heard my voice. He might remember when he wakes up,â you whispered, hoping no one had overheard you.
âGods have mercy upon us,â he murmured, glancing down. Then he grabbed your shoulders. âItâs time to go. You need to leave now. Follow the path through the woods. Some soldiers are having a disagreement about something; I think they have found outââ
âYou! Medicus! Come over here!â one of the soldiers shouted at your uncle. He gestured to you with his eyes, silently urging you to go.
âYou too!â you gasped as you realized that the soldier was waving his hand at you.
âSir, he should stay with the GeneralâŠâ your uncle interjected, stepping in front of you to protect you.
âI said come, both of you, now,â the soldier replied, his tone unmistakably commanding.
As you took tentative steps towards the group of soldiers forming a circle around your uncle, your heart raced as if it were about to burst. These were the soldiers who had just argued, fought, and you found yourself wondering whether they had been injured, but you could see no visible wounds on anyone.
On the contrary, they gazed at you with curiosity, and only at you.
âThatâs nonsense, Dimitrus; this boy canât be a girl,â said one soldier, pointing at you with a small knife in his hand.
Your uncle stood beside you, his worst fears realized, his face taut with worry. As the soldier, whom you guessed was named Dimitrus, approached, your uncle stepped in front of you. But the soldier easily overpowered him and shoved him aside. With a scrutinizing gaze, the soldier examined your body from head to toe. You bowed your head and clenched your fists, your heart pounding in your chest as your breathing quickened. He yanked down the hood of your cloak with his large hands, drawing the attention of other soldiers who now gathered nearby for a better look.
When he saw your hair tied up at the back of your head, his grin widened. He drew a dagger from its sheath, and as you caught sight of your uncle's worried face behind the soldier's formidable arm, you began to pray to all the gods.
Dimitrus grasped your bun and quickly cut the hair tie with his dagger, causing your golden-brown wavy hair to cascade over your shoulders. The soldiers laughed and whistled, while Dimitrus looked at them with a cocky smile before turning back to you.
âSuch long hair for an aide boy, huh?â he chuckled.
âA girl, indeed,â replied another soldier, looking at you in disbelief.
âI told you I could smell a woman from a mile away,â he laughed, his voice booming.
âPlease,â you pleaded, feeling powerless. A wave of despair washed over you.
âWhat is going on here?â The burly soldier approached, eyes wide with astonishment at your new appearance. Dimitrus grabbed your hair, pulling you closer to him. He then seized your chin and turned your face towards Octavius.
"Look at her! You didn't even notice that the medicus brought a girl with him, Octavius? In our camp? And you're supposed to be the general's right-hand man!"Â
You struggled to move, but he was too strong.Â
"Hey, I canât see her face clearly!"
You closed your eyes tightly as someone threw wine in your face. Dimitrus roughly wiped your face with his big fingers.
âGods, no ordinary beauty,â he said, looking at you like a hungry wolf. He leaned in closer, inhaling the scent of your hair, making you feel nauseous. You tried to look away, but your eyes met your uncleâs desperate gaze.
âThat's enough, Dimitrus. Let her go. Is this what you all think while our General lies there, fighting for his life?â
You rushed to your uncle's side as his hands released your hair. "He's already dead; I've never seen anyone get up after being poisoned," he says, as if he were looking forward to his death.
Octavius unsheathed his sword with a sharp "schwing" sound. "How dare you! Say that again and I'll cut your tongue off!" he barked.
Dimitrus' followers drew their swords as well. Octavius looked at each of them with anger and disbelief. He had been betrayed. "You treacherous filthy rats! I'll kill you one by one!" He waved his long sword at them.
Dimitrus grabbed your uncle by the collar. "Start with this one then. Who knows what he gave the General instead of medicine?"
"Aye, he must be punished!" shouted one of them.
"Punish him, Octavius!"
They were all yelling at him by raising their swords, you were thinking a way out but there wasnât any.
"If you won't, I shall," Dimitrus pointed the end of his sword at your uncle.
"No!" you shrieked, but your uncle stopped you, raising his hand.
Then, as Octavius raised his hand and was about to lunge at him to prevent him, Dimitrus plunged his sword through your uncle's stomach, the poor man groaning in pain and falling to his knees, and as you ran towards him, he drew back his sword, his blood splashing in your face with the force of the draw. Your body began to shake, and you felt paralyzed as you watched his lifeless body collapse to the ground.
"Dimitrus!" Octavius roared, âYou've gone too far! What do you think our general will do to you when he awakens?â
You fell to your knees in shock, your body rigid and still, your face expressionless, yet tears streaming down your cheeks.
"General? You failed to save him; you let that medicus get into his tent; you must share his fate! I will let the emperors know that this is all your fault! And I think we must put the general out of his misery-"
Out of nowhere, an axe flew at Dimitrus, piercing his chest. His body shook as he reeled back, then collapsed to the ground, lying backwards and dying in a pool of blood. Everyone looked at him in astonishment and panic. Blood gushed from where his chest had been split open, and when he stopped breathing, he lay there as his eyes remained wide open.
They turned their heads to see who had thrown the axe and were shocked once again. The general could hardly stand near his tent, his eyes filled with rage and his gaze burning with fury. Octavius quickly ran to his side.
"General! Thank the Gods you're finally awake!"Â
"What's going on here, Octavius?" His voice was like a roar.
ïżœïżœSir, Dimitrus and others have attempted to mutiny.âÂ
Acacius shot a deathly glare at the other soldiers, who immediately kneeled with their swords turned upside down.Â
âNo, sir, we did not.âÂ
âForgive me, sir, it was Dimitrus's doing.âÂ
âSir, please forgive me.âÂ
You gently closed your uncle's eyelids with your fingers as they all pleaded for forgiveness. With your back turned to the General, you felt indifferent about your fate; you no longer cared whether you lived or died. It seemed to you that your whole life was already over.
"If any of you ever dare to do anything like this again," he said as he walked near Dimitrusâ body and pulled the axe from his chest roughly; you were startled by the crunching sound coming from his bones.
"I Marcus Justus Acacius, will make sure that he meets the same fate as this scum!"
He put them in their place, and they all nodded in fear. They stood up at his gesture while bowing their heads, unable to look him in the face.Â
âNow get ready; we must sail at dawn!âÂ
âYes, sir!âÂ
They quickly sheathed their swords and hurriedly spread out.
Acacius staggered slightly as watched them move, his wound still painful, but he tried hard not to show it.Â
Octavius touched his arm. "Sir, the Gods have spared your life, but please rest a little longer."Â
"Who is this man?"Â
You were certain he was referring to your uncle, even though your back was turned to him.Â
"The medicus who cured you, sir. Dimitrus got mad and killed him because he thought he couldn't save you."
"As if we haven't lost enough healers tonight. He was clearly mistaken. This man managed to cure me, and I am standing here because of him." He turned to Octavius. "Make sure this man's body is returned to his family. Inform the governor about this; they should make all the necessary arrangements for the rituals."
Octavius nodded, "Yes, sir, I will."Â
They both turned their gaze toward you. "What about this one?"Â
Your body was frozen; you felt as if the time for your execution had come. You never expected your last moments to unfold like this.Â
"I think this is his aide or slave, sir. Dimitrus discovered she was a woman and that medicus was hiding her," one of them said, bowing his head in shame. You swallowed hard.Â
Acacius' pain returned, and he groaned. Octavius gently grabbed his waist. "Sir, please rest. You need to regain your strength."Â
"Sir!" Acacius' squire rushed over, placing his arm under Acacius' shoulder.Â
It was time for him to turn away from you.
"Since her master has died, take this girl to the other slaves. I don't want any more chaos or mishap," he said in a firm voice.
You wiped the tears from your eyes with the back of your hand as their footsteps faded away. Two soldiers grabbed your arms and lifted you off the ground while others carried your uncle's body. As you turned your head and glanced over your shoulder, you caught a glimpse of the General's curly gray hair and well-shaped nose before he disappeared into his tent.
Your body was filled with rage. What you heard only heightened your pain and deepened your hurt. A slave? How could he say that? The one who had healed him was now considered worthy of being a slave?
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As the mid-morning sun began to reflect off the walls of Rome through the haze that filled the harbor, the city was preparing to experience one of the most significant days in its history. Everyone who noticed the navy ships approaching from afarâcitizens, subjects, foreign diplomats, merchants, civil servants, and portersâgathered at the entrance of the city. They were waiting to welcome General Acacius and the victorious Roman soldiers. On the deck of the large ship at the forefront of the fleet, the General sighed deeply as he looked out over his city, thanking Mars for his triumphant and healthy return.
The journey from the port of Alexandria to Rome took ten days, and it was a challenging experience for you, traveling alongside captives known as slaves. Most of these individuals were Greeks and Egyptians, and the joyous shouts echoing through the streets of the Roman capital meant nothing to them. On board the ship, they were repeatedly told that the slave market in Rome was quite prestigious. They were assured that young girls would be well cared for by certain families, urged to stop their tears, and encouraged to pray to Jupiter so that wealthy families would notice them and buy them at high prices.
You were not like those slaves; you were not a prisoner of war, and your family was neither enslaved nor poor. Your uncle was a renowned and esteemed medicus, part of an affluent family. He and his wife found you on the banks of the River Nile when you were three years oldâthat is what they told you. The gods had not blessed them with a child, so they loved you as if you were their own. You knew he wasn't your biological father or uncle, but you were very happy with your life and didn't ask too many questions until he revealed the letter the night before everything changed.
As an orphan, you were raised by your uncle, who taught you about Egyptian medicine. You assisted him in countless surgeries, helping to bring many people back to life, including the general himself. Through this experience, you gained enough knowledge and skill to become an expert in the field. However, no one would refer to you as a medicus because you were a woman. Your talents were too remarkable to ignore, yet despite sharing your skills with those on the ship, no one believed you. Even if they did, there was little they could do to change the situation.
As you looked through the small cracks between the ship's planks, your gaze drifted over the seemingly endless sea. You couldnât shake the thoughts of the dream you had the night before.
âCure him.â
Wouldn't it have been better if you hadnât cured him? Perhaps your uncle would still be alive. Maybe you wouldnât be sitting on this ship now, resigned to your fate, wondering and worrying about what will happen to you. Is this your reward for healing the great Roman general?
That man ruined your life, and you only did yourself a disservice by saving him. Perhaps the gods were testing you, but what was the lesson?
You observed the shadow of the generalâs fingers beneath the cloth wrapped around your wrist. The color reminded you of violets bathed in moonlight from days ago. Now, it was an unmistakably bright hue, and the pain had lessened significantly.
As the ship rumbled into port, you realized that it was time to accept your fate. In the dark and damp bilge of the ship, you and a girl close to your age called Decima took turns using the same swing as a bed, you liked each other and in desperation you became confidants, friends. She was in her early twenties and had a lovely charm about her, while you, in your late twenties, had a stunning beauty that really stood out. Her father was a rebel, probably killed by the General's men, and she was taken as captive. You told her almost everything except the letter that youâre hiding in your bag.
As soon as you stepped into the harbor, the discrimination began. The general and his men moved in the opposite direction, while the slave trader standing in front of you ordered you to go elsewhere.
You frowned as you caught sight of his face in the distance, peeking over the shoulders of the crowd. He looked healthy; his body had managed to overcome the venom of the past few days, and his wound had healed. You remembered how you had spent hours with your uncle trying to cure him and how you had struggled to create the antidote while your arms and wrists ached with pain.
Suddenly, the General's face lit up with a warm smile as he waved to his citizens. To your surprise, all your anger momentarily vanished. You turned your head away; looking at him would only cause you pain. He wouldn't recognize you because he couldn't clearly see your face, not just yet. Besides, to him, you were just a slaveânothing more.
However, Octavius recognized you from a distance. He was the only one who had witnessed your hard work. He was an honorable man, he disliked seeing you among the slaves, but he felt powerless, as it was the General's order.
In the evening of that day, after the slaves were taken to the baths and then to the market for sale, you and Decima were brought by the slaver to a separate cell. From outside, the lively sounds of the market could be heard, where slaves were being sold one by one. There was a great deal of interest in these new slaves from Egypt.
The slaver appeared at the door of your cell with a man who looked to be older and wealthy. Decima immediately stood up, but you remained still. The slaver gestured with his hand, turning Decima around in the center of the cell to show off her arms, face, and feet, while squinting at you.
âLook at these strong and beautiful young girls, sir. I wouldnât show you any poor slaves; they are both virgins and very beautiful. The great Venus has bestowed her beauty upon them. They would fetch a lot of money in the market, but I thought I would show them to you first, sire.â He was being very flattering, but the man's eyes were fixed on you.
âDoesn't she have any manners? Why isn't she standing up?â âYou're right, sir, she must be a bit sick from traveling. She will,â he gestured to you with his hand. âCome on, get up, girl.â
You rolled your eyes and got up, he squeezed your arm hard to warn you first, then did everything what he had done to Decima, opening almost every part of your body for the other man to see. It was incredibly disgusting, you felt like an animal being sold at the cattle market.
"The other one is younger, but this one is beautiful, a rare find," he said, grabbing your arm and looking at you hungrily. "How much do you want for her?"
Your eyes meet with Decima in a silent exchange, as it was time to go your separate ways.
"Eight thousand sesterces, sire."
He pursed his lips in thought, his fingers touching your hair while you closed your eyes, praying for a miracle.
"Ten thousand sesterces!"
A familiar voice of a man echoed through stone walls. You all turned your heads to that direction."General Marcus Acacius offers ten thousand sesterces for this girl!" Octavius appeared, his imposing figure clad in armor that clanked with every step. He tossed a large coin pouch to the slaver, who caught it, a wide smile spreading across his face.
"Sold, of course," he said, counting the coins with a happy expression.
Octavius then firmly grabbed the other man's arm, which was still close to you, lifted it, and pushed it away. He frowned. "This girl now belongs to General Acacius, sir. You must not touch her," he warned firmly.
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As the general entered the city in his chariot, the people shouted his name. He waved his hand to them, and the streets were filled with a great enthusiasm as everyone gathered to honour the general and his soldiers. The chariot carrying him soon passed under the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus and turned towards the Curia Julia, the Senate building, where the emperors must have been waiting for him. The general's smile faded. He was tired and not looking forward to seeing them, but he would not go to his villa before visiting the emperors.
As General strode purposefully up the marble stairs, Geta and Caracella leapt down from their golden imperial thrones in excitement. As soon as Geta saw him, he opened his arms wide.
âHow can I reward Rome's greatest general?'
'By letting him catch his breath first,' Caracella smiled widely.
Acacius stopped in front of them and nodded, 'My Emperors.'
'We have been eagerly awaiting for your arrival, general,' Geta clasped his hands together, looking at him with admiration.
'Speak for yourself, brother. My legs ache from sitting for so long,' Caracella said, then laughed loudly. 'But it was worth it, indeed!'
âIndeed!â They both laughed once more, but Caracella looking at his brother a bit strange way.
It was hard to tell if Caracalla wanted to embrace Geta or if wanted to take his life right then and there. The relationship between the two of them was quite distorted.
The general rolled his eyes, he was used to these two whiny emperors half of his age bickering at each other all the time, he sighed in frustration at having to put up with them when he could easily take both their lives with a single stroke of his sword. Unfortunately, this unpleasant situation had only just begun.
âWe heard that you were poisoned, how did it feel?â Geta looked at him with wide eyes and smile.
The news must have reached the emperors before the general had even boarded the ship.
'Painful, your highness,' Acacius stated, a shadow passing over his brown eyes as he remembered the pain again.
'I'm sure it was, it must have been an interesting experience.â Caracella crossed his arms; smiling just like his brother.
âCobra or viper?â
âAspis, highness, the viper type.â
âOh, I won!â Geta jumped for joy and gestured to Caracella with his hand, imitating a snake.
Caracella ignored him looking at the General.
âThe rebels must have quite a sense of humour, poisoning a Roman General carrying Medusa on his chest with a snake, quite ironic,â he touched Medusa on General's armor with his index finger.
Acacius frowned while looking at him, âThey certainly do, they murdered all our medici mercilessly, fortunately the great Asclepius sent his help, my men brought another medicus from city was able to cure me, it is thanks to him that I can stand here in front of you, highness,â Acacius remembered the memory when he was unsure whether it was a dream or not but he could not get out of his mind the fingers that touched his lips, the owner of those hazel eyes that came to his aid when his throat was dry from thirst. But it couldn't be medicus he thought, it had to be someone with thin fingers, someone with beautiful eyes he had never seen before. Maybe, since he was too close to death, it was a dream or a goddess has appeared to him, he couldn't be sure.
The first thing he remembers is opening his eyes and grabbing her wrist with his survival instinct. He thought it was a strange looking young man in a hood, maybe another rebel had come to kill him again, but then he heard her voice and thought his goddess had come to heal him. He was in so much pain and seeing hallucinations that he couldn't tell if it was a dream or not. But couldnât get rid of those thoughts since days.
The emperors didn't seem to care much about the medicis the general was talking about, or how he had recovered, and Acacius seemed bored as they continued to joke with each other.
âMother,' Geta ran to her as he noticed the Empress approaching, extends his arm for her.
Julia Domna took his arm as she coming towards Acacius, whispering something into Getaâs ear, without taking her eyes off the General.
âMy lady,â Acacius nodded to her.
Domna's smile was like Caracella's, you could never guess what she was thinking.
âGeneral, how good it is to see you return triumphant once more. Rome salutes you, and I embrace you,â she approached him with open arms and put her hands Acaciusâ board shoulders.
Caracella sat back on his throne, a bored look on his face.
âMy Lady, the honour is mine,â the general said, bowing his head.
âWe shall sacrifice 1000 bulls to honor our triumphant mother!â Geta clapped his hands excitedly, âLet's have a great feast tonight!â
âHighness, let's give the General some time to rest, he must be tired from the battle,â Domna removed her hands from the General's shoulders but kept her eyes on him.
Caracella let out a high, shrill laugh that echoed through the white marble columns. Geta sat on his throne and scowled.
âAcacius, walk with me,â the Empress turned round, gestured to him.
Acacius sighed, he didn't want to be alone with her, but he had to. Domna walked ahead of him, hands clasped behind her back, he followed her slowly.
âMy sons are glad to see you again, even if they have no idea how fortunate they are to have you serving them.â
'It is my duty to serve Rome.â
She paused and smiled, watching the water in the pool shimmer in the sunlight, the glow reflecting off her bright skin, her expression was difficult to read.
'I think you have a talent for survival.â
She sounded dissatisfied. 'After all, you trained under Maximus, you must have learned a lot from him.â
He looked away, 'I owe where I am today to the remarkable fighting skills he taught me, he was an honourable man, the greatest general Rome has ever seen,' Acacius' eyes were fixed on the great Temple of Venus between the eastern edge of the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum.
Domna looked at him with a feeling between admiration and concern.
âHe, like you, lived to serve Rome, even if he had to kill Commodus,â she said, and even little children could catch the obvious implication in her voice.
Acacius held his ground, his eyes roaming the curves of the statue of Venus.
âBut unlike him, you are loyal to the emperors, I can be sure of that, can't I?
He turned his head towards her, but did not look at her. His eyes were now on the two spoilt emperors who were talking animatedly to each other between the columns. 'As long as Rome is prosperous for all her subjects, I will be loyal to them, my lady.'
Domna laughed loudly, 'Ah, that's why I want you in the Senate, how long will you refuse?
'I am only a soldier, politics is not my business, nor should it be. Consuls in the Senate -'
âThose old foxes live in abundance and do nothing, the person who has done Rome the greatest service should be in the Senate.â Domna glanced over her shoulder at her sons. 'I am concerned that Macrinus has no equal in the Senate and that Caracella dominates him, perhaps if you are in there, you will gain his trust.â
'Your Highness...' He looked at her shaking his head as no.
Domna looked at Acacius, this time with a serious expression on her face, 'For the sake of Rome you must be especially careful with Caracella, as her mother even I find it hard to get my way with him, he is not like Geta, he is a hard-headed child.â
Acacius looked at Caracella whose back was turned, of course he knew this very well, for a moment he thought that he was the real threat to Rome, not the enemy soldiers or the others.
âAnyway, you should go to your villa and rest, you will have time to think about this alone,â she said with a forced smile, then turned around to go to her sons.
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After praying in the temple of Venus, Acacius walked out, and as he descended the steps of the temple, he felt a stinging pain where his wound had been, the poison had completely gone from his body, but it had left its trace behind.
Octavius was lost in thought as he has leaned against the side of the carriage waiting for him, quickly stood up when he noticed him.
âSir.â
âI see you don't miss your home, as you're still here,' Acacius said as he descended the last step. He got into the carriage and climbed in to sit beside him. Acacius was quite tired so he lay down on the seat, the fact that he felt so comfortable with Octavius was because of their long friendship, he was his most trusted man, more than just a friend, like a brother.
'Are you going to tell me what's troubling you?â Acacius covered his face with his arm, but he could feel the tension in him.
'Sir, the girl.â
'Oh, I see, a girl? Have you fallen in love with a girl?
'No, that's not it,' Octavius felt embarrassed as he remembered your face. 'That poor girl, It doesn't seem fair that she should be with those slaves, sir, you are an honourable man, but your order-'
Acacius lifted his arm from his face and looked at him, the cart swaying as it moved along the stony roads.
'The girl that medicus hid? Why do you care so much for her? Is there something I should know?â
'After all, they worked so hard together to cure you, perhaps you should have at least let her go home.â
âTogether? What do you mean?' Acacius sat up, his eyebrows furrowed.
Octavius bowed his head.
'Sir, I made a mistake, it was my fault for letting them into your tent, I don't know how I could have been so careless even after the assassination, forgive me...'
Acacius raised his hand.
'Slow down, we will talk about your mistake later, you are saying that girl entered my tent and cured me? How?â
'I didn't look closely at her face and I didn't know she was a woman maybe because of her outfit but I made a terrible mistake, I shouldâve known, forgive me sir.â He bowed his head once more but it made Acacius more angry.
'You haven't answered my question, Octavius,' his voice was loud.
'Yes sir, she did her best to cure you, sir, the girl and Medicus worked hard to produce antivenom all night.â
Acacius was surprised when he realized that he hadn't dreamed that night. He was glad to learn that the owner of those eyes was a real person. But then he thought that she might be on the slave market by now, about to be sold to someone else.
âStop the carriage!â He yelled.
The coachman immediately did as he was told and pulled hard on the horses' harnesses, the horses howling and stamping their hooves on the ground.
'Sir?' Octavius raised his eyebrows in surprise.
'Go and find the girl, I want to see her at my villa tonight, do you understand? Acacius tossed him a pouch full of coins.
Octavius smiled, âYes, sir.â
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TWST PARENTS! Leech, Draconia and Kingscholar!!
First of all, I must warn you that these designs may change in the future, either because the game presented us with the official designs, or just because I really wanted to change... Or I could reuse these designs for these characters! Given that warning...
Guys, gals, and non-binary pals. I present to you, the Leech, Draconia, and Kingscholar families!
Mr and Mrs Leech attract as much attention as their children, who at first may give off a friendly and calm image... But, they are Floyd and Jade's parents, and they are certainly hiding some things. They are an extremely passionate couple, much to the misfortune of their children (who would rather be anywhere else than witnessing their parents exchanging vows of love). Floyd and his mother have very similar personalities, of course Mrs. Leech knows how to mask her real feelings better than her son. And Jade grew up having a similar personality to his father, who knows very well how to get what he wants and who to manipulate to achieve his goals.
Lady Maleficia, certainly a mysterious and emblematic figure who rarely appears publicly these days⊠Maybe this has something to do with Meleanor's death? She doesn't seem to make contact with anyone other than Malleus or Lilia (with whom she has a complicated relationship) and the Briar Valley Senators.
King and Queen Kingscholar The royal family has many interesting stories, especially when it comes to the youth of the king and queen and their little adventures before they had their children, Falena and Leona Kingscholar. The king is described by many as a kind leader, but who also tends to be strict⊠In order to maintain peace in the kingdom. The queen has always been described as a determined and courageous woman. Before being crowned queen, she was part of the royal guard and was considered one of the most powerful warriors in the kingdom. Due to his father's illness, Falena had many responsibilities imposed on him from a very early age, and he often felt insecure and uncertain about his decisions⊠The good thing is that he often had his mother by his side to help and support him in difficult times. Leona has always been more attached to his mother.
WELLâŠ. IT WAS QUITE A LOT.
And I'm still going to draw pictures of other members of the TWST families, so please bear with me a little⊠I'm going as fast as I can! I still have some ideas I want to explore with these characters, so maybe you'll see them more often!
I hope you like them!⊠And as always, share any headcanons you have, I always have fun reading them~
#!kah art#twst#twisted wonderland#twst parents#twisted wonderland fanart#jade leech#twst jade#floyd leech#twst floyd#malleus draconia#twst malleus#maleficia draconia#twst maleficia#leona kingscholar#twst leona#falena kingscholar#twst falena#My GOD#that was a lot#MAN I HAVE SO MANY HEADCANONS FOR THEM#Leona's father is like: i love a kind of woman that will actually just kill me#floyd and jade parents are like gomez and morticia and i love them for that#yes leona is a mama's boy#but also floyd#maleficia is still in mourning#maleficia draconia please help us your grandson is NOT FINE#Falena will still gain special attention in the future#I still want to improve his design since the focus was on his parents and not Falena himself
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mad m4x | max verstappen
synopsis: in which he bags it in Vegas
a/n: based on this request! i know it's probably kind of shit, but i genuinely had no idea how to make it better than this :((
my masterlist
Vegas.
The place where all of your dreams can come true.
At least, that's what it felt in those moments for both you and Max.
You hadn't had high hopes coming into the weekend, especially due to the fact that the car hasn't been performing well enough to fight for both championships.
"How are you feeling about today?" you had asked him as you watched him get ready in his driver's room.
He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
"I don't even know what to say. I hope I can outscore Lando finally close this chapter, but I don't think I have the car under me to do it" he admitted, and you could hear the frustration in his voice.
You nodded, pursing your lips in sympathy.
"I know it's hard, but I believe in you. You're so much more than the car, babe, if anyone is able to do it, it's you" you said, rubbing soothing circles on his back and resting your chin against his shoulder.
He sighed and nodded, taking your hand into his.
"I'll fight for it until the last moment" he promised.
You nodded, kissing his cheek a couple of times.
You knew he had it in him, and that he was going to deliver.
He always did.
âĄâĄâĄâĄâĄ
He did it.
True to his word, he crossed the finish line, even if it was not in the position he had hoped for, but he still won the championship.
He brought it home.
The walk, or sprint rather, towards the end of the pitlane where he was getting out of the car allowed time for the tears that had build up in your eyes to freely flow down your cheeks, making you a walking mess.
"MAX!" you called out once you were within earshot of him, just as he took off his helmet and balaclava.
He smiled once he saw you coming and extended his arms, bracing for the impact of your body colliding with his.
"I did it, I did it" he chanted in your ear, his arms holding tightly onto your waist as he spun you around.
You laughed, nodding as you rested your head into the crook of his neck, your arms holding tightly onto his neck.
"I'm so fucking proud of you" you said.
He slowly set you down on the ground, but his arms didn't let up for a second. He buried his head into your shoulders, inhaling your sweet scent like he needed it to breathe.
Letting out a big sigh, his whole body slacked, every ounce of tension and stress gone from his muscles.
He had fought so hard, so hard to stay on the top even when his car and mechanics failed him, after everyone had turned against him, he was finally free of everything. Because he had proven, once again, why he was among the best.
You pulled away slightly, his arms still tightly holding onto your waist. You took his face into your hands and brought him down to your level, pressing your lips against his.
The kiss was fast-paced, rushed and maybe sloppy, but it was also filled with nothing but the immense love and pride you carried in your heart for him.
Hundreds of camera clicks went off all around you, but none of them mattered. It was just you and Max, in your own little bubble, away from everyone else.
"I love you" he whispered against your lips, making you erupt into a wide smile.
"I love you too. Now go, your team is waiting for you" you said, pecking his lips one more time before pulling away and shoving him towards his team.
He smiled at you one more time before he threw himself at them, laughing and smiling his heart out.
âĄâĄâĄâĄâĄ
It was several hours later, long after the Red Bull dinner Max had hosted finished, that the two of you found yourselves tangled in bed, naked together under the covers.
You had indulged yourselves in some celebratory sex after getting back, letting go of every worry and just enjoying each other.
You were laying with your head on Max's chest, tracing imaginary drawings with the tip of your index fingers across his abdomen.
His hands were tangled in your hair, his other hand resting next to his body.
"How are you feeling?" you asked, your voice soft and quiet as to not disturb the peaceful atmosphere around you.
He fell silent for a little while, trying to gather his thoughts and trying to put into words everything he was feeling in those moments.
"Strangely, I feel very at peace" he said, making your eyebrows shoot up.
That was, by far, the last thing that you had expected him to say.
"I wasn't expecting that answer, to be honest" you said, chuckling a little.
He chuckled as well, tightening the hold he had on you.
"I feel happy that the whole WDC debate is over and I don't have to worry about it anymore. I'm happy that I managed to achieve everything I've wanted. I'm happy that I'm here with you. What more could a man want?" he explained, making you hum.
He had a point, of course.
Max has always been focused on family above racing. Ever since the two of you started dating, he had made it his life's mission to prioritize you and your family above everything else.
Which is why his confession made you feel that much better about his win. The fact that, despite the grand meaning behind his achievement, he still valued just being with you.
"You've just won your 4th World Championship title and you're happy you're here with me? I'm always going to be here, you're not going to be winning championships forever, babe" you said, sitting up from his chest and resting your head on your hand.
He smiled, gazing up into your eyes lovingly.
"I don't care about the championships, the titles, the wins. The only thing I really care about is you and our family" he said, his hand coming to rest on your cheek.
"You're to sweet for your own good. I'm proud of you, do you know that?" you smiled, biting your lip as you stared at the man who had hung your moon and stars.
"I know, babe" he whispered, leaning up to peck your lips.
And so, tangled up in the comfort of your hotel room, you celebrated his title in the simplest of ways, just by spending time with each other.
Because that's what you loved the most.
Just being with each other.
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fanon neil vs canon neil
god i am so FUCKING done with the aftg fandom mischaracterising neil i'm literally writing fucking ESSAYS about it and pacing circles muttering about it under my breath it's driving me up the goddamn wall so i am going to word vomit brain dump yap about all of it in an incoherent tumblr text post. spoilers ahead continue at ur own risk
i've said it before and i'll say it again I HATE FANON NEIL. istg this fandom LOVES to mischaracterise neil and ykw i think i know why. they take the smallest most unnoticeable parts of his personality and then exaggerate them to disproportionate and unrealistic levels in order for him to fit their idea of a conventional, stereotypical and desirable main character. they smooth out his jagged edges and prick at his "insecurities" to make him more likeable, more acceptable and more conventional of a narrator/main character and in doing so erase so fucking much of his personality and draw as a character that he loses just about all of the flavour that made me love him in canon. and also especially within the andreil dynamic this fucking fandom just loves to tweak neil's character until he's basically unrecognisable just so they can cram andreil into some preconceived socially acceptable clichéd ship dynamic. because andrew is perceived as the typical mysterious, moody and grumpy love interest therefore neil just has to be the sunshiney smiley blushing cute softboy in exchange. yeah because all gay ships have to be grumpy-sunshine and black cat-golden retriever dynamic. i raise you: andreil's dynamic doesn't work because of their differences it works because of their similarities. if u think about it andrew and neil are honestly very similar people in the way they think and process emotions and events and that's what allows them to connect and understand each other. andreil would not work if neil was super sunshiney and a blushy soft mess and andrew was the stoic, never smiling, unemotional stone of a guy the fandom loves to make them. just accept they do not fit into the conventional boxes laid out by booktok for what gay ships look like. i fucking digress.
neil is also just insanely mischaracterised on his own. people love making him very jittery and insanely oblivious and easily flustered with a generous serving of self-esteem issues. i hate to break it to you guys: neil josten is not insecure. i don't think there's a single instant in the series where neil is actually insecure about anything. as a narrator, person and character, neil is very realistic, pragmatic and logical. ruthlessly so. i'd say on this, neil is even more cerebral and unemotional than andrew is. neil is very straightforward and realistic abt himself in his narration and i'd honestly say his opinion and views about himself are one of the only things in the story that isn't affected by his narrator bias. if neil is anything, it's self-aware. i'm now going to present all my fucking evidence.
neil doesn't have a sexuality crisis. literally in the entire series never once does he even question his fucking sexuality. it's implied he's already figured out he's aspec/demisexual from the moment nicky questions him about his sexuality. neil says "i don't swing" and follows up in his narration: it wasn't quite the truth, but it was close enough. and later when he starts his relationship with andrew he doesn't ever question the nature of his feelings towards andrew or even anyone else and is pretty clear about it when andrew breaches the topic: "kissing you doesn't make me look at them any differently" so yeah neil is pretty certain and aware of his sexuality.
neil isn't insecure about his appearance. i feel like this is gonna require a bit of work to explain but hear me out. it is mentioned several times that neil has a complicated relationship with his appearance because he looks so much like his father/abuser. this is obviously understandable; you wouldn't want to look into the mirror and see the man who gave u all ur scars. that being said, neil doesn't have a lot of strong emotions regarding his appearance. most of his feelings of panic tied to when r*ko dyed back his hair is because of how it would be a lot easier for his father to discover him now that he has his original colouring back. i'm also pretty sure neil knows that he's cute. like it's never explicitly stated but i've reread aftg maybe fifty times and trust me i can read between the lines. neil explicitly says that he has a "love-hate relationship with his reflection out of necessity" and while the "hate" part of that statement is obvious: he doesn't like that he resembles his father, i've sort of just accepted that the "love" part of it is that he knows he's kinda fine. it's not brought up by him at all bc neil as a person is not one to linger on people's appearances almost at all. i think the only people to get a decent amount of lines dedicated to their appearance in the narration are allison and andrew. but yeah i genuinely don't think neil thinks he's ugly or unattractive and he's probably definitely been told how cute he is by others enough that he doesn't harbour any delusions about how he looks. regarding his scars, he never expresses any insecurity towards them and how they look, he just doesn't like them on display understandably bc of how acutely they point to his past and childhood that he's trying to hide.
neil is actually very very confident in his own and other people's abilties. this is esp regarding exy. he knows he's good at the game. like he knows. the most distinct example i can think of for this point is when kevin tells neil that he was at castle evermore to try out for the perfect court when they were younger. neil doesn't even doubt for a fucking second that he would've made it onto the perfect court. never does. he skips over the second-guessing and doubt part and just straight up starts daydreaming about the future he could've had playing with kevin and r*ko. like that really got me bc it's easy to assume neil would be super unassuming and have low self-esteem but no like neil doesn't doubt for a fucking second that he deserves to be perfect court. it's just that he doesn't believe in r*ko's delusions enough to play along with it by the time he gets the tattoo. he's also insanely confident about the foxes and their abilities and also kevin by the end of the series. at the beginning he takes a pretty realistic vantage point and says that with the way things are, the foxes will never beat the ravens. but even with that pov he still has the gall to challenge r*ko on LIVE TV and i doubt he's lying when he declares so boldly to everyone that if the foxes were united they'd be an unstoppable force (and guess what he was fucking RIGHT). and by the end, when the foxes are united, he has no more room left for doubt at all. some guy tells neil to kick the ravens' asses and neil just replies with zero hesitation "that's the plan". like he's so fucking on board with it. and he never once doubts that kevin is the best striker in the game. like literally never. at first he considers r*ko and kevin on par with each other (possibly, it's never stated outright) but by the end he literally has no doubts when he says "kevin is the best striker" like goddamn the amount of confidence neil has is so underrated.
neil is a very unemotional narrator. it actually gets me all the time how logical and ruthlessly pragmatic neil's narration and inner monologue is. some of the only strong emotions portrayed in neil's narration are anger, irritation and occasionally grief, which is only ever triggered by major trauma-inducing events (e.g. dr*ke). almost all of his inner monologue is analytical and observing others and dissecting either other people or the situation he's in. and almost all of his decisions and actions are made based on impulse and instinct. neil is a very instinctive person. this is outright stated in the way he plays exy; in theory, he can't give u a lot, but in the heat of the moment he's at his best. this applies to practically all facets of neil's life. he never plans his moves or what he's gonna say (except like that one time when he planned out what half-truth he was gonna tell andrew post-columbia). he's super quick and on the ball and literally does whatever the fuck he wants at any given moment. he's also insanely good at compartmentalising. like it's difficult to explain but while his priorities are obv hilariously skewed, they're also very clear in his mind. things he considers unimportant he simply just doesn't think about. what others look like and what they think of him don't factor into his internal monologue or his thoughts at all he literally just files them away in the back of his mind until they do end up becoming useful or important to him. he barely comments on andrew's appearance at all until andrew becomes someone worth staring at and admiring for him. the only reason he describes allison and renee in the detail that he does is because it's important in understanding how and why he reacts to them the way he does. this man was literally about to lose his goddamn mind at the fall banquet but he specifically reserved his mental breakdown for after the banquet so he could spend his time roasting the fuck out of r*ko. bro fully locked in and was like "clock riko now break down later" and i respect it.
neil doesn't actually have a martyr complex. it's funny because almost all of aftg is him being the absolute fucking opposite of a martyr. he wilfully sticks around the foxes knowing he's putting himself and them in danger. he doesn't "sacrifice" himself until he's absolutely forced to by his father's people. by then, he's already told himself he can't and won't run and he's smart enough to know he'll never get away anyway. and going to evermore wasn't about self-sacrifice or martyrdom it was about protecting andrew and those two are pretty fucking different. he knew he was coming back from evermore and he knew that he wouldn't die there, despite all the shit he went through, so i don't think that can be counted as "self-sacrifice". he was doing what he had to do to protect andrew, the same as andrew would've done for neil or aaron or kevin or anyone else he'd sworn to protect. the kidnapping in baltimore was the culmination of neil's character arc, which isn't really about learning to be selfless and self-sacrificing, it's about learning to stand his ground and stop running. those things r crucially different: neil not running in baltimore wasn't about selflessness, it was about courage. yes, part of it was obviously inspired by the foxes and motivated by not wanting them to be hurt but i truly believe it ultimately was about neil learning to stand his own ground and make his own home and have it be something he's willing to die for. call it whatever u want honestly i just don't think neil is as much of a martyr/sacrificial lamb as the fandom makes him out to be.
#zoe yaps#god there's a limit to how much i can write#we live in an economy#what the fuck#i'm so mad bro i have so much more to say#whatever y'all have to deal with this for now#take it or leave it this is the real neil josten i know him personally#save me canon neil save me#i hate fanon neil sm oh my days#STOP mischaracterising him for the love of god#aftg#all for the game#neil josten#andrew minyard#andreil
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viktor headcanons
[modern-ish edition + meljayvik because I cannot resist, also I'm desperate to see more unhinged little ideas about him outside of being everyone's favorite blorbo. we should fear that man and this is my thesis]
learned a weird amalgamation of martial arts and self defense as a kid due to growing up in zaun. despite being in what was considered the "safer" part of the underground, his mother worried he wouldn't be safe on his own. his core strength and arm strength are absolutely ridiculous
in fact, one time he was hooking up with a fellow academy student, and by the time the whole affair was over with, he was hardly breaking a sweat while the other person was trying to catch their breath. he became somewhat of a local legend at frat parties because not only can he wear someone out for hours but, allegedly, he's real freaky with it too
knows the exact monetary value of different human body organs on the black market. whether or not this is from experience is something jayce and mel are unable to determine. vi is also knowledgeable of this and has traded tragic backstories with him in detail
has had to kill a man before, and tells this to jayce frequently to win petty arguments (jayce never actually believes him, even though it is fully and one hundred percent true). it doesn't work on mel
jayce and mel have a secret chart written of how many substances viktor has tried and with how much frequency. weed is at the top of the list, with alcohol being shockingly low. in spite of coming from a slavic background, viktor didn't learn how to hold very much liquor without feeling ill, but for some reason is fine with the illicit psychedelics that grow naturally in the undercity near the runoff tunnels. so far the list is nearly half a page long
will not hit anyone with his mobility aids but will ABSOLUTELY find ways to blackmail and hustle his way out of embarrassment. he learned the blackmailing skill from mel, and frequently looks to her for information since she somehow knows the most about the student body
extremely morbid sense of humor. jokes about being fatherless/motherless behavior and then hits you with, "I would know :]." mel is an honorary member of the motherless behavior banter, considering her own mother disowned her shortly before she came to piltover
taking care of one another is equal parts give and take with him, jayce, and mel, but it's never in a way that demeans each other or exploits each other's weaknesses. for example, viktor hates being carried or manhandled without consent and finds it incredibly patronizing if someone assumes he needs help without just asking him (common sense, but the student body is full of ableist sharks). if he's having a bad pain day or is finding it hard to move, he and jayce (or he and mel, depending on time and place) have a system for getting him to or from somewhere without drawing much attention and even have specific "I need help but don't want to be stared at about it" phrases
father's half of the family is slavic and mother's half of the family is romani. cannot follow a recipe unless it has specific measurements, but can improvise ANY stew or potato based dish with little more than his nose and a few kitchen tools. jayce can improvise any dish, but will always somehow overdo the spice if it calls for spice. mel is happy to try any and everything they make (on her birthday, she's spoiled with their attempts at making the ethnic food from her family, and she'll never tell them but she's very touched by their efforts)
owned ONE pet in his life and it was a hamster. instead of freaking out over it's death, he studied it's body post mortem until his father declared it a biohazard and forced him to dispose of it
learned most of his chemists knowledge from a disgraced former academy professor, but taught himself everything else he knows (if he couldn't get access to it in school). including, for fun, how to preserve and analyze body parts. he initially wanted to be a surgeon or biomedical engineer, but then stuck with chemistry (specifically regarding infectious diseases) to try and find a cure for the grey
shows up randomly at jayces or mels dorms at strange hours in the evening/morning. the first time he showed up at mel's, she thought a burglary was being attempted. he made it out with a bad knock to the head, but she did make him tea in the aftermath as an apology (he hated it but drank the whole thing anyway)
gets stoned with jinx on the weekends, since she's the only one who can find him good, ethically sourced weed. he pays her back by teaching her things he's learning and researching at the academy
meljayvik + caitvi + timebomb dates but they have to find a way to rent out the whole place because each and every one of them has Some Kind of History with the other academy students even though jinx and ekko are still a couple years shy of college age
viktor threw up at the distinguished innovators competition because jayce did first. it was a whole disaster. they spent hours after the ordeal hyping each other up on gatorade and pure adrenaline. it was the physically worst jayce has ever felt around viktor but far from the worst viktor has ever felt around jayce. this was just days after the two of them met mel, and she spent the rest of the evening forcing them to sleep or eat something that wasn't "pure chemicals." somehow, this ended in a heated debate between herself and viktor about the validity of gatorade as a substantial meal. he still refuses to admit he lost
I've said this before and I'll say it again: he has a closet full of ramen. mel takes from his stash often
can run on caffeine and very little sleep to the point where he is physically incapable of resting like a normal human being without feeling drained. flu season is absolute hell
showed up to one of his lectures shirtless once because he was in a hurry. fed everyone who looked at him funny the most outrageous sob story about how "weak" he was, then laughed about it with mel and jayce like an absolute sociopath for days about it. jayce did not find it altogether very funny. mel and him still joke about it
beat vi in an arm wrestling contest before he got sick. still almost beat her after his diagnosis too, but still took the betting money anyway. she'll never admit she's slightly terrified of him, but it shows
can wield many different kinds of knives but is terribly clumsy when it comes to other weapons like clubs and swords and staffs. tapped out of adaptive sports within his first week because it was "boring him." spent the next month teaching martial arts to his fellow disabled peers until the board made it an official extracurricular
turned sky down in the nicest but most insane way possible. nobody knows what happened or how, just that they ended up spending MORE time together after the fact and that it involved illicit activities. the rumors were insufferable for weeks. and wildly funny
(please feel free to add more, I'm gonna start a collection)
#arcane#viktor arcane#arcane viktor#viktor#jayvik#melvik#meljayvik#mel x jayce x viktor#arcane headcanon#arcane headcanons#arcane lol#viktor headcanons#jayvik headcanons#meljayvik headcanons#cannot believe that wasn't a tag to begin with wtf ??
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looking through your eyes + fifteen
authors note: next chapter will be a lot heavier, because we see shit play out. italicized dialogue indicates that spanish is being spoken.
ya'll better not come for me after this one either, okay! đ
just know the plot is plotting, ya'll
if any cw/twâs are missed, please let me know, and i will add them!
cw/tw:Â fluff, angst, roman being a dick to anyone other than his wife, and violence
song inspo: âlooking through your eyesâ by leann rimes
masterlist
words: 10k
The newly opened doors of intimacy have awakened a previously dormant part of Solana.
Something she previously thought impossible to access, permanently damaged as a result of her trauma.
But, she was wrong.Â
So, so wrong.
Roman is everything she never allowed herself to dream about having, let alone actually hoped to have in real life.
Caring, considerate, gentle, patient.
Their first time together is something sheâll never forget and always cherish. But, itâs the times afterwards, sporadic over the past two days since the consummation, that have almost meant something more.
A testament to her comfort and trust in him.
Of her love for him.
Sitting in bed, in between his legs, leaning into his strong body with nothing but the thin 600 thread count sheets covering them, Solana sketches, no particular drawing in mind, just whatever is felt in that moment. And whatâs felt is the image and scenery of the water, of the beauty that is Isla Mujeres. Her mom was right. Thereâs nothing like it.
âI thinkâI think I want to come back here sooner rather than later.â Solana finds herself partially wondering aloud but also wanting to pick her husbandâs brain. âI know you probably wonât be able to come, and thatâs okay. MaybeâŠmaybe Bayley can come with me?â Itâs both a suggestion and a question.Â
Roman makes a sound against her, his lips lingering along her temple, long fingers moving gently against the side of her breast under the sheets. âWhatever you want, Iâll make happen. Bayley will go with you.â
Solana chews on her bottom lip, shading a palm tree. âBut, what if she has plans?â
âShe will. Plans to go with you.â
A small smile falls on her face. âHow do you know sheâll just agree with you?â Solana has an idea of what heâs going to say, and sheâs correct.Â
âPeople do what I tell them to do, and if they donât, they face the consequences. And no one wants that, so they just do it.âÂ
She doesnât doubt that one bit. Because no matter how sweet and caring he is to her, thatâs where it stops. With her.
Because to anyone and everyone else, heâs Roman Reigns, ruthless, brutal leader of the Bloodline.
And sheâs accepted that. Accepted that he has to juggle two different hats.
Sheâs just happy she gets the best of him.
âI Facetimeâd Naomi today and got to see Dulce.â As much fun as sheâs having, as healing as this trip has been for her, she misses her sweet puppy deeply. âGuess whoâs taken to her?â
Roman chuckles, looking back with a bit of shock. âJimmy?â
Solana nods, grinning as she remembers overhearing Jimmy ask about where âfluff fluffâ is. âNaomi says heâs even got her sleeping in the bed with them.â
âWell, she damn sure ainât doing that with us.â His voice takes on an authoritative tone. Not that sheâs in disagreement. Dulce is too small for that. Roman would literally smother her. âOur bed is occupied.â He ghosts his lips over the shell of her earlobe. âGonna be real busy when we get back homeâŠ.â
Solana tries instead to focus on the drawing at hand versus that familiar feeling pooling in her stomach.Â
Continuing with the topic in the hopes of settling that feeling, she shares, âI want to do something nice for Naomi and Bayley when we get back. Theyâveâtheyâve been so nice to me.â
Itâs something sheâs been thinking about ever since the beautiful birthday messages sheâs received. Having never really had many friends, to be able to land such solid, loyal people like them is something she doesnât take lightly. She doesnât know quite yet how she wants to show her appreciation, but sheâs determined to come up with something.
An idea crossing her mind, Solana suggests, âmaybe they both can come stay here with me for a week?â
His mouth moves back to the side of her face. âMmmhmm.â
âLikeâŠ..like a girls trip.â Solana has never experienced one of those and just the thought of having one with the two of them has pre-excitement already forming.
Roman sighs, clearly distracted by his lips exploring her face. âWhatever you want, baby.â
Turning her head to the side to look up at him, small smile on her face, Solana asks, âare you listening to me?â
Roman hums against her skin. âIâm always listening to you, Solana.â Her eyes flutter as his fingers shift and move under the generous swell of her breast. âProbably the only person thatâs the case forâŠ..â His mouth moves to her cheek. âBut, itâs hard to focus with you naked like thisâŠ..â
The pencil in her hand naturally drops against the sketchbook, her head lolling backwards, lips pressing together. âRomanâŠ.âÂ
This is such a new experience. Sheâs never desired to be touched or craved such intimacy until Roman. Even with her trauma, thereâs a pull that seems to have been unleashed with the consummation of her marriage.
An urge that has her thighs pressing together, something Roman most definitely takes note of. Eyes darkening with lust and something else, he asks, voice almost hoarse, âare you sore?â
She is, but not nearly as sore as she was after their first time. And certainly not to the point where she wants to decline.
âNo,â is the answer she settles on, Romanâs lips on hers in a matter of seconds. She shifts her body so sheâs straddling him, the feeling of him hard and warm between her legs making her moan in his mouth. Roman easily switches positions so sheâs on her back, him hovering over her.Â
He breaks the kiss, asking once more, âyou sure?â
Solana licks her lips, forever thankful for his constant efforts to receive her consent. âYes.â
His eyes burn with need. âCould be inside you like this all dayâŠ.â He brings his hand to the back of her thigh, lifting her leg and opening her up more as he gradually descends into her slick warmth. âAnd definitely all nightâŠ.â
Solana would be lying if she said she didnât feel somewhat of the same way.
________
She wakes up with a growing familiar ache between her legs, soft sheets against her nude body, and her husband pressed against her, his arm draped over her, holding her close to him.
But, heâs not sleeping. She can feel his mouth hovering over her shoulder. Her smile grows a bit as she thinks about their last lovemaking session, so passionate and fulfilling. Another round of him giving her pleasure she didnât think possible.
However, itâs when she glances at the clock and sees the time, her eyes widen a bit from the shock. âRoman, itâs almost 2 oâclockâŠ.â
Heâs never been more uninterested. âAnd?â Lips traveling the length of her arm, he murmurs against her smooth skin. âYouâd never leave this bed if it was up to meâŠ.â
His statement, half joking, half serious, makes her smile, but it also helps her realize she has to be a bit more outspoken about what she wants.
Holding the sheet against her chest, she rolls onto her back, informing, âI want to go out to the marketplace today.â
He scowls. âAround people?âÂ
âYes, people.â She giggles, moving her hand to his face, beard tickling her palm. âWe only have two more days here. I want to bring back gifts for Naomi, Bayley, and your cousinsâ
Itâs the mention of the twins that makes him roll his eyes as he falls back into the mattress. âYou always trying to take care of the homeless.â
Solana giggles, hovering over him, hand on his chest. âThatâs so mean, Roman. Theyâre not homeless.â
âThen why the hell are they always at our house?â
She shakes her head, leaning down to kiss his cheek. âIâm gonna go get ready.âÂ
He doesnât try to stop her, doesnât prevent her from leaving the bed and doing just that.
And in less than two hours, both showered, fed, and dressed, theyâre out of the house and on their way to the market.
Adolfo LĂłpez Mateos is the municipal market and offers a trove of items for Solana to pick from. Countless authentic options for her to bring back home as gifts but also as souvenirs for herself, reminders of this wonderful place that will forever hold such beautiful memories for her.
A place that also leaves her feeling so connected to her maternal side.Â
To her mother.
Roman serves as the quiet, always surveying husband who remains by her side the whole time as she goes from stall to stall. He serves as her personal shopping assistant as well, holding the growing number of bags for her purchases.
But, he handles it exceptionally well, never once complaining. Granted, she is mindful of the fact that the crowded market and all of the fellow shoppers and merchants seem to well exceed his tolerance for people in general.
So, she does make note to try to wrap it up sooner rather than later.
Sheâd never want to take advantage of his kindness and generosity.
Solana is at a stall looking at fabric when stiffening beside her drags her attention to her husband as well as whatâs caused him to tense.Â
A child.
A little girl. Around 8 or 9. She has dark hair thatâs down and unruly, the light breeze in the market causing it to splash against her tanned face, hazel eyes landed directly on Roman. Her hand is outreached, a flower in hand.Â
Solana recognizes it rather quickly. She steps forward, asking in Spanish, âis that for him?â
The little girl looks over and nods, directing her gaze back on Roman. Solana does the same, small smile on her face as she informs. âSheâs giving it to you.âÂ
His expression is unchanged as he asks. âWhy?â
Solana giggles. âItâs an Alstroemeria. They represent friendship.â
âThis random ass kid wants to be my friend?â
Solana rolls her eyes. âSheâs being friendly.â Seeing Roman has no intentions on further acknowledging this child, she gently shoves him. âPlease?â The âfor me?â doesnât need to be asked as Roman sighs loudly and accepts the flower followed up with a muttered âthanks.â
Pleased, the little girl beams, suddenly motioning both Roman and Solana to follow her.
Curious, Solana asks, âyou want us to come?âÂ
She nods excitedly, pointing a few stalls down to where flowers bloom. Solana asks, âThatâs where you got these from? You want us to see the rest?â
Another nod, and Solana finds herself following the child, Roman begrudgingly on the heel of her, committed to his not allowing her to explore a stretch of land or sea on this trip without him being right there next to her.
Even if it means forced socialization.Â
Solana allows the child to guide them to the stall thatâs filled with the most beautiful, intricate flowers sheâs ever seen, some of which she recognizes from conversations with her mom.
âLook how beautifulâŠ..â Her eyes land on the powder pink ones, a brief realization setting in as she asks the little girl, âare these sword lilyâs?âÂ
Again, the child offers only a nonverbal acknowledgement via a head nod, and Solana starts to wonder if her silence is by choice or limitation. Either one, she can kind of relate to.Â
Turning to Roman, Solana explains to him, âthese are sword lillyâs. They represent sympathy and memories.â MemoriesâŠSolana has plenty of those. The good, to some extent, starting to outweigh the bad.
He looks more uninterested than the actual tone of his voice. âDo all Mexican flowers have some sort of meaning?â
âSome. Not all.â She answers, fingers gliding over the petals. âAnd itâs not always flowers native to Mexico, just flowers that we have meaning attributions for. Culturally.â
âYou are correct.â A voice enters the conversation, Solana watching a woman step out back from behind the stall. Her hair is a deep onyx, thick and wavy, her skin lightly kissed by the sun that also highlights the beauty of her eyes. Fine lines give away that she has some years under her belt, but itâs hard to tell just how many. She switches languages, âYou donât speak Spanish like a tourist.â
Solana realizes she must have overheard her asking the girls about the flowers. âMyâmy mother was a Native.â
âShe taught you well.â Her smile grows, warm and friendly, familiar in a weird sort of way. âWhat is your name, child?â
âSolana.â She gestures towards Roman whoâs still looking just as uninterested as heâs been in any other type of social interaction outside of Solana. âThis is my husband, Roman.â
âI figured.â She motions to Romanâs closeness to her, the way he stays almost hovering, protecting and caring but still pretty close. âHeâs very protective of you.
Solana nods. She has no idea. âWhat is your name?â
âPaloma,â she introduces, removing one of her work gloves to shake Solanaâs hand. The younger woman is slightly grateful that Paloma doesnât try to greet Roman in the same manner. Sheâd surely get her feelings hurt. âWhat brings you here?
Again, a gesture to Roman with her thumb. âHe surprised me for my birthday.â
Paloma makes a sound and smiles wryly. âAhh, so itâs only others heâs unfriendly with.â
âHeâŠ.heâs very quiet.â An ironic choice of words considering just who is saying them, but itâs the best word to come to mind to describe Roman without being mean. He is technically quiet, but the fact that itâs because he, in his own words, hates people isnât necessarily something that needs to be shared. âDo you really grow all of these?â
âI do.â The proud smile on her face makes Solana smile just as warmly. âI own a nursery about twenty minutes out of here. A family business that my mother and her mother and her mother started generations ago.â
âThatâs so beautiful.â
âIt wasâŠ.â The use of past tense causes Solanaâs smile to dim a bit. She can sense thereâs a story there, a story that no doubt holds some level of pain. Paloma shakes her head, gesturing to the flowers. âWere you wanting to buy any?â
âUhhhhâŠ.â The technical answer is no. Solana would have probably stopped to admire the beautiful flowers, maybe tried to identify one or two, but it would not have gone beyond that. Itâs the little girl who Solana realizes is behind the stand, poorly sneaking glances at Roman, who called them over. âYes, Iââ
âShe brought you over, didnât she?âÂ
âYes.â Solana lowers her voice, asking as gently as she can. âDoes she speak?â
âYes, but she prefers not to. Very shy. Parents fight a lot. I donât think she really gets a lot of space to talk.â And the frown is back. Solana can definitely understand that. âDo you two have plans tonight?â
âUhhhh.â Solana turns to Roman, asking, âdid you have anything else planned for us this evening?â
âIf sheâs trying to get us to do something around other people, yes. Iâll find something.â
Solana rolls her eyes, lightly scolding in her soft voice, âRoman, thatâs not nice.â
âSolana, Iâm pretty sure we had this conversation already. I donât like people. I hate people. Youâre the only one I like.â
Solana decides to win him over later versus now as she turns to Paloma with a friendly expression that contrasts her husbandâs scowl. Something tells her he already knows sheâs about to sign them up for something that forces him to be around people.Â
âWeâre free this evening. Why do you ask?â
________
âTell me again why weâre meeting this random ass old woman for dinner?â
Solana is only seconds away from applying her lip gloss when Romanâs question deters her from her task, creating a new one in its place. Capping it, she walks out the bathroom, leaning against the doorway. âHer name is Paloma, and sheâs really sweet, and she invited us.â
Turns out, Paloma owns one of the restaurants in town Solana remembers stumbling across when she was perusing other places to visit while on their trip. Itâs just a crazy coincidence that Solana ended up running into her and receiving a personal invite to dine there for dinner this evening.Â
And itâs an offer she didnât want to turn down.Â
âAre you sure she didnât just invite you?â
Curious, she asks the question sheâs almost certain she already knows the answer to. âWould you let me go by myself?â
âHell no.â
âExactly.â Walking over to Roman, Solana glides her hands up his chest, locking them behind his neck. âItâs just a dinner. We wonât even be there that long. ThenâŠtomorrow, itâs just the two of us.â
âIt could be the two of us tonight tooâŠ.â
His fingers dance across the small of her back as she bites back a smile. âRoman, itâs been the two of us this entire trip already, basicallyâŠ.â
âYou know I could never get enough of youâŠâ He gently squeezes the sides of her stomach, sliding into reluctant acquiescence. âBut, you know I canât say no to you either soâŠ.â
She smiles and leans up and presses a kiss against his cheek, murmuring, âthank you.â Taking a bit of a mile with the inch sheâs been given, she implores, âcan youâŠ.try to be a little more friendly? For me?â
Roman looks at her like she just asked him to let her go alone. âSolanaâŠ.â
âJust for tonight.â
âDo they even speak English?â She gives him a look thatâs just another form of âfor me?â He tilts his head back and scratches his beard. âIâll try not to maim or kill anybody. Thatâs the best youâre getting from me, baby.â
âThank you.â She kisses him again, turning for the bathroom when he pulls her back to face him, and right away, she recognizes that look. âRomanâŠ.â
He ignores her, both casually and suggestively complimenting, âI like this dress.â Itâs combined with him slowly moving one of the hands on her waist down the length of her dress until he can slip his hand underneath.
âTâthank youâŠâ She swallows, struggling to stay focused. âWeâreâweâre gonna be late.â
âToo bad.â He moves his hand between her legs, gradually sliding up her thighs. âShould have thought about that before you put this on.â He kisses her temple, asking in a low voice, âdo you want me to stop?â At the same time, his hand pauses on her skin.
The logical answer is yes, but the carnal answer is the complete opposite. And desire seems to overpower logic in this round. âNâno.â
Itâs the perfect answer for her husband whose full lips form into a smirk as he removes his hand to guide her towards the bed as he lays her on her back. Solana half expects him to move on top of her, but he instead moves to his knees and tugs her toward the edge of the bed.
The anticipation of what pleasure is to come makes her lick her lips, prematurely moaning his name, âRomanâŠâ
His brown eyes flick up to her, desire and lust dancing away in his irises.Â
Yeah, theyâre most definitely going to be late.
________
The night goes as expected, Solana enjoying herself, and Roman enjoying that his wife is enjoying herself despite the fact that being surrounded by a bunch of fucking strangers who speak mostly in Spanish has him subtly checking the time on his watch more often than not.
The desire to pick up the language grows exponentially. Roman dislikes being out of the loop in any sort of capacity.
Solana translates for the most part, granted itâs mostly things he doesnât really care too much about. Paloma asking what he thought about the food, requests to join in the dancingâthatâs a hell noâand other pleasantries that violate his religion of Anti-Peopleology.Â
Except his wife, of course.
And to be fair, theyâre able to share their dinner together without many interruptions, conversation staying between the two of them, which he appreciates. Heâd appreciate it more if no one was there to interrupt, but alas, Solana having a smile on her face almost the whole night makes it all worth it.
She seems exceptionally taken with the little random ass girl from the market whose name he doesnât bother to remember. Something with an A, heâd guess. She also seems just as interested in Solana, which he doesnât entirely not understand. Sheâs relatively mute with the exception of a couple of words and sentences.
It reminds him of Solana and how nonverbal she was at the beginning of the marriage. And something tells him the girl also reminds her of herself. Which makes the pull between the two make more sense than maybe heâd like to admit.
But, his inner dialogue is interrupted as the old lady approaches the table where he sits alone as Solana dances with the child, both of them smiling and laughing.Â
âYouâre not the social one of the two of you, are you?â She asks what he considers both a stupid and ironic question. Typically, Solana isnât this social either. But thisâŠ.this placeâŠ.it seems to bring out a different side of her.
A happier side of her.
Roman only casts the old woman a bored glance. âThis is her world. Not mine.â
The woman chuckles, and to Romanâs chagrin, sits down in the chair opposite of him. âYes, I suppose this is very different from the Bloodline.â
Her statement doesnât surprise him, doesnât take him off guard, and thatâs because Roman isnât stupid. He would never allow some practical stranger to invite his wife for dinner at a restaurant she owns without researching her.Â
Paloma Aguilar. 70. Widowed. One child who seemingly disappeared without a trace over twenty years ago. Her late husband, Ricardo, was a man who at one point entered the world of the cartel and smuggling, but it was short lived as he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 45. His brother, however, Tomas, is still actively involved, but Paloma couldnât be farther removed.
From his research, Roman could see she truly prefers to live her life away from the in-laws business, preferring her restaurant and gardening, the polar opposite of the high-paced crime life.Â
But, it would be ludicrous for her to not be aware of him and who he is, regardless of her preference to stay separate from that life.
Curious, though he already knows the answer, he asks, âwhen did you realize who I was?â
She smiles, âsoon enough.â The lack of specificity annoys him even more than he already is. âProbably around the time you found out who I am.â
Interested to see how sheâll respond, he asks, âand just who are you?â
Her smile is small and sad. âJust an old woman living out the rest of her days in solitude.â Roman has experienced enough loss to be able to recognize when someone else has also had the misfortune of losing someone. Itâs evident in her tone.Â
Still, that doesn't diminish his disinterest in this conversation.
She also looks over at his dancing wife, casually commenting, âI suppose itâs true that opposites attract.â
Eager to stir this woman away, Roman responds with all the casualness. âIâm not Solana. You could be 90, and Iâd still snap your fucking neck if you presented any kind of threat to my wife.â
Itâs uncalled for. He knows this. A misplaced threat against an elderly woman, sure. But, itâll hopefully be enough to get her to leave him the fuck alone.Â
She smiles, partially surprising him. âOh, I donât doubt it, young man.â Her grin dims a bit. âI would never judge a man for protecting the woman he loves.â
Roman tenses, effectively managing to keep his reaction to her statement to himself.
Love
What the fuck is that even?
He knowsâŠ..familial love. ButâŠ.romantic love?Â
ThatâsâŠ.thatâs such an unfamiliar concept. Something not even in his repertoire.Â
He canât deny that he likes Solana. A lot. Cares for her deeply, and recognizes that he needs her in his life. Needs her light in what is otherwise dark and dreary.
ButâŠ..
To say that he loves herâŠ.thatâs too much. Thatâs too strong.
Too dangerous.
Love is weakness.
And Roman canât afford to be weak. He wonât. Not for anything or anyone.Â
Not even Solana.
But, of course, this old ass woman just has to twist the knife even deeper as she stands up to leave. âYou two will make great parents.â Roman is an expert at hiding reactions to whatâs being said to him, but this one takes some effort. A lot, if heâs being honest. âYour protectiveness. Her nurturance.â
With that, she finally leaves him be, but not without a million and one thoughts floating through his mind, all of them now revolving around two things heâs never considered for himself.
Love and children.
________
As the night comes to an end, Solana pulls Aurora, the sweet little girl whoâs taken a liking to her and a crush on Roman, to the side.Â
âI have something for you.â
Auroraâs eyes light up with all the excitement of a child eager to receive an unexpected present.
Solana hands over the beautiful journal she picked up in the market earlier that day. Originally a gift for herself, but now something that she wants to pass on to the little girl who reminds her so much of herself.Â
Auroraâs mouth drops open with surprise as she accepts the leather journal. Solana smiles and explains, âWhen I was a little girl, I didnât talk a lot either. But, my mom always told me that when I couldnât speak, I could always write.â She frowns a bit, instructing. âAnd thatâs what I did. I wrote until I found my voice. The same way you can.â
Aurora looks up with teary eyes and surprises Solana by attacking her with a big hug. Solana easily settles in the embrace, holding and hugging the little girl in a way that every child should be comforted.
Aurora pulls back and offers a simple, âthank you!â
Solana blinks back some tears. âYouâre very welcome.â Her smile shifts into something teasing but also hopeful, ânow I expect to see you when I come back to visit, okay?â
Aurora nods happily as she gives Solana one more hug before running over to an older woman who Solana would guess is her mother.
âSheâll never forget that, you know.âÂ
Turning to the source of the voice, Solanaâs smile grows. âI hope not.â
Paoma chuckles and moves closer, repeating the same words. âI have something for you too.â
She pulls out a cloth jewelry bag and takes Solanaâs hand, placing the bag in it. âOpen it.â
Confused but curious, Solana does just that and gasps almost immediately at the beautiful gold necklace she recognizes instantly. âA Cruz de Caravaca.â
Paloma looks pleased by Solanaâs knowledge and asks a follow up question. âHow much do you know about these?â
Swallowing the emotion, she recalls the information taught to her so long ago. âTheyâthey ward off evil and bring protection.â Thereâs an almost bitter tone that enters her voice. âMy mother had oneâŠ.â Itâs the most Solana can bring herself to say, because her mother wore one almost religiously. And it did nothing to protect her from the evil of her father.
Or the knife that viciously tore and sliced through her body, violently ending her life.Â
Paloma nods, complementing, âwhoever taught you our ways taught you well.âÂ
Emotion burning the back of the throat, âit was my mom. Sheâshe died when I was young.â Murdered. She was murdered, but acknowledging that feels too much, is too much. Regardless of how her life ended, it all means the same.
That sheâs not here anymore.
Palomaâs expression is solemn as she lifts her right arm, turning it inward, revealing her tattoos. Two Hummingbirds. âMany years ago, I lost my daughter. And shortly after, my husband. IâI didnât really know how to go on after that. She was my only child, and he was the only man I ever loved.â Her smile is emotional. âBut then I remember that love never dies, it transcends into another form. Theyâre not here in the way I want them to be, but theyâre still here. And every so often when Iâm in my garden, I see Hummingbirds, and I feel better because I know theyâre still with me. Watching over me.âÂ
Solana wipes at her eyes as Paloma places a comforting hand on her arm. âAnd so is your mother.â
Itâs hard to verbalize what sheâs feeling in this moment. Palomaâs words provide her with a type of comfort that feels almost motherly, an ironic feeling considering the nature of the conversation.
âThank you.â Itâs such a simple thing that doesnât feel strong enough for how much Solana appreciates such comforting words of support.Â
âYou have a good heart. A kind soul. But, be careful child.â She takes Solanaâs hands in her own. âMyâŠ.my daughter was like you. Loving and giving. But too trusting, and it cost her her life. Betrayal and darkness can come from where you least expect it.âÂ
Palomaâs words confuse her. The warning aspect of it. WhatâŠwhat exactly does that mean?
âStick with that husband of yoursâŠ.â Paloma adds, smile gradually returning. âHe is protective of you the way my husband used to be with me.âÂ
That ebbs away some of her confusion regarding the ominous warning, as Solana suddenly asks, almost tentatively. âCould IâŠ.could I come back and see you too?â
Paloma chuckles, and Solana almost swears she sees emotion brewing behind the womanâs wise gaze as she pulls her in for a hug.
âIâd be offended if you didnât, childâŠ.â
________
Heâs not entirely surprised to find her in the kitchen, but that doesnât necessarily make her presence in the kitchen any less concerning. Especially when sheâs supposed to be on bedrest.
Roman comes up behind her, smiling when she jumps a bit as he hugs her. Years later, some things remain the same.Â
Solana turns around, a warm smile on her pretty face. âYou scared me.â
âIâm sorry.â Not necessarily. Heâs not sure heâll ever be able to find it in him to be sorry for touching his wife.âHi.â
âHi.â She giggles as he kisses her.Â
Eyes shutting a bit as he relishes in the feeling heâs craved dearly for the past few weeks. âI missed you all.â
âWe missed you too,â she murmurs, moving her hands up his chest. âYou look tired.â
Heâs a bit jet lagged, but itâs nothing he wonât bounce back from in a couple of days. Thatâs the least of his concern, anyway. Roman moves his hand to her stomach, big and swollen, pressing against his abs. âYou should be resting.â
Solana rolls her eyes and calmly counters, ânot with how active this one is.â She moves his hand around, probably trying to find a spot where he can feel the movement. âHeâs definitely your son.â
He counters, âeven more reason to be resting.âÂ
She shakes her head, changing the subject a bit as she softly shares, âtheyâll be happy to see you. I didnât tell them you were coming home early.â
His eyes light up a bit as he asks, âwhere are they?â
Solana chuckles. âYou already know.â
Roman makes a sound and nods, murmuring with a final kiss to her temple, âIâll be back.âÂ
He walks out of the kitchen and into the hall, moving to the back of the house.
Two separate rooms, directly across from one another, each providing a variety of different activities and spaces. Most completely opposite one another. Expected, given their staunchly different personalities.
Thereâs no active decision regarding which room he walks in first, no specific desire to see or interact with one over the other. He just so happens to venture left vs right.Â
And sure enough, as predicted, she sits at the table, so small but perfect for her. Sheâs focused on the paper in front of her and crayon in her hand. So focused to the point where she misses his entrance, doesnât overhear his footsteps until heâs only a few feet away from her.
But when she does, big brown eyes landing on him, eyes that are exact replicas of her mothers, the crayon is dropped and the smile is out. She jumps up from the seat and runs over to him, Roman leaning down just in time to catch her hug, an instant ease washing over him, deeper than whatâs allotted even with his wife.
This is something different, something deeper, something he still doesnât quite know or believe he deserves to feel. But nevertheless, itâs present, itâs felt, and itâs wonderful.
When she pulls away, he finds himself pushing back some of her curls, light and fluffy, framing her face thatâs the perfect combination of himself and Solana. âI missed youâŠâ Her smile grows as he asks, eyes narrowed a bit. âWere you a good girl for your mom while I was gone?â She nods excitedly and reaches for his hand, Roman standing as she guides him over to the table where she was drawing. Roman crouches back down as she shares her artwork, an in-progress photo of the ocean, most likely scenery sheâs memorized from one of their many trips to Isla Mujeres. âIs this what youâre working on?â Again, another nod as she points between the drawing and him. He points to himself. âIs this gonna be for me?â
Instead of the expected no, she answers in her voice, so soft and light. âIâm sorry it wasnât done in timeâŠ.â
A small smile grows on his face. Sheâs very much unlike her sister, of very few words. So much so that Roman insisted he and Solana discuss her quietness with the pediatrician to make sure nothing was wrong. And of course, nothing was. Itâs just that she inherited quite literally Solanaâs entire disposition. Quiet with a great big heart that seems too pure for this world.
And, unfortunately, a tendency to apologize when unnecessary.
âItâs perfect, sweetheart.â His praise seems to bring back her smile as he kisses her forehead. âFa'afetai tele.â
She matches his smile, surprising him yet again with more spoken words vs non verbals. âE le afaina.âÂ
Standing back up, he informs, âIâm gonna go see your sister. Can you go help mom finish cooking dinner?â He knows Solana is almost done, if not already, but Roman also knows that personality and disposition werenât the only things inherited. So were passions and interests, hence the drawing.
And cooking, judging by the way her eyes light up as she dashes out the room to play assistant.
Roman chuckles and walks out, hitting the switch as he moves across the hall, once again unsurprised by what he finds. Sheâs going at it with the freestanding punching bag, kicks that are pretty impressive considering her age. Her face is scrunched up in determination, the same face as her sisters yet so different.Â
Where one is soft and quiet, the other is loud and bold. One is timid, the other adventurous. One is Solana, but this oneâŠ.sheâs her fatherâs daughter, through and through. Bold and fearless.Â
âDonât forget to point your toes.â
His deep voice breaks through her concentration as she whips her head to the side, a reaction similar to her twin sister. A huge smile breaks through that impressive focus.
âDaddy!â
Again, he moves to one knee to catch her for a hug, tight and heartwarming. She pulls back almost immediately, asking with all the excitement. âDid you see me?â
âI sure did.â He comments on whatâs more than obvious. âyouâve been practicing.â
She nods with just as much excitement. âAunt Bayley and Aunt Naomi said Iâm really good!â
âYou are.â He wouldnât lie to her. She is. But, he also knows itâs because this is her passion. Where her sister finds joy in art and books, she gets that joy from movement, from fighting, her gravitation towards martial arts happening at such a young age.Â
âIâm gonna be better than you!â He chuckles. At not even a fraction of his age, she already is. And it has nothing to do with her natural fighting abilities.Â
âWeâll see.â
âI am!â She affirms, so determined and focused. âIâm gonna wear the ula fala and be Tribal Chief just like you, daddy!â
Roman does his best to keep that small ounce of concern hidden and tucked away. Young. Sheâs too young to know just what sheâs asking for, the weight that comes with what he does, the truth about what and who he is.
Itâs been the decision of both himself and Solana to shield the girls from it. The truth of it all. For now. As long as they can, at least. But the girls arenât dumb either, they know he holds a high rank, one of the highest, in his family.
And his spitfire of a daughter seems determined to do the exact same.
âCousin Jamar was saying I canât cause Iâm a girl, but I told him heâs just a stupid boy and Iâm way smarter anyway.â
Romanâs eyes narrow slightly as asks the question he already knows the answer to. âAnd you hit him too, didnât you?â
Even when he has to be away from home, Solana makes sure to keep him informed of all happenings with the girls, especially this one whoâs already gotten in trouble a couple of times at school for her mouth.
And fist.
Her eyes drop as she pouts slightly, murmuring, âhe made me madâŠ.â His temper. She definitely has inherited that too. âNo one talks about me, you, mommy, sissy or my new baby brother, or Iâll punch them in their face.â
This is the part where Roman struggles, where he tries his best to tap into that part of him that feels so unfamiliar. Because his initial response is that she did nothing wrong, that sheâs doing exactly what sheâs entitled to.
Protecting her family and standing up for what she believes is right.Â
âItâs important to know when to fight, and itâs a lot harder not to sometimes.â Thatâs the best he can come up with in the moment to not necessarily let her know he doesnât see much of an issue with her behavior. âIâll teach you.â
Her eyes light up with excitement. âI get to train with you?â A request sheâs had for at least the past two years, Roman pushing it off and allowing Bayley and Naomi to help her because his level of training is far too intense for her young age.
But
That doesnât mean he canât modify his approach a bit.Â
âYes!â She jumps up and down, hugging him, another small smile on Romanâs face. Some kids like to play dolls, like his other daughter, but this oneâŠ.this one lives for a good fight.
And speaking of, the calmer of the two of them coming running into the room, Roman turning just in time as she smiles and tugs on his shirt, motioning for them to follow her.
âIs dinner ready?â Learning to understand her even with the absence of speech has come second nature for all of them.Â
She nods, as the other one breaks the hug with Roman, asking her twin with all the excitement and competitiveness. âWanna race?â
Roman already knows the answer, watching as his more quiet child is suddenly waiting for her sister to count them off. Seconds later, the two of them rush out the room on a trajectory thatâll lead to Solana who will no doubt chastise them for running in the house.
But they come back, giggling together as they stand in the doorway, hitting him with both a question and a demand.Â
âDaddy, are you coming?â
âDaddy, wake up!â
Roman shoots up from the bed, hulking shoulders moving up and down in sync with his heavy breathing. Movement to the side of him shows him Solana shifting in her sleep, a peaceful expression on his face.
Itâs the exact opposite of how he feels.Â
Moving his hand through his silky, wavy locks, Roman takes the blanket off of him and carefully moves out the bed, prioritizing not disturbing his wife.Â
He blows out a breath and walks out the double doors that bring him to the patio, his big body settling down on one of the chaise lounges.
Itâs only then he asks himself the burning question at the back of his mind.
What the fuck was that?
Roman doesnât really dream a lot, and when he does, theyâre more along the lines or nightmares.
Night terrors when he was younger.
But thisâŠâŠhe doesnât even know what the fuck that was.
Children.
Roman has never really seen himself as a father, never allowed himself to think about it because itâs never really been a desire. Heâs always known that he would have to create an heir to carry on his legacy, but thatâs a thing of duty. Not desire.
So why the fuck is he dreaming about having not one but several children with Solana?
SolanaâŠ.
Her oath a few weeks back of giving him an heir returns to the front of his mind. It makes him wonder all of sudden what her view on children is. Does she want children? Without inside knowledge of her trauma, one would think thatâs an obvious thing. She would have never married him, never agreed to the arrangement when the sole purpose of the union was to create a child if she didnât, in fact, want a child.Â
But, Roman knows her, knows her trauma. Knows that she was forced into this.
Which makes him incapable of shooting down the possibility that maybe she doesnât even want children?
And then he thinks about her tonight, thinks about the permanent smile on her face as she interacted with that little girl, the way she interacted with several of the children present who came up to her.
She lookedâŠ.she looked happy.Â
Content.
And of course, the now haunting words of the old woman who Solana also seems to have heavily gravitated towards:Â
âYou two will make great parents.â
Thinking about and being completely honest with himself, he sees it for Solana. CouldâŠ.could see her as a mother.
But seeing himself as a fatherâŠ.thatâs something he canât answer. Canât understand, really.Â
The same way he canât understand why thereâs a small part of him thatâs upset he woke up.
Upset that the dream didnât last just a little bit longer.Â
Upset that heâs now thinking heavily about what the old lady predicted.
Himself and Solana as parents.Â
Fuck.
First the love comment, now this?
Damn that old woman.
________
Something is off with Roman.
Solana has noticed it ever since the night of the dinner at Palomaâs restaurant. She figured it was maybe because Roman really can only withstand so much social interaction. Chalked it up to him needing the night to sleep it off.
But, it was there the next day and the day after that and even as their trip in Isla Mujeres came to an end.Â
On the jet ride back home, heâs quiet, working diligently on his work laptop. She tries her best not to think too much of it, because itâs not like heâs ignoring her. He still talks to her, still interacts with her, still touches her, but itâs justâŠ.off.
Thereâs like thisâŠ.this distance that she canât understand.
A distance that hurts.Â
Itâs why she stands in front of the bathroom mirror, trying to not get too into her head over her dress. Itâs probably the most risquĂ© thing sheâs ever worn, more skin showing than she would prefer to be exposed. But, a small part of her hopes it will catch Romanâs attention.
Hopes it can progress the touches into something more.
Because along with his distant behavior, thereâs been a lack of intimacy between them. And thatâs especially hard for her to not think too much about. Because, to her, it was going well. SheâŠ.she enjoys being with him in that way. Being that close to him.
She thought he did too.
Roman suddenly knocks on the bathroom door, asking, âyou almostâdamn.â Him stopping himself puts a smile on her face.Â
Solana chews on her bottom lip, asking, âdoâdo you like it?â She then motions to her chest thatâs heavily exposed. âI know itâsâitâs a lot.â
Roman moves closer to her, eyes raking over her slowly, hand moving to the back of her, under her dress, cupping her ass. âYou sure you donât want to stay in tonight?â A small smile starts to form on her face at his suggestive tone. âThe two of usâŠnaked.â
Her stomach flutters with excitement. This is the first time in days that heâs expressed any desire to be with her in that way, and now sheâs beyond grateful that she pushed past her insecurity and put on the dress. Because itâs brought out that side of him that sheâs been missing.
The side that makes her feel like he wants her.
A hand on his chest, she murmurs, âwhen we get back.â
Because while she also has a desire to be intimate with him, sheâs also excited to see their friends.
Naomi, Bayley, and the twins inviting her (and naturally, Roman) out to a VIP lounge to have a belated birthday celebration since she wasnât available to do anything with them for her actual birthday. Sheâs excited to see them, to be around her friends.Â
âAre youâŠ.â Solana doesn't know where exactly it comes from, the bravery and confidence to ask what sheâs about to, but it seems to leave her mouth before she can really think too much about it. âAre you okay?â
His gaze takes a curious tone. âWhat do you mean?â
She shrugs, suddenly nervous about how to word it right. âI donât know. Youâve just seemedâŠ.kinda off the past couple days.â He swallows, and she sees something flash in his eyes, something he shoves away. Something sheâs now just as curious about. âIsââ
âIâm fine,â he answers. For some reason, she has a hard time believing that. âAdjusting to being back has just been irritating. Iâve never taken a vacation before, so shit has just been an annoying adjustment.â
Solana nods, believing there could be some truth to that. She doesnât doubt itâs been an adjustment for him. But, thereâs also this nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that thereâs something else heâs not telling her.
âO-okay.â Something tells her this conversation will need to be revisited, just not right now. Not when itâs clear he has no desire to express whatever is really bothering him.
Roman dips his head and kisses her cheek. âLetâs get out of here. The sooner we get back, the sooner I can be inside you.â She giggles, gasping as he slaps her ass.Â
âRoman!â
________
The lounge is beautiful. Reminiscent of an upscale club, minus the packed bodies and loud music. Itâs clearly geared toward upscale clientele, and the second level of the lounge has been rented out, space cleared for their small party.
Something she greatly appreciates. Both for herself and Roman. Her husband already sacrificed so much of his preference to be isolated from others vs surrounded by people on their trip.Â
The group separates naturally, Roman and the twins with Solana sitting near Bayley and Naomi, the two women nearly bursting at the seams with a ton of questions/statements.
âHow was it?â
âWe already know it was nice considering we barely heard from you.â
âDulce mama was out here living her best life.â
âYou got a lil tan too!â
âWe want to know everything.â
Solana giggles, shrugging. âIt was really nice.â
Bayley scoffs, âjust nice? Girl, you gotta give us more than that.â
Solana opens her mouth, pausing a bit. âI meanâŠ.we spent a lot of time together.â Her eyes fall over to Roman whoâs surprisingly engaging in conversation with Jimmy and Jey. Solo, as well. His presence surprised her.Â
She didnât know he was coming. Not to mention, she didnât think heâd want to be present for anything thatâs not required when it comes to her.
âAnd?â
Solana knows theyâre not intentionally asking about sex, but their questions are unintentionally pointing her to share just that. And for some reason, most likely the trust and bond sheâs formed with them, sheâs not opposed.
That doesnât stop the maddening blush from forming on her cheeks as she shares, âweâwell, we finally, ummââ
Loud gasps interrupt her, Naomi being the one to ask the infamous question, âSolana, did yaâllâŠ.â Solana chews on her bottom lip, nodding softly.
Bayley and Naomi have to cover their mouths to hold in the screams that would no doubt draw all of the wrong attention.
âOh my god, thatâs amazing! Iâm so happy for you!â Bayley exclaims, suddenly asking with all the protectiveness, âhe was good to you, right? Didnât pressure youââ
âNo. No. Never.â Thatâs probably the easiest thing to answer. Solana doesnât know how to properly express how good Roman was to her. Has been to her. âHe wasâit was perfect.â
Naomi smirks, playfully nudging Solanaâs shoulder. âWe told you it was great with the right person.â They couldnât have been more right. âSoâŠ.was it just once orââ
Bayley scoffs. âWe cannot be asking her all these intimate details!â Only to then casually ask, âso like how big is his dick really?â
Naomi falls out laughing while Solanaâs eyes widen at the graphic nature of Bayleyâs question.Â
âSo you can ask about his dick size, but I canât ask about how many times theyâve done it?â
Bayley protests, sipping some of her Vodka as she counters, âmy question is for science.â
âBullshit!âÂ
Solana shakes her head, giggling as she coyly answers, âweâŠitâs been a couple times.â
Naomi smirks. âOkay, girl, I see you. Yaâll went to Mexico and got freaky.â Solana takes a sip of her bottled water, more than certain her cheeks are a red, hot mess. âSeriously thoughâŠ.Iâm happy for you. With what youâve been through, you deserve to have a happy, healthy, sex life. Every woman does.â
âSheâs right.â Bayley agrees, and Solana finds the emotions brewing again.Â
Never did she think it was possible, that she could have just that. A healthy sex life. Just how she never imagined she would end up with someone as amazing as Roman. Yet both of those things are exactly what have happened, and sheâs never been happier.Â
âWait, does this mean weâre gonna be godmothers soon?â Bayley asks an otherwise normal question that has Solana still in her seat.Â
Naomi chimes, âI mean, sheâs not allowed to be on birth control, and I know Roman had to have broken his condom only rule since theyâre married soâŠ.â
Solana has a hard time saying anything, has a hard time not thinking about something that should have been considered the moment that barrier was broken.
Roman and Solana have consummated their marriage.
Theyâve had sex.Â
Several times.
Unprotected sex.
They are actively having unprotected sex.
Naomi is right in that not once did Roman bring up protection.Â
It has her wondering now if he didnât bring it up because, in his mind, theyâre now working on creating an heir?
But, she dispels that theory pretty quickly, remembering how determined he was to help her not feel any pressure regarding them conceiving a child. Heâs never seemed too concerned with that part of their marriage deal.
UnlessâŠ.
Unless it was because they werenât sexually active, but now that they areâŠ.
Suddenly, another conversation with Roman regarding just what the plan is for that is on the agenda.
Along with whatever it is thatâs bothering him that he wonât open up about.Â
Bayley and Naomi must pick up on her change and mood, switching the conversation to something regarding some mess that kicked off at the Warehouse between Nia and some person named Mia. Solana does her best to follow along when she feels her phone vibrate in her bag.Â
Pulling it out, she unlocks her phone and opens up messages, specifically the unopened thread from an unsaved number.
Unknown: Did you really think you would get away with fucking us over?
Unknown: You were warned.
Unknown: What happens next is on you.
The phone drops out of Solanaâs hand the minute sheâs done reading the text. She can barely breathe, barely process whatâs happening as her head snaps up, eyes frantically searching for the one person whoâs now been kicked to the front of her mind.
Roman
She spots him, expression unreadable as he sips on a beer, speaking to Solo.
Solana jumps up from the sofa, ignoring Naomi and Bayley asking whatâs wrong. She kicks her heels off and makes a beeline straight for him, uncaring about the bodies she has to squeeze between, the few individuals who she actually shoves out of her way. Something at any other time she wouldnât dare consider doing. But this isnât any other time, this is life or death.
Literally.
âRoman!â
His eyes snap with hers seconds before she successfully makes her way over to him. Her heart feels like itâs about to beat out of her chest. She can barely breathe, and sheâs certain that sheâs trembling, but none of that stops her from rushing out, âwe have to get out of here!â
His hands move to her face, cupping it, taking note of her frantic state as he asks with all of the protectiveness. âWhatâs wrong?â
Eyes watering, she opens her mouth. âIââ
Thatâs as far as it goes, the most and only thing that sheâs able to express because before sheâs cut off. Romanâs gaze lifts above her and the last thing she sees is the slight widening of his eyes as he shoves her to the side of him with so much force that she slams against the ground, her head bouncing off the carpeted floor.
But, thatâs not what catches her attention. Not the shock of him pushing her so harshly, putting his hands on her in a way she would have never thought possible. No, thatâs not an issue at all, because the sound that only seems to have registered upon her fall is what has her attention snatched and fixated.
A single sound that she hasnât heard in years.
A gunshot.Â
And then chaos.
Thereâs shouts, thereâs screams, thereâs people running around in a mass panic, but a single voice cuts through all of that: clear, loud, furious. âGet her out of here now!â
Roman.
And itâs the sound of his voice that makes Solana snap her head to the side, eager to lay eyes on him in the midst of this chaos.
But, itâs when she does that everything changes, the world stops and time stands still.
âNo.â She canât breathe, canât think, canât move, canât function because all she can focus on is the sight of Romanâs men with a perimeter around him, guns lifted and aimed, ready to fire off at a moment's notice. âRoman!â She tries to climb up off the floor, tries to get to him, to see him, to touch him.Â
Solana is unable to look away from the sight of him holding onto his shoulder, face grimaced in pain, blood seeping through his long fingers.
But before can get to him, before she can actually touch him, another voice calls out, âcover me!â And sheâs suddenly off the floor, body pressed against a stranger, the interaction causing her to try to jerk away.Â
Partially because of the contact, mostly because she needs to get to Roman.
âWe gotta get you out of here!â Soloâs voice, harsh and determined, makes her realize heâs the strange body that she also now realizes is trying to get her the hell out of dodge. âNow!â
And itâs right then and there that another gunshot rings out, followed by several more.
Solanaâs panic nearly triples as she tries to push him away, tears burning her eyes, âno! Iâm not leaving him!â Solana beats her fist against Solo as he continues to drag her, Solana begging, âdonât make me leave him!â The tears are spilling over, the last glimpse of Roman showing Jimmy and Jey rushing over in his direction. âPlease!â Solana continues to cry out his name, fighting a losing battle against Solo who is successful in ushering her out of the emergency exit located in the back.Â
Once outside, he has to keep dragging her down the fire escape staircase, because she doesnât stop trying to push him away and doesn't stop from trying to get back to Roman. Solana canât stop replaying the nightmare that has just become a reality.Â
She has no idea where Naomi is. Where Bayley is. Only able to see the twins and Roman before she was ripped away from the scene.
RomanâŠ.
He pushed her to protect her.
Moved her out the line of fire and took the bullet intended for her.
Heâs been shot because of her.
Heâs been hurt because of her.
And itâs all her fault.
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The Season 2 Opening. We Must Discuss.
First of all, small beans. Instead of static, lifeless statues, this time we get moving humans. Mel features significantly more than I expected, so she'll probably be a much more major character than I expected for a non-champion character and I'm so happy for her. I believe the use of moving people instead of statues signifies that immense change will be happening. What we thought was literally set in stone in Season 1 will be turned on its head in Season 2.
Okay, on to the really concerning matters.
Yuhuh. Jinx moves too fast for me to get a good screenshot, but she gestures like this around her face a lot. I think we all already know about the Caitlyn-Jinx parallels, but my sister suggests it could be a red herring for the actual resemblances she has to Silco.
Sis gets credit for the following observation, but Caitlyn's daydream sequences about shooting Jinx are controlled and clearly separated from reality unlike Jinx's.
However, sis has not seen ep 2 yet, where Caitlyn does have that moment in the arcade where she shoots her vision of Jinx among the wooden dummies. Not only does this more closely resemble Jinx's hallucinations, it also parallels Jinx shooting the harmless crow in s1 e5. By the time the strike squad are about to leave, she can clearly tell that what she thought might be Jinx was really just a harmless wooden standee. Startling, but harmless. She shoots it anyway.
Caitlyn is totally gonna spiral more, and maybe she'll start losing her grip on reality too, but for now, she has more in common with Silco than she does with Jinx. Did anyone else get reminded of Silco's coat when Ambessa put the supervillain cape on Caitlyn? The collars don't look similar but they still eerily resemble each other, you get me?
Ok back to intro stuff
Vi wipes off her name from her face. That's two tattoos that are rendered impermanent in this opening theme. In the Fenty x Arcane video, they mention that Mel's golden freckles are tattoos. Later in the intro song, we also see her golden freckles gone. Change, impermanence. That seems to be a theme here.
Vi is literally erasing her name from her face. In any normal circumstance, I'd say that means she wants a change of identity, a desire to start over. However, I know that Vi's League lore involves amnesia. Does she really drink herself into that bad of a stupor? Jkjk. I assumed that her amnesia was replaced by the Stillwater imprisonment to explain how she got topside and with the enforcers, but perhaps I was wrong. Maybe they do still intend to go the amnesia or partial amnesia route with her.
The teasers implied that Vi shares the genetic trait that has Jinx predisposed to hallucinations. It's possible that this eventually contributes to her loss of memory, but I wouldn't call it quite yet. However, if this happens during her emo era when I'm assuming she has no support system, she'll be very vulnerable, unlike if it were to happen while she was still partnered with Caitlyn, in which case they could easily fill in most blanks in her memory.
I have no idea what to make of this. It's clear as day what they're paralleling, but why? Why the flashlight scene? My best guess is that they're trying to draw on déjà vu, implying a repetition of history, but why this particular moment? They could've easily chosen anything else in Jayce's s1 arc. He has many more memorable moments than this. Let's see, I'm literally making this up as I go.
This meeting was a pivotal moment for Jayce. Both his meeting with Viktor and his meeting with Mel changed his fate. The Viktor one is pretty self-explanatory, but without meeting Mel, they would've both just gotten exiled or locked up again. With Mel, they had someone in power who could vouch for them.
That begs the question, is Jayce meeting someone new? Or is this a reintroduction to someone he's already known before, a new meeting after a long time apart or after a significant change, maybe a change in them both. I believe it must be someone who was involved in the original hallway scene.
Jayce is either looking at Mel again or at Viktor. Given the amount of Viktor/Mel parallels in Season 1, I believe Jayce is looking at Viktor after he's undergone his likely final evolution. That'll obviously be another pivotal moment for him... but will it be a good one like it was with Mel? Viktor has power now. He's performing miracles. He's, like, two steps away from parting the Pilt River like it's the Red Sea. He seems to hold a grudge against Jayce, though, for *checks notes* saving his life? Jk I know he feels like he's losing autonomy and like Jayce didn't respect his wishes with the Hexcore and Jayce obviously couldn't let Viktor die when he'd fought so hard to stay alive before.
Anyway, I feel like this could easily be both a good omen and a bad omen for Jayce. More than anything, I feel like it'll be an epiphany. He is quite literally seeing the light. The light at the end of the dark tunnel? The light of the heavens at the end of his life? The light of a revelation sent by a god he once knew as a man?
Seeing Mel screaming bloody murder during the opening, this was the first place my mind went to. The pose doesn't match up exactly, and Jinx/Powder's screams are definitely wilder, but I feel like there's definitely something here. Is there anyone else who screams like this, thrusting their head forward and keeping their arms back?
We also see the shadow hands from this earlier shot:
I'm thinking of the Black Rose (is that their name?) kidnapping her in thin air, incorporeal hands reaching at her and snatching my joy the love of my life Mel away. It could also represent people grasping at the power Mel wields, both as the wealthiest Council member and as a Noxian princess, one of the closest people to Ambessa, the one wielding the most power right now.
Mel is really out of her depth right now. Her power and influence is up for grabs if she dares to blink and let her guard down. I'm also surprised that we don't see her fight back at all when there's danger around. I thought she might have more battle experience as she was raised by Ambessa. For those people wondering about her magical powers, I think she would've used them by now if she had them. Council attack aside, which could've been Viktor's magic, she wasn't able to do anything about the memorial attack or her own kidnapping. I think they're trying to show us that Mel is not as untouchable as she presents herself. Under the right circumstances, she's just as vulnerable as any civilian.
The sliver of light? My sister pointed out that it looks just like the crack of light between two double doors. Almost closed... or barely open? It appears in pretty much everyone's shot in the opening, but it's right down the center of Mel's face here. Is she torn between two sides? Is this about an impossible choice she has to make?
The spotlight is also on her. That's two sources of light. It looks like a red sun. All eyes on her as the surviving voice of the Council?
And her expression... shock, fear, horror. The heavy breathing, the look on her face... I feel eerily like I've seen it on someone else before. I can't place who, but I'm getting déjà vu from this. Does anyone else recognize this expression and these mannerisms?
#anyway that's all I have#this was about ten times longer than I planned for it to be#arcane#arcane theory#arcane speculation#arcane spoilers#arcane season 2#caitlyn kiramman#jinx#jinx arcane#powder#powder arcane#vi#vi arcane#silco#ambessa medarda#jayce talis#viktor#viktor arcane#mel medarda#arcane opening#citrus post
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How the shifters react to you having a high body temp, knowing that it represents your platonic/romantic attraction to them
Goofy headcanon time!
Each titan shifter can recognize how another shifter feels about them based on their body heat. This includes all attraction: familial, platonic, aesthetic, romantic, so on.
SPOILERS for shifter identities AND events up to Season 4 Special Literally everyone has some spoilers for the anime to some extent. Older shifters like Kruger and KSaver is excluded, but there's 11 listed. It's in order from oldest to youngest.
âââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââ ââââMasterlist _ Join the taglist!
ZEKE YEAGER
He feels it for a second, when your knuckles brush against his wounded shoulder, fastening his restraints tighter, making sure he's secure while transporting him out of Marley on the blimp
Blue eyes darting to you, tracing the features on your face, lingering for a second on the titan marks beneath your eyes
Then he focuses on the task at hand, filing that away for later
He has a lot of time to stew on it, the simmering heat under your touch. Low but steady. Lucky for you! You're assigned to his guard detail in the forest with Captain Levi
Shifter to shifter, you're able to relate on a different level than he does to Levi.
Also makes note how you drop to ice cold when the horrors of Shiganshina. Probably realizes that's where you snagged yourself a titan ability.
Listen... if you saw him coming out of the Beast........... you're smoking, iykyk?
Because he's a little shit, he uses it to his advantage. Makes full eye contact with you during conversations, leaning forward. Which makes it interesting when you or Levi nip off his arms to restrain him and you have to give him a drink.
Leans in nice and slow, eyes staring directly into yours, letting you watch him as he takes a long, slow sip. Licks his lips, knowing you're watching him, leans back, eyes lidded. "Thank you, I was terribly thirsty"
Levi kicks his teeth in
Lord have mercy on you for when it's time to bathe
He literally will always use it to his advantage if you let him but will never clue you in unless you already know
Zeke will tease you about this, pressing a cigarette to his lips, his arm or leg brushing yours. "Are you cold? I can help you feel warmer" (Levi is murdering him with his eyes in the background)
Y'know maybe he does warm you up later đ
Probably starts warming up to you shortly before his jailbreak, though it's hard to tell in what way.
After this point, it's a little too late to do anything else about it.
LARA TYBUR
Bro you hardly even realize that she's a titan at first.
As a titan inheritor, the Marley Gov't requires that you and your fellows play nice with the Tybur family whenever they visit.
She's tepid temperature at first, your thoughts and ideas making you a little colder to the touch.
You brush against each other at some fancy schmancy dinner party. She act very much like an Eldian at the party, silent, refilling your cup and you thank her.
Later, you're just feeling soo awkward with her family, with watching Willy dance around his family, laughing and jesting.
Some of the Warriors keep trying to make guesses as to who the Warhammer is but ultimately you don't figure it out
You try your luck at befriending all of them, painfully aware of Willy's eyes on you every time you talk to his sister
But something about Lara keeps drawing you in. Her quiet demeanour, the sleek attire, her proper figure. Dutiful and classy, voice quiet but confident.
Telling her about books and the latest movie, offering tea and biscuits from your Zone whenever you visit.
She never says anything about your body temperature and honestly you don't touch her often enough to notice a difference
But you do notice that she talks to you a little more, lingers by your side more than she does anyone else
During the attack, you do everything you can to defend her crystal - so painfully, carefully aware of how it burns under your titan's hand
REINER BRAUN
Sorry, he's made to suffer. Nothing in his life is ever easy. Isayama decided that. (And so did I.) (There's a happy ending, I promise.)
Things would be simpler for Reiner if everything went well, if he became a great warrior, if his father noticed him, if he did well on his missions. The first thing that goes wrong is Marcel.
When he meets you for the first time, a memory tickles at his mind. Something familiar in the way your skin touches his. Then he gives you a smile, introducing himself and Bertholdt.
Something about you always drew him in. He'd watch you across the training yard and smile whenever you looked at him. Always glad to help you out, shedding himself of the warrior skin and so much easier into the soldier one.
Sucks as a sparring partner btw. Always checking to make sure he didn't go too hard on you.
At some point you probably made mention of him working up a sweat during the training. His body temp is not much warmer than normal but noticeable. Everyone in the Cadets is his pal but there's something special about you
You, who feels like they've had a bit too much sun, but still comfortable.
With time, it may increase to a warmth that lingers in his bones, reminding him of his mother's teas and fresh bread.
He really likes wrapping his arms around you for this, a big bear who just holds you tight to his chest. Big squish!
Likes to clap his hands to your shoulders from behind, feel your warmth in his hands
If you are this warm, he'll always do a little start when you touch him, caught off guard. With as often as he's thought about you, he'll become a bit flustered at times - he begins to entertain a crush and/or getting to know you better.
However, a part of Reiner always remains..... apprehensive
Lays awake at night wondering about you, your tale of being orphaned, family long dead. Something not quite settling
This is what stops him from actually getting close-close to you
At Utgard Castle, it's obvious why something niggled inside him at the sight of you. Because one day, when his dreams were shattered by a boy, a titan lunged out of the ground. That's how you inherited the Jaw
It explains everything, in the end. He may not have recognized that you were a fellow shifter but he did recognize the body heat
You, unfortunately, are either kidnapped or agree to go along with Reiner and Bertholdt in the forest.
You are, either, an unfortunate soul cast out of Marley or a former warrior candidate who was cast out alongside your family thanks to Zeke's efforts years prior. If the latter, Reiner does mention it to Zeke in hopes of him sparing you because, technically, you are on "their" side. It's not a positive outlook either way.
Knowing your fate in Marley, Reiner spends time with you. Painfully aware of how broken his betrayal meant to you (if you're colder) or how you still believe in him (if you remain the same/increase)
Above all else, Reiner considers you a friend and he's so sorry.
If, by sheer chance, he leaves you unsupervised or your chains a little loose to "let your blood circulate" and you accidentally escape, he won't be upset.
And if, he saw you, years later, doing recon work in Marley.. and your eyes caught, he would make the conscious choice to turn away.
Marcel may have been his first mistake but he doesn't regret these two.
Very awkward when you join forces with him to take down Eren.
Reiner remembers the last time he saw you, what your touch felt like.
But the thing about Reiner isn't that his soldier personality was a persona - it's still him. He still cares for you. At this point you know what the touch means, can't blame it on the campfires. You may or may not have trusted him before but you trust him now.
Your hand slides in his, reminiscent of your first meeting, letting him know. "I trust you, Reiner. We'll work with you"
He'll still be withdrawn from the Paradis group but ... his feelings about you never really stopped. Time, distance and circumstance may have changed it, but never stopping it.
He thinks of your touch, even now, even during the final fight.
And, when everything is said and done, when the titan blood doesn't linger in either of your veins, Reiner knows how you feel by the look in your eyes.
BERTHOLDT HOOVER
Whatever you do, do NOT think about Bertholdt touching a non-Marleyan shifter after he escapes beyond the walls. Do NOT think about your touch burning under his, with Bert pleading for Zeke's mercy. Because despite everything, you still thought so highly of him.
Real talk: THIS GUY IS THE REASON YOU BECAME A TITAN SHIFTER
Unfortunately, despite being a fellow warrior candidate, you weren't chosen. Your score was a smidge below what they were looking for.
Bert was one the first to shift. In the practice field where this is done, he, unfortunately, steamed the heck out of you. Bad enough that it was a matter of getting medical attention asap. Fortunately, thanks to your score, the generals decided that you would be swapped out with one of the candidates and inherit a titan!
This is Bertholdt's first memory as a titan, by the way. :) He feels beyond terrible for what happened.
But having grown up together, helped each other through the trials and training... you two wind up being friends. Decently close, because he winds up telling you about his family, what he's doing for his father.
Bert looks up to you a lot. Always staying by your bedside when you got injured, kept a Band-Aid in his pocket for whenever you tripped during the training. (Or if he does. As gangly-limbed as that boy was, that happened often too.)
He knows but also doesn't about the significance of the warmer touches. It was probably one of those tidbits that was filed away for later and then forgotten. It doesn't matter when you're in bed injured and recovering from the heat damage he literally inflicted on you.
Super caring. Always having to talk both of you out of trouble when you wind up in it. But Bertholdt finds himself admiring that anyway, how different you are to him. (He's actually so thankful that you're a warrior with him, even if this was the worst way for it to happen.)
The other warriors clue in that you two are close but don't really comment on it. "Good for them" stance.
Bertholdt likes sitting next to you! Thighs brushing, his leg touching yours. Just small intimate moments that mean the world to him.
Then Marcel gets attacked and all Bertholdt can think about is 'thank god it wasn't you'. He'll stay wide awake watching you sleep at night, only nodding off when/if you let him sleep beside you, his palm on yours.
During training, Bertholdt finds a lot of comfort by sleeping next to you. Even if he ends up sprawled all over your body.
Thing is, Bertholdt doesn't really quite piece together the heat thing. Just knows that you're his, in some shape or form, that you're what's making this mission bearable. He doesn't miss Marley, he just misses you whenever you're not around.
Gets fidgety if you elect to join a different faction from him. But he understands. (But when you walk past him during the scouts enlistment, his hand catches yours for just a moment. Just for this. Because no matter what you mean to him, he wants you to stay.)
Fake dating trope because how else are you supposed to inform Bertholdt about the information you gathered while in the interior?
Everybody believes the ruse lmao
And, the thing with him is, there always feels like there's going to be more time. Sitting at tables, talking about your days. Reminiscing about Marley and campfires.. it's easy to think that you'll get those days back. That it's just another year, another season, another "one more time" before you get to go home.
For Bert, his feelings are... kind of a catch-all. Could be inferred as romantic or platonic. All he knows is that you're the most important person to him. He's just so glad that he gets to spend your thirteen years together.
And, when the mission goes wrong, when the attempts to kidnap Eren go awry and he has to pull your battered body from your titan, Bertholdt is right by your side, as he always is. There's always going to be another attempt, another chance. (Until there isn't.)
Bertholdt feels like home, his hand warm in yours. (He wants to keep coming back to you.)
Maybe those three simple words are whispered, right before it all goes to shit and you're captured/immobilized and Bertholdt grows desperate to get you back. Maybe you two never say them at all. But when it's just you two, the moments feel like they last forever.
(But you do. You know you have to talk about what this means for both of you, even if it meant defining your friendship in a different way. And he'll stutter and stumble over his words but listen intently, knowing that nothing is worth the cost of losing you. And he's secretly so relieved that you feel the same way, no matter what form your affection takes shape as.)
Bertholdt will cherish your friendship for as long as he lives.
PIECK FINGER
Whoo! Titan! Bes - ties!
Warrior trainees together, it totally sucked when you were passed over and Pieck inherited without you. She's pretty chill about everything, walking down the street with you while holding hands, throwing her arms around you constantly. Letting you ride atop her titan's back while she runs around the airfield.
Consider your relationship with her a mix of her squad and Porco
Legit you both are close before you even get a chance to inherit your titan, which you do! Eventually!
She's honestly not that great at explaining how titan shifting works or how to "focus" and "control" it but she'll help you get your bearings by walking around with you in titan form
Her body heat is like a heated blanket, warm and comfortable, ooey gooey melting cookie in your mouth kind of warm.
If you're ever on a long trek together, it's easy to doze off next to her, backs pressed together or her head in your lap.
Honestly she probably doesn't even think to mention how you feel to her, or acknowledge what it means. Pieck is happy with everything you are, how it feels with you.
actually tbh might comment about it everytime she springs a hug on you
"Incoming hug! Ahh... this is nice. you're so warmđ"
Your warmth is so comfortable to her. She's often nuzzling against you.
Honestly you guys would be borderline romantic, even if one/neither of you felt that way. It's just how you two are.
If you do cheek kisses, she'd be all up for that.
If you're romantically attracted to her, it'd be a seamless transition. Like you could invite her somewhere and mention it's a date and she'd just go "oh yay :)".
Otherwise at some point someone comments about how you two are always together on outings (calling them 'dates') and Pieck just goes "yes. :)" then later when it's just you two, "it really does feel like a date sometimes, doesn't it?"
Definitely respects it if you're not interested in her that way + just think of her as a sister or best friend. She won't change how she interacts with you at all (unless you mention that it makes you uncomfortable)
ANNIE LEONHARDT
A year (or a few) older than her, your family has warrior heritage; itâs a point of prestige and honour for you, moreso than for normal candidates. You have an expectation and responsibility to your ancestors to follow through. Of course youâd get a titan. Especially the one your family has meticulously trained for again and again; itâs not so much about the high esteem but keeping it in the family. Inheriting their memories. (For giggles, imagine itâs the attack or female titan.)
By the time Annie and the other warriors are partway through their training, youâve all but confirmed your spot. Itâs just a matter of establishing which one youâll get.
Youâre not exactly friends with Annie initially, especially with her aloof nature. But sheâs companionable, sitting quietly if you ever approach her. Everything about her at the start is like that - withdrawn, solemn. Just as focused on her duty as you are. Either you find companionship over this fact or in spite of it - finding life worth living outside of being a candidate.
When youâre recovering from your inheritance, Annie is the one to tend to you. While you donât remember a lot of it, amnesia getting the better of you, youâre almost certain that she was holding you.
Annie often watches as you continue your training, especially as a titan. Sheâll gladly train in titan hand to hand combat with you once she inherits the female titan.
All the shifters are given books to learn about how to best utilize their titans. As theyâre leafed through, itâll mention the odd quirk of the shifters. Pieck is the most excited for this, followed by Reiner. It becomes a point of conversation, where everyone compares their temperatures - though Annie is quite reserved about the whole ordeal. She takes pity on Bertholdt who feels hot to her touch, though she does throw him under the ringer. You, though? She says not much at all, calling it quits at that point (if she hasnât already).
She doesn't make a big deal of it at all, merely treating you like another candidate. One that she gets along with better than anyone else, at any rate.
In the group, you're dubbed "Annie's best friend". If Annie ever hears of this, you never know.
When it's time to leave for the wall, her knuckles brush against yours. The only indication that she's restless and has any qualms about what they're doing.
But as children honed for war, sometimes rivalries are hard to beat. Especially when the first tragedy strikes your group and Reiner takes the lead, leading you to wall. To mayhem. Murder is a different burden to bear, one that sits funny in your throat.
She sits with you at the refugee camps. While you've never seen her grab extra portions of food, she always seems to have some for you. She takes care of you (and you remember your first shift, how she had been the one to hold you).
Joining the Police is the only sane decision, the inner network so much like Marley. So much like home. You're relieved when Annie goes with you, even though you think it was for duty. (You never know if it was.)
Hitch gets added to the short list of Annie's friends. But nobody replaces you, nobody knows her as well as you do. You know each other's mood, the subtle raise of her brow or scrunch of her nose.
She takes her duty seriously - but she takes you seriously too.
You're the only comfort from home she has.
In the forest after she's hacked up by Levi, you're the one to grab her. To take her back, tending to her as she's cared for you so many times.
Unfortunately your close bond makes it easier to seek you out as a titan. Easier to goad you into advancing attacks, to defending her honour from horrors Armin promises she's enduring.
For you, Annie felt like home more than Marley ever had. Siblings, best friends, lovers. Whatever you felt for her, it was strong.
If you get a chance to see her chrystalized, you touch it desperately, trying to feel a sense of life inside. And you feel it, an echoing thrum beneath your hand.
She mentions it, later, when you two are alone on the ship. "I don't remember what you said, but I felt you." (She always has.)
And when you both go to fight Eren, fighting for something you want so desperately to keep now, you feel her knuckles brush against yours like they did so long ago. When you two were sworn to duty, marching to the walls. This time, you take her hand and never let go.
If you both survive this, she'll show you exactly how much you mean to her.
YMIR
100000% figured out you were a titan shifter because of this.
Her memories of the castle are hazy at best; initially she only remembers the heat and fog, the truth of Christa's real name.
While she knows quite a bit about her titan and its abilities, she doesn't know anything useful. The body heat memories? She knows it. Knows how her previous shifter learned about it, knows how he felt about his comrades.
She's hardly had reason to touch you before this, but like she figured out Reiner in the castle (they touched briefly) she also knows who you are. Knows the truth of your Marleyan roots.
Like Annie, you had been more distant from the group and more independent - you weren't as easily found out compared to them. At that point, it was only Ymir who really knew. Go, you. Clap yourself on the back for a job well done.
As well as you'd hide your identity, unfortunately the capture must take precedence. With Annie compromised, Reiner and Bertholdt outed, you have no choice but to pick up their slack.
Eren is fucking pissed that you're a titan and regardless of your involvement with the walls breaking, often voices his displeasure towards you loudly.
Ymir saw it coming so she takes it in stride and is dismissive towards you. You two really don't get a chance to speak, not until she's back in Marley and that's all that's left for her. Stone walls and iron bars, her complacency and feeling like a debt is owed is what keeps her there.
You sit with her most days, where she eventually opens up about the cadets. That's not to say you're best friends, but she's not dense enough not to take advantage of how you feel about her.
Listen, if you're not a woman, you stand no chance. If you are, she might confess her feelings towards Christa, how Christa helped her change as a person, how she felt like she could be herself.
How she could be herself around you, too.
While Ymir was never as buddy-buddy with you as she had been Christa, she had often roped you into being indebted to her, owing her favours one way or another.
She's back to her usual tirade even while imprisoned, using those unreturned favours to charter better meals or pen and papers. Most days you watch her write, rewrite, try to figure out what she wants to pen to Christa. Ultimately she writes her final draft with Reiner and leaves it in his possession.
Ymir is never quite hostile towards you, not when she learns of your service to your country, to the threat you thought Paradis posed. To the family and people you swore to protect. She understood it. Perhaps better than anyone bar Marcel.
You get a chance to touch her sometimes, changing the irons or giving her new clothes or meals.
There was a time when you were closer, as cadets. When she'd sling an arm over your shoulder, teasing about something or other. That's what it mostly was, her goading you into some tasks for her or taking the fall for things.
Back then, she used how you felt about her against you.
Unfortunately, facing death, she's mellow and more withdrawn. You don't learn much of anything during this time, not verbally anyway. But you learn about what kind of person she was, what role she had before.
And she asks for you to be there when she's eaten. Not directly, but something Reiner tells you later. When he's telling you that you've spoken more to her than she has, that she had tolerated your presence better, that you were the only Marleyan that she looked forward to seeing.
And when you go through her cell later, rifling through what meagre possessions she had, you find a letter addressed to you, hidden beneath leaflets of messy unfinished letters. Thanking you for not treating her as a monster, for not using Christa against her like Bertholdt had. That if she had a choice, she'd want you to inherit the jaw solely for your friendship with your fellow cadets and Christa.
She writes of other things too, little things she noticed about you, tips on how to get better at hiding or hitting. Advice on to living for yourself and not under the charade of the Marleyan government.
There's scrawled out ink, too, of things that she crossed out. She writes in that familiar, knowledgeable but closed off way that she does. In those sentences, under candle light, you can make out her thoughts on the heat exchange, moments from your cadet days. Once, what she would've done if you both had stayed on Paradis. Even a list of favours that she wanted to bank on, teasing remarks written in margins of paper and belittling comments that felt only praising coming from her.
Strange, how you only know her better in death, where you can no longer speak to her and hear the words left unsaid.
PORCO GALLIARD
the biggest baddest boldest guy who will LATCH ONTO YOU SO FAST MAN. I'm half joking
But he zeroes in the second your temperature spikes whenever you touch him. Turns his head towards you, gesture a little quick, eyes watching you, half-lidded. Aware, aware, aware of what this means
He's always always watching you after this, smirking softly to himself, just nodding along
You're so lucky he feels the same way because otherwise he'd just wrinkle his nose and turn his head away, "ew, you're hot" like the turd he is /affectionate.
Once he notices, Porco will always be hovering over you, in your personal space, raising his eyebrows and smirking when you turn around and bump into him. Gtfo Porco. Always casual about leaning against you, your arms brushing.
Porco doesn't really do cuddling but he'll be annoying about this, lightly touching. all. the. time.
Porco knows what it means. And if you don't say anything about it, he will. Just casually drops the fact about shifter body heat before shoving his hands and walking off casually. Leaving you guessing about his intentions.
Eventually it culminates in frustration because this smug mf won't tell you JACK.
Honestly you're going to have to confront him about this at some point unless one of the others point out the weird dance you two are doing.
(If you get frustrated with him enough that it affects your temp towards him, he'll knock it back so fast. Rubber banding it like a pro. He may be a dick but once it's clear he's making you uncomfortable he'll back off.)
Raises his eyebrows, leaning back. "You know what it means, don't you?" All smug. Leading into him talking about his own temperature, "Well, what do you think it means?" Literally makes you guess about how he feels about you. If you guess romantic, he'll lean his arm up against the wall, getting close to your face, eyes half-lidded. "Yeah."
Free boyfriend.
If you don't do teasing, he'll be more upfront. âYou know what it means.â He's reciprocal so even if he didnât romantically like you if you guess boyfriend, heâll be like âyeahâ.
Again, free boyfriend.
If you're strictly platonic, he'll do a little sigh, expression smoothing and go, âYou're my best friend, dumbass.â
Free best friend.
Will become the bitchiest bitch to ever bitch if your temperature ever lowers.
Possessive possessive possessive. Competitive af. âWell, the other shifters don't feel hotter than I do, do they?" Glowers and sulks if anyone teases that your touch feels scorching hot to them.
Other than these instances, he actually NEVER mentions your temp or asks how you feel when he touches you. Would listen intently if you ever decide to describe in detail what his body temp feels to you.
Gets super smug if you mention it in front of the others.
EREN YEAGER
Sorry, there's no happy way this can end at all. :(
Eren straight up does not know about the heat thing until he inherits the attack titan's full memories.
But he's always kind of ... known in a way too. Every time your hands slap together or you pull each other out of danger, he feels it. The warmth lingering under your skin.
Grisha learned it during his studies with Zeke and Eren inherited that memory. Eren remembers then forgets in that same instant when he inherits his titan as a kid. So he knows, by pure instinct, that it's good. It feels right
He emotionally warms up to you more because of this.
Does not get touchy feely over this, although his hands often linger a little longer on you
There's two paths here. One where you're a Marleyan warrior and one where you inherit it after (jaw or in Shiganshina).
As a warrior, your betrayals burns worse than anything else. He's always suspected Reiner because of his cold+hot flashes but you? You who always burned like a star under his fingertips, who sent a wave of comfort through him?
It stings like nothing else has ever before.
It stings when he's in Marley, bandage to his face and leg, watching the people walk past.
He either waits for you purposefully or has Falco grab you a day/hours before the Marley exhibit. (Conveniently, this would be when Reiner is busy and he has an excuse to talk to Reiner later)
Or you come along with Reiner
It's such a small moment, in the end. His palm meeting yours, or your shoulders touching when you pass him by.
But it's a supernova, lit under his touch. And it settles the idea inside him that Marley and Paradis are the same, that there are people he cares for both in and outside the walls.
As a non-Marleyan, in the end, it doesn't change anything. He's still Eren and you're still you. Despite everything.
He's like a comet when he touches you later, after the rescue from Marley. Even when his knuckles are bruised from Armin's bones, when there's a fire in his eyes and death on his lips
But he's still Eren and you're still you.
And there's never enough time
(There's a memory that you only get later, after Everything. Where you sit together, toes on the beach, shoulder to shoulder. Where his skin is warmer than the sands. Where he tells you in what way he thinks about you. Where he asks you about yours and you answer. And you will remember this with a heat in your throat knowing that you'll never feel his touch again)
ARMIN ARLERT
I'm absolutely losing it just thinking about going to a sauna with Armin and after he finds out about the body heat thing he accidentally exclaims, "wait why'd you gET COLDER?" (if you do it's def because you went through the mental gymnastics of respecting his body and not getting thorsty)
He honestly didn't even realize there's a difference between normal people vs shifters because he actually hasn't touched the Warriors trio a lot prior to his shifting (so he has no baseline to compare it to). And Eren always ran hot
He really only clues in when he notices that your body temperate is a lot higher than normal and he freaks out a little, thinking you have a fever. Except everyone else assures him that no, you feel perfectly fine to them, what are you on about Armin??
Hange knows jack all about it; it's not a normal titan feature. Armin eventually has to ask Eren, Zeke or Annie about it directly
Gets flustered and comforted by the realization that you care so deeply for him. If you run crazy hot then it'll be like making him face his fear of fire (rip Armin)
If you don't know what the body temp means, he'll be all too glad to inform you! He won't ask you what temperature you feel his touches at BUT would be all too willing to test what influences the increase/decrease!
Turns super red if the experiments get a little too handsy and you both feel each other's temperatures spike
He's actually super touchy feely! Always reaching for you, giving you lingering hugs or brushing at your clothes/hair. He'll take your hand when its just you two, thumb stroking over the skin, basking in your warmth.
Will cuddle if you let him/ask him. Absolutely adores it. Always happy to indulge
If you're crushing on him, this is the thing that tips Armin off! He's so studious and acutely aware of each minute change so he notices when you get a little warmer, esp if you're reacting to him grabbing your arm or brushing something from your cheek
Probably noticed how you act around him too
If you're not crushing on him the it's just an awkward fiasco BECAUSE:
He confronts you about this. You're both just sitting down somewhere, him across from you, knees drawn up as you're talking or enjoying the silence. Eyes downcast as he brings up, "Do you have... feelings for me?" Voice soft, skin even hotter than his tomato red face. He takes your hands in his and looks up at you earnestly, "this is how I feel about you", letting you feel his emotions
In the case that Armin thinks of you strongly as a friend/ally only, he'll let you down gently. By directly referencing his newfound knowledge. Purposefully going "It's interesting that we can tell so much about the other person when you touch them like this" and he grabs your hand, looking right up into your eyes, smiling gently, "Like this. See? You'll always be my best friend" Emphasis on 'always' and 'best friend'. #friendzoned #ripyou
FALCO GRICE
Sunshine baby, baby boy, my literal son in another universe
He's always holding your hand. You're so cool! A warrior who trained with Reiner, he looks up to you immensely, although your term being close to being up stresses him TF out about Gabi
Listen, you're stuck with little brother Falco who always follows you around, tugging on your sleeve or running off on errands for you. Give him the time of day and you'll have a new dog. I mean child
If you're close to Reiner at all he'll latch on even harder. You're both his parental figures, although he gets so flustered if anyone mentions it.
He's deadset on inheriting the Armour but if you have the choice of who you can give yours to and you pick him, he's gonna cry.
He doesn't remember a lot about his first shift or the events surrounding it, except the smell of burnt flesh and fire in his arms. If you touch him at all when he immediately comes out of his titan, he'll dissolve into hysterics, crying without knowing why, because your touch reminds him immediately of the memory he's almost forgetting
Fortunately, he does forget
When you finally get to touch him after the amnesia period is over, Falco absolutely melts in your arms. Also immediately cries. Because he does know what this means, has studied this in his books, knows it from Porco's memories. Sobs and wails in your arms, feeling so secure and loved. Because you love him and you care for him. After everything he's been through, he needs this
Hugs you so, so tight every chance he gets, getting red-faced whenever Gabi teases him. Hovers by your side a lot, knowing everything will keep being okay so long as he can feel your warmth.
Always touching you, probably gets a little anxious when you leave him alone but eventually comes around.
For the kiddos out there who are crushing on my son, I raise a counter scenario. Just for you. You're now my child-in-law
Training together!! Yay!!
Your grades will vary, though you're definitely behind Gabi on the roster. Sorry, I do make the rules.
Falco excitedly told you about body heat when he read about it in a book!! You two excitedly try to figure out how you'd feel to each other.
Unfortunately, this is about the time he gets a crush on you. So Falco gets so flustered the next time you mention it to him and he ends up blurting that he hopes he never finds out what temperature you'd feel like to him.
Wants to protect you forever and ever, taking a similar route that he does with Gabi in canon.
You became shifters together! Terrible news!
Except when you're both pulled from the napes of your titans. When you have to ride with Connie, forgetting everything except the press of his hand in yours.
Falco may not remember the meaning behind the warmth but knows that it's good, that he can trust you.
Once his memories come back, avoids you to high heavens because he is so acutely aware of the flipside of this scenario. That you can feel how hot he burns because of his crush. He doesn't even think about what your hot touch means for him
You have to chase him down.
Keeps making excuses until you almost fight him trying to get him to settle.
He's definitely heartbroken if you tell him you only see him as a brother/best friend. Probably gets teary eyed and red-faced but accepts it before running off. He'll stop avoiding you after this.
Gets so red if you tell him you romantically like him too.
After the confession or when he's calmed down from the rejection, he comes back around. He's pretty constant at your side and will hold your hand if you let him, reassured by your warmth.
No matter what happens, at least you have each other.
#attack on titan#shingeki no kyojin#aot x reader#reader insert#snk x reader#x reader insert#gender neutral reader#zeke yeager#zeke jaeger#zeke x reader#lara tybur#lara x reader#reiner braun#reiner x reader#bertholdt hoover#bertolt hoover#bertholdt x reader#pieck finger#pieck finger x reader#annie leonhardt#annie x reader#ymir#ymir x reader#porco galliard#porco x reader#eren yeager#eren jaeger#eren x reader#aot headcanons#aot imagines
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Hii! I loved your platonic Genshin kidnapped child reader so, could I ask for Platonic Honkai star rail men when their child is kidnapped?
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A/N: Yep, you can. Here you go, hope this is alright!
â Genre/Trope: Platonic + Familial
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Format: HeadCannons (Characters Included (Separate): Sampo, Blade, Argenti + Gepard)
â Warnings: Mentions and hints of kidnapping // Mentions of death (In Blades one)
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Extra: Reader is shorter then most characters (They're about 6-7 age wise) // Characters are single dads // Semi Proof-Read // Short
Sampo is a con man, and he's made many people dislike him, many people want revenge on whatever he did. He knows this, however he never thought those people would resort to kidnapping his own kid to do so.
Look, you can hurt him, you can ruin his reputation, you can do whatever. But to kidnap you just because of your association with him is where he draws the line. As soon as he gets word on what happened he's finding out your location straight away.
And as soon as he knows it, he'll find a way to get you back and the perpetrators won't know what hit them until they wake up to find you gone and a note from the man himself, Sampo Koski.
Blade is pissed. Sure he may not always have time for you however he cares for you a lot. You are his kid, and once word gets to him that you're kidnapped? He is tracking you down no matter how long it takes or the amount of bodies gets left in his trail to find you.
He gets SilverWolf to help track your location and as soon as he knows he's off to get you. He only has to pray to whatever Aeons that you're blindfolded as he's not wasting a minute in hearing the cries of mercy, they don't deserve it.
Once he gets you home he inspects you to make sure you're fine, to ensure you're not hurt. He never lets you leave his sight after that, or anyone's for that matter. If he must leave for a mission he asks for the other members or even Elio to take care of you until he returns.
Argenti truly loves and protects you. As a knight he does this incredibly well so when someone successfully kidnaps you he's more than surprised. He puts a halt in his search for Idrila as looking for his child is far more important in this moment and time.
He isn't sure what he did to get someone to want to kidnap you or if all they want is money. But he will track you down, if they want money then he'll give it to them. However if you are hurt upon returning to him or they still refuse to give you back then he isn't afraid to put up a fight.
He won't go too far, he'll merely knock them out and call the appropriate authorities to take them away. He understands that whatever happened shook you. Scared you, so he'll spend more time with you to try and take your mind off things, take you out to various planets to shop. His search for Idrila can wait. For now YOU are his priority
I feel like Gepard oftens leaves you with Serval when he's out on duty. So the chances of you getting kidnapped are rather low as you have an auntie to protect you, not to mention the Silvermane Guards outside her workshop and how I feel Serval would make small guard robots.
So it comes to a surprise when he finds out you've been kidnapped. He doesn't bother asking questions, for now he quickly gathers a search party and gets others to ask around as he investigates the workshop. Perhaps you were kidnapped by a worker of Serval, this gives Gepard a good idea and he searches the houses of said worker.
Once he finds where you are, he wastes no time in arresting them and anyone else who happens to be in there as he quickly goes to your side to check on your wellbeing. He takes you to the doctors to get you checked up and once you're confirmed to be okay he's relieved.
Bronya gives him a few days off so he can spend time with you, it also gives him time to figure out how to ensure this won't happen again. He still trusts Serval to look after you, and she's already making sure to be careful who she lets work with her but he wants to be doubly sure nothing will happen to you again.
I need Blades banner to go so I'm not tempted to pull for his LC. I need Loucha.
#honkai star rail#hsr#hsr x reader#hsr x you#honkai star rail x reader#hsr imagines#honkai star rail x you#platonic hsr#hsr platonic#Sampo x Reader#Sampo x You#Gepard x Reader#Gepard x You#Blade x Reader#Blade x You#Argenti x Reader#Argenti x You#đ masked fools
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ahhh i'm glad you like it!! and you're SPOT ON with the pampering and carrying the other peak lords do<3 whether he's in his small bird form or his big human form with large wings, doesn't matter, he's getting picked up!! (i love liu qingge playing taxi chauffeur and realizing with horror that he likes holding shen qingqiu in his arms a little too muchđ€)
so so so, i was just thinking about preening, if this is a canon compliant au, and shen yuan got dropped off in another's body, he probably has no idea how to take care of his bird features, let alone his wings, like how to align the feathers, removing molted ones, dust bathing to remove excess and stale lipids so his plumage stays fluffy, or taking care of pin feathers (new pin feathers have a blood supply flowing through it, if the pin is damaged, it can bleed pretty heavily!), so he just... doesn't. no more than clumsily washing them when he bathes, anyway. and then his wings start itching, and hurting, and the feathers are all askew, and he has all these tattered clumps and pins that hurt when he picks at it and what is he supposed to do...???
naturally, people notice when the prim proper scholar's peak lord, with the perfect hair and flawless skin, has two disheveled wings trailing after him. some of them are worried it might be some sign of self-neglect (also bc it's specifically his demon features that look uncared for), and of course when shen qingqiu coughs once so to speak, yue qingyuan shows up at his doorstep; and i was thinkingggg..... different peak lords taking turns coming to his bamboo house for some casual wing care and preening..... in some bird species preening each other strengthens the trust and bond between the two, for crows it's even a big aspect of social bonding! crows preen their young, their mates, and sick or injured birds, so it's only nature that a ill-feeling shen qingqiu relies on his companions to help him when he's incapable himself...
also because i can't stop imagining shen qingqiu sprawled out across liu qingge or yue qingyuan's lap in bliss while they very carefully align his feathers and tease out molted ones, maybe freeing some matured pin feathers, feeling akin to having his hair brushed and played with while they take care of hard to reach places (thinking about how allopreening birds in nature often have less ticks/healthier plumage bc other birds reach places they can't, but shen jiu probably wouldn't let anyone touch his wings so some parts of them were always a little... messy).
some birds (like parrots) might even overpreen when exposed to strong scents, so all the peak lords quickly learn not to put on too much or heavy perfume because it makes shen qingqiu rub and dig into his wings until feathers fall out
(and i haven't even mentioned the sheer angst potential of stress plucking, but ahh this ask is already so long!!!)
OOOOH MY GOD!!! That's such a wholesome idea. I can already imagine it - and it's always a fight of who gets to preen Shen Qingqiu's wings, to the point where it actually turns into a fight (thanks to Liu Qingge) and it's almost an all-out brawl until Mu Qingfang (the only reasonable peak lord jhebus) makes everyone draw lots to see who gets to do it (- and then cheats because everyone else is so hyped up from the brawl, and his dear shixiong simply cannot deal with such stress!!). It becomes a natural thing to come up with different ways of deciding (unless Shen Qingqiu asks one, then the others just have to choke on vinegar(kiiiidding sort of)), and the peak lord who got to do it last time is not allowed to participate in the next game because that's unfair! Spitballing about how different peak lords go about offering it at first, if I may!! I think that Qi Qingqi would be actually quite gentle about it - she's used to helping out the girls with their hair and other things (shark week đđ), so she knows how to go about being like, "hey, I know we don't always get along but I'm going to help you out with your wings, 'kay?" and he is immediately just like "jesus christ please save me from this torment pleasepleaseplease" - kidding, kidding, he'd be much more hesitant about it because he knows that his wings are delicate and he needs to place his trust in whoever's touching them. Qi Qingqi has been...hostile towards him (because of Shen Jiu, so he can't be too offended), and this could be a moment of weakness (- jesus, bestie boo, I'm making him sound like Shen Jiu) but...his wings hurt :[ At first it's awkward, but then Shen Qingqiu relaxes and it does NOT become a gossip session (it should and it does, you can take that from my cold dead hands). Of course, Yue Qingyuan is the first to offer at all, being all like "xiao-Jiu plleeeaaasseeee đ„ș" and who is Shen Qingqiu to resist those puppy dog eyes? He seems to have a history with Shen Jiu so it wouldn't be suspicious of him to deign to allow Yue Qingyuan to help out. Of course, Shen Jiu used to let Yue Qingyuan preen his wings on the streets (if we're going that route), so he's skilled and immediately makes Shen Qingqiu feel comfortable as he feels the itchy feeling in his wings FINALLY disappear with every movement the other man makes. Of course, he should be analysing so he can learn to do it himself but...he's so comfy :( When Liu Qingge first does it, it's on a mission! GASP!! Yue Qingyuan sent them on a mission together because it was a matter of both brute force that needed some form of plan involved that wasn't just "grab smash kill" (and mayyybe he wanted his shidi to bond, who cares? Shen Qingqiu has been a lot less hostile recently, and he's going to take advantage). So, they're out on this mission, and it's a LOT fucking harder than they first thought, leaving them waylaid in the forests (stereotypical I know but screw you (/j)). Shen Yuan's (for brevity's sake) wings are slowly getting worse and he's so very uncomfortable but he can't reach the worse bits so he forces himself to abandon his pride for a second and begrudgingly ask Liu Qingge for help! Obviously, Liu Qingge has no clue what he's doing and has to be guided by Shen Yuan (Liu Qingge later claims to not at all be nervous, but his hands were shaking because he didn't mind this new Shen Qingqiu and didn't reaally want to hurt him). The next time Shen Yuan needs his wings preening, Liu Qingge (literally) kicks the door down to offer to do it. He may seem overly aggressive when he manhandles the peak lord, but he's really quite gentle. I do want to yap about the other peak lords, but this answer's really long already!!! If you want me to, please let me know, because I severely want to expose myself as a Mu Qingfang and Wei Qingwei fan and PLEASE tell me more about the angst potential pretty please, I'll be like Yue Qingyuan at your door with puppy dog eyes. I'm INVESTED NOW, GOD.
#four answers asks#crowyuan au#of the canon compliant variety#this is my jam#I'm so in love with this#I have a love for pampering and coddling Shen Yuan#I can't help myself#I'm addicted to it#scum villian self saving system#scum villain#svsss#svsss au#shen yuan#shen qingqiu#liu qingge#qi qingqi#yue qingyuan
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