#and maybe annie too for experiment purposes

[im-totally-not-an-alien-2]

Halloween prompts year 2 day 17

A supervillian had captured a supernatural creature in some kind of device, the entity in question looked like a white haired teen from what they could see of him in the glass sphere he was enclosed in.

The villian was monologing about how they would use the creatures sacred powers to resurrect some evil gods or whatever when the heros intervened knocking him away and accidentally started the machine.

The teen screamed as electricity flowed through his body. Tim ran to him searching for a way to turn off the machine when his hand touched the outside of the sphere.

Unbeknownst to the heros, the machine required a piece of whoever was dead to revive them, it could be hair, blood, bone or even...a memory

That was how Tim, as Robin (or Red Robin whoever you prefer) found himself holding not his mom or dad or anyone you might have expected.

No.

He was holding someone he never thought he'd see again. Someone who didn't even think she was real. Someone who was marveling at her new body made of flesh and blood

Annie.

[moonspirit]

What do u think Annie’s eating habits are like? We know she loves sweet food but what else

Is she a picky eater? Maybe due to being force fed during her training to get more powers.

Does she have trust issues around food?

Is the reason she likes sweet food due bitter things reminding her off the things she had to eat

Side note and a trigger warning for this part but does she have any disordered eating due to how she views her body. From a young age she had an extremely sexulized Titan and could this have affected her?

Hi anon!

Interesting topic tho! I have some thoughts on this, but whether or not they make any sense is beyond me xD

So the reason I have for why she likes sweets so much is because I hc that sugar was probably a hard to get commodity in Liberio. I don't have much of a base when I say this, nor do I remember if anything about daily life in Liberio was ever expanded upon in the manga, but to me, sugar sounds like something that would've cost a lot of money, something we know ordinary Eldian people in the internment zone didn't have much of. I like to think that sugar was bought and saved for the really important occasions like birthdays and weddings, and to get your hands on a sweet treat was considered something special. For fic purposes, I also imagined up an instance where Annie (already a warrior candidate) found herself staring into the windows of a bakery, drawn by the delicious smells and colours of fresh pastries, only to be shooed away from the vicinity by a military officer. That once she and the others successfully became shifters, she had her first taste of a cookie or a cake and she'd have liked more if only her father noticed she liked them and cared to get her some now that he was an honorary Marleyan (but he never did). That on Paradis, she had her first "free" taste of a donut with nobody to admonish her, and cried in her bed because it tasted so good and she could go and buy more and nobody would refuse her.

Also, the sugar gives her an instant dopamine hit lmao. Annie being the sad girl she was, would've found solace in the burst of happiness that eating a slice of cake gave her without having to rely on people-connections for it. Sugar = easy comfort.

Other than sweets tho, I don't hc her as too much of a picky eater. Only normal amount. There's probably some stuff she doesn't like, for example very spicy and pungent food, but except for those preferences, she likely eats most everything without a problem. (some veggies she's not too fond of (maybe peas?) stealthily travel on their own to Armin's plate).

Oh, for some reason, I really like the idea of Annie becoming very attached to chilled mangoes in the summers! (it's me, I'm attached to chilled mangoes in the summers)

Coming to the experiments conducted on her as a warrior tho. Again, personal opinion, but I think it would have more to do with how the thing she was made to eat "looked" rather than just tasted. Zeke's spinal fluid, for example, presented to her either as a murky liquid or as a chunk of his nape (ew T^T) could've brought her to gag on sight alone. Similarly Reiner's hardening ability could've been dished out to her in any number of ways beginning with the hardening "serum" (like the one in the Reiss underground) or as an actual part of Reiner's body (ew again T^T). Other experiments we don't know of could've also taken any form of gruesome appearance. And in all of these, the two most traumatic components that Annie faced were 1. The disgusting appearance of the "food", and 2. The fact that she was force-fed them against her will.

In that regard, I've always felt that she'd absolutely hate being forced to eat anything she doesn't want to. Let's say, even actual healthy harmless food, but if she's not hungry and some well-meaning person tries to *make* her eat, it's not going to go across well.

And now.... for the Disordered eating (TW).

Hmmm, can't say I've ever made a connection between the appearance of her titan and her eating habits tbh. Annie to me seems like a person who's *fond* of eating, especially sweet and sugary stuff and for different reasons as I've stated above. The fact that her titan is the only one that is explicitly sexed in such a way is definitely curious, and its been the subject of debate for years now. However the FT is held in high regard for its abilities and agility (all of which depend on Annie's skill alone), and as such, is considered a high performance machine, likely even by Annie herself. A war machine, a weapon. Having to always stay a step ahead of the enemy in terms of speed, lethality and effectiveness, I think what Annie would've been most worried about is her usefulness and efficiency rather than the shape of her body particularly. That said, I do think Annie would be uncomfortable not exercising or keeping herself in top form in shape at all times, even post-rumbling, since those are routines drilled into her from a very young age and not sticking to them makes her antsy.

I hope that answered all your questions :3!

[derangedfujoshi]

This is fairly random but perhaps this serves as a distraction for today's mess even briefly (I hope you're well, by the way. And if not right now, I offer you a virtual cup of hot cocoa and a warm blanket.)

But long story short: I'm someone whose interest has been piqued by shotas. Unfortunately I have severe moral OCD and paranoia, which is actively disallowing me from digging as deeply as I'd genuinely love to for less....sfw shotas. I love those, too, but....

I know it's non-sensical, quite obviously, because logically no authority is gonna come knocking at my door the moment I search up "shota" on some 18+ manga site, but I figure that perhaps asking someone deep in the community might help put me a bit more at ease. Therefore:

Did you also even partially experience this when at the start of your adventure to becoming a shota fan??

Hello there dear Anny and thank you for shooting me an ask!

To put it simply: no :3

I've never had any sort of shame or doubt, I never experienced guilt because I've always known that fiction =/= reality and that fiction had always served the purpose of making human experience all kinds of scenarios and emotions in the safety of its bounds without letting anything impact the real life. Maybe this was due to my upbringing, maybe it was because I'm not from the us, maybe it's because I took classical studies at first during high school and those really do help, maybe it's Maybelline!

But honestly, guilt is part of the experience! This kind of stuff is more exciting when you embrace the underlying guilt of it all. You know it would be wrong and that makes it even hotter. The forbidden fruit yadda yadda.

I don't know how to help you, tho, I think it's something you need to process on your own a bit at a time by slowly exposing yourself to it?

Best of luck I hope you'll soon be able to fully enjoy nsfw shotas too!!

[ourflagmeansgayrights]

#I'm not so sure that they would have gone along with Izzy's plan#the warmth with which they greet Ed suggests that there is something genuine there#and yeah they fuck about because it's funny and they're bored#but calling the navy on ed and setting up his boyfriend for execution?#nah#I can't see them going for that @temporal-discounting

i would argue that the first scene we see of ed and jack having fun blowing stuff up together would also suggest that there is something genuine there. not to mention that jack introduces himself to buttons as ed’s friend, which is something he later goes back on specifically when ed calls stede his friend. i think jack and ed are genuinely fond of each other, it’s just buried under layers of masculine posturing and rejection of vulnerability and also the “every man for himself” culture of piracy that happens outside of stede’s ship.

as for calling the navy on ed and setting up ed’s boyfriend for execution: jack didn’t do that. izzy did that. jack went along with it specifically to get ed out of there (he also tries to poach stede’s crew while he’s at it but that’s clearly not his main goal). he doesn’t do anything to stop this plot, sure, but like i said above, typically piracy is about every man for himself. jack is not doing anything that ed hasn’t seen before—in fact, jack actually seems surprised that ed is actually upset and that ed didn’t see this coming.

there’s a thread in season one abt ed starting to let his guard down now that he’s experiencing actual friendship with stede, and he does this with jack in 1.08 and later with izzy and the crew in 1.10. but jack betrays him, izzy betrays him, stede betrays him, izzy betrays him again, and then ed betrays the crew before he gets stabbed in the back again. jack was right though: the old ed would’ve seen jack coming a mile away, because the old ed would’ve never taken jack for his word that he just “happened upon the ship” randomly. pre-show ed would’ve had his guard up, wouldn’t have trusted jack to not have an ulterior motive.

not that this justifies any of it lol obviously jack is a dickhead and helping izzy with this scheme was a dickhead move. my point is tho that the main reason jack goes along with all this is bc he doesn’t realize that this is different. similarly to izzy, jack has no frame of reference for how much ed and stede care about each other. he doesn’t realize that this isn’t the sort of thing ed can laugh off and maybe get payback for later, doesn’t realize that if this plan had actually succeeded, payback would mean having jack killed.

annie and mary come from the same pirate background, with the same incomplete understanding of who ed is as a person. in fact, they are so used to “pirates don’t have real friends” that their relationship has devolved into violence and toxicity because they’re too afraid of vulnerability to be emotionally open with each other, even after retiring from piracy together. so yeah, i think the two of them would’ve heard “ed has this new posh boyfriend he’s obsessed with and i just made a plan to get that boyfriend killed, can you guys go get ed out of there” and have thought “ooh, eddie’s got a new flinnnnnngg” and rowed over immediately to cause drama on purpose. MAYBE they would’ve picked up on the fact that this isn’t just a fling for ed, because unlike jack they actually have experience being in love and caring for each other, and maybe they would’ve bailed on the plan if they’d realized that. i can see them deciding to get the ship out of blind man’s cove before they all get trapped and then being like “oh my gosh the british! where did those guys come from??? we definitely have nothing to do with that.” but they definitely would’ve gone along with the plot before that bc the whole point of jack as a character is to show that before this, almost everyone in ed’s life would’ve just gone along with this plot izzy set up.

i love how annie and mary did all that for no reason. being completely serious here i think it’s so funny that they decided to mess with ed and stede and ignore ed’s comfort and laugh at ed when he was having an emotionally intimate moment just for shits and gigs. like arguably even jack was more justified in being a prick bc he was supposed to be driving this wedge between ed and stede so he could get ed out of there before the british showed up, annie and mary just did all that bc they were bored. i fucking love them. i’ve had enough of female characters always being the emotionally mature ones i love that these girls get to be a fucking toxic messy disaster dragging everyone down with them.

[crisalidaseason]

how do you think each of aot characters kiss?

Hard question, I'll do my best!

Warnings ⚠️ Descriptions of kissing! PDA, Making out.

AoT characters kissing headcannons

Mikasa

Shy kisser, at least in public. Her kisses are very domestic, quick and usually happen early in the morning, right before sleeping, when she's been appart from her partner for too long. I think kissing holds a deep meaning for her and making out isn't frequent unless is a super intense situation.

Eren

Clingy and annoying kisser, but not in a bad way. He just loves physical affection so kisses are a must! Also doesn't care about PDA at all, will kiss his partner in public shamelessly. He is a messy kisser, will in fact try to eat his partner's face.

Armin

Cute devil kisser. Much like Mikasa, he is not into PDA and prefers more of a domestic setting when it comes to kissing. But he is also a menace a little clingy too, kisses are very slow and soft, also very frequent although he asks for consent every single time!

Connie

Emotional kisser. I know, he is constantly joking, but I think he would be dead serious about affection. He gives his partner little pecks on the cheeks and lips out in public, but real kissing and making out is for important and emotional moments. Since he is a funny boy, he also gets sad easily, so kissing is kind of his serotonin booster.

Jean

Passionate kisser. He is a hopeless romantic, loves kissing his partner anytime, for no reason at all. A very very good kisser, be careful, your legs might not work afterwards. Loves PDA, but HATES seeing it (like, the audacity!). Does the little smile while kissing.

Sasha

Joker kisser. She can't kiss seriously, always teasing her partner. LOVES imitating the "lady and tramp" spaghetti kiss or sharing a pocky. But on a serious note, she is such a cute kisser too, she holds the partner's face and kisses them all over.

Levi

Doesn't kiss in public AT ALL! Kisses are extremely intimate and private, not so frequent. His kisses are usually very soft and long (it usually ends with him kissing his partner's forehead).

Erwin

Much like Levi, he's a complete private kisser. He is way more passionate and his kisses are way more frequent than Levi's, but still holds a lot of vulnerability and intimacy. Doesn't understand the concept of making out though, but will indulge in it for his partner.

Hange

Honestly, doesn't really understand the appeal of kissing but will try for their partner's sake. Will do it like a science experiment and probably ask people how they do it just for researching purpose. For a clueless person, they kiss very well! They prefer brushing noses.

Reiner

The crying kisser. This man is a depressed bean. Much like Connie, kisses are a serotonin boost for him. He is a very desperate kisser, maybe because he's scared of loosing his lover. His kisses are fast, intense and very wet from his tears.

Berthold

Quick and innocent peck kind of guy. He is tall, making out and intense kissing is not something his height allows him to do (unless the partner is also very tall, but Bertie is almost 2 meters!). Although in private, while in bed, he is a very slow kisser, just basking in the moment and caressing the partner's face.

Annie

Awkward kisser. Just like Hange, can't see the appeal but only because she is a little too scared of intimacy. Once she feels safe and more open, her kisses are very romantic and careful. Will hold her lover's neck. LONG kissing afternoon sessions.

Pieck

Pieck is an angel! She loves to kiss her partner anytime and anywhere. Her kisses are lazy and sleepy, but very dreamy too. Although she hates kissing with chapstick or lipstick texture going on, so she will remove it or ask her partner to remove it as well if they wear it.

Porco

Low-key pretends he doesn't like kissing in public but is a sucker for PDA. Also smiles while kissing (I love this man) and is such a messy kisser too! Lots of tongue.

Colt

Extremely shy kisser, even in private. He like to take things slow and calmly and his kisses reflect that. He loves to give small pecks to his partners lips, nose and forehead. He will absolutely die from shame if he tries making out with his partner.

Zeke

Honestly, not much of a kisser. He enjoys it, but doesn't really care (only does it for his partner). His kisses are quite good and he tries his best to keep the beard very clean and tidy to make the experience better.

[alonezz]

AOT girls find out you are a shifter

Includes: Mikasa, Sasha, Hange, Historia.

bonus: Annie.

Mikasa:

~ She will feel betrayed but she loves you too much and when she sees how scared you look all she can do is comfort you.

“I am the female titan,” you mutter, her eyes search yours in hopes of it all being one sick joke. When you start tearing up at her lack of response she takes a step forward, taking your hand in hers. 

There is no way you would do this on purpose right? Maybe you were forced she thinks. Her big charcoal eyes stare at you intently filled with adoration. “Its... okay,” she whispers. That was enough for you to break down and when you start crying she tugs you closer pulling you into a warm embrace.

“Im sorry, I- I am so sorry Mika,” you sob as she rubs your back and holds you tightly. 

“it’s okay, you will always be my princess, okay?”

You guys talk about it after and what this means to your relationship but all she knows is that she wants you close to her. And she knows you didn’t choose to be this way, so she will protect you and fight for you for as long as she lives.

Sasha:

~ So confused, and she definitely thinks it’s a joke.

“I am the female titan Sasha,” 

“Lol, and I hate food,”

When she sees you don’t laugh and you stare at the floor her eyes widen. “shit,” 

When you start crying she walks up to you and pulls you into a hug, instead of thinking of how you lied to her she just thinks of how much she loves you. She would never let you go, you aren’t getting rid of her that easily. After all you are the one that was always there for her. 

You talk about it after and she is surprisingly unaffected by it. Cuddles you all night long, promising that she will never leave you.

Hange:

~ Excited but a little hurt.

“why- why didn’t you tell me before?” they ask and when you explain to them why, they will simply smile softly at you. It wasn’t your fault. you never chose to be a warrior. So they cuddle you close, whispering words of reassurance, they aren’t leaving you.

They will run all sorts of secret experiments on you though.

Historia:

~ So hurt.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Do you not trust me enough?” she whispers tears welling up in her eyes. You try to grab her hand but she flinches, pulling it away from you.

She doesn’t talk to you for a few days, but she starts realizing how empty she feels without you and tries to talk to you. She doesn’t know when you plan on leaving, so she might as well spend the rest of your time here by your side.

She never cared you were the titan, so you two get back together quickly. She was just hurt because she thought you didn’t trust her.

bonus: 

Annie:

“Y/N I know, we are on this mission together idiot,”

[esther-dot]

I don’t care for that particular post, I saw it and didn’t reblog because I disagree, but I knew it was going to be controversial. Regardless of that I am genuinely confused because I think calling someone a bastard is worse than calling him half brother. Am I missing something here? I thought Sansa was being polite by calling him that and trying not to offend him by using the word she knew was hurtful. But maybe that is just me and my personal experience. My grandpa was a mess and my Dad was one of his bastards. When my Dad was born the birth certificates in my country actually stated whether parents were married or not, so growing up obviously he resented that his certificate said “illegitimate”. He has several half brothers and sisters -remember, grandpa was a mess-and guess how they would introduce each other? Half-sister, half-brother. For instance, “Here is Annie, she is my half-sister”. I think they called each other “bother” and “sister” in private but in front of other people it was always “half”. The whole situation was awkward for the families of course, but I fail to see the offense of that particular word. My father certainly preferred it to “bastard”.

*****Note: feelings are getting hurt so I’m dropping all the rest of my anons on this topic into this ask, and then we will give it a rest!*****

———————————————————————— I didn’t mention this before, but several of my family members are “illegitimate” too. I’m American and we are indifferent to marital status as a rule, there is no stigma associated with kids whose parents aren’t married, but, if someone were to call one of my loved ones “bastard” —the hell I would reign down on their head! It’s still an intentionally offensive term, so much so that it’s noted as part of its definition. Obviously half-brother is preferable to bastard. Obviously that is a more thoughtful term because it’s indicating you have one parent in common without bringing marital status (scandal and shame) into the conversation.

I think the issue is, there’s a distance in the Jon and Sansa relationship and some people blame Sansa for creating it. So, they take that line as evidence that the distance is entirely on her shoulders, which I think ignores everything we know about the way their gendered education worked, about how Cat felt towards Jon, and about who Sansa is. There are many reasons for them not being close that Sansa isn’t in control of, and, even if Sansa did create distance…I think a charitable reading of it would be the most in-character for her ie Sansa didn’t play with him because she saw how upset her mother was when she did. Obviously, that is a headcanon, we don’t know yet, but to me, that’s the point. We don’t know yet. Insisting we know Sansa intentionally hurt Jon is not the same as saying Jon was hurt by Sansa’s actions. We simply don’t know that Sansa knew she hurt Jon’s feelings or that she purposed to do so. Maybe she did, but I still don’t think it’s terribly likely. Pointing out the lack of evidence isn’t denying her flaws. It’s just saying the idea isn’t presented in the text.

I’ve certainly seen posts on those subjects, anon! Jonsas are particularly fond of Sansa experiencing bastard life because of how it is connected to Jon. As in, they have speculated that Martin wrote it to allow her to better understand his formative years/him. I suppose the weight is generally put on the positive outcomes of these issues, the belief that Martin is going to do something good with them rather than focusing on how it makes Sansa a bad person. Our focus when talking about the flaws isn’t actually on the flaw, so maybe people miss that it’s been discussed?

I have seen others clarify that OP is not a Sansabut and apparently one of my asks made it sound like I was saying they weren’t a Sansa fan, and that wasn’t my intention. I don’t know that blogger, I have nothing to say about that blogger. But, I think as whole the fandom’s attitude around Sansa almost demands that you be a “Sansabut” or they won’t treat you seriously. Essentially, you have to situate your love for her amongst her flaws, and it’s a strange, strange thing.

I’ve taken to saving things in drafts before posting, even asks. It’s just my habit now, and when I come back later, I routinely delete or reword something and it has made a huge difference in my feelings and that has impacted my tone. To the point that my initial response is much better. I think if OP had given themselves a moment, they’d have rethought some of their words and everything would have been very calm. As it was, it did feel like an anti take, and if people hadn’t been saying No, this is a Sansa fan, I wouldn’t have known because yes, we do still routinely get hate in her tag, hate in our inboxes etc. We’re protective because some of us had to read the fantasies they had of Jon murdering her before and after s8. We had to encounter hate fics in her tag on AO3. We have been called racist, received threats of violence, we were famously “excommunicated” from the fandom etc etc. When you’re bombarded with negativity and personally attacked over Sansa, it’s hard not to have a strong reaction when she is called names in her tag! But, the point wasn’t to insult Sansa, the OP was just frustrated with the fandom. The good news is that we now have The Harlot of Lemons and Sansa the slayer of lemons jokes, so all is well that ends well! 🍋

I can’t find it rn, but once I searched for all the bastard/half-brother stuff in the books, and you’re right. The other kids did this too, it isn’t a Sansa centric issue. The difference is, Jon had a good relationship with them, so fans can forgive it. He didn’t have much of a relationship with Sansa and people infer a lot from that. They’re free to do so, but I maintain that the idea that Sansa mistreated him, that she was intentionally mean, is still a headcanon. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thank you all for the messages! I’m sorry for not responding to each one individually, but I hope you feel heard regardless. <3

[wellofdean]

Self reblog because I did not say enough about this story.

This fic reminds me of this beautiful quote from Annie Dillard:

“There are no events but the heart’s hard turning, the heart’s slow learning where to love and whom.”

And it really moved me. It felt like it was written by someone who is truly able to imagine exactly how deep and immovable the conditioning we get in our childhood really is -- how intransigent it can make us in ways we can't even begin to process, and how painful it is to feel like you are a traitor to your own heart.

I think it really hit the nail on the head for why I love Dean as much as I do. I relate to Dean. Let's put it this way: Dean is not an old man to me -- he is a bit younger than I am, but Dean and I grew up in similar times, and I don't think some of the people around these parts really have a sense of how it was.

There were NO out, gay kids in my high school. Trans people were not on my radar AT ALL. The power of compulsory heterosexuality -- and for girls (like me), the socialisation that your purpose in life is to please men -- was VERY STRONG. There are a lot of questions that I never asked myself when I was younger, and which I am only able to think about now, in the middle of my life, when I am no longer free to explore. I am still slowly unlearning these things, and this is WHY I LOVE DEAN as much as I do. I see myself in him, how trapped he is and how he keeps it all inside. It's why I actually love the confession/empty scene -- I think it's pretty real to be queer and love unrequitedly and to make peace with just being, and I also know how it feels not to have got over your bullshit until it is too late. My very strong desire to see Dean transformed comes from identifying with him and needing stories that contain hope that it's possible.

Anyway, this story really gets this experience right in a deep way. It starts with this silly premise, but then it just digs right into how fucking impossible it is to dig some of the bullshit that separates you from yourself out of your soul. I mean... listen to these beautiful sentences:

Dean stares at him, begging him for something Dean's body can't translate. Something Dean doesn't understand.

The language of his body has never made sense to him, too many crossed wires, too much anger, too many reactions that don't match up.

Oh man. I have felt that. Maybe minus the anger.

Anyway, I really encourage you to read this beautiful story. I am still not over it, and might just start again at the beginning.

PS. if anyone knows if this author is still on Tumblr, please tell me. I want to tag them and tell them I love them.

Omg, y'all. I enjoyed this fic so much.

Here's the summary:

what if instead of a very sincere and earnest love confession dean just found out cas was gay? no confession, no god-jack endgame. just post-s15 stupidity. just dean being deranged

the dean downloads grindr for cas fic.

That sounds silly, but this is so well-written and in-character, which means it's a lot heavier and more serious than it sounds. There were so many moments in it where I felt actual squeezing in my chest while reading it.

So good.

I can't seem to tag the author on Tumblr, maybe they've left? Anyway... LOVED IT. Though do heed the warnings about internalised homophobia...

[kyberphilosopher]

Mᴏʀɴɪɴɢ Lɪɢʜᴛ

Word Count: 2061

“The Sun card represents radiance. Like the sun itself, it gives strength and vitality to all those that are lucky enough to feel its rays. There is much joy and happiness that is coming to you. On the other hand, the Sun reversed might be indicative that you are being unrealistic. It might be a sign that you have an overly optimistic perception of certain situations. Be warned, for when the sun ceases to shine on you, depression is soon to follow.” - ‘The Sun’ Tarot Card; Full Meaning.

Tap Tap Tap. 

How early was it? Too early. You knew you had training today, but you were certain that wasn’t for another few hours. So what was that insufferable tapping for?

Tap... Tap Tap. 

You shift against your pillow. You can feel your hair stick against your neck, in sync with the tightening fist by your face. Your eyes do open, slowly but surely. You feel groggy, despite the growing alertness inside of you. You’re waking up. What’s more, you’re waking up before you really have to. 

Tap... Tap. 

Your sleepy eyes search around the room. Behind the glass of the window, you can make out a blurry image of yellow and pale skin. Still, you’re exhausted. It could be a silly little trick pulled by your own brain. But on the off chance that it is-

Annie. 

You sit up. Your vision is still smeared like oil, but you stumble out of bed. Your heel skims against the wood of the floor. It probably gave you a splinter, but now that you’ve started thinking about her, you know it’d be difficult to stop. 

You partially hop to the window across from your bed. Your right hand reaches out to unlatch the thing, while the left rubs at your eyes to get the gift of clear sight. As you turn the wood to the right to unlock it, you step back and away. 

The blond handles the rest. Her palms slip under the window and pull it up, and then she pushes herself through. She brushes the clear white curtains to the side and lands on the floor, just as your vision returns to you.  

She’s wearing her favorite white sweatshirt, and standard brown slacks. There’s ODM gear at her hips, complete with all the strappings and buckles. But her face... oh, her face. Despite the time apart, it’s the same one you’d fallen in love with. The big, still blue eyes were gazing at the wood she landed on. Her pale blond hair is pulled back in the usual bun, her bangs hanging loose as always. But her lips look shinier today. Perhaps she tried the new lip tint you’d bought the last time you’d gone shopping. 

“Annie,” you sighed with a soft smile. Any kind of stress you’d been feeling in the past few weeks without her was fading away, at long last. You knew she’d see you again soon, but you hadn’t realized she’d pick today. She must’ve wanted to surprise you. 

Annie’s right hand reaches up to rub the back of her neck. “I should’ve known you wouldn’t be up yet.” The girl looks your form up and down. “Or dressed.”

One of your feet rubs against the opposite shin. She’s not wrong. You’re wearing an oversized white shirt and cheap underwear that she can’t even see. Your hair is a mess, your eyes groggy, and your breath making your own throat want to gag. But you’re overwhelmed with happiness to finally see her again. 

“Yes you did,” you challenge firmly, but tiredly. 

Annie’s eyes soften. You’re right. She could picture your tired form in her head long before she’d even set out to surprise you. That and the fact that she’d purposely arrived before the morning chimes. 

“Whatever,” you wave off. You step towards her, your heart reaching out to hers. Her chest is like a magnet to your own. 

Your arms stretch out to embrace her. And you do. Tugging her to you, you feel her warmth. Her chest and neck flushed against yours, feeling your heartbeats fall into sync. Annie smells so good. She always has, but it must be that body wash the Military Police get to use. 

Annie is everything to you. The attraction was immediate, and the build up of trust came naturally over time. Despite the two introverted natures, you spent time together. You ate silent dinners, went through the motions of the days with each other. You taught Annie more about life and perspective more than she cared to admit, and in turn, she had made you feel more confident in your own character. It became fact among the cadets that where either you or Annie was found, the other was never far behind. 

And then, sometime in the midst of it all, the dynamic changed. 

Your faces got closer when you pinned the other down during sparring. You’d share your food from the same spoon when there wasn’t enough. Even begun sharing the same shower. You’d always thought Annie was attractive, but now the attraction was rapidly becoming a solid, almost tangible force. 

The heat radiating between the two of you was undeniable. One night, in the top bunk of your barracks, she crept into your bed and shared a kiss. It was wet and sloppy, but you were close to her. You didn’t care about the lack of experience from either of you. Annie mattered to you. You wanted to be with her, and apparently she felt the same.

Things were never made official by title, but you were even more inseparable than before. You’d witnessed her threaten Reiner for both hitting on you and insulting you on separate occasions. You judo flipped a boy for getting handsy with her. You went to winter markets, stargazed, and spent late nights sparring ending in clumsy make-out sessions. You loved her. You’d do anything for her. You’d already made a nonverbal promise to each other that you’d grow and mature together. What more could you ask for?

“I really missed you,” you admit, taking her in as much as you can. Annie sinks into your touch, closing her eyes in affection. 

“Yeah,” she replies, which is her own way of letting it slip that she missed you too. Both her hands come to rest under your elbows, effectively keeping them in place around her. Pft, as if you were going to remove them for longer than a split second anyway.

“So,” you drawl as you saunter back to your bed. You collapse on it, rubbing the space next to you as a call for Annie. “Tell me what I’ve been missing. The MP’s still treating you alright?”

Annie shifts and averts her eyes in thought. Then she follows your lead, sitting on the edge of the bed as she starts to unbuckle her harnesses. “It’s the same,” she tells you. 

“I know you don’t like them, Ann.  You don’t have to pretend.”

And with anybody else, Annie would’ve been quick to annoyance. But with you, she was glad. Even though she definitely didn’t tell you the truth about everything, she knew she could still be herself around you. She knew you could sense she kept some secrets from you still, but you’d never forced the issue. Everything about your love was focused on understanding. It was more than the girl thought she deserved. 

“What about the Scouts?” Annie decides in return. It’s a tactic at changing the subject, and one that doesn’t slip past you. Still, you don’t push. 

“Just as annoying as we thought. I have to officially get up and at ‘em in a few hours.”

Your lover unties her boots. “Have you been outside the wall yet?”

She already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear you say your piece anyway. 

“No,” you sigh. Your hand rests on your forehead, your elbow bent as you stare up at the ceiling. “We have our first expedition this week. We’re taking Jaeger out to try the Commander’s new strategy.”

Annie freezes. Then she continues her movement. “Right. I’d almost forgotten Eren was here.”

You doubted that. “The bastard talked about the Scouts non stop back in cadet training,” you say as Annie twists around to face you. “You sure you didn’t hit your head on the way over here?”

Annie doesn’t answer. But she does gift a hint of a smile. It’s gone in a flash, but it’s more than others get. 

Her ice blue eyes pierce into yours. It’s not threatening, however. It’s loving. Appreciating. She’s trying to memorize all the details inside of them like she’s about to do so for the last time. 

Then Annie lowers head head slowly, until it rests by the crook of your neck. 

“You got up early to see me today,” you say softly. 

Your love shifts off of you, and props her up on her elbow at her side. You mirror her movements to observe her as well. 

“I skinned my knee climbing from my barracks. My gear was giving me trouble.”

Some people may have expressed concern, but you knew your other half was strong. She didn’t need your pity. “Well maybe you shouldn’t have done that,” you shrug with snark back. 

“Heh, thanks,” she responds, looking down to stare at your white cotton sheets. 

There is quiet. The sunlight illuminates her hair. Her long eyelashes flutter up and down slowly. Annie is beautiful. No. Annie surpasses the boundaries of being beautiful. 

“Y/N,” she whispers. “Would you love me, if I were evil?”

What?

“What did you say?”

Silence. Annie doesn’t look at you. She seems solemn, troubled. Haunted, even. No, not quite haunted. Maybe just hollow. 

“Nothing,” Annie says decidedly. “I’m just muttering.”

You frown anyway. You know that Annie is weighed down by things that you can’t explain, or understand. It’s different from other soldiers, or just other people. But you didn’t think there was anything she could do to be evil. You had already shown and told her that you were in love with her. You wouldn’t go back on that if you even could. 

Annie was your world. Your lion. Your entire purpose for even making it this far. 

One of your hands reaches out to brush her fringe behind her ear. “I’d always be on your side,” you tell her softly. “There’s nothing you could do to change that.”

You’d be surprised, thought Annie. 

“I didn’t mean to be depressing,” she mutters further. “I was looking forward to seeing you again.”

Annie is sad today. 

Both of your arms wrap around her slim figure. You pull her close to you, so her head is between your chest and your neck. Both your bodies cradle against each other as you stroke the soft strands of yellow hair. The sun is seeping through the windows for only a passing moment, before it is covered by a blanket of grey clouds. 

“Let’s go back to sleep,” you whisper to her, your eyes transfixed on the drops of rain hitting the roof one by one. 

“I am sorry,” you hear her speak against your shirt. 

You pull away, your palms against her cheeks so you can look at her stunning face. “Don’t ever apologize to me, Annie.” What more can you say to reassure her? “I’m with you.”

Annie is heartbroken inside. Maybe it was better that she didn’t say anything. Or maybe it was better in another timeline, where you knew. But Annie kept her mouth shut and tried to just relax her nerves. There was no reason to wake up feeling as guilty as she had. She was with you now. You would protect her against the nightmares with her father, or Reiner. Nothing to be afraid of. 

“After this,” Annie says as you coax her head back against your body. “I’ll buy you one of those breakfast sweets you like so much. From the village.”

The rain taps against your window. The sun has all but disappeared by now. Surely the open window mixed with sheets of light rain will result in a damp floor, but there’s no way in hell either of you are going to get up and close it now. Instead you watch the water fall, thinking about how the shade of the sun matches that of your lovers mane. 

.✫*ﾟ･ﾟ｡.★.*｡･ﾟ✫*.

I wrote this really fast. I just really love Annie and wanted to give her some appreciation. A weak plot, but oh well. 

[softinkshadows]

Shingeki no Kyojin Astrology: sun-moon-rising combinations

I was looking around tumblr for detailed astrology speculations of my fave anime characters, but there aren't that many! Being q well-versed in astro myself, i thought why not do my own version (very spoiler-free, don’t worry)! I followed the birth dates given by isayama:

Eren Jaeger - Aries sun, Scorpio moon, Cancer rising Aside from the fact that he can be hotheaded and impulsive, Eren's feelings of vengeance run deep and explosive. Remember that time he was chained to the bed after the attack on trost, and his eyes were wild with the need to violently eradicate all titans? He's so tenacious and emotionally stubborn too (a Scorp moon trait) to the point of being closed off from everyone else, especially towards the end where he seems to take the weight of the world's burden on his own shoulders. And all for the sake of protecting his community and ensuring the safety of his friends for the rest of their lives. His comrades and family are his motivation. This is his Cancer rising steering his life.

Mikasa Ackerman - Aries sun, Aquarius moon, Aries rising "Look that moody brat is running off on her own again." Mikasa is similar to Eren in her impulsiveness and determination, but different in two ways- what they aim to protect and their extent of fearlessness. Eren is aware of his own weaknesses and helplessness, but Mikasa's amazing physical prowess makes her act without any hesitation at all. She's hella fierce and driven to keep herself in shape too, doing all those sit-ups and chopping firewood post-injury. I think she deserves a double Aries! An Aries rising means a Libra descendant too, which is reflected her whole-hearted devotion in her close partnerships (Eren and Armin). Her aquarius moon really shines thru with her stoic independence, focus and perseverance.

Armin Arlet - Scorpio sun, Virgo moon, Pisces rising He's the brain of the 104th cadet corps, and is second to Erwin in terms of strategy! An intelligent planner with low self-esteem often found second guessing his own analytical abilities, Armin is a true blue Virgo moon. His emotional self stands out the most from the main three protagonists - Eren & Mikasa mostly express anger and desperation, whereas Armin is usually shrouded in fear and worry. He's a very soft bb, hence the Pisces rising, not to mention he gets so dreamy imagining the sea, the vast plains, and the magical world beyond the walled universe he knows. A spiritually-attuned and curious explorer :")

Levi Ackerman - Capricorn sun, Scorpio moon, Virgo rising Levi is such a complex person, thanks to Isayama's brilliance. Like many Cap suns, Levi is authoritative, cold and incredibly savage. That's not to say he doesn't feel anything either. Levi is an evolved Scorp moon (maybe even moon in 11th house) because his feelings are never for himself, but he hurts so much for others - you can tell every death hits him so hard, but he doesn't show this to anyone else. He also exudes this quietly intimidating aura of natural competence, a common characteristic of this sun-moon combo. He can take things personally as well (re: height issues) but it never snowballs into more than passing irritation. The turbulence of his emotions and habit for violence is balanced out by his earthy Virgo rising, which is emotionally subdued, quite thin and delicate in physique, and super neurotic and nitpicky when it comes to cleanliness and health. Cap, Virgo and Scorp are some of the most guarded signs, and a combi of all 3 are hellish. You can tell this poor beautiful man is always caught between feeling and thinking, between maintaining his humanity and forsaking it.

Erwin Smith - Libra sun, Capricorn moon, Leo rising In another life, Erwin Smith would be the damn CEO of a global conglomerate because he oozes so much charisma. Hell if charisma were energy Erwin Smith would be its prime, eternally renewable source. His stature alone is so commanding, and I find some strong Leonine traits in his thickset physique, strong eyebrows, beautiful hair, and that way he shouted in full glory atop wall Rose in that one episode to the cheering masses below. He might be a Libra sun, diplomatic in political affairs, but his Capricorn moon is what drives his decisions. Cap moon has a rep for being cold and unemotional, but i believe they are way more than that! Cap moons rarely boast about their long list of achievements, instead looking forward to the next goal. They struggle with emotional expression, and are super driven and disciplined. Erwin is capable of making the hardest decisions, putting aside emotions to strive for an abstract ideal, and this is to be expected of the commander who takes on the role of the devil.

Hange Zoe - Virgo sun, Sagittarius moon, Gemini rising All hail our favourite mad scientist!! Hange is such a breath of fresh air in the Survey Corps, balancing out the heaviness of missions with their wacky tales of titan research and experimentation. Their penchant for study and higher knowledge is typical of a Sagittarius moon, who is drawn to advanced academic study and spiritual truths. It's also a lighthearted and optimistic sign, true to Hange's upbeat personality. The Virgo in them contributes to their sheer intelligence and obsessiveness with research subjects. We also know they LOVE to talk, and once Eren asks Hange about experiments, they cannot stop (Gemini governs communication). Virgo, Sag and Gemini are the most intellectual signs, and because they are mutuable Hange tends to follow orders rather than give them, making it difficult to adapt to their new role towards the end of the series. Mutable signs also means rapidly-changing emotional states, and a whole lot of chaos, which suits our beloved squad leader.

Jean Kirstein - Aries sun, Virgo moon, Taurus rising Our third Aries on the list ohmygod. The snk universe is full of feisty hotheads. Jean is always seen clashing with Eren, fuelled by Eren's closeness with Mikasa and his own adorable jealousy. I mean, they had a full on fist fight right after dinner in the mess hall, although everything went downhill after the first few punches. Our first impression of Jean during his cadet days is coloured by his desire to work in the interior, and this favour for material safety and wealth is perhaps common to a Taurus rising. Also, Taurus is ruled by Venus, planet of beauty and harmony, and thus often figures in the charts of artists. If you've seen Jean's drawing skills in that special episode, you'll know that his artistic abilities are the finest we have seen, exceeding even that of isayama himself. Jean's strong principles such as being averse to killing people and oftentimes cynical nature, is also characteristic of the moral and cautious Virgo moon.

Sasha Braus - Leo sun, Gemini moon, Taurus rising Not all Leos are showmans. Sasha is the type of Leo who displays more of the quirky, unabrashed personality suited to her opposite sister sign Aquarius. Authority doesn't exist when food comes into play, as we see when she breaks potato with Shadis and later steals a slab of meat from the officer's warehouse. Unlike the visual artistry that Jean possesses with his Taurus rising, Sasha's Taurus centers around her love for food, and hell she can have fiery determination for it (rmb the wild night she mistook Jean's hand for meat?). I love that both of them were pitted with each other in that cooking special episode. I considered placing her as a Taurus moon, but Taurus moons are usually steadier and classier in emotion, whereas Sasha is often breezy, gets nervous and chaotic, with stellar intuition, making her likely a Gemini moon.

Connie Springer - Taurus sun, Cancer moon, Gemini rising Although not much attention is paid to Connie's growth, his character development reminds me a lot of Aang from ATLA. Cheery and happy-go-lucky at first, before the incident with his mother made him more prone to feelings of anger and vengeance, especially near the later chapters. His strong protective bond with his mother is what compels me to say he is a Cancer moon, which is a moon sign that is very homebody and drawn to family and traditions. His goofy self and him referring to Sasha as "his twin" puts him as the spunky Gemini rising, another sign he shares with her.

Reiner Braun - Leo sun, Pisces moon, Capricorn rising Aside from his natural leader personality (Leonine), Reiner likes to take on the persona of the big brother of the group. His outward stoicism, decisiveness and task-oriented nature is typical of a Cap rising, who is often serious and solemn in appearance. He reminds me of that Cap rising workaholic who does his best in a corporate organization, working 9 to 5 plus overtime as it fulfills his sense of purpose. Beyond his stoic facade reveals a more troubled personality. Like a Pisces moon, Reiner is impressionable, and it's difficult to tell if his emotions and personalities are his own, wavering and absorbing traits from those around him. His internal war with his identity and the ensuing fatigue characterises him during the second half of the series.

Annie Leonhart - Aries sun, Aquarius moon, Virgo rising Annie is the kind of Aries that is so motivated to achieve her goals that everything else is sidelined, including her own emotions. She's quite ruthless in chasing her objectives, and her composure, focus and endurance is highlighted with an Aquarius moon. I'm guessing she has a 4th house influence somewhere because of her motivations to go home to her father and lead a normal life. I find the daintiness and delicateness of her features similar to Levi, who is also a Virgo rising. The Virgo effect also registers as a brutal, unfiltered honesty (also seen in Levi), and Annie doesn't hesitate to speak the truth about her own or her opponent's capabilities.

Other characters which I won't go into much detail about:

Bertholdt Hoover - Capricorn sun, Virgo moon, Pisces rising Bertholdt is quiet with an unobtrusive personality. His lack of supposed iniative and aggression can perhaps be attributed to the mutuability of Virgo and Pisces, which goes with the flow instead of charging forward. He keeps his feelings to himself, but reacts when the people he wants to protect are threatened.

Historia Reiss - Capricorn sun, Libra moon, Cancer rising Historia initially lives for the sake of others (esp Ymir), and is more co-dependent than many of her other squadmates. She also tends to put up a front of pleasantness, afraid of disappointing or offending people. She has a strong tie to family, and a profound sense of duty.

Ymir - Aquarius sun, Pisces moon, Aries rising Ymir is extremely astute when it comes to evaluating human behaviour. The religiosity of her background is also usually found in this sun-moon combination, which tends to attract paths of strong spirituality. She also has a bold and noble sacrificial streak for the sake of her companions.

Zeke Jaeger - Leo sun, Capricorn moon, Scorpio rising A headstrong, intelligent and radical character. In a way similar to Erwin in his ruthlessness, but emotionally darker and much more sinisterly private.

Kenny Ackerman - Aquarius sun, Sagittarius moon

Rod Reiss - Virgo sun, Libra moon

Dot Pixis - Virgo sun, Sagittarius moon

Hannes - Capricorn sun, Taurus moon

[aphrodite-would-be-proud]

Wedding anon here! I just wanted to thank you, that was the sweetest thing I've read, and all the kids fighting to be flower girls! Working brother Colt!? All the warriors taking care of the kids, ugh your writing makes me cry. It was beyond perfect!! 💗💗💗😭😭😭

💛 so happy you liked it! I actually had to rewrite it twice because i wanted it to be really good, the plot changed too many times ngl. But the end result was something I'm really proud of💛

Here's a little treat to the side.

Kiddo gang as flower girls

{ Reiner x reader (implied) | tw: none | fluff | modern }

“Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, 1885” by John Singer Sargent 1856-1925 }

At the start, they thought there could be only one flower girl and so a competition between them started.

Between Falco sucking up to you and Reiner by doing chores around the house, to Zofia showing off how white dresses suit her and how much she knows about flowers.

And Gabi carrying heavy stuff and racing you home to show off her stamina, to Udo talking about how much this role would mean to him and his vast experience in being a flower girl in other weddings.

Constantly trying to one up each other, you told Gabi how strong she is for lifting half the grocery bags with you? Falco will attempt to distract you with how he washed the dishes and how good of a kid he is, he'd definitely never act up in an hypothetical important ceremonial event.

Or maybe Udo talking to you about the kinds of flowers and their meanings only to be interrupted by Zofia showing off how cute her white bow and how she's always wanted to see a wedding up close.

It's after Pieck asks them if they agreed on a formation yet that it downs on them.

There never was only one flower girl, it has always been them.

When peace finally settles down over the four nations, they start a top secret meeting hosted in your living room about what their roles will be.

Of course they demand snacks provided by you and Reiner, they need energy to think.

Gabi wanted to be the first to walk down the asile, Falco was quick to call the spot next to her.

Udo didn't really mind being the last to walk since it ment less attention will be on him meanwhile Zofia was a bit upset that she didn't get the first spot.

At the actual ceremony, when it's Gabi and Falco's turn, the awws and small cheers coming from the people around them made Falco nervous, making him trip, thankfully Gabi caught his arm in time.

And now he's walking down the aisle while holding hands with Gabi, he felt even more flustered.

Gabi actually managed to keep her cool....except that she was more marching than walking actually, and whatever petals she tossed ended up flying too far away.

But she's proud of herself, she walked with a purpose and saved Falco from embarrassing them both.

Zofia was a bit grumpy for not being in the front, but seeing the clown show Gabi and Falco were unintentionally setting up? She was instantly thankfully for being in the back with Udo.

Talking about Udo, he actually seemed in his element and not nervous at all. Maybe because they knew everyone in this ceramony? Maybe because his mom was waving to him from the seats? Who knows.

Their walk goes fairly smoothly and gracefully actually, not that it really needed to because Gabi and Falco managed to lower the people expectations so much that Zofia and Udo were set up for success.

Midway through she suggests they should hold hands too since it will be better for the press and make people more emotional, Udo agrees and puts up an act to get even more reactions.

They successfully steal the lights from Falco and Gabi.

Of course, Falco still lost in his own head, he doesn't notice what's going on till Gabi's hold on his hand becomes too tight and painful.

She's staring down Zofia and Udo, Falco doesn't like the murderous eyes and too fake smile combo she's giving.

Thankfully, before an assault with flower petals can happen and the ceremony turning into a war zone, you and Reiner finally walk down the aisle.

After the ceremony ends, the four of them are actually hanging out near the buffet and eating whatever they like.

To see them now, being so friendly and sharing food with each other, you wouldn't believe anyone who tells you about the intense tension that happened down the aisle walk.

Just by the sheer will of determination and a helping hand mouth from Annie, they secussefully manage to finish half the buffet.

Did you know that the four of them are actually really really bad at dancing? That's not going to stop them tho.

[moonspirit]

what would the alliance be doing if they hadn’t entered politics? like careers and hobbies and stuff like that

Hi again!

Oh welp tho, I haven't thought too much about this xD

But okay let's see. If we go off the last headcanons, then maybe...

Armin would definitely enjoy sailing the seas. Learning, discovering, exploring. He'd understand people and bring new understanding to them too. Considering his never ending curiosity and hunger for learning new things, it'd be nice for him to go places, seeing it all until his eyes are full to the brim with sparks.

Annie, uh... Listen, not that I think she's not going to be doing anything on her own, but I think she'll just rest for a good long while xD She was exhausted and fed up well before the end of the Rumbling, just give her a nice bed, some furballs, plenty of cuddling opportunities and leave her alone.

Tho I do see her travelling with Armin and getting the chance to experience the world and all the wonderful things in it in a way she was never able to in her life before.

Also maybe later on she ends up starting a martial arts school for small kids because they think she's awesome and won't stop asking her to teach them.

Pieck? I honestly think she's going to be doing it all. The way I often characterize Pieck, she's eccentric and carefree on the outside for the most part. Perhaps today she's going to star as the lead actress in a silent movie, and tomorrow she's going to be on that high stakes bake-off for the neighbourhood. You cannot tell me she's not doing 826353 things at once and getting great sleep and keeping her head witty and flirty and sharp all at the same time. She's Pieck. She's gonna be living the best life.

Jean - oh boi. Okay. He's gonna do fancy things like wine and dine with important people, and then come home and listen to music and contemplate the purpose of life and existence as his very expensive small dog refuses his affections.

He will then write a haiku and send it to Armin who will not understand a single fucking word of his nonsense.

Reiner - He's good at plumbing. And electricity. And leaky roofs. Plus firewood chopping and kitchen fires and other daily accidents that need fixing. Don't ask me why, he's just a great handyman. Useful big brother. He's very happy like that.

Connie - This boy is gonna be running a kitchen! A restaurant! And he's gonna be fucking great at it! It started out as a small venture, just something to keep him busy and make ends meet but then wooaahh oh waaaa there's a lot of customers?! They're all there to hear him singing as he cooks? They love the food?! He's a boss now?! But he still serves customers because he's a nice boy like that.

Mikasa Ackerman - Swimming teacher. Masterclass on how to cross oceans carrying a head or two as baggage.

I'm going to hell for this.

Levi Ackerman - The man has a tea shop. What the fuck more do you want? Tch.

Falco and Gabi - They're too young to be doing any one thing - let them live and plant trees and run around and grow up nicely.

[royalsunshinehotel]

Slight crossover idea so Neal is in the UK and is in a park Keke manages to give her parents the slip but mistakes Neal for Jay returning toddler quest ensues

Like Real People Do (Jay Menha, Neal Sampat)

A/N: This request is genius!! Thank you so much!!

It was supposed to be his day off, and he’d gone and ruined it. He ruined everything after all.

Jay’s favorite thing in the world was being a father. Jay was so proud of Keke. Kaziah Menha, your daughter. His daughter. He didn’t think he’d ever be a dad, but it had happened and he’s happier than he’s ever been.

He’s not shy about saying that Keke’s his best friend, she goes practically everywhere with him. You have strange hours at your work, so he gets to be with her as much as he wants.

He’d been stressed, obviously. The world was in an upheaval, things hadn’t been right for a long time - today was supposed to be a break from that. You were off at work, and Jay had the day with his best girl at the park. The two of them were just going to take a nice walk, maybe get some ice cream. A casual day, just for a father and a daughter, like real people do.

But his back was starting to ache, Keke was getting too big, he simply had to put her down. You wouldn’t fault him for that. At three years old, she was surprisingly mobile.

But it seemed, as if in a blink of an eye, Keke was out of sight. Now she would never scare her papa on purpose, because he was always right behind her.

She just wanted to see the ducks. Not an unreasonable goal for a toddler.

What followed had to be the worst ten minutes of Sanjay Ranjit Menha’s life. Keke would forget by the time the two of them got home.

Neal Sampat was simply out taking a walk, on a break from his new post at the BBC. He didn’t expect to get tackled. There was a half-second where he thought he was going to be mugged, before he’d even reached the seven-day mark of being back in London. That would be a hassle, but downright comedic, even for him.

Neal opened his eyes slowly, prepared to face his attacker.

“Papa!” A high pitched voice cried, and Neal looked down to see a small child, eyes brimming with tears. She was lovely, massive dark curls tied up by two pink bows, and massive puppy dog eyes that made Neal want to have a serious conversation with Annie.

“Alright.” He tries, wincing as the stray child dug into his leg.

“Okay. Hi.” Neal slowly took a hand down and tried to pry the child off his leg. After a moment, he found momentary success, only to have his hopes dashed as the little girl flung her tiny arms around his neck, locking him in.

“Papa!!” She cried, and he had no real option other than to pick her up.

Huh, surprisingly portable. He wondered if all kids weighed this much. What was she, five? Did she have teeth? Age five was when they got teeth, right?

“I’m not your papa,” Neal tried as gently as possible to pry her off again, “but we should look for him.” She’s lost and she’s going to be kidnapped oh god.

Her big brown eyes are starting to well up. Oh god. Neal didn’t know anything about kids, but he hates to see one cry. Especially out here! He’s not equipped to be a father yet! How will he feed her? How will he pay for tiny shoes?

“Papa?” The little girl released him, and held up a hand to his face. If Neal had no experience with small children, it wouldn’t have shown to anyone passing by.

The tiny hand felt fantastic against his face, not unlike the feeling of falling in love, or the feeling he got when he first stepped off the plane to New York.

Did her father have a beard?

“I’m a stranger, and you don’t go places with strangers.” The little girl nodded dramatically, as if she understood what he was saying. “How about you stand on this bench and we wait for him. I’m sure he’s looking for you.” Neal took the little girl and kept a hand on her waist as he stood her on the picnic table.

“Papa!” Neal winced as the child gripped his hand and screamed at the top of her lungs. It wasn’t his child, and it wasn’t as if he could ask her to let go of his hand. Holy hell, her grip was strong.

He could hear her, but he couldn’t see her quite yet. Jay tightened his fists, took a breath, trying to push down the adrenaline as far as he could.

Keke. His girl. His life was lost in a park about to get snatched by some creep that he’d have to hunt down and kill, only to mentally scar his child and be thrown in jail for the rest of his life.

“Papa!” Jay’s heart roared in his ears as he neared the Keke-shaped dot standing on a picnic table a few paces up the way.

And an adult-shaped form next to her. Maybe you were right, he did need to start wearing his glasses.

Neal couldn’t help but panic for a split second as a strung-out looking man came barreling toward him

London really hadn’t changed a bit.

“Papa!” The squeaked Keke, before hopping off the picnic table and running full speed at the disheveled stranger.

Neal couldn’t help but feel a pang as the man dropped to his knees and wrapped the toddler in his arms.

“Um. Hello.” Neal tried, causing the stranger to shoot him a look not unlike an angry bear, “Are you her father?”

“Yeah.” Neal took a half-step back, as Jay picked Keke up off the ground, sizing him up.

“Oh.” It was as if Jay was looking at himself in High school.

“Huh.” Neal replied, looking at a parallel-universe version of himself if he had been allowed to play with GI Joe’s as a kid.

“Um… hey, kid.” Jay tries. It’s a little strange to see someone’s face nowadays, especially if that person looked like you in high school.

“If you grow your hair out a bit, your ears won’t pop out as much.” Neal’s struck dumb, trying push down the urge to pet the strange man’s curly hair.

But Neal gives a wide smile in return, as Keke takes a grip on Neal’s thumb, snuggling into her Papa’s neck.

“Thanks man.” Wheezes Neal. He should ask for a photo, but he’s too stunned to meet an actual doppelganger of his. The Vampire Diaries is real. “I’ll look into it.”

“Say bye, Keke,” Prompted Jay gruffly, already turning to leave.

“Thank you.” sniffed Keke as she took a tiny hand and waved to Neal. Jay stepped quickly, mentally doubling the money he’d allowed for his ice cream budget.

[stevetonyweekly]

SteveTony Weekly - June 27

Happy Sunday!! Here’s what I’ve been reading this week. As always, leave your fic authors some love if you read and enjoy their stories! 

**Indicates my recent favs 

~*~ 

***A Meeting of Minds by Nix (CrimsonQuills) (Extremis/17k) 

As it turns out, the Extremis hadn't quite finished rewriting Tony's brain. The only potential fix has...consequences.

***the least difficult of men by isozyme (Ultimates/46k) 

It isn’t until Tony watches Steve lean into the punch that he thinks oh, this is going to be a problem.

Steve’s taking hits on purpose in the field, so Tony suggests a safer option. It's simple: Tony smacks Steve around, Steve gets the pain fix he’s looking for, everyone leaves happy. Things do not stay simple.

The one with repressed masochist Steve and sadist Tony and everyone getting off on pain a whole bunch.

we’re not broken so please come home by IronSwordStarShield (SweetFanfics) (Civil War Fixit/56k) 

“What I’m saying is,” Tony says when he catches her puzzled look. “I don’t know what could happen. Just because we don’t want to talk to each other now doesn’t mean that’s how it’s going to be forever. Who knows. Something might happen that’ll get us talking and we’ll be back at where we were. Maybe even better friends.”

Tony’s words are like a ray of sunshine breaking through the storm clouds. In fact, a particular part of his statement sparks an idea. If the whole issue because Tony and Steve can be solved if they talk, then maybe all someone has to do is create a situation where they can talk, right?

--

Kamala has a plan. It is called “Operation Make Tony and Steve Friends Again" and it'll work. Probably. Maybe. Hopefully...

righting the wrongs by fuzzyhamish, masterlokisev159 (ABO/18K) 

After becoming the new lord to the famous manor of Manhattan, Steve is given a gift.

Never would he have pictured the gift to become so much more.

Steve is given an omega concubine. The omega is beautiful.

remember when by samptra (WinterSoldier Steve/16k) 

Tony reached for the file opening it slowly, on top was a memorandum filled with dark black lines of redacted information. Clever hazel eyes widened as he skimmed through the text and the horrible truth became clearer.

“There were two?” he mumbled.

Fury hummed, “It would appear the history books got it wrong, Erksine used the serum twice….once on James Barnes, known as Captain America and the other, his best friend, a man named Steve Rogers.”

Tony leafed through the old papers, “How did we not know?”

Fury leaned forward than looking surprisingly pensive, "They scrapped the program, and Barnes was turned over to do bond drives with the war effort, while Rogers…he was sent to a secret facility.”

***simply the best by iam93percentstardust (Schitts Creek AU/19K)

 After running away from his past, Steve finds himself in a small town called Schitt's Creek, where a young witch needs help putting together the paperwork to open up his store.

//

A Schitt's Creek fusion with a magical twist

hollow by FestiveFerret (Endgame/8K) 

His hair is flat, patchy, and too long. He's sweaty now from holding himself up, pasting his hairline to his gaunt, wan skin. Though it looks more like parchment paper than skin: waxy and somehow not enough, even though there's less of him for it to stretch over. Everything's pointy and angled and

Hollow.

a furious vexation by Annie D (scaramouche) (Post-Apocalyptic AU/4K) 

Tony gets an intruder. A post-apocalypse AU.

splenitudinous figment of wonder by Annie D (scaramouche) (Post-Apocalyptic AU/13K)

 A post-apocalypse AU where Steve, leader of a dangerous gang, has stolen Tony to keep for himself. All Tony wants is to survive the experience.

something missing by samptra (MCU/14K) 

Something is missing in Steve’s life, unsure what, he finds himself looking in all the wrong places when he should be looking right in front of him.

tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by ballpoint (Ultimates/6k) 

Steve is on the run from the Ultimates, goes to Stark to see if he knows anything. Finds some sort of comfort instead.

welcome to the world of tomorrow by dorcas_gustine (PWP/5K) 

The future is bright. And has ball-gags, apparently.

time, it needs time, to win back your love again by lomku (Time Loop/9k) 

“So what are we going to do about it?”

“Now? Now I’m going to beat you bloody.”

Steve remembers, and he goes to Tony to confront him, but in the ensuing fight, a time loop is created, trapping Steve and Tony together. Will they be able to set their differences aside long enough to work on breaking the time loop?

glide me towards you by GotTheSilver (PWP/6k) 

“The thing is,” Tony says, once he’s taken another sip of wine. “I don’t know if I can be friends with you.”

“Oh,” Steve says, this broken sound that Tony doesn’t think he’s ever heard come out of Steve’s mouth before. “I can—I’ll—”

“Because,” Tony interrupts in a rush before Steve can finish. “I’d want more from you. I’d want you. All of you. And I know you’re not interested, I get that, but—”

“Why would you think that I’m not interested?”

dick drunk by mistymountainking (616 PWP/17K) 

“I’m going to fuck you stupid,” Steve says, pulling away only a fraction of an inch to say it, a promise as deep and certain as the look in his eyes, “and you’re going to take it. Aren’t you, Tony.”

Tony wants a drink. Steve gives him something else.

happenstance and all that by gottalovev (MCU Get Together/7k) 

It's been six months since the Battle of New York and Tony is exhausted. The last thing he expected on Christmas' Eve was to meet Steve Rogers again by accident, in Central Park.

[cynosuresoldier]

[[ Continued with @miss-pieck-finger​ ]]

Pieck looked over at her comrade from the bed she was splayed out on and sighed, “I don’t think it matters what we think…we have orders in which we follow because it was our decision to join the programme” she stated simply as she closed her eyes. She knew their actions were wrong but a Warrior would be foolish to go against orders as they were easily replaceable.

“You could always follow in my footsteps…avoid civilians at all costs and only kill those that are necessary…I haven’t actually killed anyone i’ve just assisted but then again you could call that much worse” she sighed as she opened her eyes once more. It’s not like her comrade understood. Everyone joined for different reasons and had different purposes in life so the possibility of understanding her reasons was low.

“They murdered Bertholdt and have captured Annie” Pieck reminded with a sadness overcoming her hues. She abandoned Bertholdt and he died, so maybe the sadness was in fact a look of guilt. “Our priority is to avenge Bertholdt and retrieve Annie or else Marcel and Bertholdt died for nothing and we can’t have that”

     The brunette didn’t look away from the ceiling that loomed above her as she laid on her back on the bed - it felt to Kaja as though it were threatening to crash onto her at any moment and bury her under several stories of rubble ... Perhaps that would have been a better thing to experience than the ice in her stomach she was feeling right now .

     She knew it was stupid to have opened her mouth in the first place - one slip up and the Attack titan would be pushed onto some other poor Eldian begging to be accepted by their oppressors . It filled Kaja with rage the lengths they had to go to in order to get even an ounce of thought that they’d be considered people .

     “ And what about everyone else ?  What about those other Eldians just like us ? ” Her tone was low and angry , but not at Pieck . Kaja had spent some time on Paradis , and in doing so only confirmed what she’d thought from the beginning - this whole thing was batshit insane ... Nobody was in the right - but what could she do about it ? Nothing . Not a damn thing . Even if she did figure out some way , she’d have roughly a decade to do something about it , if she wasn’t magically replaced in the next 48 hours .

     “ I miss Bertolt and Annie too , ” She hissed , resting her arm over her eyes as her fingers curled into fists , “ but this whole thing isn’t that simple - both sides of history are coated in blood ... so what’s it going to take to stop it ? ” She finally looked over to Pieck , her eyes stinging as she ignored the tears falling down her freckled cheeks - she wasn’t just sad , she was angry and distraught .

[saturnznct]

attack on titan!au, mark lee x reader

word count: 3.4k words

warnings: head injury, physical fighting (for training purposes), descriptions of death, mention of knives and cult

note: will be working through this series slowly! hope u all like this xx

nct dream aot au masterlist

The first time you laid eyes on Mark Lee was in that iconic dusty courtyard. Bearing in mind he was being ripped into by Commander Shadis.

‘And what about you, Lee?’

A twelve year old Mark Lee’s eyes shone with tears of fear. He was clearly somewhat sheltered from the horrors of this world; hailing from the town of Jinae, southern Wall Maria alongside fellow cadet Marco Bott. The two of them were the image of innocence, although they barely knew each other, both round-faced and freckly.

Mark had cowered beneath Shadis’ gaze, likely having never been spoken to in such a way, especially not by his loving family. You felt drawn to him. What was he doing here?

That night he barely said much, nibbling on stale bread. You could tell he did not want to eat, but food was scarce, so he kind of had to. He listened intently to the words of Eren Yaeger who spoke about his experiences with the Colossal Titan on that infamous day two years ago.

Days faded into weeks. You passed your own balance test with flying colours, as did Mark, who’s face would become screwed up whenever his feet left the ground.

While you formed a casual alliance with Sasha, promising to go easy on each other during combat training, Mark swapped anecdotes with Marco and sharpened his wooden knife with Reiner.

One day Commander Shadis had demanded you pair up with Mikasa (likely because he was sick of you and Sasha throwing fake punches) and you were so distracted by Mark that she easily flipped you over, an ‘oof’ escaping your mouth as you hit the ground. When your back makes contact with the sand, your head snaps back, hitting the ground hard.

‘Wait, I didn’t mean that,’ Mikasa mumbles, seemingly unsure as to what to do.

Everything goes pitch black for a split second. When your eyes do open, your head is spinning, black spots dotting the sky above you like stars. You hear Commander Shadis yelling for the first-aid specialist cadets.

Admittedly in that moment you had absolutely no clue who was part of that squad. At this point in your training years, you were especially focused on yourself, working on your own skills and specialities. But when Mark Lee comes barrelling across the training yard your heart nearly leaps out of your chest.

‘Are you alright?’ He asks you as soon as he kneels down beside you, ‘can you see?’

Mark sounds far more concerned and more urgent than you feel, which you find somewhat charming, but your head is still spinning.

‘Mark, remember the procedures,’ Thomas Wagner seems to be somewhat supervising him.

‘Oh, uh,’ Mark holds up three fingers and waves them around as if to confuse you a little, ‘how many fingers am I holding up?’

He’s peering over you, almost like a pet trying to get your attention. You feel your chest swell at how cute he looks.

You blink, trying to decide whether or not you should play up your injury for his attention or get up so you can continue training.

‘Three,’ you mutter, deciding that returning to combat training was worth more than gaining the sympathy of a cute boy.

Mark and Thomas exchange a look.

‘Do you think you can sit up?’ Mark asks, eyebrows furrowed together in concern.

‘I don’t know,’ you mumbled, ‘I’ll try…’

You prepare yourself to have to lift yourself off the dirty ground, but you jump about a mile in the air when he holds the back of your head in his hand, slowly supporting your head as you sat up.

‘I’m sorry, Y/N,’ Mikasa apologises quietly.

‘It’s okay,’ you croak, ‘it’s my fault.’

‘Come on Y/N, we’ll have to take you back to your dorm room to lay down,’ Thomas has a sharp tone of authority, so you don’t even try to argue.

‘Dude, she can’t even stand,’ Mark points out.

‘How about you carry her then,’ Thomas huffs, turning on his heel to deal with some other cadet’s grazed arm.

‘I-I-Is that okay?’ Mark stutters, hand still on the small of your back as he held you up.

You nod groggily, ‘it’s okay.’

And so he scoops you up in his arms, and you automatically cling onto his neck. Mark is incredibly gentle, hand under your leg splayed out as to not touch your thigh.

You’re sleepy at this point, so the walk back to your dorm house is slow.

Mark tilts you to the side to twist the doorknob, the door loudly creaking open.

‘Which bunk is yours?’

‘Right beside the window,’ you mumble, ‘bottom bunk.’

He walks you over slowly, almost as though you were a baby in his arms, before gently lowering you down into your bed.

‘Are you comfortable?’

You nod, shifting around under the duvet to try and get comfortable.

‘Good. I’ll send one of the girls in occasionally to check on you,’ he says, ‘I hope you feel better soon.’

And then he shuffles out, clicking the door shut as quietly as possible.

‘How’s your head?’

‘Huh?’

The cafeteria is relatively empty, it being late than the normal scheduled eating time. You had finished up with your cleaning duties a bit later than usual, hence why you were eating bread at nearly 10pm.

You had been interrupted by a certain Jinae resident.

‘Your head… have you been feeling better? I’ve been worried.’

‘You have?’ Your heart nearly skips a beat at the thought of him worrying about you, hoping that you’re alright, ‘I’m just fine Mark, all thanks to you.’

You don’t miss the way a pink blush creeps up his neck, and he avoids your gaze.

‘It’s what I’m trained to do,’ he brushes it off, ‘what kind of medic would I be if I couldn’t help?’

‘You’re incredibly selfless.’

‘Not really,’ Mark shrugs, ‘it’s the right thing to do.’

’Still selfless.’

He looks up at you then, trying to read your emotions.

‘I just mean that, in this world, people are selfish. People always care more about saving themselves than saving others. So you’re different, in that way.’

‘You think people care more about themselves than others?’

‘I-I saw a lot of things during the fall of Maria.. When my town was under attack, the titans had destroyed some of the houses, and there were people inside, who couldn’t get out. And they were shouting- screaming for someone to help them move the wood or the rubble but nobody listened. I told my dad to help them, obviously I couldn’t myself because I was only nine, but he didn’t. He told me that we had to leave ourselves, that we were responsible for ourselves. Now I know that those people died. They died because my father refused to help, because I was too weak. That’s most of the reason why I’m here, to help people if that were to happen again.’

‘I think your dad just cared about his family.’

‘In the refugee camps, I saw people steal food from other families, have knife fights over money and blankets. We were all in the same position, displaced and traumatised. I don’t know why people were so unwilling to help each other.’

‘Where are your family now?’ Mark asks innocently enough, but you feel your heart sink a bit.

‘My dad was sent out on the recapture mission, you know, when they tried to retake Wall Maria. He died.’

‘Oh I’m-‘ Mark looks at you with wide eyes, as if he had no idea how to react.

‘I don’t really feel any way about it,’ you admit, interrupting him, ‘he was comfortable letting those people trapped in the houses die terrified. I’m sure he had enough time to prepare himself for death before he left, and as he rode his horse out of Trost. I knew he was going to die when he said goodbye to me, and I was quite numb to it then too. My mother left me and my siblings alone in that camp and went to work in the interior to actually make money. I imagine she’s a prostitute or something. I don’t know. I don’t hear from her.’

‘Does she know you’re here?’

‘Maybe. My siblings may have told her. Anyway. Enough about me, what about you?’

‘My older brother is in the Military Police,’ Mark explains, ’the grand jewel of our family… I think my parents want me to follow in his footsteps. But I have no idea what I want to do yet.’

‘Do you think you’ll get in the top ten?’

‘Probably not. I’m not as fit or strong as Reiner, or even Annie. And I don’t have Armin’s brains or intellect. I’m kind of just in the middle.’

‘You have Eren’s will,’ you point out, ‘you care about helping people.’

‘You’re really comparing me to Eren?’ Mark chuckles.

‘I’m not saying you’re arrogant, just that you have the passion.’

‘I know. I just don’t think I have the passion for being a member of the Military Police. I don’t think they really help people as much as I want to.’

‘They’re very culty,’ you grimace, ‘so weird.’

Mark chuckles, ‘you’re not wrong. Every time I see my brother he’s walking around the interior with a huge gun, probably bullying some random kids.’

‘Do you know what regiment you want to go into?’ You ask.

‘I’m still weighing my options,’ he shrugs, ‘the Garrison always seemed like the easy route, just patrolling the streets and sitting around all day. But now they’re basically partners with the Survey Corps. If the walls get broken, they have to fight alongside each other. Either way, I’m fighting titans. It’s mainly just a decision of how often I want to.’

’Wall Rose hasn’t fallen,’ you point out, ‘it’s been nearly three years.’

‘As time goes on, it gets more likely,’ he remarks darkly, eyes fixed on the table, ‘by the sounds of it, this colossal titan seems intelligent. Who knows when it will decide to strike next. Our lecturer said that titan behaviour is incredibly unpredictable.’

‘Don’t you think we’ll be prepared enough to fight by then?’

‘It’s the Royal Government that comes up with the evacuation and fighting strategies. They care more about the preservation of the interior than those in the outer walls. They probably half-arsed the whole plan. As for our training, remember what Commander Shadis said on our first day. Most of us will just be titan feed in the end.’

‘You’re strong though, Mark,’ you state gently, as if he were sobbing and you were trying to console him.

‘You think so?’

‘I know you are. I watch you fight for future every single day.’

Mark stays silent, mulling over your words.

‘You really inspire me to try harder myself. And you’ll be an incredible soldier.’

When Mark continues to be silent, your eyes dart around the room. You catch the gaze of Sasha, who is stuffing her face with the tiny amount of leftovers.

She wiggles her eyebrows at you teasingly, before getting up and walking out of the cafeteria.

‘Nice one Y/N!’ Mark yells as you land a kick on Sasha’s shin, prompting her to fall to the floor clutching her leg.

‘Ow, Y/N!’ She shrieks, ‘I thought you said you would go easy on me!’

‘No titan will go easy on you, Braus,’ you hear Annie comment flatly.

Sasha huffs while Mark comes up behind you, gently turning you around by your elbow and giving you a high ten.

‘You’ve gotten so much better recently,’ Mark compliments, ‘I’m so proud of you!’

’Thanks Mark,’ you grin, trying to ignore the way your heart skips a beat by his words.

‘Yeah, nice going,’ Sasha grumbles, wiping down her now dusty thighs and shins, before turning on her heel and walking off to find Connie.

‘I still feel as though my fighting skills are a bit lacking to be honest,’ he confesses, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

‘Really? Who have you been practicing with?’

‘…Armin.’

‘Ah.’

‘Not to say that he’s weak or anything- he’s definitely not. There’s just a certain level you can get to where you just can’t improve anymore.’

No, I know what you mean,’ you try to empathise.

‘Maybe we can practice together? I-I mean, your usual partner is kind of… limping away, and I just think that you’re really great at this kind of stuff-‘

‘Mark,’ you giggle, reaching out and touching his shoulder, ‘it’s okay. We can fight. But just know, I’ll win.’

You take a few steps back as he laughs nervously. You drop your smile for a much more intimidating glare, raising your arms up.

‘Ready, Lee?’

Mark nods, awkwardly holding his own arms up to mirror your own.

You both stare at each other for a few seconds before either one of you strikes. You lunge forwards at him, swinging your right arm around his neck, to trap him in a headlock. He splutters in your ear, flailing his own limbs around in an attempt to wriggle out of your grip, but fails to do so when you throw out your leg and clip the side of his ankle with your foot, sending both of you to the ground.

He lands first, back impacting against the ground with a thud and a grunt from Mark.

You had imagined that he would let you go as he tumbled to the ground, but he doesn’t, clinging onto your arms and bringing you down with him.

A split second later, you’re also making contact with something, but not the ground. Your abdomens clash together, causing you to make an automatic ‘oof’ sound.

It takes you a while to adjust to the situation. You’re face to face, legs tangled together. There’s orange dust in Mark’s hair, sweat glistening on his forehead, eyes squinting while trying to get used to the sun, cheeks and nose red with the heat, lips-

There’s a few moments of silence, the two of you studying each others faces.

‘Ar-are you ok?’ You stammer, and for a few seconds he does not respond, still just staring at you.

‘Oh! I’ll get off,’ you shake your head, unraveling your twisted legs and clambering off of him, much to Mark’s silent disappointment.

‘Uh, you did good!’ You murmur, ‘just, um, try not to be caught off guard, next time.’

When you turn to walk away, you don’t fail to notice the way Krista and Mina are sitting on the steps of the watchtower, whispering frantically to each other.

You don’t see Mark for a few days after that. Training becomes infinitely more rigorous, since you were split into four groups and sent to different parts of the forest for field training.

You had spent several days trekking through the rain and snow with your backpack on, and afterwards spending a few days recuperating.

Mark was in a different group than you, hence why you did not see him. It feels weird that he’s not there, like there’s a part of you missing, but overall you somewhat enjoy your few days away.

It also gives you the perfect opportunity to completely forget about your weird moment during your fight, and focus on building relationships with other cadets.

‘You don’t think Marco is cute?’ Mina exclaims with wide eyes.

‘No, I mean he’s ok-‘

‘Just okay?’ Hannah Diamant replies, absolutely stunned at your indifference.

‘She only says so because she has her eyes on Lee,’ Sasha teases, sticking her tongue out when you turn to glare at her.

‘Do not!’ You argue.

‘Do too!’ Sasha is in fits of giggles, ‘and he clearly likes you too.’

‘I doubt it,’ you mumble, suddenly feeling quite embarrassed.

’Nah, he definitely likes you,’ Mina chimes in.

Unbeknownst to you, a certain blonde had been paying a bit of extra attention to your conversation.

Hence why you were here now, violently stabbing at your dinner with a fork, glaring holes into Krista Lenz’s back while she whispered to Mark Lee.

‘I thought she was going out with that Ymir girl?’ You don’t have a clue who’s speaking to you. Your brain is swimming with anger, so fuzzy you can hardly think straight.

When Krista goes to whisper in Mark’s ear again, she places a hand on his shoulder, after which you’re plotting ways in which you could cut her fingers off.

’I wouldn’t worry,’ Sasha shrugs, ‘we know, and I mean we all know he’s in love with you.’

‘Even if you’re right, which you are not, I’m not her.’

‘Don’t be so worried you idiot,’ Mina half snaps half chuckles, ‘you’re gorgeous. And a total catch, obviously. Mark Lee would be dumb to not want you.’

Tap tap tap. Tap tap tap. Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap.

‘What the actual fuck,’ you mutter, sitting straight up in your bottom bunk bed, coming centimetres from smacking your head.

You whip your head in the direction of the source of the noise.

And there he stands, Mark Lee, in the purple night at your window.

‘What the hell?’ You mouth.

He beckons, asking you to come outside.

You give him an incredulous look, trying to be as quiet as physically possible while getting out of bed and putting on your jacket and boots.

‘What sort of time do you call this?’ You exclaim, exasperated.

‘The best time to go to the lake.’

You can’t help but notice the smirk on his face as he turns on his heel, walking down the gravel path.

You quickly look around for possible bystanders, before following him.

His lantern lights the way as you walk down the hill in a comfortable silence, arms swinging at every bump and skip in your step.

The lake is glittering at this time of night, especially because of how high and bright the moon is in the sky.

‘I like to sit and have picnics in the moon rather than the sun. The food doesn’t melt and I don’t get sunburned.’

‘We’re having a picnic?’ You practically squeak, eyes widening to basically the same size as the moon above.

‘Well, uh, no, we are in a food shortage,’ Mark stammers, ‘but I did swipe some bread from Armin. Well I mean, he gave it to me, said he would take one for the team or whatever…’

’Thank you Mark,’ you interrupt him, grinning uncontrollably, ‘this is really sweet.’

‘But if it’s any constellation, I would’ve loved to have made you a picnic. When they take back the wall I promise I’ll make up a nice spread of food.’

‘Where’s all this come from, Mark?’ You wonder aloud.

‘I’ve just had a realisation recently,’ he admits, gulping.

‘What is it?’

‘I really like you, Y/N,’ he confesses, taking both of your hands in his and rubbing them with his thumbs, ‘and I know that you probably don’t feel the same, and that we definitely have much bigger things to focus on, but-‘

You cut him off by practically launching yourself at him, kissing him.

For a moment he is stiff as a board underneath you with his surprise, before relaxing and reciprocating your kiss.

For a while you sit there, under the watchful eye of the moon, eventually peeling away from each other when you become breathless.

‘I like you too, Mark. Being with you takes me away from this horrible reality. And I don’t know what the future will be like, but I know that I want you in it.’

‘I feel exactly the same way,’ he whispers, still holding your hands.

‘We have to pick our regiments really soon. I think that I might join the survey corps,’ you say, staring out into the lake.

‘I’ll go wherever you go,’ Mark murmurs, rubbing your cheek with his hand, which you lean into.

You sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes, your head resting on his shoulder, Mark occasionally turning his head to kiss your hair.

‘What made you decide to tell me this now?’ You ask.

‘Well, let’s just say I got some encouragement from Krista and Sasha.’

’I should’ve known,’ you chuckle, ‘I’ll get them back later.’

Mark laughs, perking up slightly as though he had remembered something.

‘Ready to crack open the bread, baby?’

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