#and that no low life hunter is kidnapping his child

[mrsstruggle]

The Beast of War - Prologue // Teen Wolf x Marvel AU

This is the second part of the Shadow Wolf Series. Read The Lost Child First if you haven't!

Series Summary: In the aftermath of discovering her true identity and reuniting with her long-lost family, Y/N Stilinski finds herself adjusting to a new chapter of her life in Beacon Hills. With her brother and his friends in their senior year at High School, the town faces a fresh new threat. Y/N must navigate the complexities of her new life while confronting the looming threat that threatens to hurt her and the people she loves.

Warnings: Language, Mentions of Death/Injury/Grief/Torture, Possible Grammar Mistakes (please let me know if there is anything else)

Series Pairings: Derek Hale x Reader, Stiles Stilinski x Malia Tate (for now), Steve Rodgers x Bucky Barnes, Bruce Banner x Natasha Romanoff, Vision x Wanda Maximoff

Words: 2.6k (This is short but the chapters will be longer)

Note: This is Part 2 of the Shadow Wolf series! This happens in the time span before the epilogue in The Lost Child. This will loosely follow season 5 (and possibly the beginning of 6) of Teen Wolf.

Additional Note: While this is a Teen Wolf x Marvel AU, not everything is true to the shows/movies/comics. I had to change things for the story.

One Last Note: Y/N was adopted by Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. I did this so more people can see themselves in this story.

***I do not own Teen Wolf or Marvel or any related characters. This is a work of fanfiction and is meant for entertainment purposes only.***

Masterlist

The Beast of War Masterlist

The Lost Child Masterlist

Next Chapter

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Y/N hums to herself as she mixes the ingredients for Stiles’ favorite pancakes in a glass bowl on the kitchen counter. He slept over at her and Derek’s loft since their dad had to work an overnight shift at the station. She hasn’t seen much of Stiles since everything that went down with Hydra, the hunters, and the Avengers. With getting kidnapped and outed as the dead Stark child to the world, she had a lot of shifts to make up for at the hospital. Today is the first morning she doesn’t have to be in at 5 AM, so she plans to make the best of it and catch up with her little brother.

Letting go of the whisk and bowl, she grabs the tongs next to the stove and flips over the bacon she has sizzling in a pan. Y/N is so engrossed in what she’s doing that she doesn’t hear Derek sneak up behind.

“Holy shit,” Y/N jumps as Derek wraps his arms around her from behind.

Derek lets out a low chuckle, “For a werewolf, you have terrible hearing.”

Y/N rolls her eyes at him, “I was clearly distracted.”

“I’d be happy to distract you some more.”

“Or you could set the table?”

“I can do that too.” Derek presses a kiss into her hair before letting go of her. He notices that she has three different pans on the stove cooking bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. “What’s with the big breakfast?”

“It’s Stiles’ first day of senior year, and I feel bad that I haven’t seen him that much since everything that’s happened this summer,” Y/N says, pouring some of the pancake batter onto the griddle she has set up on the counter.

“He slept here for almost two weeks.”

“Yeah, but that’s because he was scared that he was going to lose me. Not that he’d ever admit that.” She says the last part under her breath, but Derek is still able to hear it. “We haven’t had time to catch up lately.” Y/N turns to look at Derek and loses her train of thought when she sees him. He’s shirtless and his blue plaid pajama pants are hanging dangerously low on his hips.

Derek pauses setting out the silverware as he feels her eyes on him. Looking up, he smirks at her eyeing him up and down. He’s about to tease her when she hisses in pain and jumps away from the stove.

Y/N rubs at her arm where she accidentally touched it to the hot pan on the front burner of the stove. She was so distracted by Derek that she wasn’t paying attention to what she was doing.

“I blame you for that,” Y/N mumbles, pouting at Derek as he walks over to her.

“I’m sorry,” Derek presses a quick kiss to her lips before grabbing her arm and pressing a kiss to where her arm touched the pan. There was luckily no burn on her. She either didn’t touch the pan long enough, or it had already healed by the time he got to her.

Y/N thanks him and kisses him on the cheek before turning back to the food before it burns. She continues to hum the tune to the song stuck in her head as she finishes cooking breakfast. She hears Stiles come down the loft’s stairs as she scoops the scrambled eggs into a bowl for the table.

“It’s too early,” Stiles whines, plopping down in a chair at the kitchen table.

“It wouldn’t be too early if you didn’t stay up almost all night last night.” Derek rolls his eyes at Stiles.

“How do you know that I stayed up last night?”

“Because thanks to werewolf hearing, we can hear you typing and scribbling all night,” Y/N replies, setting down the eggs and bacon in the middle of the table. “What were you doing anyways?”

“Research.”

“For what?”

“Another werewolf showed up at the school at Senior Scribe. Well, technically two werewolves showed up, but I’m only talking about one of them. He claims to be Theo.” Stiles says with disdain in his voice as he shovels food onto his plate.

“Should I know who that is?” Y/N asks, setting down a plate of pancakes and sitting down in the chair between Stiles and Derek.

“He used to go to school with me and Scott. His sister, Tara, was found dead in a creek before him and his family moved.”

“Oh yeah,” Y/N says in realization, “I know who you’re talking about. Why was he at the school? And what do you mean two werewolves showed up?”

“Some guy showed up and tried to kill Scott a—”

“What?” Derek stops cutting up the pancake on his plate and looks up at Stiles with a slightly angry look on his face.

“He was talking about taking his power and shit. His claws, which were glowing by the way, were in Scott when Scott broke his arm and some of his claws and told him to leave, or he’d break more of his bones. The guy left after that.” Stiles shrugs before shoveling some food into his mouth.

“He just left?” Y/N questions doubtfully.

“Yeah,” Stiles says with his mouth full of food.

Y/N turns her head to look at Derek. She can see he’s thinking the same thing she is. There’s no way a guy tried to kill Scott and then just left when he was unsuccessful. He’s probably hiding out somewhere in Beacon Hills until he heals and then will strike again later. She doesn’t love it, but she sometimes wishes they would stop being so gracious with people’s lives. It seems to cause more trouble than killing them. As seen as what happened with Gerard and Kate.

“How does Theo fit into this story?” Y/N asks.

“He tried to stop the guy that tried to kill Scott.”

“And that’s why you’re researching him?” Derek questions, unsure how that warrants Stiles doing a deep dive on him.

“No,” Stiles huffs in frustration, “It’s because he’s different.”

“Wasn’t the last time you saw him in fourth grade or something like that? People tend to change as they get older.” Y/N says, confused about what Stiles is trying to say.

“There’s just something off about him. Scott doesn’t believe me, but I can feel it in my gut that something is not right about him.” Stiles looks at Y/N with a pleading look, begging her to believe him. Scott thinks he’s paranoid and that he needs to give Theo the benefit of the doubt, but Stiles knows he’s right. Malia also doesn’t understand why he’s suspicious of him.

“If you say there’s something off about him, then I believe you.” She almost asks if she should ask Tony or Bruce to look into Theo, but she thinks that would make Stiles more upset. It’s not that he doesn’t like them, but she doesn’t want it to come off as she thinks he won’t do a good enough job.

It’s been almost three months since she found out she is a Stark. Stiles was insecure about it in the beginning, as was their dad, but they slowly got over their fears as Y/N not only tells them but shows them that she isn’t going anywhere, and they will always be her family. Even though it’s not as prominent anymore, those insecurities are still there.

“Other than this Theo guy, what else is new? How are you and Malia?” Y/N asks, changing the subject.

“We’re good. She got her email that she doesn’t have to repeat junior year. We’re still looking for the Desert Wolf.” Stiles says.

“That’s good.”

“What about you two? What have you been up to?”

“Well, there’s still people pretending to be sick or hurt to meet the long-lost Stark, so not much has changed.” Y/N rolls her eyes thinking about the number of people who show up and disrupt her from helping actual patients just so they can meet her. A few reporters even try to interview her while pretending they need help. Luckily no one has purposefully injured themselves to try and meet her. This has been going on since she went back to work the day after her big press conference.

She’s just happy that nothing about her, Scott, or the others has been exposed. She tries not to think what would happen if the truth about Beacon Hills got out. She can handle people at the grocery store staring at her for being a Stark, but she’s not sure she can handle them looking at her in fear for being a monster.

“Still?”

“People are still showing up at the garage too. There’s not as many as there used to be, but several still love to show up.” Derek says. He wants to complain about it, but all the extra money he’s making is going toward remodeling the Hale house. He will complain about them taking pictures of him though. They think he can’t see when they do it, but he notices when they secretly take pictures of him. He assumes they post them on the internet, but he stays as far away from that as possible.

“Oh, tell him about what happened with those bikes someone left in front of the garage,” Y/N beams at him, proud of what he did with the four motorcycles that were abandoned at the garage. He spent several weeks fixing them up in his free time and even customized them to make them a bit cooler. She will never forget the massive grin on his face when he showed her the first one he finished.

Derek shrugs his shoulders, “I fixed them up and sold them.”

Y/N rolls her eyes at his modesty, “He sold them at some show in San Francisco, and they sold for over $25,000 each. He’s already gotten a few emails from people asking him to customize their rides.”

“Really?” Stiles asks with a shocked look on his face.

Derek tries not to blush at Y/N’s praise, “I probably could’ve sold them for more, but I didn’t think anyone would buy one. I’m currently interviewing for a new mechanic to take some of my work because we’ve got some more bikes coming in from people who have emailed me.”

“Speaking of the garage, when are finally going to bring Roscoe in?” Y/N asks Stiles.

“The jeep is fine and doesn’t need to be brought in.” Stiles crosses his arms in defiance.

“It has more duct tape than I did when I was making duct tape wallets in sixth grade—and I had a bucket full of duct tape.”

Stiles rolls his eyes at her, “What else has been going on? You know it’s not going to hurt me if you talk about the others.” ‘The others’ being her other family.

“Um, well, they are currently back at their compound and will be back tomorrow. I’ve been told they’ve each found places they are going to rent until the new Avengers compound is built.” After a few conversations among themselves, the Avengers decided to move closer to Y/N. She made it clear that she has no intention of moving out of Beacon Hills anytime soon.

The new Avengers compound started building two weeks after the fight against the hunters. Even though they still have the lake house, they decided it would be best to get their own separate places until it was finished. Y/N even went with each of them to look at places to rent. She also made Derek promise to lie to them and tell them there were no available units in their apartment building. She likes them, and she enjoys getting to know them, but living in the same building with any of them would be too much for her.

“Tony and Peter still bring me lunch at least once a week.” Y/N continues, shrugging her shoulders in nonchalance. “Steve and Bucky have even brought me food on some of the days I’ve worked for almost twenty-four hours.” She hasn’t had much time to spend with them with how much she’s been working. She feels like she’s barely seen Derek with how much she’s been working.

“What do you talk about with them?” Stiles asks.

“I mostly just talk about work or Derek, or we laugh at the wildly inaccurate articles people write about me. If they ask, I explain more of the supernatural to them, but even I don’t know everything. We mostly just avoid talking about Pepper, Hydra, the hunters, or anything that happened after Hydra kidnapped me and Peter.”

Conversations with any of the Avengers revolve around telling each other about their days with awkward silences in between. She thinks it’s because they see her as family while she sees them as strangers. She can see this look in their eyes like they expect something from her, but she can’t give them what they’re looking for.

“You talk about Derek but not about me?”

“I talk about you too, but I have a hot boyfriend, and I like to brag about him.” Y/N sends Derek a flirty wink while Stiles groans in disgust.

Stiles stands up and brings his dirty plate to the sink, “I should go. I promised to pick Malia up to take her to school.”

“Okay, are you still coming over for dinner tonight?” Y/N scheduled a little family dinner and invited Stiles, their dad, Tony, and Peter. She knows them all separately, but she wants them to all get to know each other as well.

“Yeah, I’ll be there!” Stiles yells out, running up the stairs to grab his stuff.

“Okay, well have fun on your first day of school!” Y/N yells back, watching as Stiles stumbles back down the stairs. “Wait!” She shoots up from her chair and grabs her phone from the kitchen counter, running to catch Stiles before he leaves.

“What?” Stiles groans, his hand resting on the loft’s door handle.

“Smile,” Y/N grins, snapping a few pictures of him. “Don’t roll your eyes at me. You know this is tradition, and I need to send one to Dad—so smile.”

Derek leans against the pillar in their living room, a small smile on his face as he watches Stiles force a smile on his face as Y/N continues to take pictures. “Do you want me to take a picture of both of you?”

Stiles glares at him as Y/N happily hands him her phone. She walks up the few steps up to Stiles and wraps her arms around him in a crushing hug. Derek smiles at Stiles’ embarrassment and takes a few pictures of them.

“I hate you both.” Stiles pushes Y/N off him, pulls open to door, and walks out of the loft.

“Love you too!” Y/N calls after him.

“Should we be worried about this Theo guy?” Derek asks as Y/N shuts the loft door.

“If Stiles says there’s something off about him, then I’m going to believe him unless proven otherwise.” Y/N walks down to Derek and wraps her arms around his waist. He moves his arms around her and pulls her into his chest. “What if we just stayed like this forever?”

“I have no complaints, but I think your job would.”

“I’ll quit.”

“If you say so,” Derek presses a kiss to the side of her head.

“I hope this year they’ll be able to get through school without almost dying several times. Hell, I hope we get through the rest of the year without almost dying several times.” Y/N says after a long moment of silence. She doesn’t need to say who she’s talking about because Derek knows she’s talking about Stiles and his friends.

“Me too. Maybe this year will be different.” They both know that’s a long shot, but they still love to hope.

---

@xxemmarldxx @esposadomd @ladyjenjay @ts1mp0ne @misshale21

@n1ght5h4d3-24 @xoxoloverb

[dumbbitchenergy17]

Clan of Three - Chapter 3

Chapter Three: Sanctuary

Plot: A Mandalorian, an infant with a history of the jedi, and a teenager with similar powers with an undiscovered lineage. An unlikely group to travel the galaxy together.

Word Count: 7.7K

Pairing: Father Figure!Din Djarin x Platonic!Teen!Reader

Warnings: fighting/violence, injuries, almost character death, some wholesome moments

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You could describe the past couple of days as the most eventful days of your lifetime. You were kidnapped, hunted by bounty hunters, betrayed and taken by the empire, killed your first person, to then be saved by the man who betrayed you, to end it all with a major gunfight getting shot at before escaping. Yeah, you were open to a boring life after all this.

“Jeez, why are you so heavy-handed!” You shout out in pain as he drags the cloth against the wound. The bullet had only grazed your arm but it is the first and hopefully the only time you were shot so it hurt a lot.

“You’re lucky it only grazed you, what were you thinking joining in the fight?” He says scolding you like you were his child, he sprays the bacta spray making you wince in pain before he wraps a bandage around your arm. He moves from your arm putting a salve along your neck for the bruises.

“It’s not like you were winning, we only got off that planet because of the other Mandalorians.” You retort and he ignores you grabbing your leg your boot already off and looking at your ankle. It was swollen a gross red and purple. He slowly rotates it and you grab the chair to focus on something else and the ship shakes slightly making Mando pause. He wraps the bandages around your ankle before standing up.

“Looks sprained, be grateful you didn’t break it.” He says moving back to the main seat and seeing the child touching buttons making the ship shake more. He grabs him moving him to his lap, “Stop touching things.” He pushes buttons pulling the holomap before a planet appears and you read the name of the planet.

“Sorgan?” You question shifting your weight keeping your foot stretched out returned back in the boot. You hope this planet had no bounty hunters ready to kill you. What you needed are a warm meal and a hot shower.

“Looks like there's no starport, no industrial centers, no population density. Real backwater skug hole. Which means it's perfect for us.” Hearing the description of the planet makes you groan. Guess no hot shower on this planet. “You ready to lay low and stretch your legs for a couple of months, you little womp rat?” He says looking down at the child and glancing back at you.

“Who you calling womp rat?!” You say and he looks forward to setting the coordinates on the hyperdrive and traveling to the planet. Soon the planet appeared your eyes widened seeing the lush green of trees and grass and wide ponds of water, something you’d never seen before. Flying over them before Mando finds a clearing landing the ship. Turning off the engine he stands up turning to look at the two of you.

“Nobody's gonna find us here. Now listen. I'm gonna go out there and I'm gonna look around. It shouldn't take too long. Now, don't touch anything.” He says aiming at the child before looking at you, “And no tampering with the ship.” You raise your hands frowning. It was literally one time and you made it better. “I'll find us some lodging, then I'll come back for you. Just stay there. Don’t move.”

“Okay go already.” You say and he gives you a look before leaving the cockpit and you hear the ramp opening up. You look over at the child understanding the look he was giving. Mando walks down the ramp pausing looking back seeing you and looking down at his foot seeing the child clutching his boot. He sighs looking up at the sky.

“What the hell? Fine..come on.” He says grabbing the child and the three of you make your way. Your eyes are darting everywhere taking it all in. Your hand traces the tall trees feeling the rough bark and the softness of the tall grass as it flows in the wind. You’ve never seen anything so beautiful before.

“Stop dragging what’s got you like this?” Mando calls out looking back and seeing you trailing back a few feet looking at the most captivating flower. You look over at him with a look of awe in your eyes as you hobble over to him still taking in nature.

“I’ve never seen this much green before.” You say and Mando looks down at you. How could he forget, you came from a desert planet and have never traveled the galaxy, this all was new to you, with the planets, the people, everything. Following the wooden path until you reach a large building the smell of meat and spices filling your nose. Sitting at a table Mando situates the child in a children’s chair and a human worker comes over with a friendly smile on her face.

“Welcome, travelers. Can I interest you in anything?” She says,

“Bone broth, for the little one, and a regular broth for the girl.” He says pointing at the child and yourself.

“Oh, well, you're in luck. I just took down a grinjer, so there's plenty.” She nods writing it down, Can I interest you in a porringer of broth as well?”

Mando shakes his head “Just the two.” The woman nods and you look around the common house seeing in the corner a woman, she had black hair styled on one side wearing green armor. You see around her armor some sort of tattoo and it seems like Mando noticed her as well, “That one over there. When did she arrive?” He nods over to the woman and the waitress looks over.

“I've seen her here for the last week or so.” She says and Mando keeps looking, “What's her business here?” 

“Business? Oh, well, there's not much business in Sorgan, so I can't say,” She hesitates to say before Mando pulls out a few extra credits to pay for the food and the information and the woman quickly accepts, “She doesn't strike me as a log runner. I will get that broth to you as soon as possible, and I will throw in a flagon of spotchka just for good measure.” She says stepping back, “I will be right back with that.” She walks away to get your food and you see Mando look back to keep eyeing the woman but she’s long gone. He stands up as the woman comes by with the food and drinks.

“Keep an eye on the kid.” He says to you before disappearing around the corner. You shrug taking a sip of your broth, the warm liquid soothing on your throat settling nicely in your stomach. This was step one in your plan next a nice relaxing shower…or maybe a hot spring. Does this planet do that? A few minutes had passed and you look at where Mando once sat and the other woman. He better not have gotten himself in a fight. Looking at the child you stand up pulling it from its seat still holding its broth.

“Come on let’s go find that idiot.” You say before quickly turning to grab the bottle of spotchka taking a swig of it. You instantly make a face the burn of the liquid making you gag. Maker, how did anyone like this stuff? Following the same way Mando had left you follow the path before you hear the sound of fighting coming from an alley. Turning down you see Mando and this random woman with their blaster pointed at each other both in a stalemate.

“Are you done?” You call out the two adults turning to look at you leaning against the wall and the child beside your feet sipping his broth. Mando sighs looking at the woman, “You want some soup?”

The four of you sat around the table with three bowls of broth in front of you all except Mando and the large bottle of spotchka that makes you shiver remembering the taste. “Saw most of my action mopping up after Endor. Mostly Ex-Imperial Warlords. They wanted it fast and quiet. They'd send us in on the drop ships. No support, just us. Then when the Imps were gone, the politics started. We were peacekeepers, protecting delegates, and suppressing riots. Not what I signed up for.” The woman who said her name was Carasynthia Dune but told you to call here Cara explains. You were surprised she was a part of the rebellion.

“I’ve heard so many stories about the rebellion, did you see the first Death Star blow-up, or was it the second one? Did you fly an X-Wing?! I heard that Luke Skywalker came from Tatooine where I’m from.” You ramble off before Mando gives you a look that has you quieting down and Cara smirks seeing the fascination on your face.

“How'd you end up here?” Mando asks and Cara takes a shot of the spotchka,

“Let's just call it an early retirement. Look, I knew you were Guild.” She says and you freeze hearing the mention of the guild.

“I figured you had a fob on me,” Mando says casually while you were silently panicking expecting this woman to grab you and the child and run off for her reward.

“That's why I came at you so hard.” Cara says and Mando nods “Yeah, that's what I figured.”

Cara finishes her broth before standing up and looking at the three of you, “Well, this has been a real treat, but unless you wanna go another round, one of us is gonna have to move on, and I was here first.” She says leaving through the main door and you look back at Mando to come up with the next plan.

“What do we do now?” You ask as Mando stays silent.

Moths fly over the lamp attracted to the only light source at night. Mando is working on repairing parts of the outside the Razor Crest, you sat beside a fire you created adding sticks every so often to keep the flames alive. The sound of engines grows louder and you look up pausing in your movement as two speeders appear before you. Mando seems to ignore them as two men climb off their bikes giving a nod in your direction as you watch them silently walk toward the bounty hunter.

“Excuse me…excuse me, sir..” One of them calls out to him and he speaks to them with his back to them continuing to fix his ship.

“There something I can help you with?” He asks and one of them nods slowly as Mando turns to face them,

“Uh, yeah. Raiders. We have money.” They say, seeking his service.

“So, you think I’m some kinda mercenary?” He asks and the two men look at him nervous to be around him.

“You are a Mandalorian, right? Or at least wearing Mandalorian armor.” One of them says pointing at his helmet the symbol of his creed, “That is Mandalorian armor, right.” Mando nods and the man turns to the other, “It is. See I told him.”

The other man speaks up, “Sir, I’ve read a lot about your people…tribe. If half of what I read is true…we have money.”

“How much?” He asks and the man looks desperate, “Everything we have, sir. Our whole harvest was stolen. Krill. We're krill farmers. We brew spotchka. Our whole village chipped in.” He holds out a bag filled with whatever credits were inside and it looked like a lot.

“It’s not enough.” He says walking past them and turning towards the fire adding more wood that you collected not liking the look of your fire as you watch the conversation.

“Are you sure? You don't even know what the job is.” The man begs and it seems he’s unwilling shaking his head,

“I know it's not enough. Good luck.” He says waving them off as you look at him surprised he was rejecting the money.

“This is everything we have. We’ll give you more after the next harvest.” They beg but Mando is final in his opinion. They sigh turning away, “Come on. Let's head back.” 

The other man sighs getting onto his speeder bike, “Took us the whole day to get here. Now we have to ride back with no protection to the middle of nowhere.” Those words make Mando pause turning to face them.

“Where do you live?” He asks and the two look at him confused and slightly offended.

“On a farm. Weren't you listening? We're farmers.” One of them says

“In the middle of nowhere?”

“Yes.”

“You have lodging?”

“Yeah. Absolutely.”

Mando nods motioning the two men to the crates, “Good. Come up and help,” The two men hop off their speeders starting to aid having gained their help, “I'm gonna need one more thing. Give me those credits.”

Now joined with Cara you traveled with the humans toward their village. The child was in a bag resting on Mando as you four sat on the back of one of the speeders.

“So, we're basically running off a band of raiders for lunch money?” Cara says looking at the two peasants back to Mando.

“They're quartering us in the middle of nowhere.” He responds, “Last I checked, that's a pretty square deal for somebody in your position. Worst case scenario, you tune up your blaster. Best case, we're a deterrent. I can't imagine there's anything living in these trees that an ex-shock trooper couldn't handle.” He says as your travel to this new village begins. It was morning when you arrived at the village. You had quickly fallen asleep on the speeder and you woke up just before you arrived at the village. Looking at the people watching you all as you arrived at the many areas of the town as they get shouted out, “Everyone, they're here!”

The speeder stops and you all board off Mando gives you a hand so you don’t worsen your leg, “Looks like they’re happy to see us.”

“Looks like.” He nods looking at the people who quickly crowd you all, children younger than you run up looking at the child in interest as he makes some noises at them causing laughter from them.

“Hi. He's so cute.” “Aw!” Some of the children say before some of the older ones that look around your age help unpack the speeder. Looking at the kids your age you watch the way they carry themselves and interact with each other talking and joking with one another. 

You follow Mando with the child into what looks like a barn, parts of it look cleared out probably prepared, a woman enters followed by a child who is clutching onto her hand, “I am Omera I hope this is comfortable for you. Sorry that all we have is the barn.” She says and Mando nods dropping his pack as the child wanders into the barn looking at the large baskets of what looks like krill.

“This will do fine,” Mando says and Omera points over to a corner that has blankets laid out,

“I stacked some blankets over here.” Poking from behind her legs is the small girl who glances at you all before hiding further behind her legs, “This is my daughter, Winta. We don't get a lot of visitors around here. She's not used to strangers. This nice man is going to help protect us from the bad ones.” She says picking up her daughter who mumbles a quiet thank you from her mother's neck. She smiles looking at you three, “Come on, Winta. Let’s give our guests some room.” The two leave as you situate yourself in the room. Mando had set up a sort of cradle for the child while you sat looking at your ankle, it still hurt to put a lot of pressure on it but you were able to walk around. What you needed was a shower or something to clean the dirt, sweat, and blood off you. You probably looked insane walking around like this. You push yourself up after pulling your boot on.

“I’m gonna go look around,” You say to Mando as you get ready to leave.

“Kid,” Mando calls out and you look back at him and you see he’s holding out his knife. You look at the knife and him in surprise, he was giving you his weapon, “Be careful. Don’t go too far out.” He says and you slowly take the blade tucking it in your belt and nodding. He dismisses you and you leave the barn just to see Omera and Winta coming over.

“Ah, we were just coming by to give some food..” She trails off never catching your name which you give. “Are you not going to eat Y/n?”

“I was actually wondering if you had a place to bathe just wanted to freshen up,” You ask and she nods pointing towards a building.

“My home you can use anything that you need, leave your clothes on the small chair and I’ll be sure to wash your clothes and have them ready for you when you are ready.” She says and you give your thanks before making your way toward her home. Entering her home seeing touches of her personality and thing that shows it was lived in especially with a child. You make your way into the room containing a large tub covered by a privacy stand, leaning over and turning the handle water pours begin to fill the room with steam. Thank the maker this planet had warm water. You strip off your clothes placing them on the chair that she must be talking about wrapping yourself in a towel. Peeling off the bandages around your arm and the ones on your face putting them aside. Dipping your hand in the water feeling it warm enough before setting the towel aside and stepping into the bath. The hot water makes you hiss slightly in pain but once you settle in you feel your muscle relax. Leaning back in the water you feel truly calm for once in the past few days. Though you weren’t dumb the knife Mando gave you rests right on the lip of the tub in case someone tries to pull something. After relaxing you dip your head under the water bringing yourself up and starting to clean yourself up. There were some natural soaps and creams you assume are homemade that you use to wash the dirt and grime off you and clean your hair. You’re extra careful around the wound on your arm it was still closing up due to the bacta spray but it had stopped bleeding which was good. The warm water felt nice on your ankle and soon the water began to chill and changed from clear water to cloudy with dirt and excess blood. Draining the water you step out wrapping the towel the smell of the soap is pleasant smelling like the trees and grass. Leaving the privacy curtain seeing your clothes moved now to the table looking clean and dry as well. How long were you in that bath? Getting dressed find a brush to get rid of the knots from your hair before you pull your boots on, tuck the knife into your belt, and leave Omera’s home. Stepping outside seeing the sun long set it now evening and you head towards the village center. Looking around at the people speaking to one another their children playing out in front of them. You spot Omera and Winta who seems to be playing with the child. She notices you as well waving you over, “I see you enjoyed the bath, you look more awake.” She says and you nod you definitely felt more awake and feeling better. You see her gaze move to your arm her eyes widening slightly.

“Your arm!” You look down seeing it bleeding just a bit, guess you were wrong about it healing well. You see her grab something from her bag beside her pulling out a bottle and some cloth. She pours the liquid on your skin and you wince slightly from the sting but you watch the wound bubble clean itself before she wraps the cloth around your arm making sure it is tight and secure. “There it should be better now, do you have any other injuries?” The cut on your cheek and temple had long healed by now with the bacta spray not as serious but other than your arm it was just your ankle.

“Just my ankle it was sprained but I’m keeping off it. Where’s Mando?” You say pointing at the foot that you were keeping your weight off and Omera nods. You couldn’t see the familiar helmet or even Cara.

“Your Mandalorian and that woman went out to gather information on the raiders. For your ankle, I may have something back at my home.” She says and the two of you stand up to head over when you spot Mando and Cara returning. The villagers all gather around ready to hear the news.

“Bad news. You can't live here anymore.” Mando says bluntly shocking them who all voice their disagreements.

“Nice bedside manner.” Cara elbows Mando who gives her a look, “You think you can do better.” Cara shakes her head stepping forward, “Can't do much worse. I know this is not the news you wanted to hear, but there are no other options.”

One of the villagers the man you met on the speeder shakes his head, “You took the job.”

“Yeah, that was before we knew about the AT-ST,” Cara says and the villagers look confused even you were. You never heard of anything like that.

“What is that?” Someone calls out, “The armored walker with two enormous guns that you knew about and didn't tell us.” Cara's retorts and the help you thought were simple raiders had become something that involved the empire. Their pleas to help seem to go unanswered the enemy seeming too great for Cara and even Mando. “This is a big planet, just most somewhere else. Trust me I’ve seen smaller.” Cara says and some of the older villagers refused angrily at the two.

“My grandfather seeded these ponds,” One of the framers says, “It took us generations.” Another but in.

“I understand. I do. But there are only two of us.” Mando points out that the difference between fighter and farmer was clear, these people were only civilians they probably never needed to fight in a war before.

“Please give us a chance there’s at least 20 here,” One of the farmers begs and Mando shakes his head, “I mean fighters. Be realistic.”

“We can learn. We can.” One of them says and they all make sounds of agreement, the idea that these people were going to learn how to fight to be raiders that had years of combat experience.

“I've seen that thing take out entire companies of soldiers in a matter of minutes,” Cara says the memories of her time in the rebellion trying to be a warning. Omera steps forward looking at Mando,

“We’re not leaving.”

“You cannot fight that thing!” Cara says pointing out into the forest and looking at Mando who was silent.

“Unless we show them how…you got two problems here,” He says out to the people, “You got the bandits, and you got the mech. We'll handle the AT-ST, but you gotta protect us when they come out of the woods. And I don't have to tell you how dangerous they are. Cara Dune here was a veteran. She was a drop soldier for the Rebellion, and she's gonna lay out a plan for you, so listen carefully.”

Cara steps forward speaking to them all. “Now, there's nothing on this planet that can damage the legs on this thing, so we're gonna build a trap. We're gonna need to dig real deep, right here, so that when it steps in, it drops,” She points out to the ground right in front of their village and the large pond, “The two of us will hit their camp. Provoke them. That'll bring the fight out of the woods and down here to us.” The plan is to lure the raiders out and trap the AT Walker forming.

“I'm gonna need you to cut down trees and build barricades along these edges. I need it high enough so that they can't get over, and strong enough so that it can't break through.” Mando calls out pointing to the large trees from the forest that would build their barricade, “Okay. Who knows how to shoot?” You look around at the crowd of people and only see one hand raise seeing it to be Omera.

The sun is bright the next day the village was very active, some are working on chopping wood to build the barricade, others were with Cara who was teaching them basic hand-to-hand combat with sticks, and Mando was teaching the villagers to shoot. With pots and pans as targets many are missing but you see Omera hit her target. Sitting on a large rock viewing all this you were carving the wooden sticks making them sharp at the ends for fighting. Silently watching while carving when you see Mando saying something to all of them before stepping away. He comes over standing beside the rock you are taller than him sitting on the large boulder.

“How’s it coming along?” He says looking at the pile of sharpened sticks that you’ve been working on for the past hour.

“Just working at it…do you think they can do it, fight against the raiders?” You ask looking at him the villagers practicing shooting and fighting but would these quick lessons be enough? Mando is silent probably thinking about the fight that was ahead of them.

“Come on,” He says holding out a gloved hand and gesturing you to come down. Dropping the stick you were working on into the pile tucking the knife in your belt, and taking his hand he helps you off the rock. You put most of your weight off your bad foot almost falling slightly if it weren’t for Mando’s hold on your hand. He starts walking towards the target practice area as the people working on shooting switches with the people training with Cara. Standing in front of one of the practice targets he pulls his blaster from his holster holding it out to you. He nods his head for you to take it and you grab it with two hands moving to stand in front of the target that is feet away.

“You know what you’re doing?” He asks as you stand silently the gun clutched between your hands. You can only picture the target being the stormtrooper in the room. The bolt hit him right in the chest dead instantly, before you followed suit with the others…and that one bounty hunter, and the man at the Razor Crest. You killed all those people. Would you have to keep doing this until you were home?

“I’ve never killed anyone until Nevarro…” You say out loud the blaster feeling like a weight in your hands. Did they have families? People to go home to? Sure they were a part of the empire and the bounty hunter was trying to kill you but they were still people. Living breathing people. His hand rest on your shoulder a grounding feeling.

“It’s not an easy thing to do…but they would have killed you. Think of that when you have to kill.” He says looking down at you, you probably were living a normal life in Tatooine. You probably had to fight to survive but you didn’t seem like a killer and because of him…because of who you are…you now were. “So stand tall, bring one foot out in front, and keep your weight balanced.” He says his hands grabbing your shoulders making you stand straight as you wipe your face getting rid of the lingering tears that clouded your vision. Looking ahead at the target you listen to his words.

“Keep your knees flexed to absorb the recoil, keep this arm straight the other supporting it,” His hand straightens your dominant arm while fixing the other one, “Make sure your main sight is in focus then move to the fine sight…remember to breathe…” His hands rest over yours before the world around you grows quiet and you can hear each breath you take in and exhale. You can feel the blaster in your hands grounding you, the dirt under your feet the vibrations of the earth. The feeling of Mando’s hands leaving yours, but another feeling. A feeling that covers you like a blanket connecting you to everything. The breeze in the air washed over you, the river flowing into the pond, the sun breathing life into the planet all around you. It connected you to it and you to it…the feeling you felt many years ago, and when you first witness the child.

“And shoot.”

The bolt hits the pan dead center it knocking over as the world grows loud again everything returning to focus as you look forward at the target down. Your hands drop down holding the weapon to your side. Your skin felt on fire a sensation you’ve never experienced before.

“You did well.” Mando says and you look up at him before nodding slightly returning the weapon to him, “Keep that up and you’ll be a sharpshooter.” You can’t ignore the warmth that fills your chest hearing the compliment and noticing the pride that was in his voice. The confident feeling didn’t leave you for the rest of the day.

Dusk arrived and the village had prepared the barricade and set up the weapons prepared and it was up to them to protect their village. Those who weren’t equipped with blasters had sharpened sticks. Mando and Cara were preparing themselves to leave while you also prepared for the battle.

“Kid,” Mando calls out as you finish bringing the children and the child inside the barn turning right outside the door.

“The kids have the child so we can focus on the fight.” You say pointing back at the open door, when he shakes his head a look of confusion was only necessary.

“No, you’re not getting involved in this.” He says and you can’t help but feel frustrated.

“But they need us, they need fighters. I can help!” You say trying to plead your case, why else would he teach you how to shoot, why did Mando give you his knife? You were meant to be out there. But he wasn’t backing down on his decision.

“You need to protect the child, that’s what you can do to help,” He says and you see him pull something out from his pack another blaster, “And if something is to go wrong I want you to take the child and get to the Crest and leave.”

“But what about the village? The people here we can’t just abandon them!” You say you weren’t about to run off and hide if the plan fails.

“What matters is getting you two off this planet away from the fight. If this is to fail you’re safer off somewhere in the galaxy than with those raiders who won’t hesitate to kill you both.” His hands are firm on your shoulders making sure you’re looking right at him and understanding his point. “You leave this planet, understand.” You nod silently biting your lip to not spill out any more words. You take the blaster holding it in one hand and he looks at you once last time before you watch him leave with Cara. He better win this fight.

The night was silently the children hidden in the barn, blankets, and baskets surrounding them as you stand by the door the blaster clutched within your hands waiting. It wasn’t until you hear the rumble of what you assume was the AT-ST that you knew that battle had begun. A loud explosion coming from outside made you jump and slight cries come from the children. The sound of gunfire further away filled the night before you felt a sense of panic fill your lungs and you turn just in time as the laser hit the barn.

The AT-ST shot out into the village hitting the homes of some of the villages until one made Omera scream out panic and pain in her voice, “THE BARN!” Mando felt something in him chill as he viciously killed one of the raiders looking back at where the barn is burning only one thought in his head, the kids.

The fire was hot against your skin as the burning planks of wood of the barely held-together barn were floating up in the air. Your hand was shaking slightly as you held the heavy planks and studs as the children ran out of the barn, “Quickly go now!” You yell out sweat dripping down your face. You’ve never experienced this much power before never trying it against something so heavy, seeing the last child out you threw yourself out rolling on the ground as the barn crumbled the flames burning bright. The rain and darkness wet all out of you as you clutched the blaster in your hands. Mando’s voice rings clear in your head, ‘I want you to take the child and get to the Crest and leave.’ but the children crying out in fear quickly took those thoughts away.

“Come on we gotta move!” You shout out holding your hand out and waving the children to follow you, one of them Winta was holding the child in her arms. Leading them through the rain and darkness hearing the battle raging just a few away. Seeing another large barn you rip the door open, “Everyone inside!” You yell as the children run inside right as you were about to enter something snatches your collar ripping you away from the door and throwing you against the mud.

Looking up seeing one of the raiders with a large blade in hand. A crackle of thunder and lightning fills the air as you roll out of the way. Pushing yourself up as the blade swings down where you once laid. The rain and mud made the ground and view hard to see but the glint of silver have you leaning out of the way of the metal. Kicking your leg out hitting him in the chest pushing him back and you look around for your blaster. Seeing it laying on the ground beside him you were at a disadvantage. Pulling the knife from your belt holding it out dodging his swipes trying to strike out being blocked by his blade. His hand pulls on your hair making you fall on the ground you go to swipe out at him but he kicks your knife out of your hand giving you a cut along your arm. You scramble backward in fear as you watch him raise the blade to deliver the killing blow. You quickly raise your hands up to block yourself when you hear him shout and the sound of him crashing on the ground. Looking up seeing him feet away pushing himself up from the mud. You see the blaster scrambling for it as he runs at you, blade raising a yell coming from him. Your hands wrap around the blaster quickly relaxing your arms and pulling the trigger. It hits him dead center and he falls to the ground. Dropping your blaster falling to your back the rain pours down on you as you catch your breath.

Forcing yourself up you wince in pain in your ankle as you grab the muddy blaster and find your knife holstering it. Looking back at the barn and back to where you see flashes of red and the blaster fire from the AT-ST whipping through the village. You clutch the blaster in your hand before racing toward the fight.

The AT-ST walker hadn’t fallen for the trap leading to Mando and Cara rushing into the pond trying to provoke it as well as fight off the raiders, “It’s not falling for it!” Cara yells out using Mando’s pulse rifle to draw its attention. Mando shoots down a raider coming by Cara punching another that was trying to attack him.

“We gotta get that thing to step forward!” Mando yells the rain beating down on all of them, his mind was torn between two places seeing the barn up in flames hoping you all got out safe and stopping this walker.

“I’m thinking!” Cara yells back, the walker looks down at the two of them bright red lights shining down and the whir of the gun preparing to fire down on them. They couldn’t dodge that in time and even beskar can’t take that large of a blast. A crush of metal fills the air and they see the legs of the walker bend in the wrong way, and the turrets of the guns bend forward to face the walker. Mando looks back, his reaction one of shock hidden behind the beskar helmet. The rain pours down on your covered in mud the flashes of lightning highlighting you. Your hand was held out as your close your fist the metal of the walker crushing more before it falls into the pond.

“It’s now or never!” Cara yells out having seen the AT-ST fall into the pond making Mando look back forward only to see you disappear in the rain. Rushing towards the walker charging a thermal detonator plunging it into the walker’s chassis and blowing it up. The explosion of the walker has the few surviving raiders fleeing back into the woods. The village cheers the battle won as Mando tries calming his beat heart the only thought in his head. What are you?

Weeks had passed since the battle, time to heal and to relax. You had expected a yelling from Mando he saw you during the battle when you were meant to be at the barn, but he hadn’t said anything of the sort patting you on the shoulder. You were showered with thanks from the villagers having protected their children and sort. Healing was a bitch though, you felt absolutely exhausted right after the battle sleeping for hours and during that time Omera had tended to you checking on your ankle you strained more, to the cut you obtained. You probably never slept for that long since being taken from Tatooine. But having decent medicine and not leaving to travel allowed you to heal properly. Soon the cut from the battle and the blaster ray during Nervarro had healed nicely scars as a reminder. Your ankle had gotten better after 2 weeks and you were up and at it taking this free time on this planet exploring. Spending your days joining in on hunts with the adults or traveling with some of the few kids around your age to visit large rolling hills of wildflowers or the large waterfalls that covered your howls and laughter. You felt carefree and happy here something you haven’t felt in the seventeen years of your life.

Mando watches the child playing with some of the kids resting against the support of one of the homes, “He’s very happy here..so is the girl.” Cara says as Mando looks further down the road seeing you with a group of teens your age, a wide smile was on your face as you listen in to one of their stories another was braiding your hair in a style he’s seen some of the women and girls in the village wear.

“So, what happens if you take that thing off? They come after you and kill you?” Cara asks and Mando shakes his head,

“No. You just can't ever put it back on again.” Mando says the rule of his creed is strict, the Mandalorian way of never revealing your face has stuck with him since he was saved by them.

“That's it? So you can slip off the helmet, settle down with that beautiful young widow, and raise your kids sitting here, sipping spotchka?” Cara says clearly seeing the connection the Mandalorian had with the woman of this village. Anyone could see it.

“You know, we raised some hell here a few weeks back. It's too much action for a backwater town like this. Word travels fast. We might wanna cycle the charts and move on.” Mando points out, it wouldn’t be long for some bounty hunter or anyone with an eye for a few extra credits to come looking out here.

“Would not wanna be the one who's gotta tell them,” Cara says, the joy on both of your faces enough to warm her heart, just a few weeks of meeting you three to gain an ally and a friend.

“I'm leaving them here. Traveling with me, that's no life for a kid. I did my job, he's safe and she’s better off here than on some desert planet. Better chance at life.” He says, he felt content leaving they were going to be safe here, but the small twinge in his chest was growing tougher to ignore. No, he couldn’t form an attachment it would never end well.

“Come on. Come on,” Cara sighs looking back at the two children and then at Mando who was walking away, “It's gonna break his little heart and she really looks up to you. You compliment her and she’s glowing the rest of the day.” Mando doesn’t look back and keeps walking.

“They’ll get over it. We all do.”

You had trailed off from the group the sounds of nature were calming around as your hands trace the rough bark, the grass brushing along your legs, it felt like a dream. The number of colors was everywhere unlike the sands of beige and tan on Tatooine. The songs the birds sing as they fly to their nest as you come across a clearing where you see a fawn eating the grass while its doe and buck watch over it protectively. You slowly crouch down watching with fascination unaware of the slow footsteps coming from behind a weapon raised to aim.

A blaster bolt rings clear in the air startling the creatures in the forest and the village right beside it. Mando stiffens Omera jumping in his grasp.

“The children!” Omera yells as they rush off to where the children as looking around in fear with some other adults but when he sees them all alright including the child his head whips to the forest.

Mando rushes through the forest his blaster in his hands when he hears Cara’s voice, coming upon a clearing where she is holding standing over a body and his blood chills maker was it yours? He lets out a breath seeing you stand out of his view and looking down at the body your eyes widen still in shock specks of blue blood from the hunter decorate your face. He holsters his gun and comes over to you grabbing you by the shoulders.

“What were you doing out alone!?” He shouts at you shaking you as your gaze is still glued to the body on the floor, he had come to kill you. You almost died. He shakes you again the shock still glued to you, “Are you listening to me?!” He yells and your eyes snap back to his he was sure you were staring right through his helmet, tears were brimming your eyes. He’s pulled off you by Cara as you turn away from the gruesome look trying to calm your breathing.

“Hey calm down,” Cara says to Mando giving him a look before glancing at you who is trying to calm yourself down. He takes a breath his anger for you fading as he steps toward the bounty seeing a blinking fob. He was right..it was going to happen sooner or later. They knew you and the child were here. You were only lucky somewhere was there before anything could have happened.

The sled was beginning to be loaded as the villagers, Cara and Mando load his supplies to be brought back to the Crest. “Are you sure you don't want an escort?” Cara asks willingly to help as they load the final items.

“I appreciate the offer, but we're gonna bypass the town and head right to the Razor Crest.” He says as Cara nods before holding her hand out,

“Well then, until our paths cross.” Mando accepts her hand both holding on shaking,

“Until our paths cross.”

You look at the small group of friends you had made, hugging them each goodbye before stepping away to Omera who smiles holding a small item wrapped in cloth.

“A salve for if you are to gain any more injuries in your travels.” She says cupping your face and trying to wipe off some of the blood that has dried on your face. You accept her gift wrapping your arms around her she quickly accepts the hug,

“Thank you for everything.” You say before you pull away moving to Cara who pats your arm,

“You look after each other alright?” She says and you nod and she rubs your arm.

“Goodbye Cara.” You get a sad smile as you climb onto the sled the child gets a hug from Winta as you watch Omera speak a few words to Mando before hugging him. He pulls away loading his rifle before climbing on as you watch the village grow smaller the villagers waving goodbye as you leave.

The Razor Crest is silent as the child sits in his cradle playing with his small ball while you were sat in your seat, your hands slowly undoing the braids down in your hair. You were happy there and how quickly it was snatched away from you. “Hey kid,” Mando’s voice calls out and you look up seeing him holding a cloth. Unlike the heavy hand, it’s lighter as it cleans the blood from your face. He pulls away putting the cloth to the side as he takes his seat not moving before he looks back at you, “I’m sorry…for yelling.” You’re staring out the window not looking at him, your hair out of the style of the people you grew to know blocking your face from him.

“Let’s just get off this planet.”

[letmehavemyfictionalmen]

Stars Collide; Stars Crossed: chapter III

Summary: Din and his partner, along with the droid and the Child, find themselves in a tense standoff with the guild leader Greef Karga. With blasters drawn, they stand united to protect the Child at all costs.

pairing: Din Djarin x afab!Skywalker!reader

warning: 18+ content, Eventual smut, Unprotected sex, Violence, Blood, Age-Gap, Kidnapping, Domestic Bliss, Fluff, a sprinkle of Angst, Idiots in love, Flirting, possessive!Din, powerful!reader, Jedi!reader, Grogu being adorable, Grogu loves his Ma more than his buir.

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The ramp of the Mandalorian's ship descends with a soft hiss, the metal grating against the floor of the docking bay. As you step onto the vessel, cradling the Child in your arms, a mixture of relief and exhaustion washes over you.

Beeb rolls onto the ship, his sensors flickering as he scans the surroundings for any signs of danger. The dim lighting of the ship's interior casts a warm glow over the scene, creating a cocoon of safety amidst the chaos of the galaxy.

The Mandalorian walks closely behind you, his gloved hand positioned protectively near the small of your back. He guides you into the ship, his presence a reassuring anchor in all this chaos.

With the Child held protectively against your chest, you make your way through the ship's corridor, guided by the Mandalorian. The Child's head rests against your shoulder, his tiny fingers curling against your clothing. You can feel his steady breaths, a soothing rhythm that lulls your weary heart.

The familiarity of your lightsaber's hilt in your hand brings a sense of comfort amidst the uncertainty. The events of the past hours replay in your mind. Escaping the ambush by the other bounty hunters and the guild leader. A surge of the Force wraps around you, a sudden influx of heightened awareness that jolts you to a stop. Without hesitation, almost as if guided by instinct, you draw the Mandalorian's blaster from its holster and pivot, aiming it at the intruder positioned behind you and the Mandalorian.

Your eyes lock onto the figure behind you, and recognition dawns as you identify him as Greef Karga, the guild leader who had orchestrated the ambush.

Greef Karga stands there, his own weapon raised and trained on you. His face is a mask of determination, his lips pressed into a thin line, "I didn't want it to come to this."

The tense standoff between you, the Mandalorian, and Greef Karga hangs heavily in the air. The ship's corridor seems to narrow, the walls closing in around you as the three of you face each other, weapons drawn.

Your grip on the blaster remains steady, your fingers positioned with practiced precision. Your heart races, adrenaline coursing through your veins, but your mind is clear, your focus unwavering.

Without a word, the Mandalorian subtly positions himself slightly in front of you, his body language a clear display of his readiness to defend. The hard, reflective surface of his beskar armor glints in the dim light.

Beeb emits a low whir, his form shifting slightly as he positions himself to the side. The droid never one to shy away from danger, emits a low hum as his optic sensors narrow in on Greef Karga.

The Mandalorian's voice is a low rumble, a warning laced with an underlying threat. "You're outnumbered, Karga."

Greef Karga's gaze flickers between you, the Mandalorian, and the Child nestled in your arms. His resolve seems to waver for a split second, but he quickly regains his composure.

"Skywalker, Mando, last warning. Hand over the child," Greef Karga's voice is firm, a mix of authority and desperation. You hold the Child closer to you, your protective instincts kicking into high gear. His small form feels fragile against your chest, and your resolve to keep him safe strengthens.

"We won't hand over the Child," you reply, your voice steady and resolute. "He's not a bounty. He's a life, and he's under our protection."

You hold the eye of the guild leader, your gaze unwavering as you assert your stance. The seconds stretch on, each heartbeat a drumming reminder of the tension that hangs in the air.

The Mandalorian's hand, which was previously resting on the small of your back, now rests on your waist and tightens from the side, his fingers curling possessively against the fabric of your clothing. You can feel the tension in his touch, a silent promise that he won't let any harm come to either of you.

Greef Karga's face contorted with frustration, his finger twitching on the trigger of his blaster. "You're making a mistake, Skywalker. The Empire will stop at nothing to get that child back." "The Empire that crumbled four years ago. I'm intimately aware; my brother, sister, and I played pivotal roles in its downfall," you assert, your voice carrying a mix of conviction and memories.

"The Empire may have fallen, but its remnants still linger," Greef Karga retorts, his voice tinged with bitterness. "There are those who would pay dearly for the Child."

Your gaze doesn't waver, your eyes locked onto Greef Karga's. "And we're prepared to protect him, no matter the cost."

As the standoff intensifies, a sudden distraction erupts to your left. Din Djarin, the Mandalorian, reacts with lightning speed, striking a panel on his left side with his fiber cord whip. The impact causes sparks to fly, followed by billowing clouds of smoke that engulf the corridor.

The smoke creates a shroud of confusion, obscuring your vision and disorienting both you and Greef Karga. You can hear Beeb emitting concerned whirs as his sensors try to pierce through the haze, and you tighten your grip on the Child, ensuring his safety.

You stumble slightly as the Mandalorian pulls you to safety, his beskar-clad form shielding you from the barrage of blaster fire.

The blaster shots echo through the smoke, each bolt of energy a deadly threat. Your heart pounds in your chest as you hold the Child close, your instincts and training kicking in. The Mandalorian's strong presence beside you provides a sense of security amidst the chaos.

Through the haze, you catch a glimpse of Greef Karga's form, his silhouette shifting and moving as he tries to locate his targets. The sound of blaster fire and the sharp smell of scorched metal fill the air, creating a tense and frantic atmosphere.

As blaster fire continues to streak through the smoke-filled corridor, you feel a firm hand on your wrist. The Mandalorian's gloved fingers wrap around your hand that currently holds the blaster, his firm yet reassuring.

His strong grip on your hand guides your aim, and with a quick pull of the trigger, a blaster bolt streaks through the smoke-filled corridor.

The shot pierces through the smoke, finding its mark on Greef Karga. The force of the blast sends him stumbling backward, his blaster falling from his grip as he crashes into the wall.

The impact causes Greef Karga to go flying out of the docking bay, his body carried by the force of the shot. The metal ramp of the ship clangs shut behind him, sealing the ship's interior from the outside.

The smoke begins to dissipate, revealing the aftermath of the confrontation. You stand there, the blaster still in your hand, your chest rising and falling with adrenaline. The Mandalorian doesn't pull away, his gaze fixed on the sealed ramp.

Beeb's sensors flicker, the droid emitting a mixture of relief and concern. He rolls closer to your side, his chirps and whirs filled with a combination of questions and reassurance. "Mama, you okay? Baby okay?"

You glance down at the small droid, a soft smile tugging at your lips. "We're both okay, Beeb," you assure him gently. "Thanks to the Mandalorian's quick thinking, we managed to get rid of the threat."

The Mandalorian moves to stand in front of you, his hands finding their way to your shoulders as if to offer silent support. Despite the tension and danger that had just unfolded, there's a quiet sense of unity between you.

"Are you hurt?" The Mandalorian's voice is gruff, but there's an unmistakable concern beneath the words.

You shake your head, still holding the blaster in your hand, and offer him a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Thanks to you."

The Mandalorian nods his beskar-clad form a shield against the outside world. His gaze lingers on you for a moment longer before he turns to face the control panel beside the ramp.

"We gotta get out of here," you say, your voice carrying a sense of urgency.

With the threat of Greef Karga neutralized you know that staying in the docking bay is not an option. The situation could escalate further, and you need to prioritize the safety of the Child.

The Mandalorian nods, "Come on, we need to get to the cockpit." The urgency in his voice matches your own as he gestures toward the ladder that leads upward.

"Wait." You walk closer to the Mandalorian, your movements deliberate and determined.

As you reach him, you gently place his blaster back into its holster, your fingers brushing against the cool metal. The touch is brief, but the connection between you is palpable, a silent communication that speaks volumes.

His helmeted gaze remains fixed on you, the intensity of his presence almost tangible. You can't see his eyes, but you feel his focus, his unwavering attention on you.

"Thank you for having my back," you say softly, your voice carrying a warmth that matches the gratitude in your eyes.

The Mandalorian's response is a slight nod, a small acknowledgment of your words.

"We make a good team," he replies, his voice steady and filled with a sense of partnership.

You offer him a smile, your heart swelling with a mix of emotions. "Yes, we do. Now come on."

Beeb rolls ahead of you two, as he nears the ladder, he turns to you with a series of electronic chirps and beeps, clearly indicating that he's ready to assist. You chuckle softly, appreciating the droid's eagerness to help. "How's your droid getting into the cockpit?" the Mandalorian questions, his helmeted gaze shifting between you and Beeb.

You pause, then shift your gaze toward the Mandalorian, a warm smile gracing your lips. "Like this," you say, your voice carrying a playful undertone.

With a playful glint in your eyes, you extend your hand toward Beeb, palm facing upward. The Force responds to your command, a gentle push that lifts Beeb off the ground. The droid hovers momentarily before gliding gracefully up the ladder, its spherical form rolling smoothly step by step until it reaches the cockpit entrance.

The Mandalorian's helmeted head turns to follow the droid's progress, and you can almost sense his surprise and curiosity beneath the beskar.

"Well, that's one way to do it," he remarks with a hint of admiration in his voice.

You chuckle softly, the tension of the earlier confrontation starting to ebb away as the adrenaline fades. "Resourcefulness is key," you reply, your voice light. You cast your gaze towards the ladder, only to realize that climbing it while still holding the Child is not an easy option. Your eyes then shift back to the Mandalorian, a trace of uncertainty evident in your expression.

"Here," the Mandalorian offers, his voice a low rumble, extending his arms slightly. "Give me the Child."

You carefully transfer the Child into his waiting arms, the tiny being resting against his chest within the protective cocoon of his beskar armor.

The Child's head rests against the Mandalorian's chest plate, and you catch a glimpse of his tiny green ears poking out from beneath the hood of his robe. You offer the Mandalorian a grateful smile, appreciating his willingness to help. With the Child in his capable arms, you can see the gentleness in his otherwise stern demeanor as he cradles the youngling.

Once the Child is secure, you take a step closer to the ladder, ready to follow Beeb and the Mandalorian to the cockpit. Beeb's electronic noises echo from the cockpit entrance, and you know that the droid is ready and waiting for you.

With a renewed determination, you ascend the ladder, the Mandalorian following closely behind you, his precious cargo held securely against him.

As you reach the top of the ladder, the cockpit opens up before you, a view of the star-studded expanse of space stretching out beyond the transparisteel windows. Beeb's presence is immediately evident, his spherical form perched near the pilot's seat, his sensors engaged and ready for action.

You step into the cockpit, feeling a rush of familiarity as you take in the array of controls and displays. Beeb emits a series of beeps as if welcoming you to the command center of the ship. "This ship is pretty old, Mama. Wonder if Uncle Luke would be jealous that I got to ride in something this vintage," Beeb chirps in its characteristic electronic tones, its spherical form emitting a sense of innocent curiosity.

You can't help but smile at Beeb's comment. "I think Uncle Luke would be quite impressed with your choice of transportation," you reply with a chuckle, your gaze shifting from the droid to the starry expanse before you.

The Mandalorian enters the cockpit behind you, his presence filling the small space. He positions himself near you, the Child still held safely in his arms.

With a nod of gratitude, you take the Child back into your arms from the Mandalorian. The little being stirs slightly, his ears twitching before he settles again, seemingly comforted by your presence.

As you hold the Child against you once again, a warmth fills your heart. His tiny hand reaches up and rests on your chest, his serene face illuminated by a soft glow from the console. You press a soft kiss to his forehead, a silent promise that you'll always keep him safe.

The Mandalorian watches you with a mixture of intrigue and something deeper that his helmet obscures. His gloved hand lingers on your arm for a moment longer before he steps back slightly, giving you both some space.

"Strap in," the Mandalorian's voice breaks the momentary silence, his practicality cutting through the emotions that have swirled around you. You nod in acknowledgment, grateful for his reminder. With the Child in your arms, you carefully make your way to one of the unoccupied seats in the cockpit. Beeb emits a series of beeps, seemingly excited by the impending takeoff.

As you settle into the seat, you secure the safety straps around yourself and the Child, ensuring that he's snug and protected. The Mandalorian takes his position at the ship's controls, his gloved fingers deftly navigating the various buttons and switches. As the ship starts its ascent, you're enveloped in a sense of weightlessness that seems to slow down time. The gentle vibration of the engine thrums through the seat beneath you, creating a comforting rhythm that matches the steady beat of your heart. Your grip on the Child tightens instinctively, a protective gesture that you don't even realize you're making.

Beside you, Beeb emits a series of electronic chirps, almost like an excited countdown to departure. The droid's presence is a reassuring constant, a reminder that you're not alone in this journey. His enthusiasm is infectious, and you can't help but smile at his eagerness.

The Mandalorian's focus remains on the ship's controls, his gloved fingers moving with practiced grace as he adjusts the ship's trajectory.

Despite the urgency of your situation, his movements are deliberate and measured, a testament to his skill as a pilot. You steal a glance at his helmeted profile, wondering about the man beneath the beskar armor and the stories that lie hidden there.

As your gaze shifted from the Mandalorian to the out and beyond the window, you were captivated by a sight that momentarily startled you. A Mandalorian donning a jet pack soared through the sky, beside the ship.

Your Mandalorian counterpart also gazes towards the Mandalorian flying outside. The two of you maintain your gaze on the Mandalorian as he soars through the sky.

The airborne Mandalorian offers a salute in your direction, a gesture that might be intended for your Mandalorian companion. With that, he takes off and gradually fades from sight as he disappears into the clouds.

"I gotta get one of those," the Mandalorian's voice breaks the silence, his helmeted head tilting slightly as he watches the fading figure in the sky and then turns back to face forward.

You can't help but chuckle softly, the sound echoing through the cockpit. "Jet packs do seem pretty handy," you reply with a playful smile, your eyes dancing with amusement. "But you've already got that beskar armor. I'd say you're not lacking in cool gear."

The Mandalorian's helmeted head turns towards you, the dim glow of the cockpit reflecting off the smooth surface of his helmet. "Beskar's good, but a jet pack looks better." You laugh softly, the conversation between you and the Mandalorian warming the atmosphere in the cockpit. "Well, maybe you'll get your chance to try one out someday."

The Mandalorian's voice carries a hint of longing as he responds, "Maybe. But for now, I've got my hands full with this little one." He gestures subtly to the Child nestled in your arms, his tiny form wrapped in the folds of his robe.

"So where are we headed?" you ask, your voice carrying a mix of curiosity and readiness for whatever lies ahead.

The Mandalorian's gaze remains fixed on the controls, his voice steady as he replies, "Somewhere safe, somewhere off the grid. I know a few places that might provide refuge."

"Sounds like a good plan," you respond, nodding in agreement. "Somewhere away from prying eyes and potential threats."

The Mandalorian's gloved fingers continue to move deftly across the controls, his focus unwavering. The ship glides smoothly through space, the stars outside the window creating a mesmerizing backdrop to your conversation.

"You know," you begin, your voice thoughtful, "I've heard stories about Mandalorians being warriors without equal, but I never imagined I'd meet one like you."

The Mandalorian's helmeted head turns slightly in your direction, his visor reflecting the ambient light in the cockpit. "There are many like me," he replies.

"True, but you're the one who's chosen to take in the Child," you point out. "To protect him at all costs. That's something special."

The Mandalorian's silence is telling, his acknowledgment of your words apparent even without seeing his face. While you and the Mandalorian continue your conversation, you decide to gently release the Child from your arms as he's now awake. Lowering the youngling to the ground, you notice that Beeb has found a cozy spot and drifted off to sleep.

Your attention briefly turns to the droid, a small smile gracing your lips at the sight. Beeb's trust and comfort within the ship's cockpit is evident, and you're grateful for the droid's companionship.

Unbeknownst to you, as your gaze rests on Beeb, the Child takes advantage of the moment and begins to waddle across the cockpit floor. His tiny form toddles purposefully towards the Mandalorian, his hands reaching out with a mixture of curiosity and determination.

The Child's gaze fixates on a lever near the control panel, his green ears perking up with interest. His small gremlin-like hands reach out, the lever's shiny surface capturing his attention. Mando, observing the Child's curiosity, extends his arm and unscrews the shiny ball on top of the lever. He places it gently into the Child's small hand, then returns his attention to the face ahead, allowing the Child to do his own thing.

The Child, holding the small ball in his tiny hand, toddles toward you with a determined gait. He looks up at you with wide, curious eyes and raises his arms, a silent request for you to pick him up. You can feel the Child's curiosity and excitement through the Force, his innocent thoughts and emotions intertwined with your own. As he toddles toward you, you can't help but smile, completely in sync with his intentions.

You reach down and scoop the Child into your arms, his small hands resting against your chest as he snuggles close. His presence in your mind is a warm and comforting sensation, like a gentle whisper of trust and affection.

"Are you having fun with it, little one?" you murmur softly, your voice a gentle caress that only he can hear.

The Child's response comes in the form of a series of contented coos and babbling sounds. His tiny fingers wrap around your clothing, and his head nestles against your shoulder.

The events of the day have been a whirlwind—danger, confrontation, and moments of unexpected connection. Amidst the chaos of the galaxy, you've found an unlikely ally in the Mandalorian, a warrior who has chosen a path of protection and guardianship.

With the Child nestled against you, his steady breaths a soothing rhythm, you realize that you're not just a Jedi, not just a guardian of the Force. You're a protector, a caregiver, and a beacon of light in a galaxy that still struggles to find its way.

And as the ship continues its journey through the stars, you hold the Child a little closer, your heart filled with a sense of purpose and the knowledge that, no matter what challenges arise, you're ready to face them head-on.

Tag list: @babygirlrex0504 @alienated-green-tea @fatima-marisa @dindjarindude @sharin1806 @ruthyalva96 @avengersfan25 @i-say-choco-you-say-ice-cream @the-anchored-sailor-girl @erissco @vintageoldfashion

�� Please note that I do not wish to have my work translated or published on any third party reading websites. I claim the rights to my work.

☼ Where I don’t have any rights to the characters, many ideas and OC are my own creation. Please respect that.

[robotsdeservebetter]

Накипело и терпеть я больше не хочу.

Rewriting Kidnapping of Persephone into a romantic/melodramatic story with consensual love is one of the most disgusting and disrespectful things I’ve seen.

I’ve been there too. You and I live in modern world and in modern world edgelords, goths, emos, etc have been trendy for a while. Liking them is cool. Hades, the god of the dead, is close to those things and he has a cool dog, so liking him will make you “not like other mythology fans” (we ended up being the same, what an irony). Despite that, we, idiots, wish for romantic love and project that on Hades. Who’s he with canonically? Persephone? She MUST be so happy to have him uwu 🥰

Do you not understand that if today life gives you extra kicks for being a woman, then 2000 years ago it was ultimately worse? How low must you think of victims of kidnappings, if you see actual fcking love in that? How little must you think of family bonds that you put it below yet another abusive romance? Why are willing to sacrifice a mother character in favour of a kidnapper?

It’s a love story, but not about a romantic one. Demeter, a woman in Ancient Greece, managed to stand up to the Zues, king of gods, and his older brother, and return Persephone at least half of her freedom. Yes, freedom, not a demand to be near mommy, they are that kind of parent and child who love each other. A funny gig about marriage between kidnapper and kidnapped: the latter might never see her family again, she now belongs to the groom and it’s Antient times so guess which “might” is more likely to happen.

Zeus GAVE Persephone to Hades. Like a trophy. A lot of people desire to justify Hades (the dude never even was an outcast, you just Americanised him into a high school antisocial goth. I don’t see that much people making up same stories about Poseidon, who spends most of his time in the sea — his domain. Underworld is Hades’ domain, he’s not unhappy nor judged by other gods, ok? And trust me, an immortal being wouldn’t give a sh*t about us fearing and railing death) and overlook harmful antiquities. Whether the number is small or big, the fact they exist is terrifying.

That myth was above its time and, as we can see, above out time as well. Stories like Lore Olympus and Punderworld, that claim to be feminist rewriting, belittle, demonise Demeter, the only person who truly cares about Persephone’s well-being.

A feminist rewriting demonises a woman who left everything and everyone to save a woman from a kidnapper. If you don’t understand this whole concept is dumb sh*t, I’m not gonna explain why.

Kidnapping of Persephone, much like Hunters of Arthemis, was told to soothe and encourage women, let them know that despite being lower than men, they still have each other, they still can protect each other. Kidnapping of Persephone is a love story, love between mother and daughter. Please, don’t try convincing people it needs to be rewritten, it’s perfect as it is.

And for all what’s holy, don’t demonise Demeter, the exact person who truly loved Persephone, who saved Persephone, who wished her happiness.

[viscerawrites]

oc + wip directory

I have many many MANY OCs, but for the sake of this pinned post, I'm only going to mention the ones I hope to talk about/write about most! My characters are my fave part of writing and my wips are ever shifting so I figured this is more sensible haha. I do have a few actual wips tho!

here are my fanfic-to-oc adaptation fics that should hopefully get started up soon <3

---

main series wip - low life landing

smut-centric mini wips here

---

ERAPIAE:

Bronwyn Blearey (she/her) // human (eventual werewolf) & fereian minstrel in training. anger issues and a frankly ridiculous amount of trauma. if she's not living for herself then she's living to spite everyone who thought she'd be dead by now. scary gf of evie & noam.

Evesperangeline "Evie" Lallows (she/her) // human. shockingly cringe fail daughter of two sacred figures from a renowned cultes. looks weird, acts weird, and is proud of it. unironic family disappointment. loves bronwyn deeply but makes her worse.

Noamke "Noam" Vivendel (he/him) // human & fereian minstrel in training. golden retriever puppy boy built like a beanstalk. embodiment of sunshine on the outside and storm cloud on the inside. teenage dad but no one knows that. can't make bronwyn better but will hold her hand and hope that's enough.

Mia Bones (she/her) // half-demon raised to hate herself. subsequently a monster hunter. hater by nurture and nature. grows to love herself in time but is a category 4 bitch until then. lone wolf but not rlly. definitely does not like being subby what are you talking about.

Janikeia (she/her) // vampire & an assassin for the shadow walkers. always acts like she's joking even when she actually means it. definitely keeps blackmail material on literally everyone regardless of how much she likes them. the switchiest switch to ever switch but entirely focused on herself.

Rever Lachrymose (he/him) // religious cult survivor who still hasn't fully broken thru all his conditioned beliefs yet. this does not stop him from falling in love with an incubus (and also being dommed by said incubus).

Cathlis Deveron (he/him) // incubus with a genuine heart of gold and a hell of a lotta tattoos. definitely the embodiment of sin. doesn't trust rever at first but quickly realizes he's just a sweet man who needs a little guidance.

Michaelis ("Murderdoll") (actually he/him don't let the freak show fool you) // black eye of the mother. captured by a "freak show" and forced to present himself as a "terrible woman" named murderdoll. has gotten used to it. still jumps at the opportunity to rid himself of it.

Lenormand "Lennox" Enox (he/him) // human. lovey dovey devoted guy but like in a kinda stalkerish obsessive way. not normal in many ways. definitely masculine but Will melt when michaelis calls him a good girl and yknow,,, dollifies him.

---

ASSORTED OTHERS:

Dallon Saint Ichmere (he/him) // world of navaa // bastard son of the lord ames ichmere. his bff and only friend is his half sister amory. a loved bastard child but still expected to bear the brunt of everyone's ridicule. hates this but is weirdly into it when it's syselli insulting him.

Syselli (she/her) // world of navaa // former child soldier turned right hand woman of the mercenary prince katalan. sadistic and kinda sorta psychopathic but she's trying, for the most part. only realizes she cares abt dallon when she feels guilt for the first time.

Asher Kain (he/him) // contemporary fantasy // survivor of severe abuse who refuses to acknowledge this. typical human who somehow suddenly gains the ability to see into the otherworld. also somehow acquires a werewolf bf, a demon gf, and 4 nonhuman children. he's not entirely sure how he got here.

Eden Jade Heller (she/her) // portal fantasy // kidnapping victim who kills her captor after 9 years, gets dragged into a fantasy world, and becomes a dark god. naturally she's got some problems.

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

Spilling Tea and Baring Teeth

Not Natural ✨ The Devil's Trap ✨ Holy Water ✨ The Demon's Altar ✨ Midnight Meeting ✨ The Hunter's Trap ✨ Sharp Secrets and Bloody Blades ✨ A Hunter's Beast Tamed ✨ No Chick Flick Moments ✨ Witches, Bitches, and Beasts ✨ Cursed or Not ✨ Poison Lips and True Love's Kiss ✨ Swallowing Hard Truths ✨ Salt and Burn ✨ Five More Minutes ✨ A Hell of an Identity Crisis

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: SPN inspired, ABO dynamics (knots, slick, heats), demon Kells, hunter Dom, angry Kells, mini fight (not between them), Tom being secretive, nervous Dom, PTSD, mentioned child abuse, mentions of kidnapping or death (Ramiel), panic attacks, Dom getting sick, hurt/comfort, everyone being awkward, cuddling, boys not so secretly in love ⚰️ rating: mature

The drive home was tense in a way Dom wasn't used to. His lover wasn't ranting or pissed, if anything he was almost catatonic. He stayed with his head in the human's lap all the way. He didn't speak and they kept the radio low. Occasionally he tried to whisper soothing words or give him a comforting touch but the best thing he could do was drive. Whatever Keliphos needed to hear he couldn't give him, they had to get to Tom. He just hoped things wouldn't become a full on fight. The devil was his lover- and deep down he could admit he was so much more than that. The witch was his best friend, his only family anymore. He refused to pick sides but if Tom was still hiding things he felt hurt too.

The second they pulled up to the cottage and they felt the wards close back around them the nephalem came alive again. He pressed a kiss to the Hunter's stomach before sitting up and storming out of the car. Dom turned it off, letting the last rumble of the engine soothe him before he sighed deep. "Well fuck LuLu. Fink I should jus' stay 'ere?" He whispered but he knew he couldn't.

Tom was chopping up vegetables for a soup when his front door slammed open. He had felt the confusion and rage rolling off the halfling from miles away but he was just realizing it might be directed at him. He had tried not to spy all day and of course there were consequences. If he'd kept an eye he would know what was coming for him but with Dom back on the property he was able to get a quick run down from the boy's mind. His silver eyes went wide when he realized they'd met the second most well known fallen angel- he hadn't expected that or that the holy tax accountant would bloody well tell the boys everything. Gods- he wasn't quite sure how to handle the storm rolling in but he could at least stay calm. Fighting fire with fire never helped anyone. Something Castiel said to them was stuck in his mind though and a worry bubbled inside him. At the last moment before Kells got to him he filled the kettle with water to put on the stove. Dom would probably need it.

"So what? You think you can just play us like fucking puppets Tom? I know you think you own him but I'm older than you- if you know something about my life you fucking talk to me! I'm not that breakable you ass!" Keliphos wasn't screaming yet but he was close. Finding the witch so calm in the kitchen almost made it worse but he couldn't react with violence, Dom would never forgive him.

Tom bit the inside of his cheek so as not to laugh. How the demon thought he might be older was beyond him but he couldn't mock the angry boy. After getting the kettle set up he turned back around and faced the beast, sighing deep. His gaze caught on Dom as he wandered quietly in behind and went to sit at the island next to where Kells was standing and fuming. At least he didn't seem angry, that could help. "I didn't hide anything. I knew your mother but I couldn't be sure that was your mother. Why would I tell you before I was sure? Why would I dangle something like that in front of you without knowing I was right and risk breaking your heart?"

"Please!" Kells huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and rolling his eyes. "You don't give a shit about my heart and like that would break me! You love having things over us. You're just playing with us! How fucking dare you keep this from me!"

Tom picked up his knife and started cutting up a garden fresh potato. It wouldn't do to have Dom's dinner be late just because they were having a disagreement. He would always care for the boy. "You know better. Did I not save you twice now? Why would I do that if I just wanted to play with you? I didn't know it was Ramiel. That actually surprises me but I'm happy to know. Your mother was very kind. I'm surprised you come from him." He couldn't help a small dig at the devil. He had saved them multiple times, they were staying under his roof, he was trying to help the brat get his revenge and still he talked to him like that? "I would venture to say how dare you Col. You don't know my life, you don't know who or what I know. I have spent so long trying to stay out of everything and yet here the two of you are. I'm exhausted halfling, I'm retired. And yet how many times have I helped your ass?" His voice went a little darker and the plants in the room wilted. He had to be more careful with his anger.

"See luv? He didn't know. Tom, is 'ere any'fin you ain't telling us?" Dom asked, trying to help the situation.

The witch paused and glanced up at the boy he called family. He could feel his eyelid twitch at the frustration. "I'm sure there is plenty, I'm old- it happens. Anything relevant? I'm not sure." He sighed, he didn't want to lie. He loved the kid and was coming to love the bastard as well but he wasn't good at opening up. He took a deep breath and paused his preparations. He could give them a moment of real focus, he just wasn't used to dealing with other people and their emotions anymore. "Your mother was a good friend of mine. I… I don't know what happened to him but I haven't seen him in a very long time. I would not be surprised if your father killed him. It's what I've believed for many years. I didn't know you were that child or I would have said something. I swear." He tried to soothe and he watched as the rage bled out of the other man and he crumpled into a seat next to his mate.

Kells put his elbows on the table and his head in his hands. "Astaroth is a fucking monster. I'm a fucking monster!" He grumbled, moving his hands until his forehead hit the countertop.

Dom reached slowly over to run a hand over his lover's back. He wanted to help but he wasn't quite sure how to. They were a house full of awkward killers, they didn't exactly have people skills. "'Ere's a little monster in all of us I fink." He sighed and when his best friend snorted a laugh and moved to the stove to turn off the whistling kettle his brow furrowed. "Problem Tommy?"

"Not at all." The witch lied, finishing up a cup of tea for them both. He wasn't even sure about his thought and he certainly wasn't going to toss kindling to the fire that was the devil's emotions. "You're quite right. There's a little monster in us all. We have to choose to do better. It's a choice we make everyday. You aren't your father and you aren't your mother. You have to be your own person and I believe you're trying. You have your own family now Kells, but if you wish to find out what happened to Rami I would gladly help." He hadn't seen his friend since… No he couldn't think about that right now. "I know the fae that tried to protect you both. I can talk to them." He offered. There were plenty of things he didn't think he could tell them yet but at least that was something.

"Thanks. Yeah. That'd be good." The devil mumbled against the marble.

Tom shook his head and turned to pull fresh bread from the oven. The moment he set it on the island the Hunter was trying to reach for it. "Give it a moment. You have absolutely no manners." He huffed softly but smiled at the boy. It was endearing honestly, he was happy to take care of him. He found himself looking at the halfling a bit differently, he may not have memories of his own mother but if he was Ramiel's child he knew there was good in him. If Kells was truly that child he helped raise for four years… No- he needed to wait to think that way until he was alone. There was a reason he had been so scared of Dom falling whelped, he never had been able to keep the babes he thought of as his. Though perhaps they always came back.

Something in the air shifted as Tom went back to cooking. He pulled his hair free of its bun and let it fall like a curtain around his face as if he needed to hide. Dom wanted to fix all of the problems in the room but instead he reached for a roll again and picked at it quietly. He had grown up with parents that fought around him and everytime he was around it he felt like he was doing something wrong. Like the fight was about him even if it wasn't. He had an urge to make everything better but he couldn't in this situation and it hurt his heart. He was so nervous he was starting to get nauseous.

"Dom, we're alright. No one is fighting. Just enjoy your stolen bread." Tom sighed. He didn't want him having a panic attack because of something he had a part in.

Kells sat up a little too fast but for once he hadn't been in his lover's head. He didn't realize Dom was getting anxious until it was too late. He turned to help calm him just as the human stumbled off his seat and ran for the bathroom. The door slamming shut felt like a slap across his face. "Fuck."

"Just give him a moment."

"Does that happen a lot?" He worried aloud. He hated having to ask the witch about his own lover but Tommy had known him longer.

"He panics a lot. You've seen his nightmares. He doesn't normally get sick though." The witch shrugged back, putting the soup to simmer. It didn't seem like it would be eaten anytime soon.

"Grrreat. I'm making him sick. Awesome." The devil grumbled, rubbing his hand over his face. Tom fought himself so he wouldn't make a joke and agree.

"A lot is happening. All you can do is take care of each other. He's your mate now for better or worse. You're part of the family." The ancient made himself stop and look up at the other man. For just a moment he could see the little boy he once loved. "Perhaps you've always been."

"Dude, are you okay?" Keliphos asked, he didn't mean to have a tone but he was a little uncomfortable and overwhelmed. They heard the door open and the Hunter stalk off to their bedroom but that one didn't close. It felt like an invitation.

Tom forced a smile and nodded, waving Col off to the boy they both craved to take care of. "Go on. I'll let you know when dinner is ready. Go take care of him." He sniffled.

Kells paused a moment but after yelling at the witch he didn't know how to help him. What he did know was that they both loved Dom and he came first. Well- he normally did. He caught the frazzled man roll his eyes and he knew he'd heard his mental joke. For once he almost blushed but instead of saying anything he stood up and wandered off to find his human. His mate. He'd caught the word but he didn't know what it meant in context. If anything it sounded a little naughty but it felt right. Maybe it was an angel thing, he wasn't sure but when he reached their room and found Dom curled in a ball in bed he knew the word was correct. That was his mate.

He didn't speak, he just crawled in bed behind his omega and curled close around him. His palm searched out the punk's belly and he tried to heal him but he wasn't sure that was something that could be fixed. Yet again he was struck by the fact that while he was upset- nothing felt as terrible as it would if he didn't have his bitch. Dominic made everything better. "Hungry baby?" He asked softly, nuzzling Dom's hair when the kid just groaned.

"Later. I'm okay." His inner child was still nervous and didn't want anyone worrying about him. He wanted to make everything better.

"Shit Dom… You do make everything better. Look at me. Look- hey, roll over here." He sighed, helping as the boy moved. When shiny jade eyes met his he hurt even more. He hadn't meant to scare him. "None of that was you. You keep me from getting really pissed. You keep me sane. Fuck Dom… I can't do any of this without you. And you fucking know I hate this feels shit." He grumbled. Maybe he still had too much of an edge but he was trying to settle. To soothe. "We're chill okay? I swear not to hurt your bestie."

Dom huffed a laugh and inched closer. "Like you could." He teased, pressing himself against his partner's chest. "I'm glad we know. I'll 'elp you find 'im. We'll find 'im." He vowed softly. They weren't cuddling, of course they weren't but his lover's hold was warm and he was still drained from their long day.

"Thank you." Keliphos whispered back, pressing a kiss to the boy's wild hair. If he didn't know better their words sounded a bit like 'I love you' but that wasn't something he could deal with yet. It didn't matter anyway, he could feel Dom already half asleep in his arms. The scent of Tom's special tea filled the room and he knew if he looked it would be on the bedside table, sent in by the witch. He may have issues with his secrecy but they both cared about his mate. Perhaps he could learn to be part of a family, it was just so fucking new.

Author's Note/Tags: @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker @hollywoodxwhore @jaxbreaker @fenoy7 @cole-way-iero28 🖤

Don't worry, smut is never far off. I thought their fight would be more intense but they're almost acting like the adults they should already have been for thousands of years! Yay! What happened between Tom and Ramiel? What is Tom still hiding? Where is Ramiel and how can they find out? What do the fae have to do with anything? How will they handle their next steps when Tom and Kells don't want Dom to be in danger? Keep reading to find out! Thank you! 🖤⚰️

[corvus-rose]

Talking About My OCs

I am one of those obnoxious kaleidescopes who makes AUs of AUs in a fractal fashion of these two, but they're recognizably the same characters in all of them. anyway, here's the two I keep posting about on occasion on this particular blog, and the jot notes are things that are basically always true regardless of verse/canon.

Vayu/Manyuvya/Yuya

(he/him)

Trans dude going through the horrors, be they literal horrible flesh-eating monsters or making a phone call

Quiet and restrained. A few causes and a handful of people (one of them Eden) have his devotion above all else. Once given, that devotion does not waver. A bit of a caretaker, a bit dependent: has low self esteem, hates feeling like a burden, hence, service.

Determined to see things through to an end, trying as many times as it takes. Not even the threat of harm or death is a deterrent. He puts those he cares for above himself, very self sacrificing.

Ultimately wants a stable, comforting life. Clings to what scraps of that life he already has, being generally unwilling to change them or risk endangering them. Very protective, rather anxious.

An outdoorsy type. Often a hunter by profession, but almost always vegetarian (for personal reasons, rather than ideological or religious ones).

Bi-ace, complicated relationship to sexuality and romance. Gender is straightfoward, but he kinda chafes against others' concept of masculinity, and that intertwines with said complicated sexuality and romance.

Some hobbies he often has are reading (especially poetry), whittling and carving, video games in modern settings (with a fondness for boomer shooters)

Motifs: fire (from embers to funeral pyres), dogs

Some Things Yuya Has Been: a vessel for divinity on a quest to save his dying homeland and deity, an unfortunate who got kidnapped to Faerie and changed by it, a lonely hunter on-the-verge-of-becoming-a-werewolf

Eden

(they/she/fae, +others depending on context and canon, flowchart may be required)

Nature deity(?) whose fuckups and bad days may be quite literally earth shaking, to their dismay

A bit mercurial and moody, their attitude to others is a reflection of the others' attitude towards them. They want to be a kind, altruistic person, but they find it difficult. Quick to act, quick to regret, quick to change and doesn't know who they are at their core.

Treads softly and at a distance, hyper-aware of their ruinous power - but also filled with whims, passions, desires to experience and learn everything and anything. Still, one has responsibilities.

At their core, wants a stable and comforting life, but hates feeling stifled, or at a dead end. They want a home waiting for them during their adventures, a baseline to return to from the highs and lows.

Often some manner of immortal, but can never remember their entire life. They get flashes of wisdom or memory, and can hold grudges for a long time, but it all fades eventually.

Complicated genders and relationship to romance and sexuality. Orientation is best described as some form of pansexual. Gender expression is unfortunately often flattened down to "woman" by others.

Some hobbies they often have are music (listening to and attempting to play), card and board games, gardening (perhaps "cheating" by using their power over nature)

Motifs: trees, cracked statues, flowers (lotus)

Some Things Eden Has Been: the guardian and personification of a dying land, vaguely eldritch fae royalty in exile traveling through dreams, a witch and child of the forest (literally their mom's a dryad)

Eden and Vayu are part of a romantic pairing (do not separate them). Often, they're married. Vayu feels understanding and protective of them, and Eden feels safe and at home with him.

[fearsmagazine]

ABIGAIL - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Universal Pictures

SYNOPSIS: A group of low-level criminals are brought together to pull off a caper - kidnap and babysit overnight the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, the pay-off is a $50 million ransom. The hideout is an old isolated mansion. They try to settle in for the night but the rules go by the wayside as, one by one, the gangsters grisly and mysteriously meet their demise. The gloves come off and when they confront their prisoner, to their mounting horror, they discover that they’re the prisoners and are locked inside the mansion with no normal little girl.

REVIEW: Occasionally, screenwriters attempt to breathe new life into the vampire mythos by blending genres into their screenplays. While many of these scripts start off with a great promise, the final product often falls short of expectations. However, there are a few notable exceptions that have managed to capture the essence of the vampire genre. Examples include "The Lost Boys," "Innocent Blood," "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," and "Vampires," the last two based on novels.

In Stephen Shields and Guy Busick's screenplay for ABIGAIL, elements of O. Henry's classic short story "The Ransom of Red Chief" and the 1990's film "Home Alone" converge, driven by the urban legend of Abigail's gangster father and tales inclusion of vampire mythology. The screenwriters incorporate subtle nods to Agatha Christie, creating humorous moments in the film. They skillfully weave in references to numerous films and TV shows, including "Reservoir Dogs," "Innocent Blood," and Kevin Durand's involvement in the vampire series "The Strain." The narrative is multi-layered, as the writers creatively rework the vampire myth to suit their story. What truly captivates the audience is Abigail's character arc and the motivations behind her actions. At its core, the story delves into a child's yearning for parental attention or the lack thereof, intertwined with the guilt experienced by parents. This complex exploration of parenting, children, and vampires sets ABIGAIL apart as a refreshing take on these themes since "The Lost Boys."

Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett masterfully orchestrate a symphony of tension, action, and shocks that ebbs and flows like an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride. Their ability to consistently surprise and engage the viewer stems from their skillful framing and editing of sequences, coupled with the captivating performance of actress Alisha Weir, who portrayed Matilda in the 2022 adaptation of the musical. Her portrayal is simply outstanding here.

The mansion in which the characters are hiding serves as an integral character in the film. The production design is remarkable, creating a subtle yet tangible atmosphere. While there were a few scenes in the third act that raised questions about potential escape routes, my engrossment in the film at that point prevented me from giving them much thought.

The combination of practical and digital effects in the movie created some truly impressive "wow" moments, especially in the fight sequences. The dental design and contact lenses used for the vampire look were particularly well done. My favorite scenes were the visual sequences showing the destruction of the vampires—a real treat for die-hard horror fans.

The film's musical foundation is a harmonious blend of classical melodies and a gripping score composed by Brian Tyler. Tyler, a renowned composer with a rich portfolio of screen and television scores, has masterfully created musical movements that seamlessly intertwine with the classical selections, escalating the film's action and horror. In other moments, his score complements the actors' performances and heightens the suspense and tension of the scenes, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

The film features a talented cast with extensive horror experience. Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kevin Durand, Kathryn Newton, and William Catlett have each starred in multiple horror films, bringing their expertise to the project. The cast also includes Matthew Goode and Giancarlo Esposito, who add their unique talents to their characters, enhancing the film's energy. This exceptional ensemble cast delivers a thrilling viewing experience, creating captivating characters that engage and entertain the audience.

ABIGAIL offers a "fangtastic" combination of a caper story and a vampire tale. It's one of the best horror-thrill rides I've experienced in theaters this year. In fact, I haven't had this much fun with a horror movie since "The Lost Boys" or "Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn." Not since Macaulay Culkin faced off against bumbling heist men has a kid's involvement in an action film been so entertaining. Yes, it's a bloody film, but families with tweens should venture to their local cinema for a killer good time.

CAST: Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Alisha Weir, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud and Giancarlo Esposito. CREW: Directors - Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett; Screenplay - Stephen Shields & Guy Busick; Producers - William Sherak, Paul Neinstein, James Vanderbilt, Tripp Vinson, and Chad Villella; Cinematographer - Aaron Morton; Score - Brian Tyler; Editor - Michael P. Shawver; Production Designer - Susie Cullen; Costume Designer - Gwen Jeffares Hourie; Prosthetics Designer - Matthew Smith; Dental Prosthetics - Dominic Mombrun; Visual Effects Supervisor - Andre Bustanoby; Visual Effects Companies - NEXODUS, Crafty Apes, & DNEG. OFFICIAL: www.abigailmovie.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/AbigailMovie/ TWITTER (X): www.twitter.com/UniversalHorror TRAILER: https://youtu.be/cOHf2qUZYBs?si=Kd0YefSxfpfRGpHd RELEASE DATE: In theaters April 19th, 2024

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay), or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

[smallraindrops-blog]

Velvet Crown

(Part 3)

WMFTD!Y/N X TSC!Reader

Warnings: Dark romance, DUB-CON, NSFW, A/B/O, no beta, fae mortality, kidnapping, Please don’t read if sensitive. 

Word count: 6.5K

Summary: One should never go in the dark woods alone, unfortunately you didn’t heed the warnings. There is a boy, wild and strong. And there is a cost to everything.

Notes: Last Part of VC, sorry for the delay, had to rewrite it and deal with adult stuff. Thank you for waiting!

If you get a chance, please check out the wonderful playlist that @playlistanon created for this series!!! It is amazing! Link here

Part one

Part two

(Y/N’s Pov, homecoming)

Sun-dappled leaves danced in the gentle breeze. The hungry chipping of the newly born birds reached his ears. 

If he wanted to, he could track the hoofprints of a doe and her twin fawns to the nearby wildflower fields. The creeks bubbled on as he walked past, the low croaking of frogs and the buzzing of dragonflies formed a harmonic rhythm with the running water.

Spring was here in its all of lush glory, blessed with healthy newborns and vegetation.

The woods welcomed back him like a lost child returned, whispering new secrets to him as warm sunlight enveloped his form. His crown was heavy even here but he kept his head up high, not willing to show the trees his nerves.

He walked on, the dirt path guiding him back home. His parents weren’t expecting him for another day or so, but he knew he would be welcome back with open arms.

Then he heard it as the woods went suspiciously quiet. He narrowed his eyes. There was a low humming coming somewhere between the trees. There was a scent as well, warm and clean that blended well with the forest. One that made his mouth watered and he knew it had to be an omega. 

With no hesitation, he stepped off the path and let the woods swallow him whole. 

Whoever this omega was, they were certainly a fool for staying so far into the depth of the forest. He wouldn’t do anything, just maybe a little prank to scare them away. He could use a laugh. 

He saw them kneeling by a tree, hidden by a long but painfully thin cloak, their hands working in the patch of chamomile. The omega was careful, not greedily snatching the plant from ground. 

They plucked a few more of the flowers, unaware of his staring. With a sigh, they sat back, tugging the hood back. It took him a moment to realize who he was looking at and he felt his heart stop for a single moment. 

You had grown into something far more beautiful than he could have imagined. 

This close, he could see the sunlight reflected off your braided hair- and he wasn’t expecting you to grow it and his fingers inched to find out if it was soft as it looked. His eyes greedily dragged over the gentle curve of your lips, the line of your jaw.

You looked so warm and perfect. It reminded him of the art from Master Chiron’s cave. The first omega, beautiful in the golden sunlight with life blooming around them. 

His throat tightened. He wanted to reach out, to reveal himself. He ached with it. For the first time, he understood how awe-struck the Father of Alphas must have been. A powerful king that was brought down to his knees at the mere sight.

Yet he didn’t. 

He was tempted to just take you now and deal with the details later. But he wasn’t the impulsive child he once was. Omegas needed nests, a safe place to hide from the world. They need a mate that could provide.

So he stayed back, heart aching as he watched you move on. He trailed behind you as you gathered what must be medical herbs, making sure that you will get back home safely. 

You walk on, blissfully unaware of his presence and he took the opportunity to admire, to study you like a hunter would to a prey.  You did seem comfortable in the woods, stepping over mossy stones and staying close to the sound of water. He realized that unlike others who stayed away, you kept coming back. 

Surely that meant something.

It was close to sunset when you approached the edge of the forest. In the distance, he spied a very rundown house, or if he was being honest, a shack close to falling apart.

You paused and so did he. Golden light danced on your form, making your eyes brighter and there was a faint, warm smile on your face. Your braid had loosened, causing locks of hair to frame your face. 

You looked otherworldly, like a beautiful star out of his reach and he felt every inch separating you and him. His heart cracked.

He watched curiously as you dug through the basket for a long moment. Then you pulled out a pouch, heavy with something that smells very sweet, honey like. 

“My thanks for allowing me to gather in your lands.” Your voice was soft, then you placed it atop of a rock. With a bow, you rose up gracefully and stepped out of the woods. He jerked, taking a step forward. He wanted to chase after you, so much that his fangs felt heavy the need to sink in and claim. 

Instead, he went for the pouch. By right, this was his land now, therefore this was his offering.

It was some type of sweet. The candy was a hardened honey shaped in a simple ball and he popped one into his mouth. Sweetness with a hint of spice flooded his senses, like the first time he witnessed an omega in pre-heat, hours away from their mating. 

His eyes silded closed with a groan. Hunger consumed his very being, he had thought his years longing was torture and wanted to laugh. It was nothing compared to now and he wanted more. It was only stone cold self-control his father and Master Chiron drilled into him that kept him from stealing you away.

It was a long, long walk back to his parents’ home with only the moonlight to guide him. Ideas swirled around his mind, he had years to plan it but as he was learning, he would not have the time he thought he would. How in the world no other alpha had claimed you for themselves was beyond him. 

The memory of your lovely smile haunted him every step he took.

~

(Reader’s Pov, current days)

Your breath came out in white puffs, staring out at the woods. It was a land of stark colors. The white snow soft against the pitch black bark of the frozen trees. The tree branches reached toward the skies, as if pleading for golden sunlight to return.

Gentle snowflakes fell from the gray skies, beautiful and fragile. It was still early in the morning, but it would be darkly overcast for the rest of the day.  Winter held on to the land in its frozen grasp even as weeks had passed. 

Soon spring will lay its claim on the land once more, bringing forward greenery and life anew. 

Idly, you wondered if you could talk Y/n into putting windows into the nest. Some natural light would do you and him both good- you shook your head. No, you weren’t going to be here for longer than a few months once winter ended. 

Funny how short a year and day suddenly was when once you could say it was the same as eternity. 

A surprising, painful twinge formed in your core, causing you to frown. You didn't hear him come from behind, unaware that he watched you thoughtfully. His hand brushed against your braid, but you didn’t jump in surprise.

It was something you were getting used to, the way he was just there, all warm and solid. He should be something untouchable with cruelty built into his core but he wasn’t, not for you. 

You turned your head, lifting a brow. He hooked a finger in the cloak, and tugged the hood over your head. 

The hood was furred and soft, just like the cloak itself, enveloping you with warmth almost immediately. You had found it among your things, standing out from your old garments with the luxurious fur that shone in the firelight. There had even been a pair of matching gloves. 

You knew better than to ask where he found such things, instead you just gave him a soft thank you with a light kiss against his cheek. He nodded, looking satisfied by that alone.  

“You are going to get a cold.” He scolded lightly, offering an arm for you to take. You did, quietly glad for the extra body heat. You had been right about him being useful for the winter. 

“If I get sick then you will have an excuse not to leave the house, wouldn’t that make you happy?” You said, smiling despite yourself. 

He grunted, waving a hand as he guided you along the path. “Other animals hibernate in their warm dens, it seems like the right idea to me.”

“It is good to get out and get fresh air, you bear.”

Just as snow had grown, overtaking the land, so had this wonderfully odd domestic back and forward. You shouldn’t enjoy it so much, but it seemed like there was always a smile on your face now.

There had been something growing, warm and soft and fluttering in your chest. Much as you tried to kill it, it always returned with a brush of his fingers or a lingering glance. 

A deepening urge to offer up your neck in submission.

Reflexively, you tucked your head down, shoving the thoughts away. He paused, and you didn’t meet his eyes. 

“Perhaps we should return if you are cold.” He said, his tone quiet. But you heard the lie under his voice. He knew you weren’t that cold, he could sense your nerves just as you could sense the predatory hunger in him. 

You straighten, your neck exposed and grinned up at him. His bright eyes burned, but you didn’t look away even when your breath caught. 

“Nonsense.” You told him, fingers trembling. “Let’s keep going.”

He narrowed his eyes, dropping his arm down to press a hand against the small of your back. With just a little bit of pressure, he had you tucked against him. A gloved hand - buttery smooth and warm against your chilled skin- cupped your chin, lifting your face up.

You remained still even if you wanted to run. Or lean in.

“You’re shivering.” His thumb brushed along the apple of your cheek, the feel of it causing your eyes to flutter close for a moment. You resisted nuzzling into the warm but just barely. 

“Because it is cold out.” You whispered, one of your hands reached up to push him away but instead, you covered it with your own. 

He huffed, the white puff of breath reminding you of a dragon. There was a slight curl to his lips. Like this, he was handsome like an alpha of a heroic tale. You felt heat climb up your neck. 

“Is that all?” He leaned down and you shifted, getting closer. Heart racing and you knew you shouldn’t look forward to this so much. 

Then he straightened abruptly, staring straight past you into the woods. You said his name in quiet confusion, frowning. He shushed you, eyes locked ahead.

Without saying a thing, he pulled you behind him. A spear appeared in his hand with a glint of light that gave away to his fae magic. You peered through the trees, but you weren’t able to see what he saw. 

Then a voice rang out, loud and clear. “Oi, brother! Forgive me.”

A man stepped out, shorter and leaner than Y/N. His crown was a sharp contrast as well, the skull more narrowed like a wolf with a riot of gold and blue beads that spilled over the back of his furred cloak, a silvery color that shone among the white show. 

The alpha grinned so fondly, like he was seeing old friends. His eyes were a warm brown, almost mortal if it wasn’t for the sharp glint you saw. It reminded you of the same predatory hunger you saw in Y/N’s eyes. 

“Alpha Peros.” Y/n sighed, his shoulders relaxed but he kept you and his spear close. “What are you doing here?”

Alpha Peros placed a hand on his chest, an expression of mock hurt on his handsome face. “Can’t I come and visit old friends? You never visit, you never write-“ 

You covered up your smile with a hand, a little bit charmed by this man. Y/n just sighed loudly. 

“Peros. Get to the point.” He grounded out. “I thought you had returned to your homeland.”

The other alpha tossed his head back and laughed, “You are still the same grumpy bastard even with that lovely little mate you are hiding from me.”

You stepped out from behind Y/N, your hand on his bicep. He tensed up but didn’t stop you. You gave him a gentle squeeze.

Warm brown eyes met yours, and he offered a wink. “Tell me, is he always like this?”

You laughed, amused by Y/n’s sour glare. “Not when he is sleeping.”

That made Peros’ smile grow, his fangs on full display. “Oh, the Ancients gave you a good one, brother.”

“If you are done flirting with my mate,” y/n replied, his voice hard. “Why are you here?

Peros’ grin dropped, his expression hardened. The shift was so quick that you wondered if his warm smile was ever real. His gaze stayed on Y/n, both alphas staring each other down.

After a long pause, y/n’s hand tightened on his spear, his other hand on your elbow. Then Peros closes his eyes, his shoulders slumped. 

“Whatever it is, you can say in front of my mate. He is mine therefore he is also under your protection.” Y/n said quietly. You blinked up at him, and he shook his head. A silent promise to explain late in his eyes. 

“I don’t know what is going on.” Peros admitted with a sigh. “The Queen is calling for us both to return to her court.” 

“Did she say why?” You asked, a sinking feeling in your gut, your hand tight on Y/n. There was something off about the whole thing, but you didn’t know what. 

Peros shook his head, beads clacking quietly. “Brother, I know I wouldn’t ask you to leave your mate unless needed.”

“I know.” Y/n admitted. “Meet me at the edge of the woods, I need to see my mate get home safely.”

With a bow of his head, the crown’s hollowed eyes staring at you, Peros took a step back, then he was lost between the trees once more.

“Do you have to go?” The words spilled out of you in a rush. He gave a rueful look, and you huffed, staring down at the snowy ground. The walk back was quiet, y/n lost in his thoughts. 

When the house revealed itself, you spoke up. “Can I come with you?”

“No.” He said bluntly. His eyes narrowed as he reached for you, his hand tightening possessively around your waist. “You don’t have my mark yet and the Queen might decide she wants a new addition to her court.”

You touched your neck, feeling the smooth skin under your fingertips. You didn’t move another step, feeling utterly useless then an idea came to you. You weren’t sure if you were ready but if it meant helping your friend… 

“If you bite me now-“

“No.” He growled and you winced at the harsh tone, not used to hearing it. You heard a sigh, then he pulled you into a hug, his chin on top of your head. You wrapped your arms around him, his heartbeat steady under your ear. 

“I will return.” He promised. “ And when I do, I will mark you when you want it. When you want me. Not a moment before.”

~

The first night, you couldn’t sleep.

By the second night, you gave up trying.

The nest seemed empty without the quiet, steady presence of the fae. You would never admit it to him, but you kept expecting him to be right behind you, a warm and large hand brushing your braid or pressed against the small of your back. His voice a low pleased rumble.

You had taken up burying your face in the pile of fur and blankets, looking for that dark, spicy scent of the alpha. Sometimes it was the only thing that would smooth that tight ball of anxiety in your chest.

You tried to fill the dragging hours with studying and reading and cleaning. None helped the feeling that you were once again useless. 

“Jerk. Stupid fae! Kidnapping me then leaving me here.” You said to yourself loudly, as if the insults would summon him. It didn’t.

It was the next morning when you realized something was off. 

Normally you always had plenty of energy, and were sharp minded. 

But now… Your whole body was heavy as a stone, and you found it impossible to leave the bed so you didn’t. 

You slept through the morning, even as your stomach growled, until the late afternoon. Even with all that rest, your mind felt like it was stuffed with cotton, every thought fuzzy and impossible to grasp. Your skin felt hot and sticky and you ended up drinking a full pitcher of cool water. 

Then a moment of shattering clarity woke you up. 

Pre-heat. You were going into heat.

No. No. Nononono-

~

The snow had been growing steadily over the last few hours, blanketing the land with fresh snow and thick icicles hung off  everything. Snow covered the branches, weighing down some enough to cause them to break. Ice had even frozen the smaller creeks and thick chunks of ice floating down one of the few still flowing rivers.

Only the foolish would travel out into the wintery hell. So of course, you were out here in the icy night and not in the warm nest Y/n had built for you.

It was nice, it was cozy. If you were back in your old home, you would have been fighting off the storm with wooden planks over the windows and praying that the roof wouldn’t fall on top of you as you huddled alone under thin blankets even with the small hearth going.

But at least you would be safe during your heat. He could promise all he wanted about not touching you but you knew that the rules changed when heat came into play. You knew you wouldn’t be able to say ‘no’, that you wouldn't want to say it.

You wanted to turn back, but you didn’t. Panic was a tight hand around your neck and it wasn’t letting up. 

A gust of wind blew past you, as if trying to make you return but you pushed though. Even the forest seemed to conspire against you, the path no longer appearing, making it clear it won’t help you.

“Fine. Be that way.” You told the forest through chattering teeth. “I didn’t need your help anyway.”

You needed to get back to your old home, even as your own body screamed against you to return back to wait for y/n, to warmth and safety. If everything had stayed normal, maybe you would have but it didn’t. 

Slick formed between your thighs but you ignored it. Or tried to. There was so much that your leggings were growing damp. 

You didn’t think a heat would come, you never had one outside the first false heat that all omegas get. Your own body, the omega inside of you, had utterly and completely betrayed you. 

You sniffed, wiping away the fresh wave of tears. You should have seen it coming - and maybe you had but you had ignored it in hopes it wouldn’t happen.

A part of you wondered if your alpha- no - if Y/n had returned yet and discovered you gone. You risked a glance back, half expecting him to be there, his face twisted in a thunderous rage. All there was endless snow and trees. 

You let out a breath, hating that you wanted to see him even now. 

With what little energy you had left, you pushed onward. The darkness only seemed to grow, shifting the trees into horrified faces. You flinched and tried not to look too closely. 

Then you heard it, another body moving between the trees. Your heart pounded, torn between relief and fear. Only there was no dark, woodsy scent. There was something else, one that smelt of rotting corpses. You slapped a hand over your mouth, trying to not gag. 

You stayed quiet and still out of pure instinct, eyes darting around the frozen landscape. There was nothing, just a sense of dread that loomed over you like a scythe. 

A low moan came from behind you.

You gasped, stumbling back as you twisted around to stare at the complete nightmare before you. 

It was huge, bigger than y/n. The way it moved in the darkness, it appeared and reappeared between the trees. The shadows clung to its form as it stepped out, eyes so dark that they looked hollowed out in its pale monstrous face. 

It was panting harshly, white puffs of fetid breaths rolling out between a purple tongue and large fangs. Its hands looked more like a bear's paw with impossibly long claws. 

The scream ripped out of you before you could stop it. It screamed back, high pitched and painful enough to make you flitched, hurrying with pounding steps towards you. 

You ran just as the monster's wide, gaping maw missed you by mere inches. Your world narrowed down to mere footsteps, running blindly through the trees. You were running so fast, you couldn’t even call out for help.

The Dreaded crashed loudly through the forest, uncaring out the trail of ruin it left behind to get to you. 

Stupid! Stupid fool! You cursed yourself, praying for someone, for y/n to come help.  You didn’t want to die like this, not before-

You didn’t see the rock. With a sharp pain that shot all the way up your leg, you fell into a heavy bank of snow, rolling down until your back slammed into a huge trunk of a tree. 

Snow fell on you, blinding you momentarily until you were able to brush enough off. Then you heard the loud steps stop and with a pounding heart, you looked up.

The monster stood before you, licking its mouth as it took another step toward you. You sobbed, fumbling and trying to move but there was nowhere left to go. 

It charged with an ear splitting scream. Your eyes slammed shut, not wanting it to be the last thing you ever saw.

Only you heard the scream cut off into a rattle, surprising you into looking once more. A bloodied spear tip protruding out from the monster’s chest. You gasped, not quite believing what you were looking at. 

The spear pulled, dragging the monster back with it by sheer force of the yank. 

Its head twisted, body jerking as it tried to attack the spear holder, snarling as bloody foam spilled out its mouth.

His crown was bright in the moonlight with powerful arms and broad shoulders.  He looked like a hero of the ancients. He twisted and used the monster’s own weight to slam down into the snowy ground, the monster screaming brokenly as it tried to charge at the alpha.

Blood stepped through the now muddy snow as y/n and the Dreaded battled it out. You tried to get up, cursing your own weakness as sharp pain jolted though you. You gasped when you realized you were falling back down to the ground

Then a pair of hands landed on your shoulders, and warm brown eyes met yours. “Oh thanks stars, we found you in time.” Peros said, helping you to your feet. You almost couldn’t stand, heat-weak legs shaking from adrenaline and pain.

Then you heard a body hitting the ground. 

Your eyes moved past Peros, past the monster, all the way to him. Y/n stood over the beast, his strong chest was bloody but he was the clear victor in the battle. He slammed his spear into its head, twisting it around inside the skull. His handsome face was twisted into something you never seen before, a rage that ran so deep it was colder than the winter surrounding them.

The body gave one last twitch before going unnaturally still. 

“Well, the Queen will be pleased.” Peros muttered. You nodded, not really understanding, feeling like you were in a dream. You had thought for sure you were going to die.

Then Y/N’s piercing eyes met yours and your breath hitched. You ached to go over to him, for him come to you and just hold you. 

“Let go of him.” He grounded out, snarling like a beast himself. Peros’ hands immediately let go, holding his hand up in a gesture of peace. It caused you to sway from the sudden lack of support. In two strides, he reached you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. 

You crumbled against him, your eyes immediately going to the cut on his shoulders that went down to the center of his chest. It took a moment but you realized that it was likely shallow. You let out a breath of relief.

He and Peros spoke quickly, the language unknown to you. With a frown, you tried to follow along but gave up after a moment. All you knew was the warmth of Y/N’s form, of his comforting scent even if bloodied. 

Then you heard your name. 

“Are you hurt?” His voice was low, smoothing. 

“Just my ankle but it isn’t broken.” You said after a beat, warning bells going off in your head.

“Good.” He said, dark anger sharpening his tone. You looked up but before you could explain, he tightened his grip into iron and threw you over his shoulder. You let out a yelp of protest, kicking at him with your good foot but it was all for not. Before you knew it, the dark and frozen wood swallowed you both whole. 

~

“Idiot! You could have died and I would have- Goddamnit! I thought you were supposed to be the smart one!” He raged, pacing the length of the room. The fire in the hearth matched his anger, so big that you were worried the flames would escape.

You swallowed, watching him pace from your spot at the kitchen table and wisely stayed quiet. You couldn’t exactly disagree with him, you admit to yourself bitterly. You tucked the blanket around you tighter, wanting comfort but not willing to reach out and risk getting burnt for it. 

A part of you wanted to blame the omega and the heat that was starting but you were tired of lying to yourself. You wanted him. You liked waking up in the morning with his warm, solid form against yours, the easy moments of just existing, of tender touches and quiet laughs. 

You saw the simple life he was offering even if only for a short time, and you wanted it. You always had but watching how alphas treated their mates had turned you away from that hope. Y/n may have stolen you away but he also treated you like a person, listened to you and acted like you were something good. 

Staring death in the face had finally made you honest with yourself.

He paused, staring into the flames. He was still dressed for battle, all dark imposing lines and striking white bones. His arms were down by his side, tightening and loosening into fists. There was a subtle weight to his shoulders now, like exhaustion was winning over his anger. 

You winced, and knew it was because of you. And you felt like a foolish little child.

“Tell me.” He said in a quiet tone that goosebumps formed on your arms. “Tell me what the fuck you were thinking.”

You stood up slowly, careful of your twisted ankle. You lingered there, trying to find the right words. Only you weren’t sure what you could say, so you dropped the blanket down and with a deep breath for courage, you went to him. 

He didn’t acknowledge you at all as you limped slightly over to him, and you tried to not take it as a sign that it was too late. Your hands reached out and took one of his, you took a moment to caress the warm, calloused knuckles. His hands were bigger than yours, his wrist and fingers thicker as well.

“I wasn’t thinking.” You said finally, staring down at the floor.  You gave his hand a squeeze, “I just… you made it so easy to want to stay. I didn’t expect it, I thought this was a trick or that once you got what you wanted you would cast me aside.”

“Why?” He asked. You looked up, hope growing in your chest.

“I told you before about how others alphas-“ you said but he shook his head, beads clacking together softly.

“I mean, why do you think I would do that to you? I never lied to you.” He finally glanced away from the flames and down at you. You couldn’t look away from those too bright eyes, even as guilt tried to overwhelm you.

“I-I. What was I supposed to think? You returned but you didn’t come to find me as soon as you could, and when you did you kidnap me and offer me a year and a day as temporary mates.” 

He lifted a brow, “It wasn’t meant to be temporary, I was trying my damndest to make sure you will stay long enough for me to court you in a way you wouldn’t hate me for.”

Then he gave your fingers a careful squeeze. “I did come for you as soon as I could. I need to create this place, to make sure I have a nest that is worthy enough to give you. ”

“I didn’t need a nest, y/n. I needed my mate to come find me.” You told him, voice rough with tears. “I’ve waited years for you, I feared you would never come back.”

“Mate?” He whispered after a moment.

You took a shaky breath. You haven’t meant to call him that, not yet but there were no other words suited. He was your mate, simple as that.

“Mate. My mate.” You whispered, tightening your fingers around his.

He said nothing to that, his face unreadable to you. You blinked back the tears, instead you focused on the long cuts on his shoulder. It had stopped bleeding, thankfully but they still needed to be cleaned up.

You tugged at his hand, getting his attention. You licked your lips nervously and nodded toward the bathroom. “Let me tend to you. Please.”

There was a moment where you thought he would refuse you then he murmured in agreement. The knot loosened in your chest just ever so slightly. 

You shifted, intending to walk but once again you were lifted up into a pair of muscular arms. With a grunt, you wiggled a bit to adjust as he walked. You were careful not to touch the cuts on his skin. You frowned at him, “This isn’t what-“

With an eye roll, he shushed you. “Let me tend to you as well, you shouldn’t be walking around too much.”

You huffed but allowed him to carry you, his possessive hold was a comfort to you, and you hid your face in his neck, soaking in his scent. You heard his breath hitched, and smiled when his fingers dug into your skin.  

It was awkward being together in the space but eventually you and him made it work.  He took his crown off and placed it on a low wooden table as you got comfortable. He sat on the floor - bloody tall alpha, you mused, feeling hopelessly fond.- as you settled on the thick rim of the tub, running hot water in the tub, filling the room with steam. 

Without you ordering him, he unpinned his tunic, letting the fabric pool in his lap. It left him bare from the waist up, revealing the strong lines of his body. Your fingers twitched with the urge to reach out, to run trailing lines down his flesh. 

You glanced away, focused on grabbing a rag and wetting it. You cleaned wounds before, but there was something closer to intimacy than a healer working. His heartbeat steady under your careful touch.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” You told him quietly. He grunted in quiet agreement, but wrapped a gentle hold around your ankle. The heat of his touch actually brought a little relief, the warmth of his touch against cold flesh. 

“Are you sure you just twisted it?” He watched you with those too bright eyes, a warning not to lie. 

You nodded, dropping the bloodied towel aside for disinfectant. “Yes, I just need to stay off it for a few days.”

He eyed the bottle warily and hissed as you applied it. You rolled your eyes but a smile formed at his glaring. 

“It isn’t that bad.” You told him, capping the medicine shut. You laughed when he scoffed, then carefully wrapped up the cuts. It was shallow but you didn’t want to risk infection.

“A bath will help.” He said decisively. “With the ankle.” 

You laughed. “You didn’t tell me you were a healer as well.” You teased him.  But a soak did sound good, there was a large bruise forming on your back on top of the exhaustion and normal preheat aches.

“I’m not.” He said, letting go of your ankle. “But it will also help with… your scent.”

You blinked. “I was wondering if you could smell my heat coming.” He had been acting like nothing changed. Then you saw the feverish look in his eyes and realized that he had been holding back. 

You wanted to kiss him, just for even trying to control himself. Any other alpha would have tried to knot you by now. But you didn’t have another alpha, you had him and he loved you enough to put you over himself.

He sighed, “Not before all this or otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to leave you. But all I can smell is you and that foul thing.”

The decision had been made a long time ago, your hands were steady and strong.

You reached behind your head, and pulled apart your braid, letting it flow loosely around your shoulders. You felt his eyes on you, and saw him swallow. Butterflies swarm your core, hopeful but still nervous.

“I will need help getting undressed.” Your tone was soft, both a request and an offering. 

He stared up at you with an intensity that made you hold your breath, unable to look away. You saw the different flickers of colors in his irises. It was mesmerizing. His hand reached for yours, and brought it down to press a kiss against your knuckles.

“If you are uncomfortable.” He warned and you nudged him with your good foot. 

“You know I will tell you. Loudly. I might even splash you with the water.” You said, getting a true smile from him. It was beautiful and you savored the sight of it. 

Had anything gone wrong tonight, if he hadn't found you in time…

He stood, and gestured for you to lift your arm up. You obeyed, a quick flush growing on the back of your neck, up to your cheeks. He was gentle as he tugged at your tunic, unpinning the fabric.

The top fell into a puddle on the floor.

You resisted the urge to cover up from the weight of his gaze, and you squirmed from the low throbbing of arousal. Then you felt his fingers brush along your chest as you stifled back a gasp. He felt like fire, burning his own mark into your skin.

The image of his teeth sinking into your neck, claiming and marking you for him alone flashed in your mind’s eyes and you were surprised by how much you longed for it. The need for him was like a physical sensation, pounding along with your racing heartbeat.

“You didn’t get the mortal mark of an omega.” He whispered. You nodded, glancing down at your chest. Had you done your duty as a first born omega, you had gotten the tattoo but you had refused.

Somehow you knew a moral marking wasn’t for you, that there was only one kind of mark you wanted.

“My family was horrified.” You admitted quietly. “I left the next day under the lie that I was only doing it to have space to become a healer but everyone knew the truth of my family being ashamed.”

He scoffed, “Fools. All of them.” 

You shook your head. “They didn’t know.”  But that's all you could think to say. His hands gilded over your shoulders, your arms and down your chest. Your nerves felt lit, the pluses of them electric. 

You took a trembling breath as he kneeled in front of you, his hands on your waist 

“Stand.” He ordered softly, moving to spread his large hand over your stomach. You did, hands on his broad shoulders for balance. You knew that there would be no hiding your own arousal. 

His fingers moved quickly over the lace along your hips, and hooked his fingers in the waistband. You whimpered, eyes closing when you felt it tugged off, but didn’t stop him. You heard his sharp inhale, his fingers gliding along your thighs.

“You’re gorgeous like this.” He rasped, staring up at you with reverence. It was shameless, how he touched you with gentle, teasing caresses. Then he leaned forward, pressing a kiss against your stomach. 

“Join me.” You commanded breathlessly. You felt his smile against your skin.

There was the wet heat of the water that surrounded you and him, of slick skin against yours and kisses that went on forever. Then his hand between your legs, breaking you apart effortlessly as you gasped against his mouth. His own hardness pressed against you and you ached.

Afterwards, dry and warm in the safety of the bed, you watched him work on the hearth. The powerful muscles in his back shifted with the movements and you wanted him to hurry and return to you so you could touch him again.

It might be your preheat causing the neediness but you suspected it just wanting him, all of him. When he finally joined you in the bed, you tugged him close and sighed into the kiss he gave you. 

“When it comes, I want you to mark me.” You told him quietly, holding his gaze. His hand slid up your chest, causing your breath to hitch then his hand settled on the spot where the mating bite will be placed. 

His thumb was on your pulse and you couldn’t look away. You were caught in a web far too big and too small at the same time, the strings placed around your neck years and years ago, only now you accepted it. You wanted the strings even tighter, holding on to you forever.

“I am yours.” He whispered, the words settling on you. You swallowed. “And I am yours.”

Not even a day later, it came.

You felt lightheaded, your thoughts were like the clouds that hung in the sky. Impossibly big and weightless. Your heart was pounding in an unknown rhythm, ancient and new at the same time.

His name was a gasp on your lips. You heard your name just as soft, just as needy.

You reached for him and he caught you. 

[steele-soulmate]

Tattooed Wings, CHAPTER 542, Peter Steele & OFC, Soulmate AU

SUMMARY: Mary Claire Bradley meets her soulmate- literally- the famous Peter Steele of metal group Type O Negative. But will obstacles including trauma, stalkers, and toxic family members get in the way of their life?

WARNING: mentions of child rape (nothing graphic) PTSD, milk kink, soft smut, grinding, assault, fingering, hand jobs, blow jobs, 69, P in V sex, blood, noncon rape, violence, death, vandalism, graffiti, attempted kidnapping, break-ins, wild animal attacks, terrorist attack (sabotage) consensual impregnation, bareback, impregnation kink, creampies, terrorist attacks (shootings) hit and run pedestrian accident, precipitous labor, neonatal death, abandoned baby

WORDS: 1146

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORESS:

I will be traveling to Utah for a family funeral sometimes within the next two months. While I’m away, I will not be updating Tattooed Wings.

I smiled as Peter and I walked around the faire grounds, just the two of us, having left the babies in the care of their beloved Auntie Jackie, Auntie Sammy and cousin Baby Noah.

Today, I wore a light blue lace-up kirtle and a deep hunter green sideless surcoat over a dark cream chemise, my unruly curls were barely contained in tight twin braids that hugged either sides of my face and a light face of makeup- just the basics, liquid foundation, blush, mascara, bronzer and lips. I wore my trusty leather boots and carried my wicker basket on one arm, my other arm wrapped snuggly around my handsome older soulmate’s waist as he guided me through the rows of vender’s booths.

Peter had suggested to me that we have a mommy and daddy date day, and so after checking in with Elizabeth and Katie and pressing loving kisses to the babies’ faces, the both of us headed off on our way.

“Hey sweetheart?” he asked me as I was browsing through a stall’s bolts of fabric that they had out on display. “Do you think Bitty would want a case for her Celtic harp?”

“I think you should ask her and Katie before you buy them anything,” I hummed before accepting a business card from the stall owner, tucking it away into my belt pouch.

“Fair enough,” he chuckled. “Hey sweetheart, is there a preference to what fabric type you use when you sew?”

I brightened up right before I began to chatter his ear off on the different types of cotton there were out there and the various different ways to sew with the fabrics.

Peter stayed quiet, soaking in my words with a gentle smile on his face as the both of us went all around the faire. I was well aware of people taking pictures of us from time to time, and I could only smile, knowing perfectly well that I pretty much gave up my right to privacy when I married my rock star husband.

“Peter Steele!”

Peter tugged me off to the side, turning to smile at two girls- one with shocking electric green hair and an ear full of piercings and the second wearing a low cut corset top that basically let her breasts spill out. I watched as he chatted with the Type O Negative fans, the three of them posing for pictures that I had offered to take and having him autograph their bosoms.

“Do you mind, sweetheart?” he asked me respectfully before scrawling his autograph onto her tit. I smiled, knowing that my soulmate’s dick was MY dick.

“Girl, you are so lucky!” the girl with green hair told me right before we went out own separate ways. “Is he really eleven inches?”

I leaned in closer, as though I was going to tell her a secret.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t kiss and tell!” I smirked right before Peter whisked me off, proclaiming his hunger as we both made our way into the food court area.

“My love, can we go to Fairy Creek Meadow tonight once the kids are sound asleep?” I wondered as we both planted ourselves underneath a tree with our lunch. “I really need my teddy cock.”

“Sweetheart, are you sure?” he asked me quietly, taking a bite of his turkey leg. “It’s been almost seven weeks since your C-section.”

“Are you denying me my teddy cock?”

The tone of my voice made him visibly gulp before I pressed myself into his side needily.

“Please daddy?” I meeped timidly, stretching my neck upwards and kissing the underside of his manly jaw. “Please?”

“I’m not comfortable with us leaving the babies alone in such an exposed setting,” he confessed, setting a hand down onto my shoulder before pushing me back down again. “Down girl.”

“Well then, can I have my teddy cock when we get back home again?” I demanded impatiently. “Please?”

“Can it wait until tomorrow?” he compromised with a chortle, bless my temple with a whiskery kiss. “You’ll be tired, and I rather not rob you of any sacred sleep- you’ll be exhausted.”

I opened my mouth before shutting it once again- he did have a very good point. Due to the triplets unexpected birth, and sequential stay in the NICU for nine and a half weeks, the Ratajczyk family had missed out on the first seven of the eight weeks of the 2026 season at the New York Renaissance Faire.

“You win,” I grouched as my husband finished his third turkey leg before getting started on another. “Tomorrow then?”

“We’ll see sweetheart!” he frowned as me as I stood to buss our plates to the nearby trashcan. “I love you sweetheart, but sometimes, the sheer amount of sex you’re able to withstand is quite alarming.”

“What can I say? With a dick as big as the one that you were blessed with-” my eyes nipped down to his covered crotch as I licked at my lips. “It would be a fucking crime if the mere idea of your cock didn’t get me up and excited.”

“Well sweetheart, the mere memory of those sinful lips wrapped around your teddy cock gets me off every single fucking time,” he smirked, kissing the shell of my ear as an aroused moan slipped past my lips.

Immediately after he spoke, my disposable panties were sopping wet.

TAGLISTS ARE OPEN/ ASK BOX IS OPEN/ REQUESTS ARE OPEN/ PLOT BUNNIES ARE WELCOMED

If you liked this, then please consider buying me a coffee HERE It only costs $3!!!

PETER STEELE TAGLIST

@rock-a-noodle

@ch3rry-c01a

[anarchswild]

October 2003 (ongoing, where the real shit happens)

A Malkavian comedian by the name of Thomas Slater is coming to the city for a show. Virgil has had Tammy dealing with the Hunters, since they didn't realize she was a kindred. The new goal: frame Thomas to get them to follow him out of the city. The Sheriff plants some evidence, they don't tell the performers themselves, Reid is in the audience just in case, and they even have a Gangrel pretend to be a kidnapped girl to really drive home that Thomas is a stereotypical vampire. They scare Thomas out the city, but Tammy gets injured in the crossfire and the Hunters insist on trying to get her injuries tended to.... Since she's no longer in tech isolation, the Technocracy mage catches up to her. As Reid is sneaking into the building to grab Tammy and run, a... Terminator for lack of a better term breaks in at the same time. The fledglings escape, and the Hunters have their memory wiped and just. Leave the city. Confusing ending that worked out. Virgil would rather keep everything on the down-low, so Tammy can't even get credit for it. Damn Elders.

Sonelle decides to try and kidnap others to find out Tammy's location, and her choice of hostage is able to tip off to Reid about the situation. He and Malachi get out there to save Johnny, and Malachi is kidnapped in the resulting chaos. Mary is the one to appear and agree to help Reid find them, at the cost of some information about the wraith they're still searching for and a gold earring to get the help of a fairy. Mary uses an artifact to trap the Mage and the rest of us in the Minotaur Maze, where she hopefully escaped far away from the city.

The next time Reid tries to feed, it instead turns out that Sonelle has magically bugged his phone and threatens to sabotage all his feeding attempts unless he tells her where Tammy is. Well, instead, Malachi is able to get Reid to a Technomancer Tremere who can counteract the bug, for a price. Reid is able to get off without a paying anything... but instead gives away an easy plan for the Tremere to track down and catch the rogue Wraith trying to track down and eat the Mage.

At some point, Malachi gets a blood bond on Reid to help him heal off the werewolf damage.

Reid finally heals off all his aggravated damage and finally learns that his arm is gone for good. He frenzies about it.

Mary is next to visit Tammy in isolation, offering to help fuck with Sonelle some more. Toxic Yuri. She learned about the plan Reid had and has tracked down where the Mage is hiding. The two go there and discover that Sonelle is also working with Pentex. They're going to turn the gorehound into a cyborg. Mary and Tammy struggle to escape, but Tammy goes back to save Mary. Changing their dynamic forever. They caused enough destruction to get the cops called, which will stall the Mage.

Meanwhile in the city, Reid is in the center when the fullscale Sabbat attack happens. He receives three mysterious texts, alerting him to three places where attacks will happen. He follows one text to Dove's domain, where he is able to save her life from the Sabbat Salubri. The entire city is on lockdown and the kindred are meeting at the hospital run by the Tremere Regent. A massive fire has been started at the symphonium. Several kindred are missing or dead.

Tammy is once again secondary location'd. A traitor in the city convinces her to come with him, where he plans to hand her over to get back his childe and then defect to the Sabbat. Instead, the pack kills him. Reid is alerted to Tammy's kidnapping thanks to her using Melpominee to contact the Sheriff, and he is sent on the rescue mission. He arrives right as Lucifer is holding Tammy to her knees as Isabella, who was disguised as Miss Bell, raises the Eternal Flame to her face. Reid is only stopped from jumping forward by Silas, who warns him not to get in Zacharias's way. Tammy's eye and face is burned away by the divine flame and Zacharias uses some mysterious power to destroy or chase off many of the pack members. They bring Tammy back to the hospital, where they all fear her eye will not heal.

The final tallies are made. Three kindred are dead: the traitor, the Brujah Primogen, and the Prince's childe. Several more are missing, like the Nos Primogen.

Said missing Primogen contacts Reid asking for a favor: to break him out of the sewers where the Sabbat has him cornered. They were able to sneak into the systems during a recent upgrade. Reid groups up with Dark, a Nosferatu recently coming into the city, to fight through biomech monstrosities and get to Damien. Not without seeing that both Sonelle and Lucifer were down there. Reid wrestles with a frenzying Lucifer (thanks to a botched Animalism 5) while Dark unlocks the door to free Damien. Reid also got a soon-to-be-mutual blood bond with Dark after getting the shit beat out of him and needing vitae to heal.

Zacharias and Silas left the city just long enough to prepare, and returned with two more (Anarch) Ventrue in tow to try and heal Tammy's eye. Godfrey is unable to restore the eye with his Vicissitude, but at least restores the majority of Tammy's face.

Zacharias also brought in a Mage, Jack Frost, to cause snow storms to block up the airports and fuck with Pentex.

Reid is Summoned to Mariette's haven, finding it completely burned down after a certain Primogen decided to use the Sabbat chaos to cause more problems. Mariette chooses to fake her death, altering Reid's memories.

He is caught on the way back to the temporary haven by Malachi and his friend Kiara, who need help stopping a riot in the city. So much death has happened in the city that if anyone else dies in the riot, the Shadowlands will boil over into the city. The riot is being egged on by Vinyl, the Anarch Ravnos who seems to have her fingers in many pies. Reid luckily stops her from throwing a molotov and setting off the riot, and somehow talks them down with a speech.

Tammy's new haven, gifted by Zacharias, becomes the temporary home of 10 different kindred and a Mage. Godfrey tries to convert Reid to the Anarchs on sight. Everyone learns that Reid is legally alive and Zacharias makes preparations to fix that.

Reid trains Obfuscate with Saria, but also gets to train Spiritus with the Lady. This leads to a blood bond with her, but also permanent Hermetic Sight to see spirits. She apologizes for what impossible things she will end up asking of him, and he apologizes for only being able to offer her what he's capable of.

Tammy trains Melpominee with Prince Ruby, reaching Lv 3 and becoming an honorary Daughter of Cacophony... alongside the bloodline's weakness. She avoids being secondary location'd again, barely.

Tammy and Zacharias have a small outing. Zacharias takes her to see a baseball game, she finally gets the chance to give him a gift (a scarf), all before Zacharias was called away to save the Sheriff from getting murdered by Lucifer in the sewers.

MVP Ghoul Trevor was able to investigate and bring back information on Pentex... and Reid's doppelganger. He claims to be an Avatar of the Wyrm, is able to walk in daylight, and boasts the powers of kindred during the night. He is planning to find a way to use his kindred powers even during the day, and teach Pentex how to create such a thing. (As we learned OOC, he also can "diablerize" any person, devouring the soul of any creature to nourish himself.)

Reid's Beast suggests that he get back at Magdalena for Mariette's death by taking someone important from her. Not just kill, devour. Malachi is far too encouraging of the idea, and they keep it secret. The night before they make the attack on the young Toreador, Reid has a dream of exactly where she would be and when. Reid struggles to stake her, but succeeds and struggles even harder to fight his Beast (or something else) against devouring her. He fails, and diablerizes her. From that, he develops Vicissitude, the Privacy Obsession flaw, and Hidden Diablerie?

Finally the battle on Pentex's headquarters approaches. All the kindred of the city are briefed by the Lady, the temporary Prince. There would be several groups. Reid is teamed with Malachi, Dark, and Kiara alongside Mr. Carter to directly target Justine. Tammy is with Eleanor, Zacharias, Trevor, and Silas to target Sonelle.

The Lady has gifts for both Reid and Tammy. Reid receives a magic knife made of moonrock, which is extra effective against "enemies of Gaia." Tammy receives the Coat of Many Colors, which makes it where people will simply not notice her without immense effort. Burke also takes away the derangement that he gave Tammy, as he is leaving the city as soon as the airports are clear.

Plans go awry, as Justine was warned beforehand by someone that the kindred were attacking that night. Mr. Carter and Dark were left behind to fight several dire wolves. Reid and the Tremere chased Justine through the compound.

At one point, Reid is pulled away from his companions by Magdalena, who plans to kill him for Aubrey. She is a diablerist herself who has access to high level Vicissitude. Reid somehow hangs on long enough for Mariette to make her return. The two take down Magdalena together, Mariette diablerizes her, and Reid surprises everyone by proposing in the moment. Mariette accepts.

Reid and his Tremere resume their werewolf hunt, which leads them to the deepest level of the compound. The final battle begins on a descending mine elevator. The elevator's brakes are broken and they crash to the ground, where Reid was finally able to get revenge for his missing arm and finish off Justine.

Malachi, attacked by Justine, also revealed his hand. He lost control and revealed that he was a secret Baali. Despite this, he does genuinely care for Reid. He was the one who "shielded Reid's soul" after the diablerie, and curses Reid with Daimonion. "Save me from myself."

Tammy sneaks through the warehouse in a much different manner. After making it through a crowd of frantic employees and while Zacharias scouts ahead, Tammy jumps in to help a group of the Gangrel against some Fomori upper management. When she returns, Eleanor has disappeared. They discover Sonelle's lab, a mechanical jungle. First they battle her robots, Zacharias takes enough aggravated to have to be relegated to support, and Trevor appears as their secret Mage weapon. Dominated to not believe in magic, he causes Sonelle to wrack up a lot of Paradox. The final battle with the Mage occurs in a courtyard, where Tammy fights against the cyborg gorehound and Sonelle on her own.... until support from the Ringmaster and his magic horse Sleipnir arrives. When even the Ringmaster is knocked to the side, their final weapon reveals herself: Eleanor, with a live grenade. She blows up both herself and the gorehound, barely surviving, and opens the chance for Tammy to finish things off. Not-currently-Prince Ruby arrives to finish off the gorehound and care for Ellie, and Tammy finishes off the Mage. During all this, Tammy has gained both a Lv 3 bond to Zacharias, but also his pride and a forehead kiss.

The finale is Reid facing against his doppelganger, in the room where many high-level members of Pentex were meeting. Reid 1 and Reid 2, just count the arms. Reid is met by a flood of blood and gore. His Doppelganger tricked Pentex and killed them himself. He is Reid, yes, but he is also an isolated aspect of the Wyrm. It realized that even if it caused the apocalypse, God would still end the world. The Wyrm would still lose. So the Doppelganger's goal? Reach and kill God. He plans to tear down Pentex and rebuild it from the ground up for this.... and all Reid could do was let him walk away. He knew better than to think he could fight that.

There were no casualties, aside from Magdalena. It was a total victory.

we had to spend 5 days healing.

With Prince Ruby back in control, it is time for rewards. Tammy and Reid both receive temporary domains, with plans for permanent ones after the Seattle kindred are settled in the city. Malachi receives a reward that is a curse from the Tremere: independent study, where they are not allowed communication with the Chantry. They do not take it well. Mariette returns to the city and becomes the new Toreador Primogen.

Tammy and Reid will both have to get in on drug dealing in their domains, once they open and/or strongarm the sources of income. Among other problems.

The Malkavian Primogen asks yet another massive favor from Tammy, asking her to take care of a freshly embraced fledgling for a few weeks. The coterie has agreed to care for Annie, but have no idea what problems are about to appear.

sometimes I have to remember that our Camarilla chronicle has been going on for 19 months irl but in-game we've only gone through about 4 months.

[izayoichan]

“Pretty good, even Hayden and Vy got a shoot today.”

Vy starts preparing the sauce for the pizza, he's a bit sluggish but does it well nonetheless, and with Rylan's and Hayle’s, he remains alert. 

“Yes. We dressed like princes! It was fun! And I met Carl.” “Carl huh... I guess that was less fun?” “Yeah, Carl is less fun!” “Indeed.”

Hayle finishes making the dough,  kneading it well, quite liking this form for cooking as it gets out some aggression on the side. 

“Does this mean we get to see pictures? Normally when these things happen, you get to take them home, right?” “Yep, Madelene will send them later on.”

Vy hesitates and shrugs his shoulders. 

“He’s big. Taller than me. Maybe as tall as Hayden and Hayden is pretty tall! It's weird though. He looks a bit scary but hazy... I don't know what to make of him... But I didn't like him. He upset Rylan which upset Hayden.

He puts the sauce on the dough Hayle has finished kneading and rolling out. 

“So, what toppings do we want?” “Hmh... I have seen that sometimes too, the haze, but then the next time he seems normal.. if the guy has a normal.”

He shakes his head again, taking out every topping they would normally have on their pizza. 

“Upset Rylan?”

Hayle looks at Rylan wondering what this is about 

“He is just dumb... that's all. “

Hayle not looking quite pleased with the answer, but leaves it be.

“Toppings... hmh, well Hayden likes Pineapple, Rylan hates it.. so half and half on that maybe. Other than that, some meat, mushrooms and... hmmmh…. and of course cheese?” “Yes!”

Vy starts generously putting cheese on the pizza while Rylan sets the other ingredients then divides the pizza by half, putting pineapple on one half and not on the others. 

“Can you put it on the oven please?” “Yep!”

Hayle takes the pizza and puts it into the oven, motioning for Vy to sit down, by pulling out a chair. 

“I'll clean up, Rylan will cut potatoes and make bearnaise on the side, you just watch us and tell us when we do something wrong.”

Hayle chuckles as he hears Rylan mumble something about pineapple on pizza as he shakes his head and gets to work on the chips, they had bought a fryer to make them, a hot air one, and well, bearnaise, on the other hand, he had learned to do fairly well now, so he hoped he would manage without asking Vy. Vy just watches them, cook with a smile, happy to see Rylan has gotten a lot better at it, actually starts dozing off, coming to rather startled when he nearly hits his head on the island counter. He blinks confused, then ashamed when he notices Hayle looking at him. 

“... Humm…” “ You need to sleep Vy…”

Hayle has finished cleaning up, looking at Vy worriedly. 

“Tonight I am staying with Hayden, and you are getting a decent night’s sleep.” “You really do need to care for yourself Vy, as much as I love you caring for my brother... you really do need to sleep, or well moonlight, sunbath, something.” “I'm okay... I'm okay! Honest, just a little tired... I... “

He fidgets a little. Doesn't like the idea of leaving Hayden alone. What if Hayden needs healing during the night, what if he starts... drifting again and this time he isn't there to call him back. What if his heart stops? He doesn't voice his worries, but the orange glow is enough to say the worries going through his mind. 

Hayle walks over to him and hunches down so their eyes meet.

“He will be fine, he isn't that bad now, and you need rest Vy, I promise if anything happens, Chris will get you to him immediately, is that okay?”

He knows he worries, and he knows why, but he also knows that part of taking care of someone so sick as Hayden is taking care of himself as well.

“I just want you to rest, I'm worried about you.” “But... “

Vy looks down and sighs. He didn't want to confess, but he was always tired. 

“I'll sleep... I don't want to worry you, mister Hayle. I'll sleep, but you promise you'll get me if anything happens?”

“I promise, and you will have to do this a little more often from now on, it's not going to do anyone any good with you walking around like a zombie half the time.”

He puts a hand on Vy's shoulder, before he walks over to the oven to check on the pizza, the smell already spreading through the kitchen. 

“If you want, Chris can stay with you, and if needed I'll call and he can take you to Hayden in a second?”

He looks over at Rylan, wishing he could do something for him too. - “How about I stay with him? I mean.. not as I sleep?” “We can both stay with him?” “Okay,”

He doesn't want to admit that he doesn't want to spend the night alone, thinking he is being a big baby, but part of what Carl said has stuck to his brain, and he knows what a night of worry brings another panic attack. 

“Okay, this is done, the chips will stay warm where they are, and I can go poke my brother while you to watch the Pizza.”

Vy nods, then realizes what Hayle means by Chris popping him there in the moment.

“No portals! Or teleporting! No! What if”

He stops himself. He knows Chris would never take him anywhere that wasn't safe, so why he even thought of that was beside him. He plays with his fingers.

“O-okay. I'll rest tonight.” “It won't be needed your room is next to his after all. Besides, he would only take you to Hayden regardless of the distance.

He smiles as he watches Vy. 

“You know I see you as one of my kids right?” 

Vy plays with his hands, feeling oddly safe with Hayle like he can talk to him, yet that scares him. 

“... my mo-... there was someone who told me that before too... She still called the hunters on me when she found out what I was...I'm sorry, I know you won't do that but... I don't really have any family here... no one to miss me if the hunters catch me, only Hayden. And I'm sorry, I want to believe you, and I believe you mister Hayle, but... it's like there's this little voice on the back of my mind reminding me, asking me "What if they call the hunters? Wouldn't be a first..."

Hayle looks at Vy, listening to him, slowly realizing a little more where all the insecurity comes from. 

“I see... I know that these are only words, that someone has lied to you before, but I promise you, we would never do that.”

He kneels down next to him, taking his hands, squeezing them gently.

“I hope that one day you will trust us, but until then, we'll just keep proving your worries wrong. And, you are wrong in one assumption, Hayden would miss you, Rylan would miss you, Me and Chris would miss you. Lobo and Felix would miss you, and…”

He makes sure their eyes meet. 

“Chris would find you, and we would bring you home to us, no low life hunter is kidnapping my child.”

Beginning - Previous - Next

[pacificwaternymph]

Okay since a few of you requested to see it: Here's the empires/double life/last life mashup!

I need names for this AU! Please Give Me Suggestions!

Long ago, the fae courts thrived under the roofed forest. They imbued it with their own magic to make it more hospitable to their kind, filling the woods with a whimsical feeling.

But... the magic took on a life of its own. It twisted, and grew in power until it was too much even for the fae. It seeped into the trees themselves, into the creatures that lived there, turning them into monsters hardly recognizable to the animals they once were.

The fae, no longer able to control the magic, fled the woods to find a new play to stay. All... except for one. A relatively unremarkable, low ranking gentry, by the title of the Lady of Shadows.

She refused to abandon her home, and in time, the magic infiltrated her as well. It sunk into her soul, darkening it, warping it, making her truly... monstrous, until she could barely even be considered fae.

Though her appearance remained relatively unchanged, it was no longer her true form. Rather, her true form was writhing mass of shadows, an infinite void that when stared into, stared back. Gazing upon it for more than a few seconds was enough to drive any mortal, human, fae, or otherwise, to madness.

Centuries went by. The Fae eventually forgot about her as the monarchy changed hands, courts rose and fell, and titles got swapped around. and yet she didn't age a day. The Lady of Shadows became a Queen, and then an Empress.

It was only the curiosity of a young fae that discovered her, deep within the forest which had long since lost the joyous feeling it was once associated with, that they realized she was still alive. Still there. Still, against all odds, sane.

So yeah. Here are the characters:

Obviously Lizzie is the lady of shadows. She's not fae, although she used to be, and is pretty much omniscient within the bounds of her forest. However, her life is directly tied to the forest, so the further she is from it, the less powerful she gets.

Cleo is a gorgon who Lizzie found on the verge of death and brought back to life. She was able to save her mind, but... not her body, and as a result regularly falls apart and needs magic (and a needle and thread) to hold it all together. It's become something of a running joke between her and Lizzie.

BigB is Cleo's emotional support human. She met him shortly after she was turned into a zombie and he was the first person she didn't turn to stone upon looking at her, which led her to the realization that only living gorgons had that ability. Her snakes liked him so she just... took him home with her. Is it kidnapping? Maybe. Did BigB mind? Not really.

Ren is a werewolf who'd been held prisoner by hunters since he was a child, and used to hunt down other mythical creatures. He was rescued by Lizzie when the hunters made the mistake of coming after her, and he's now incredibly loyal and faithful to her, having not fully shaken the mentality instilled in him by the hunters, who treated him like an animal rather than a person.

Jimmy is a human who was cursed by a fae as a baby, so that all who loved him would die by his hand. As a result, Jimmy's parents, grandparents, and his best friend Tango all died under circumstances that were, directly or indirectly, his fault. For example, Tango fell out of a tree and snapped his neck while trying to get a ball that Jimmy had gotten stuck in the branches. Lizzie adopted him on sight after he handed his Name over to her without hesitation, believing himself to be a monster who deserved whatever fate she had in store for him (cuddles and a new older sister).

And SPEAKING of Tango. Yeah he's a fire spirit now. He really misses Jimmy, but has stayed away, mostly because he knows Jimmy probably feels bad about his death and doesn't want to make that worse. He only has a physical form within the Nether and spaces that have a lot of magic. So fairy circles, enchanted woods, all that. Outside of that, he's just kind of a floating ball of fire, like a little will o' the wisp. He's actually the one who led Jimmy to Lizzie in the first place when he entered her forest.

Joel is Lizzie's wizard husband. He's an eccentric.... theoretically human man. At least, he swears up and down that he's human, and for all intents and purposes, he does seem to be. Aside from basic magic, he doesn't really have any particularly defining characteristics to mark him as a mythical creature. But he also... has not aged. In like. 300 years. So... no one really knows what's going on with him and at this point they're too afraid to ask.

Katherine is the queen of the Spring fae, one of the four courts, each corresponding to the season. She and Lizzie are good friends, since both of them are very sweet in appearance, but absolutely terrifying to anyone who knows anything about them. Katherine is usually the one hosting events between the four courts, and invites Lizzie regularly, who brings the whole entourage.

Xornoth is the king of the Winter court, which makes Scott the prince. He's down bad for Jimmy, just... an absolute mess. He tries his best to be calm and collected around him (to impress him), but the second he gets home, Xornoth gets an earful about all the cute things Lizzie's little mortal brother did. He doesn't really understand how human courtship works, but he's trying his best.

Shrub is the queen of the Summer court. She's also extremely down bad for Katherine. Just... prebby buff woman... and that's pretty much all I've got for her so far. She's a wolf, obviously, so she and Ren get along pretty well because of that.

Gem and Fwhip are the twin rulers of the Autumn Court. They're pretty reclusive and don't tend to show up at most events unless they're hosted by the rulers of the other courts themselves, so there's a lot of mystery and intrigue surrounding them. Gem has deer features and Fwhip is like... half gargoyle.

Sausage is another human who's just... chilling with Gem and Fwhip. He mostly lives in a human village but occasionally will just get kidnapped if one of the twins is feeling bored and taken to fairyland for like three months. He gets dragged along to a lot of formal events. And because of this, he's definitely started developing a not so insignificant crush on the only other human at these gatherings, who constantly has a fire demon and the prince of winter attached to his hip, taking turns dancing with him.

Yes I am giving Jimmy three boyfriends in this AU. I debated with adding Fwhip to the mix but decided it doesn't really make sense for this particular scenario. Honestly might change that later though.

[neyafromfrance95]

Sylvie Laufeydottir in the Fanfics.

i love all the different takes on Sylvie in the fanfiction and i think that the fic writers should be bold when it comes to experimenting with her characterization, so i don't mean to be dogmatic or anything about it, but i think there is fun in trying to grasp the essential traits of a character and trying to write them as in-character as possible as well.

and if i'm being completely honest, there are not a whole lot of fics that have Sylvie characterized in a very "canon accurate" way.

i'm not saying that i am the one who has this correct idea of what kind of a character Sylvie is, but here are my two cents on what makes Sylvie - Sylvie.

first of all, here is what i think some people get wrong about Sylvie:

when she is reduced to exhaustion and stress.

it's true that Sylvie is an anxious character with many issues caused by her struggles, but Sylvie we saw in the series is passionate and driven.

when her one true dream and a final destination beyond revenge is settling down into a domestic lifestyle.

there is no hint of Sylvie dreaming about an uneventful, quiet, ordinary life. the flashbacks into her past suggest that her dream (and possibly her glorious purpose) was to be a hero. we see Sylvie living a low-key life in S2 teaser, and she doesn't look happy at all, she looks depressed af, which indicates that such lifestyle is not right for her.

Sylvie being sadistic.

i think the series makes a point that Sylvie is not sadistic at all. she never does more than necessary to her enemies, she is not cruel for the sake of being cruel. yes, she is feral and competitive, but those aren't the same as sadism. she puts Hunter C in a safe mental space while investigating her, she empathizes with Hunter B, she kills HWR with a quick stab. compare her approach to her enemies to pre-series!Loki's and Ravonna's - they tend to verbally hurt, scare and humiliate their enemies.

the only argument Sylvie has for fighting against Kang being "he wronged me."

yes, she is motivated by a personal vendetta. yes, she can be quite single-minded. but! her experiences with the the tva, awareness of who they are and what they represent, have shaped her worldview. Sylvie is an idealistic character, her revenge boils down to "he hurt me", but she has to believe that her mission is serving a good cause against the oppressive fascists. i believe this is why she is so discouraged and passive in the teaser of S2 - Kang tarnished her idealistic perception of her life's work. she doesn't feel like a hero any more, and it mattered a lot to her that she was a hero - Loki validating her heroism was one of the reasons why she fell for him.

Sylvie being a manipulative femme fatale.

another aspect of her persona that is portrayed very clearly in the series is her honesty. she is a straightforward character, always true to who she is. her kiss was not a deception, it was an expression of her feelings and emotions that exploded when Loki told her that he only cared about her.

Sylvie being overly-apologetic to the tva and Loki.

while Sylvie might feel like she fucked up and have an existential crisis, i highly doubt that she would feel apologetic to the very people who kidnapped her when she was a child and stalked her with an ill intent. "these new Kangs are bad so you were right when you destroyed my world and oppressed me" doesn't feel like an authentic Sylvie response. she most probably feels bad for pushing Loki away, but not to the point of self-depreciation and begging for forgiveness since she still felt backstabbed by him bc he did betray her, technically - he went back on his word and got in the way of her glorious purpose.

let's now move on to the aspects of her characterization that are pretty essential. i won't be elaborating too much on these for now.

she is assertive and strong-willed.

she does everything on her own terms, never compromising.

the themes of freedom and choice play a very important role in her story.

she has the pathological trust issues, and some anger issues as well.

she has probably been to every corner of the multiverse without ever settling in one place, so she never got to properly socialize within any cultural framework and she was exposed to the countless cultures. so, she has to be very nonconforming.

a glorious purpose means everything to Sylvie. it gives her life a meaning and is her driving force. out of all Lokis, it's probably Sylvie who values and prioritizes the glorious purpose the most.

she is truly like a feral cat in many ways.

she is the Multiverse Liberator.

(i always thought that out of all fictional characters, Sylvie is the most similar to Arya from ASOIAF btw)

but in the end of the day, we are still a new fandom, so it's understandable that there aren't many fics that have an astonishingly canon accurate characterization. it's ok and please don't hold yourself back from writing Sylvie if you are unsure about her characterization. the more you write and try, the better your vision of a character becomes! that's how the writing improves. also, i would encourage you to explore Sylvie's relationships with other characters as well. i mean, there is just so much to Sylvie's dynamic with Kang and Ravonna, it'd be interesting to write about Sylvie's journey around the multiverse, you all could let your imagination go absolutely wild, the Postman could be the ultimate OC in Sylvie fics (fancasting Will Sharpe, Sophia Di Martino's husband, as the legendary Postman)...

anyways, i think Sylki and Sylvie writers are some of the best fan writers out there (bc let's be real, there are not a lot of fandoms that characterize their faves very accurately to begin with), i'm only trying to say that if you are interested in writing very in-character, it won't be difficult since Sylvie is pretty strongly characterized in the series.

[charnelhouse]

Rescue Me

Pairing: Din Djarin x F!Reader Rating: 18+ Explicit Wordcount: +2.7K Request: Mando rescues a girl and develops a life-ruining crush.  Warnings: Innocence kink. Age Gap. Smut. Screwing someone to get the other out of their head trope.  AN: This is a drabble for ze 500 followers celebration. Someone just asked for Din anything so I went with this. This is definitely a younger Din who is still a bit of an asshole. Also I low key love when the character has to fuck someone else to get the other one out of their head. To confirm, the reader is definitely of age just much younger. 

“I don’t do rescue missions,” Mando grunts as he shuffles through the glinting blue pucks.

“It’s no different than hunting someone down,” Karga replies. “Just don’t kill her.”

“Her?”

“She’s a nobleman’s daughter,” Karga takes a long sip of his drink. “Kidnapped a week ago.”

“Why don’t they just pay the ransom?”

Karga frowns. “It seems like this was more in the vein of revenge. They haven’t made contact since they took her, which means this isn’t about credits.”

Mando stills, his fist clenching on the table top. “Do we have any leads?”

Karga’s lips twitch. “No. That’s why I’m asking you.”

***

Mando could curse himself. Karga had known exactly how to knead him, how to prod at his stupidly softening disposition. He had few weaknesses and one of them was a kid being potentially abused or hurt due to circumstances outside their control.

There were also a lot of credits on the line. An obscene amount. Enough to make full repairs to the Razor Crest.

Mando shifts in his seat. The Silent Sun cantina is packed to the brim. Loud music. Louder jeering. Purple-blue light that is near-blinding him to the point where he has to switch the vision on his helmet to something more subdued. He needs quiet. He needs stillness. He needs to hunt.

He’d managed to track you all the way to Coruscant where he’d beaten the shit out of enough lowly individuals to figure out that the Black Sun had taken you. He’d actually second-guessed himself when he heard that little piece of information. The Black Sun was nothing to underestimate, a criminal enterprise that had its claws sunk into every political party in the galaxy. Mando had even worked for them when they had needed muscle for a few rounds of smuggling trips.

As a young bounty hunter, the lines Mando had drawn in the sand had been far from rigid or clear. They blurred and blurred often when it came to credits. He had his Creed and his own set of rules, the moral standards outside of those rules really weren’t his problem.

Mando, by self-proclamation, had decided that he wasn’t a good person. He had done horrible things. Violent things. He had even enjoyed them. He supposes that saving a young girl could be one good mark against all that black.

He leans backward, stretching his arms out over the booth. The club goers had given him a wide berth when he had made his way through the room. He’s used to it, used to burning a hole through every space he stepped into. He isn’t even sure if it’s respect. Maybe fear? Those are two sides of the same coin, anyway. 

At least, to him.

He watches the head of the group get up from his table. Vigo. A thin man with a skull-like face and hollowed cheekbones. Swept back silvery-blonde hair. Creepy, Mando thinks. 

He trails his movements, takes note of the weapons on his person. He catches him patting his hip, fingers grasping at the hidden handle of a blaster. Mando knew they were keeping you, here, in the basement of the Silent Sun.

He’d just have to wait and follow.

***

He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t caught off guard the moment he laid eyes on you.

You weren’t a child. Young, but definitely not a child.

You’re tied to a chair, your arms restrained behind your back. Your dress is dirtied, torn and damp as your hair hangs limply around your face. Mando steps toward you, shoving one of his bloodied vibroblades into his belt. You lift your chin and he stops in his tracks.

You’re pretty. Not just pretty in the way, Mando would notice off-hand. Not simply attractive.

You are stunning. He is quite frankly stunned, which never happens to him because he’s a bounty hunter who has not once been disarmed by anyone - monsters included.

“Are you here to kill me?” you ask, resigned.

Your voice, the weariness trapped in it, shakes him awake.

He continues forward before dropping low so he can get a closer look at your face. You flinch away from him and he frowns. He had forgotten that you aren’t a bounty, you aren’t someone he’s going to toss into ice. You’re scared of him and a kind bedside manner isn’t in his wheelhouse. 

You’re a fucking idiot, he thinks to himself.

“Not here to kill you,” he offers before he cautiously reaches out to you. You let him, leaning into his palm as he cradles your jaw so he can scan for injury. There’s a scabbed-over gash across your temple and a bruised lip. You’re no doubt dehydrated, but he doesn’t want to push his luck by man-handling you without permission.

“Are you hurt anywhere else?” He moves behind you, cutting the wiry rope. You gasp when he releases your arms, kneading at your skinned wrists. He’s not about to pry into what you may have endured. The Black Sun is professional in some sects and horrific in others. He doesn’t know how deep your wounds might go and he stops himself from asking you outright. Mando, if anything, is excellent at self-control and fucking terrible at tact.

Your forehead wrinkles as you shake your head. “Is- are they dead?”

He nods. “I don’t think I left anyone ali-out.”

Something cold sears through your expression. Something shadowed and dangerous. It looks strange coming from the clear, sweetness of your face.

 “Good,” you hiss. 

It shouldn’t turn him on, but it does. Of course, it does. He swallows the unwelcome thoughts that come bursting through his thick skull. You’re a professional. She’s literally traumatized.

He gingerly lifts you up, letting you lean into him. “Sorry,” he mutters. “Beskar isn’t very comfortable.”

You shrug before presenting him with a devastating smile, a half-moon grin that shines bright against your bruised-red lips. It makes him ache. “Better than the chair,” you reply.

He forgets himself, nearly tripping over the dead body of the guard as he helps you back to the ship.

***

Mando knows that he is not in love.

He is infatuated. He is obsessed. He is harboring the most intense crush of his life.

The trip back to your home planet takes weeks and in those weeks you have managed to ease yourself inside his gut. You’re a young thing. You know little to nothing of the world outside your father’s house. He’s certain that your kidnapping has marked you permanently. It might never leave. The first true terror, the first dose of nightmarish reality, that had sought to scar you when you didn’t deserve it.

You tell him about your life at home, about your tutors and the few friends you’ve been able to make. You tell him how dull it all is and how this is the first time you’ve actually flown through the galaxy.

He studies your expression when you peer through the canopy of the cockpit. You suck a breath in when they swim through hyperspace, your eyes glistening with an unsaid emotion that makes Mando turn away.

“Do you think it’s wrong that I’m a little happy this all happened?”

Mando goes rigid, his hands clenching tight around the controllers. “I’m the last person you should ask when it comes to questions about wrong or right.”

You tilt your head before gripping his wrist, startling him. “I know you’re getting paid for this, but thank you. You saved me.”

After that, Mando takes every opportunity to point out planets to you. He even skips a few hyperspace pathways, decidedly opting to travel the long way back to your home.

***

He feels gross. He feels slightly perverted for wanting you so badly it hurts.

It’s not even about how lovely you are. You’re just kind in a very simple, straight-forward way. You make him want to protect you - save you - keep you to himself so that something like the Black Sun can never happen again.

He is close to losing his head.

You sleep in the tiny cot while he takes the chair in the cockpit. When you shower, he touches your sheets, lifting his helmet momentarily to smell them like a fucking akk dog. He strokes himself off in the fresher, shoving his brow against the slippery wall as he envisions you spread and open beneath him, taking his cock for the first time. He imagines licking your untouched pussy until your thighs shake, until you soak his chin so he can slip inside you more easily.

Just relax. Just let me make you feel good, pretty.

And all the while he thinks of your mouth parting as you sob: Mando.

Or maybe - fuck maybe - you say his own name. The real one.

It is too fucking much. He is lost to the point of distraction and he knows that he has to do something about it. When they stop to refuel, he tells you he’s going to get supplies and that he’ll be back as soon as possible.

You’re staring at him in a pleading way, your full lower lip sucked between your teeth as you longingly peer out at the bustling streets. Once again, he forgets himself as he cups your chin, forcing your gaze to meet his.

“This place is too dangerous for you,” His thumb brushes across your cheek and his stomach twists when your lashes flutter. “I swear I’ll show you around the next stop. It’ll be safer. More to see. This place is a shit hole.”

You soften. “Okay. I’ll wait here for you.”

For you. It hits him in the chest. For you.

He doesn’t know why he’s promising you anything. He doesn’t owe you shit beyond getting you back to your father. But there is guilt bubbling inside him. Guilt at the reason why he’s actually going into town.

**

It’s entirely because of you. He’s not ashamed to admit that truth to himself.

The brothel owner asks what he wants and he immediately says that he doesn’t care.

Then, he rethinks.

He requests someone with your hair color, your skin tone, anything close to the shape of you. It’s sick. He would actually die if you knew what he was doing.

You’re too fucking sweet for him. Pure and soft and generous and nothing that he’s used to. In terms of lovers, he has always opted for the wilder ones, the ones forged in some form of violence that matched his own. He wanted teeth and scratching and hands around his throat. He wanted pain.

No names necessary. Just open, wet tightness and someone screaming beneath him.

You deserved time. You deserved the kind of pleasure that brought tears to your eyes, that made you understand how damn good sex could be.

Mando steps into the cramped room. It smells like sweat and cloying lotion. The overwhelming aroma of red-wax candles and incense and herb-scented oil.

The girl in front of him could be you if he squinted...from thirty feet away.

It’s not like it matters. It doesn’t. This is literally stress-relief, a solution to the nagging problem of having you burning star-bright through his brain at all hours of the day and night.

“I’ve never had a Mandalorian before,” the girl husks and her voice is all wrong.

“Turn around,” he orders as he undoes his belt. He had to be back to you within the hour.

For you. 

She slips onto the bed, getting on her hands and knees. “I want you to pretend for me,” Mando growls as he runs his gloved hand over her back, He’d be bare for you if he ever got the chance. He’d take you in the dark so he could touch you with his tongue and every part of him you had yet to know.

“Pretend I’m your first,” he grunts as he sweeps his leather-clad fingers through her folds.

**

It doesn’t work. He tries for a solid five minutes to handle the girl in front of him like she’s you. It’s impossible. First off, he’d never take your virginity from behind. He’d never just spit on his cock and bury himself inside you.

He’d get you ready, wedging himself between your thighs so he could make you cum in his mouth before gently nudging the head of his cock into the tight clutch of your pussy.

Secondly, he’d never fuck you in his full armor. He would never treat you to the sharp edges and Beskar and leather. He wants to give you softness, which is something that Mando has no experience with at all.

The girl tries. She shoves her face into her pillows, moaning about how she can’t fucking wait to take his huge cock before changing direction and sobbing about how terrified she is.

No. 

He definitely does not want that. If he fucked you, it would be on your own terms and it would be because you wanted it. If you told him you were scared, he’d stop and maybe buy you one of those honeyed rolls off a food cart and then worship you from afar until you’d like to try again.

Mando sighs before he just does it like he usually enjoys. He balls her hair into his fist so he can anchor her against him and then slides his cock to the hilt. It’s quick as he splits the girl apart with each harsh ram of his hips. She cries out, clinging desperately to the sheets as he angles himself down so he can thrust deep, hitting the soft, spongy center of her. He screws his eyes shut, letting himself go to sensation, enjoying the way the slick walls convulse around his pumping length. He thinks of you. He thinks of how molten you’d be, how wet you’d get for him. He reaches around to rub at her clit, pinching in time with each of his impatient strokes.

The girl screams and it ruins the fantasy, dousing him in cold water. He slams his palm over her mouth, dragging her body up so that her spine is curled against his cuirass. “Just - just be quiet,” he grits out as he grinds into her. “Fuck - just - just hold yourself like that.”

He rests his helmet against the back of her head as he jars her upward with each sharp snap of his hips. He tightens his hand on her waist, squeezing and kneading as her cunt spasms around him. There’s sweat pooling at his lower back. His throat is dry as the warm hit of his orgasm builds at the center of his belly. It rises, grows quick, and Mando thinks of you when he digs his nails into the girl’s shoulder to bring her roughly down onto his pulsing cock. 

He pants your name as he cums, tugging himself out of her and rolling onto his back so he can jack himself off. The warm threads of his spend mark his gloves.

***

By the time he sits up, the fog of sex and fantasy fades to an unsettling blankness. As he stands, he is overcome with queasiness. He fumbles with his pants before storming out of the brothel. He can’t get his head on straight, his ears are buzzing with a faint ringing. He hadn’t even kissed that girl and yet he can taste her on his tongue. His limp cock is still damp between his legs. His cape is smoky with incense and the stench of wax.

When he arrives back at the ship, there’s no surprise that you’re waiting for him.

He tries to rush past you so that he can wash off what he’s done. There’s the sour rise of bile frothing at the back of his throat. He feels even worse when he sees your lovely eyes shining up at him, your comforting smile as you greet him at the door. 

“Sorry,” he mutters. “I just need to get - “

No luck. 

You reach for him, your fingers locking around his wrist before he yanks it away. He’s dirty right now. He can’t have you touch him. 

He gives you a sidelong glance and immediately regrets it. You’re frowning at him, obviously hurt.

“I just - I thought I could help organize the supplies you brought back.”

His stomach drops.

Fuck. Fucking shit. How fucking dumb could he be?

Of course, his hands are empty. He’d intended to grab medical supplies and food for their dinner and he’d just flat out forgotten after leaving the brothel. He stands there like an idiot, his helmet blankly pointed at you as you wrap your arms around your waist. It’s a defense mechanism. You do it when you’re uncomfortable or when you talk about anything upsetting.

He knows this because he knows you. He’s studied you. He’s made it his job to understand you and keep you happy.

You’re not an idiot, he watches you watch him. There’s perfume and sweat wafting off of his clothes and even though you’re not exactly well-versed in intimacy, it’s not difficult to parse where he’d been.

Your mouth parts, your eyes widening minutely. He steps toward you and you jerk away from him.

“Sorry,” you mumble as you hurry to the ladder. “I’m - I’ll be in the cockpit. Ready to leave when you are.”

And then you offer him the most heartbreakingly strained smile before disappearing to the second level.

He...he had just fucked himself. He had just hurt you quite spectacularly. 

Mando rubs at his chest as he stumbles to the shower. He manages to hold himself together enough that he can get the door shut. His self-hatred escalates to a full explosion. When he shatters the mirror over the sink, the sound is muted beneath the heavy pelt of the water.

**

Part Two

Probs will write a part deux to this bc obvs they gotta bang and Mando needs to redeem himself. LMK LOVES.

[amorevolousfaith]

Chapter 4: Monster Hunt

Pairing: Din (Mando) Djarin X Reader

Rating: 18+ (MINORS BEGONE!)

Word Count: 2.1K

Warnings: Cannon violence, decapitation, adult language, mentions of kidnapping, Proselytism, Chaotic energy, lots of sexual tension, smut, sexism, consumption of alcohol, talks of polyamory, talks of drugging, fucked traditions, allusions to smut.

Summary: You and the Mandalorian have a complicated history and your future just seems to get more complicated as you go along. No thanks to the strange alien baby you both ended up co-parenting.

“Off,” I hiss, waving off a Jawa when it reaches out to touch me, Mando whips around but the Jawa hurries away before he could pull his blaster. I yelp when we hit a bump, Mando being the big fellow he is, hits the top of the small room. The Jawa around us laugh as a low growl rumbles from the helmet. When we get closer to our destination we are escorted to the opening hatch of the fortress, upon its opening I exhale a sigh of relief. Thank the gods.

I place the child in his cradle on my own accord for once before checking over my weapons. When Mando and I determine we’re ready we set off the track the Jawa pointed us in, “I’m not familiar with what beasts live on this planet, we had many on my home planet, so surely I can apply similar tactics if the beast isn’t one I know of.” I mumble out, stepping off a large rock and on to another one. “I don’t think taming it will be enough this time.” Mando informs, “I’m aware, very few species give up their young without a fight. I’m fully intending to kill it should I have to step in.” I grunt, easing myself off another rock. 

“I thought your kind doesn’t kill beasts?” Mando quips, “My kind, Mando, are the best monster hunters known to the galaxy, however our religion knows us as beast tamers. We live in the same society you do Mando, we have mouths to feed and clans to care for.” I hum. “Every life has value to us, and our job doesn’t make it easy. We find solstice in knowing that we value the life we’ve taken, we make it quick and un-sufferable, unlike the many other monster hunters that roam the galaxy who do it for pride and sport. A prolonged death is the greatest sin of them all where I’m from.” I scoff with an eye roll. “Comforting,” Mando chimes, but unlike his usual one-word responses with one seems genuine.

The three of us soon arrive at a cove of sorts, the bottom wet with mud and a cave on the farthest end. I scan my eyes over the muddy ground scanning for footprints of any sort, “Stay out here, I’ll go in and grab the egg. Hopefully we can get in and get out without the fuss.” Mando informs. I highly doubt that will be the case, but I allow him to proceed with his plan despite all the unknowns. I keep the child close by as I continue to scan the ground, I find a clump of muddy hair and one good footprint before I can finally determine what egg we’re after. And I can guarantee this won’t be as easy as Mando hopes, Mudhorns are creatures who are lonely but aggressive. They isolate themselves so should you find yourself wounded by one your pretty much fucked.  

My suspicions are confirmed as a rawer echo from the cave and red lights flash inside.  I cringe as Mando comes soaring through the air and out of the cave, “Is it a Mudhorn?” I question, Mando doesn’t get to answer when the creature emerges from the cave. “You couldn’t have guessed that earlier?” Mando grunts standing to his feet, “Didn’t have a reason to guess,” I call back. Mando raises his rifle but I see that it’s jammed, how could it not be when there’s thick mud covering every inch of it. My eyes shoot over to the beast as it lets out a rawer. Mando is still trying to unjam his rifle, when the beast charges at him. I watch Mando fly across the cove when he gets hit, I push the baby’s cradle back, inching us closer to the closest edge.

However, we’re quickly spotted, I curse and shove the baby’s cradle out as the beast comes charging at us next. I wait until the best is just a few feet away before diving out of the way and making it crash into the wall. I ignore the way mud soaks into my clothes when I land, I only get to my feet and push the baby further away from any possible danger. When the beast pulls away from the wall it charges at Mando again, Mando unleashes his flame thrower, but it does little damage as the Mudhorn presses Mando into the ground.

Mando uses his grapple next, a stupid move really, it only makes it easy for the beast to drag him around the cove. The cord snaps and Mando goes rolling back towards the cave, once again Mando gets hit and he flies through the air. The baby lets out a noise this time as he lands right in our line of sight.

“Okay, I’m stepping in. Stay here.” I instruct before wiping my hands off and drawing my blades. I rush over to Mando as he groans on the ground, “What are you doing?” He hisses, “Backing you up!” I call back. I point my blade at the beast, “Can you get up?” I question, keeping my eyes locked on the creature when we come to a standstill. I hear Mando raise himself from the ground. “You're not in armor, you won’t survive a hit like I have.” He calls weakly, “I don’t plan to get hit.” I answer back softly, the Mudhorn in front of me knocking its horn to the ground aggressively.

The creature makes the first move, charging at us, “Get ready to roll out of the way.” I call back as it gets closer. The beast is big but heavily ill balanced. If I can dodge it I can slide out of the way and slice my blades into it before it can change directions. “Mando!” I cue as it gets in prefect range, however as I dodge the beast starts to float. My mouth falls open as the large creature levitates off the ground. Mando, still idiotically in the same place before, stares up at it as well. Mando gets to his feet and holds up a knife, but my eyes are drawn over to the child who sits up in his cradle. His big brown eyes closed and tiny hand raised in the direction of the beast. Is he… Is he doing this?

The child starts to tremble like his tiny body is going to give out and as soon as it does the beast hits the ground with a thud. I don’t waste any more time before spearing my blades into the Mudhorn, the beast lets out a wail and struggles. “Kill it Mando!” I grunt keeping my blades embedded into the beast as it tries to shake me off. Mando strikes the beast and it falls to the ground. Once it falls, I pull out my blades and use all my strength to slice against its throat, effectively making sure it’s dead. I heave in heavy breaths as I fall to my knees, starting to process what I just witnessed and what just happened as the adrenaline starts to wear off. I vaguely see Mando look at me briefly, but before he could speak I point to the cave where the egg still lays.

Mando wordlessly followed the silent order and retrieved the egg, gently tugging me to my feet when it’s time to get out. “The gods welcome you home,” I call to the dead beast before standing with my blades, I use my cape to wipe off the clumps of mud before sheathing them. I then walk over to the child, he’s slumped back but I can see his tiny body breathe deeply like he’s sleeping. “Mando, you saw it too, right?” I question gently, like I’d wake the sleeping child if I talked too loudly, “Yes,” He answers just as softly.

Mando and I didn’t speak on the way back, both of us trying to process the new development. The Jawa looks as if they’re just about to leave by the time we arrive, both of us tired and covered in mud, but bearing the egg they desired so much. “Mando!” Kuiil calls, “We have it!” I call back, “We have the egg.” I sigh out triedly. The small creatures swarm us chanting their phrase as Mando hands them the egg. I feel my face twist up as I watch them slice off the top and dip their hands inside, eating the yellow yolk like barbarians. I scoff, way too tired to even think how crude the little hellions are. I follow Mando over Kuiil, “I’m surprised you waited.” He comments, “I’m surprised it took you so long,” Kuiil comments in return. I snort at the response, “Is there any way we can get the parts and go? I don’t want to be in mud any longer than I have to be.” I grumble.

I hear the Jawa shout something over to us, “They say you are free to use their fresher,” Kuiil informs. “Absolutely not.” Mando chides. I let out a groan as the Jawa started to load up the cart full of our missing parts. I fall asleep on the way back, Kuiil and Mando mumbling to each other as I drift off to sleep. I’m surprised the Mandalorian didn’t pass out with all the hits he’s taken, but then again, he is a Mandalorian. We reach the ranch by the time I wake up, and by the time we reach the ship it’s nightfall. Kuiil brings out some lights he brought when we stopped at the ranch as I look at the massive load of work in front of us.

“There’s no way we’re gonna get this to work without a full maintenance facility,” Mando mumbles, I scoff as I walk aboard the ship and dig out my spare bag of clothes. The Gods were in my favor when the hellions raided the ship but failed to get their grubby hands on the clothes Mando and I kept stashed away on a high shelf in the bunk. “I don’t know about you Mando, but I’m changing.” I grunt carefully pulling out my clothes, “Would you mind if I took some water from your well to clean off?” I question over to Kuiil. The Ugnaught waved me off as Mando stood silent. Wordlessly, Mando pulled the blanket off the bunk and handed it to me, “Hang it up and use it as a curtain.” He explains shortly before walking away. A small smirk spreads to my lips. One thing I could always admire about Mando was that no matter how much of an ass he could be, he was always a gentleman first.

I use the clean water to scrub off the mud before changing into clean clothes. I dump out the dirty bucket of water before moving back over to the well, “Kuiil,” I call as I see the Ugnaught move into his hut. “Would it be too much to ask for another bucket of water?” I question with a shy smile. The male lets out a deep chuckle and shakes his head, “I have soap too.” he offers. “I would be deeply grateful.” I exhale softly, The ugnaught nods before stepping into the hut. He comes back out with a bar of soap and the tools he originally went to receive.

Before the men can start the repairs again, I manage to convince Mando to change clothes and give me the mud-stained ones. So, while they put the ship back together, I cleaned clothes and kept my eyes on the still sleeping child. Occasionally I’ll run checks when they think they’ve managed to complete something. Days of work end up being a whole day and night of work with all three of us working together. When the ship is up and running, I start to gather our things as Mando thanks Kuiil.

I pass Kuiil as I aboard the ship and he exits, “Good luck with the child and your partner, young lady.” He nods. “I hope we meet again, may the gods serve your favor.” I smile in return, the man mounts his beast and turns to us one last time. “Good luck with the child and may he bring you a handsome reward.” He calls, “I have spoken.” He declares before riding off. I knew he meant well, but it brought a slight pain to my heart to remember this child was bounty. “I offered him a position as a crew member, but he declined.” Mando spoke up as I approached, “The man wishes to live freely. I cannot say I blame him, freedom of oneself is the greatest treasure life could possibly offer.” I whisper, walking further into the ship. I climb into the cockpit behind the driver's seat, ever so gently I rock the cradle as the child sleeps. Dibu e Debu, Mando as right, I shouldn’t have gotten attached.

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