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prythianpages · 9 months ago

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But the Worms | Azriel

Azriel x Green Witch | Azriel is woken up by your daughter in the middle of the night to answer some of her questions.

warnings: fluff, dad Az

word count: 943

a/n: Just a short little fic that can be read as a stand alone. This was inspired by a scene from Bob's Burgers lol.

Rain pattered against the window steadily, accompanied by the distant rumble of thunder. Every so often, the sky would flare with a jagged streak of lightning, briefly illuminating the room with a cold, blue light before plunging it back into shadow. The storm was a familiar, comforting backdrop to Azriel’s slumber.

But his shadows, ever vigilant, stirred with a whisper of unease.

Azriel’s eyes fluttered open, drawn by the shift in his shadows. That’s when he heard them. The faint, hurried sound of small footsteps. His shadows fluttered toward the door as they sensed the hesitant shuffle against the wooden floor.

He didn't need his shadows to tell him who was on the other side. Had it been his first born, he'd never hear the steps as she loved to sneak up on him,. The door would've been open abruptly with no hesitation whatsoever but it's been years since she last had a nightmare. A nightmare she didn't welcome, at least.

That was not the case tonight. It was his second-born. Sweet little Alora, who, true to her name, should be dreaming of unicorns and rainbows as she loved to recount to him every morning, rather than being awake.

His gaze flickered to you. While Azriel was a light sleeper, you were a heavy sleeper and truth be told, you were sound asleep, back turned toward him. A shadow tenderly caressed your back before he shifted his attention back to the door. He was already sitting up in the bed, blinking away the sleep or at least trying when the door opened quietly, muted with the help of his shadows.

Alora stood at the door. Her hair, the exact shade of yours, was disheveled, the bangs she cut herself last week splayed over her forehead awkwardly. A rite of passage, you had called it, reminding him that your first born had done the same.

Her eyes, the exact shade of his, were wide and glistening, and there was a pout on her face.

Azriel’s chest tightened at the sight, wanting nothing more than to soothe whatever troubled her, despite his fatigue. He extended his arms out, and Alora ran right into them, her small frame immediately enveloped by his.

Cradling her to his chest, he pushed her bangs back and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. “Did you have a nightmare?” He asked, voice still heavy with sleep.

“No. I haven’t slept at all,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

Azriel frowned, glancing at the clock. It was well past midnight, and his eyes were begging for sleep, lulled by the rain falling outside. ��Is it the storm?”

Alora placed her hands on his chest, pushing herself up slightly. She spared a glance to your sleeping form before leaning in closer to her father, careful not to wake you with her voice. Though, Azriel doubted you'd wake at all.

Her hazel eyes, so innocent and pure, stared into his own. “Do you think worms have dreams too?”

Azriel's heart softened further. Her worries were so small, so wonderfully trivial compared to the burdens he had carried as a child.

“I’m sure they dream,” he murmured, gently pulling his daughter's head back to his chest, wishing for her to always have such simple worries. He also hoped she’d be content with his answer and finally drift off to sleep herself.

“But what do they dream?”

“The same things you do.” He replied, trying to stifle a yawn. He snuck a glance at you, still oblivious to your daughter’s insatiable curiosity.

“Do they get nightmares too?”

Azriel fought back his groan. He loved his daughters deeply and strongly. He would go through all ends of the world for them. Any other time, he would entertain this conversation fully, but it was late, and Alora should be fast asleep like her sister.

“Mel says worms come out when it storms so that we don’t hear their cries.”

Speak of the little devil herself. Mel was sure to get an earful from him. Tomorrow morning, or rather, in a couple of hours. Azriel took a deep breath, trying to muster the energy to explain, his body aching for rest.

Azriel could hear the thoughts swirling through her mind as she continued. “Why would they cry? Is it because of the bad dreams?”

“Don’t listen to your sister,” he said gently, running a hand through Alora’s tousled hair.

“But you told me to listen to her yesterday morning.”

“I did,” Azriel replied with a slight grimace, regretting that decision immensely at this very moment. Granted, he had said that after Mel told Lor to stop riling up Sprinkles, her pet scorpion. “But that’s different.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’ll explain tomorrow,” he said, his voice a mix of patience and weariness.

“But the worms–”

“The worms don’t have nightmares and they come out during storms because they love the rain. Now, go to sleep. Please.”

Alora let out a small gasp, her hand losing its tension against his chest. “You promise?”

“Yes.” Azriel replied quickly, not certain what exactly he was promising. He'd deal with it later.

“Okay.”

When he finally felt her body relax in his arms, he let out a breath of relief. He held her tighter in his arms, shifting them to face in your direction before settling Alora between you both. He didn’t have the energy to take her back to her bed.

He gladly gave in to the heaviness of his eyelids, his eyes closing shut and ready to embrace sleep under the comfort of the rain once more--

"Daddy?"

He didn't bother opening his eyes. "Yes?"

"I love you."

His lips tugged up into a smile. "I love you too, my sweets."

Alora snuggled closer to him, tiny hands grasping onto his larger one and placing it over her face. She always found comfort in his touch, despite the scars that marred his hands. It was something that never failed to make his chest swell with warmth. Along with the way both his daughters always looked up to him, eyes full of affection and admiration.

His thumb caressed her cheek, soothing her as his shadows settled back into their corner of the room, curling into the bed Alora had gotten them for Solstice this year.

For centuries, his shadows had slept among other shadows, usually underneath the bed or in the corners of rooms. But Alora had felt bad for them one night, and when shopping for Solstice this year, she had asked you to take her to the pet store and picked out the softest bed for Azriel’s shadows.

Though his shadows had never complained or shown any interest in comfier sleeping habits, they had vibrated with excitement at the sight of the gift. Now, they slept there every night, happy and content, snuggling amongst one another and curling into a ball.

As his thoughts began to blur and drift, the world around him softened, the edges of his awareness becoming fuzzy and indistinct. Now that he knew your daughter was okay and her curiosity satiated, he could go back to sleep.

His breathing slowed, deep and even, matching the gentle rise and fall of your own breath. Just as he was about to give in to the sweet embrace of sleep–

“Daddy?”

He could barely manage a grunt in response.

“Would you still love me if I were a worm?”

Oh, this was definitely your daughter.

series tag list:@fxckmiup, @aria-chikage

General tag list: @scooobies, @kennedy-brooke, @sillysillygoose444, @lilah-asteria @the-sweet-psycho

@daycourtofficial, @milswrites, @stormhearty, @pit-and-the-pen, @mybestfriendmademe

@loving-and-dreaming @azriels-human, @mrsjna

#azriel x reader #azriel x you #azriel x y/n #azriel fluff #azriel acotar #azriel fanfiction #azriel fanfic #acotar x reader #acotar fanfiction #azriel imagine #azriel drabble #az!dandelions #azriel x witch reader

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tightjeansjavi · 1 year ago

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The Rite of Movement | drabble

“creamy”

A/N: in anticipation for the suction cup dildo I ordered myself…😵‍💫

~word count: 750~

Summary: Joel watches as you fuck yourself with a dildo until he can’t help himself any longer.

Pairing | pornstar!joel x pornstar!female reader

Warnings: none, fluff, smut, domestic intimacy, established relationship, deep profound trust, amateur porn video, praise kink, sir kink, language, dirty talk, f!masturbation with a sex toy, oral f receiving, unprotected piv, soft!dom joel, reader and Joel and are stupid in love, readers nickname is baby love, reader has no physical descriptions, Joel is in his 40’s reader is in her 30’s, +18 minors dni!

series masterlist

Needy little hot breaths, and strained whines slip past your parted lips as you slowly work the thick, silicone dildo inside your slick, weeping little hole. A drool of your arousal drips down the crux of your thighs, staining the sheets beneath you. Your chest is glistening in beads of sweat, soft and glowing under the ambient lighting.

“Joel, please. I—I need more.” You whimpered, canting your hips upwards, desperate to feel more than what the ribbed silicone was giving you.

You had only recently grown accustomed to the idea of Joel being more of a dom towards you. It was baby steps in heed of the trauma you faced while working for Brazzers.

“Not yet, baby love. Keep workin’ yourself up. I know it ain’t as good as my cock, but you’re bein’ such a good girl, baby. Fuckin’ yourself so good on that cock. Wish you could see how pretty your pussy looks from this angle.” He hums, sinking down on his knees between your legs with the camera zoomed in on the small opening between the dildo plunging in and out of your cunt.

He licks his lips as his eyes zone in on your slick coating the silicone, squelching soft sounds of your velvety walls pulling the silicone in further and further to your wet heat.

“So fuckin’ pretty, baby love. You hear those sweet little noises your pussy is making? She’s so wet. She’s glistening…” he trails off, getting lost in the intimate moment of seeing you this up close. His cock twitches against the comforter pathetically, and he shifts his hips slightly for a moment of relief.

“Joel. Please, baby. I need—fuck—please.” You shallowly pump the silicone faster, breath hitching and back arching upwards on the mattress.

“Words, baby love. Tell me what you need. C’mon, pretty girl. Lemme hear you.” He said encouragingly, letting his palm rest close to your core, gently spreading you open further so he could get a better look. His pupils darken significantly, glazed over in lust, Adam’s apple bobbing and the thought crosses his mind again:

Ring. Ring. Ring. I need a fuckin’ ring.

“Need your mouth, sir.” You pant out, lashes fluttering as your internal muscles clamp down, squeezing around the silicone as another droplet of slick slips down from your hole.

“Where do you need my mouth, baby love. Tell me.”

“On my pussy. Please. I need your tongue, and mouth. Need it so bad, Joel.”

His chest swells with pride for your direct communication. He knows it’s a milestone worth celebrating, rewarding you for being such a good girl. He preens, leaning down to press a loving kiss to your pulsing clit, dragging the flat side of his tongue across it, moaning at the taste of you.

“Good fuckin’ girl.” He rasps, dark lashes shadowing even darker brown eyes that flicker upwards towards your blissed out face. “Eyes on me, baby love. Lemme see ‘em.” He softly demands you, stroking his thumb gently across your outer lips.

He grinds the heavy weight of his cock against the comforter once more, staining the fabric with a dribble of precum weeping from the slit of his cock.

Your eyes snap open at his request, chest heaving, thighs begin to quiver and shake the second you meet his heady gaze. The heat rises to your cheeks as you watch the slow drag of his tongue across your clit, flicking it back and forth, up and down all while keeping steady eye contact with you.

He looks so pretty, cheeks flushed, lips moist with his saliva and your slick. Eyes dark, pupils blown wide.

Your freehand releases its steel grip around the comforter and reaches down for his jaw instead, fingers brushing across his beard, cradling his face gently.

“Good girl, baby love. Keep lookin’ at me with those pretty eyes.”

Your pussy flutters around the silicone, squelching and dripping wet, staining the comforter further in your slick, heady aroma swirling around his head like a musky, sex stained halo.

“You look so pretty, Joel—you’re so pretty.” You preen, hips bucking upwards against his tongue.

“Never look as pretty as you do when you’re comin’ undone, baby love. So fuckin’ pretty creamin’ on that cock.”

You’re both insatiable as your orgasm washes over you, and you waste no time to pull the silicone from your weeping hole just as Joel tosses the camera to the side, crawling up your body and chasing your lips while you reach for his cock, guiding him inside of you.

Banners made by the lovely @saradika-graphics 💗

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woso-dreamzzz · 1 year ago

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Alcohol

Barcelona Femení x Teen!Reader

Summary: You come home to an intervention

It's not that you an actual alcoholic. It's not like you craved it everyday or you couldn't go without it.

You were English though so it was practically a rite of passage to get drunk in a park with your friends from cheap alcohol someone had bullied an adult into buying at the cornerstore. Of course, those times spiralled into massive ragers at someone's house but it's not like you drank when you were meant to be working.

Barcelona was the dream and you felt incredibly lucky to be approached with the chance to play.

But It meant less parties, less time in England, less time with your friends but you were fine with that.

You were capable of keeping your professional life separate from your private one.

You would train and train and train in Spain and then when international break rolled around, you would hop on the first plane back home and party your heart out with your friends.

You were slightly behind on the trends because of that so the first time you hit a vape, you sputtered and coughed and vowed to never do it again. You stuck to that for the most part unless you were blackout drunk but you never really remembered that anyway so it was like it never happened.

When training started back up again, you would go from a party to the airport and then back to Spain, slipping back into the house as quietly as possibly so as to not disturb Alexia.

Your head pounded as you slipped inside. You usually didn't drink too much when you were meant to go to the airport but you still felt a little bit tipsy but somehow, halfway to hungover.

You slipped the sunglasses over your face and took another long swig of your water. You still had the aftertaste of vodka in your mouth.

You slipped into Alexia's house quietly, dumping your bags onto the floor. You didn't have to creep around though because the light switched on and you jumped.

"Jesus," You said," Have you been sitting in the dark all this time? That can't be good for your eyes."

Alexia was sat on her sofa, arms crossed over her chest. Marta and Irene were sitting with her. All of them were wearing the same stern looks that you usually only saw from Alexia.

Alexia's face was murderous as she looked at you. It was the same expression as the one when Mapi took you to get a stick-and-poke tattoo without her permission. Mapi was still a little wary from the scolding she received.

You didn't like where this was going.

"Wearing sunglasses inside ruins your eyesight too," Irene said sternly and your throat bobbed.

If you took them off now then it would basically be incriminating yourself. This looked like an intervention already and you didn't want to confess to something like this if it was actually to do with something different.

So, you just shrugged.

"I've got a bit of a headache. It was a rough flight."

None of the three looked convinced but that was your story and you were going to stick with it.

"Have you got something to tell us?" Marta asked and you knew a trap when you saw one.

You shrugged again, breezily walking to the kitchen like nothing was wrong. Your rummaged around in the fridge, snatching out some breadsticks and hummus.

"Just that you really ought to hit the gym more, Marta," You teased," It's getting boring running circles around you."

You were deflecting but it's all you could think to do.

"Hmm. Really? That's all you have to say?"

You sighed. "Fine. You caught me. I was the one that hid your socks a few weeks ago. They're in one of the boxes in the physio room."

Alexia glared at you and snapped," Don't get smart. You know why we're here."

You scoffed. "Well, I know why you and I are here. We live here. Marta and Irene, though? Coming to steal our food or something?"

"I mean it," Alexia said. She was by far the most strict with you and you knew you were crossing lines by not confessing now but you'd already hit rock bottom. It was time to get the pickaxe out and keep digging.

"Why don't you enlighten me to why there's an intervention in the living room? I haven't done anything wrong?"

"Really?" Irene said," Can you explain this?"

She showed you a picture from your Instagram posted last night. There was nothing bad on it. There were no drinks or vapes.

You shrugged. "It's me and my friends? What, I can't have friends now?"

"Not friends who are bad influences!" Alexia snapped. She grabbed the phone and clicked on someone's profile that you'd tagged.

You knew you were doomed the moment that Alexia showed you the saved stories. This particular friend had a whole folder related to parties and you knew she posted on it regularly, just as regularly as you were a guest at them.

But, still, you were going to stand your ground, even as the evidence was played in front of you.

"It was a one time thing," You lied.

"And this?" Alexia said, scrolling through your friend's account. "And this? What about this one?"

"Oh my god," You laughed in disbelief," Is this really an intervention? I've not done anything wrong!"

"Well," Irene said," You're drinking underage."

"Ha!" You said," It's legal to drink underage in the UK so long as it's in the house. So, there!"

"And the vaping?" Marta asked.

You winced. "Not really my thing. I don't get the appeal."

"Well thank god for that," She said," One thing to check off the list."

"It doesn't matter if it's legal!" Alexia hissed," It's wrong! You're doing it excessively! I tracked the days! For almost every day you're back in England, one of your friends post about you all drinking at a party! It's excessive."

"God, Alexia," You said," That's obsessive. You need a hobby."

Her angry glare made you shut your mouth quickly as she stood. She approached you quickly and you backed up until you hit the wall.

"Maybe I would have time to have hobbies if I wasn't worried about you getting alcohol poisoning when I'm not around!"

"I can drink responsibly!"

"Can you? Because that video of you throwing up in the toilet does not look like responsible drinking!"

"It was one time!"

"One time turns to two and two turns three and then suddenly you're day drinking and you've got a problem!"

You rolled your eyes. "God forbid I have fun with my friends, Alexia."

"This is a bit more than having fun with your friends," Marta said," Is there no other way to have fun with them? Do you do things with them other than partying?"

You stayed silent.

"We're not doing this because we don't think you should have fun," Irene said," We're doing this because we love you and we don't want this to turn into a problem you can't cope with."

Suddenly, all of those was a bit too overwhelming. Your hangover was in fully swing and you were still pressing up against the wall, Alexia in front of you and Marta and Irene flanking her.

"I don't have a problem," You insisted though your voice sounded a little weak.

"We know. We're just making sure that it doesn't become one."

You sniffled a little bit and moved to lay your head on Alexia's shoulder as tears dripped down your face.

"I never see them," You said," I don't want them to stop being my friend because I don't go along with what they're doing."

"If they do that then they were never your real friends to begin with," Alexia said, gently untangling the knots in your hair as you cried against her shoulder," I worry about you when you go back home. I just want you to be safe."

You nodded against her.

The door swung open and you jumped.

Lucy came bursting in. "Sorry, I'm late!" She said," Have we already started the intervention? Because I have helpful images on the effects of alcohol poisoning! And a picture of decayed lungs!"

"Lucy," Irene groaned," That was meant to be an intervention, not traumatising!"

#woso x reader #barca femeni x reader #barcelona femeni x reader #barcelona femeni #barca femeni #woso community #woso fanfics #woso imagine #woso

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neteyamyawne · 1 year ago

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🫀— You Promised

༄ Pairing : Aged!up!Neteyam x Fem!pregnant!Reader

༄ Summary : You never thought about losing your mate, atleast not when you needed him the most in your vulnerable state.

༄ Warning : Angst! Lots and lots of angst, no comfort, crying, pregnancy, major death, depression, sadness, dying of a loved one and more sadness, maybe a smidge of fluff.

༄ Prompt : Holding their mate's (or child's) unconscious/dead body

༄ Word Count : 2.7k Proof read.

༄ Note : I love making you guys cry, idk why, I cry myself when I write this kind of stuff.

༄ Glossary : [Yawne] - Beloved, [Olo'eyktan] - Na'vi clans' leader, [Iknimaya] - Na've rite of passage, [tsahik] - Na'vi clans' spiritual leader, [Uthuru] - to seek refuge, [Paskalin] - sweet berry, [Skxwang] - moron.

◦ Angstmas || Masterlist

It was like any other normal day only if you were in your home and not in another strange clan that you've never known except for stories and political talks.

You lay on the soft woven mat, made by your mate just for you, a hand on your swollen stomach as the life growing inside moves at its own pace while you rest from the tiredness that comes with.

»»————-　𑁍　————-««

You and Neteyam mated right after he passed his Iknimaya, being the first in line to be the olo’eyktan and you to be his tsahik but it was all came crashing down when your father-in-law decided it was better to flee for the good of the clan and for the family as well.

It was the second month of your pregnancy when you had to leave your home forever, the strength of your mates arms held you up as you cried in his chest, hands shaking like a leaf as you watched Jake renounce his position as the Olo'eyktan to Terasem.

The tears in everyone's eyes, Neytiri’s sobs, Neteyam could only stroke the side of your head, pressing a kiss to your temple as he lead you to his Ikran “It'll be okay, Yawne, believe me, we'll be alright, I'll take care of you and our little one” he whispered comfortingly in your ear when you both mounted his Ikran and he placed you in front of him, your face towards him as he draped and covered you with his own shawl, he held you against his chest tightly before he took off with his family.

He had one hand on Seze’s reigns, controlling her moves through the air and the other on your back, under the shawl that was draped on your body, your face buried in his neck, your arms wrapped around his waist, so you could rest comfortably on the rough journey, he caressed patterns on your back as everyone flew more and more away from the forest until it was just the expanse of the water in front of them.

Neytiri kept glancing at her eldest son, pride blooming in her chest as she saw how much of gentleman her son is, the scene could only remind her of the time with Jake during the war, when they aligned all the clans, with a small smile she looked away, giving the couple some privacy as she moved closer to Jake's Ikran, bob, while running her hand through Tuk’s braids.

»»————-　𑁍　————-««

It took a week or more to reach the metkayina clan, Awa’atlu, they accepted your Uthuru, with much criticism and nagging, but they did, it wasn't the same since then, there was always a deep feeling in the back of your mind, reminding you, again and again that something is wrong or would go wrong.

Even now, 4 months later, as you rested in the mauri with Neytiri on the other side making dinner while the others were out for their lessons, as Neytiri didn't willingly wanted to take the lessons and would rather look after you because it wasn't recommended for you to start your swimming lessons yet, she was always there for you, no matter what.

Even then, it's only been a month or two since Quaritch started his search spree across all the water Na'vi clans for Jake, that was the one thing everyone was alert for after Tonowari gave us the news, you didn't want to keep that in mind, not in your condition, not when it added to your ever growing worry.

Neteyam came back later, seemingly happy to see you resting on the mat he made, and because he loved the beautiful curve on your belly, the sign that his little baby grew safe and sound, he also knew that you didn't like the ocean as much as the trees back home but it was doable, plus he would rather have his baby in a safe environment than a hostile one, which was the only reason he loved this place, for the sake of his family's safety was all he cared about.

On a good day, you'd join the group, watching them learn in the depths while you sat in the shallow waters laughing at their failed attempts until your stomach starts to hurt from laughing while clutching your bump or learning new things with them, even successfully befriending an Ilu and riding it safely that you could have options to move around Awa'atlu.

But on days like these, when your exhaustion hits a little too hard, he couldn't help but lay down behind your back and just wrap his arms around you and pull you into his warm hug.

You always knew it was him, by the way he'd kiss your neck gently, one large hand on your belly as he strokes it softly, his head nuzzled in the Crook of your neck “You know you don't have to pretend you're asleep when I'm right beside you, Paskalin” he whispered, hot breath lingering on the curve of it.

You chuckled at the tickling sensation, giving in after he catches you in your pretend sleep, once again for the upteenth time, turning around to face him while he strokes your cheek with his hand as the other caresses your belly, peppering your face with kisses as you giggled “Did you eat anything, Honey?” He asked in a whisper, picking up after his father to call you sweet human nicknames that he loved. Like father, like son.

He was disappointed when you shook your head “how many times have I told you to eat something every two hours? It's not good for the baby, yawne!” He whisper-yelled at you but the answer he got from you was just a chuckle “I wasn't hungry, Ma teyam, and i wasn't feeling well either, Now let it-” he just shook his head in disappointment “tsk tsk tsk, you should have told me or sa’nu, she would have-”

The sentence was left unspoken when the loud commotion and yelling was heard outside, the locals were screaming at something or someone and loud cries were heard, both you and Neteyam got up with Neytiri and made your way to the rage going on inside the supply tent.

Neteyam kept his arm around your waist as you entered the tent, shielding you from the hands that reached out to hit or hold you or him. He was surprised at the sudden uprise until he understood what was happening when he took in the gossip and looks he was getting and looked at his father who was trying to explain.

Ronal’s Tulkun, Roa, was found dead or rather murdered by the human, as well as her babe.

»»————-　𑁍　————-««

When Jake apologized and made his preposition on how to save the other Tulkuns from further harm, Neteyam saw Lo'ak running away from the crowd towards the diving edge, calling for his Ilu, immediately knowing what he was upto, he went behind him with you in tow after him.

“No way you're rolling out of here, baby brother” Neteyam said sternly as he walked in on Lo'ak strapping the saddle on the Ilu, Lo'ak halted, rolling his eyes at his brother in annoyance.

“I have to warn payakan about the pingers!” He snapped back but lowered his voice when he saw you behind Neteyam.

“No! you've gotta keep your skxwang ass here, you understand me?!” Neteyam said with a hint of annoyance lacing his, he didn't want another one of his brother's stupid mistakes to be blamed on him, not right now, not when he himself was about to be a father.

“Neteyam…Calm down” you whispered lightly, holding his arm back, you didn't want him to blow off on Lo'ak again, it could be done quietly and patiently.

Lo'ak on the other hand wanted to try and reason with him to let him go “he's an outcast, there's nobody to warn him but me”

Neteyam huffed, placing a hand on Lo'ak’s head, holding his brother in place “bro… why do you always have to make things so hard?”

Lo'ak hissed, flicking his brother's hand off his head in anger and defiance as his tone shifted to an aggressive one “No. You mean why can't I be the perfect son like you! The perfect little soldier! Who does everything right, has the perfect life and a perfect little mate and family! Well I'm not you! Okay?!” Neteyam sized him up and Lo'ak took a step back looking up at his brother and lowered his voice again “I'm not you..He's my brother! I'm going”

You were taken aback at that, you grabbed his arm making him face you as anger simmered in your eyes at what he just said “LO'AK!! What are you talking about?! He's your brother! Stop this right now! Is this how you talk to your brother?!”

Lo'ak skipped a look between you and Neteyam nervously as he took another step back but Neteyam stopped him by grabbing his arm tightly and forcing him to look “He's not your brother, skxwang! I am! And don't you dare talk like that again”

But Lo'ak was having none of it as he twisted his arm out of his grasp just when Tsireya, Ao'nung and Rotxo arrived giving Lo'ak a good distraction to dive into the water for his Ilu, Neteyam growled loudly before patting on Ao'nung’s chest “we have go behind him, he's going to payakan” he said urgently.

But something in your heart panged when he said that, a weird unease spreading to your chest again and you called out to him “teyam…please, don't go” you didn't know if it was stupid or not but you wanted to believe it “please, it doesn't feel right”

He looked back at you after he called his Ilu and came up to you quickly, cupping your cheek in his palm, stroking his thumb over your cheek, his other hand caressing your swollen belly, as he looked into your eyes intently, connecting your foreheads together and kissing your nose “Shh… I'll be right back, I promise, don't worry, I just have to put this Skxwang back in his place again” he whispered lovingly with a smirk, kissing your forehead one last time and giving your hand a tight squeeze before diving into the water with the others and following Lo'ak.

»»————-　𑁍　————-««

Your heart was pacing a mile per second, the feeling of dread getting worse when it was notified by Lo'ak that Payakan was marked by the humans and Neteyam was their with them, Almost half of the clan, including Ronal and Tonowari were gone to save them, but all you could think of was Neteyam.

Hours passed and the sun began to set, spreading an eerie red and orange hue throughout the sky, no news of anyone or anything, only the sight of the injured or fallen warriors broughton back to Awa'atlu filled your mind with nightmares you only prayed stayed in your dreams.

You placed a hand on your stomach, the feeling of your baby moving against your palm was enough to give you some courage to call your Ilu and riding over to the scene yourself following behind another group of Warriors who were sent back to help others.

»»————-　𑁍　————-««

The sight was a horror to take in as you sat on your ilu looking at the havoc the place was in, the ship sinking, fire ablaze on the water from the oil spill, the sky dusted in a amber color and dark smoke, as if matching the hell beneath on the water but your heart dropped when you saw the rock Island… with others gathered together around something.

Urging your ilu over to it, you climbed off of the creature before you saw a body lying on the rock and dread filled the pit of your stomach, the feet looked eerily familiar but you refused to think about it, it couldn't be… a cold shiver running down your spine, goosebumps spreading over your body as your breath hitched, before you could confirm your suspicions spider pulled you back, shaking his head, but that's all it took for your worst fear to come true, gears in your head turning as a scream erupted from your throat which ultimately caught everyone's attention in horror when they saw you, when you realized what you were looking at.

“NETEYAM!!!!! NO NO, GREAT MOTHER, PLEASE” you ran towards him but Neytiri stopped you, catching your body in her arms as your cries rang out for everyone to hear, thrashing in her arms as Jake came up to you “Shh look at me, look at me…” he whispered holding you back and not letting you see his body yet, placing his hands on your cheeks and forcing you to look at him as tears already ran down your cheeks.

“NO NO NO, NETEYAM, LET ME GO PLEASE!! please….” You sobbed as they held you back, Neytiri couldn't hold back either as she hugged you, your loss was far greater than any others, your knees gave out from the shock as they caught you once again before they let you go, knowing there was no denying it “It's going to okay, it's going be okay” Neytiri whispered desperately to calm you but nothing could soothe you in this moment.

Your heart almost stopped beating in your chest as you saw his lifeless body, crawling over to his side, with trembling hands as you touched his chest that was now covered in his blood, cold lifeless eyes staring up at the sky, as sobs wrecked your body, crying over your mate, who promised you he'd come back, who promised to spend the eternity together, now gone, forever.

Kneeling beside him as your wails of despair shook the heart of great mother herself, shaking your head in disbelief, as you held his limp hand in yours, only if he listened to you, only if he stayed back!

Your head laid on his chest, like the thousands of times before where he caressed your hair, as he hummed a sweet melody for you so you could sleep peacefully in his arms, listening to his heartbeat as you fell asleep, was cold, quiet and unmoving, as if the once alive, beating heart, never existed, you sobbed on his chest, blood coating the side of your face but you didn't care, holding his hand as if he would wake up and smile saying this was all just a dream and he was there with you, like he said.

Lo'ak placed a hand on your shoulder to comfort you but it only fueled your anger towards himas you snarled at him viciously and everyone was taken aback “DO NOT TOUCH ME, STAY AWAY! ONLY IF YOU EVER DID AS YOU WERE TOLD TO THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED, LO'AK!”

Your anger was justified and no one dared to stop you or invented in between, Your screams hit him like bullets as he didn't say a word, stepping back as you turned back to look at Neteyam's face, still unable to register the fact that he's gone and would never come back to you or your child ever again and your weren't ready to face it just yet.

“Teyam, please… you promised, right? you promised you'd come back to us, please, you can't do this to me, teyam… I can't do this without you, you promised to be there with me, to hold our baby, to hold my hand, you can't do this to me please, we- we…” you couldn't even form words anymore as more tears streamed down your cheeks, breaking down to the point of no return as your cries rang through everyone's ears.

They all couldn't handle to see your desperate attempts and cries to get him back, in hopes to get you back, begging any greater force would listen to give him back, their hearts breaking even more as they saw you placing his hand on your stomach one last time as you broke down completely, your head placed on his chest, watching the horrific sight of a mate mourning over her other half as their symbol of love grew inside her.

You closed your eyes and held him close one last time, holding his hand one last time, laying your head on his chest one last time, his hand on your stomach to feel his child for one last time as he still watched the darkening sky unmoving “you promised…”

Ho Ho Ho : @cryinginthemoonpool, @luvv4j4ybe11, @xylianasblog, @plooto, @itchaboi-itchyboy, @pandoraslxna, @taylormarieee, @thewiltedpeony, @neteyamswillow, @danniackerman, @hotdsworld, @zafrinaxyz, @xstarsdiary, @moondaisye, @puddle-nerd, @eywxveng, @minnory, @neteyamssyulang, @tavsianus, @ele-sme.

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penvisions · 1 year ago

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coffee and candor {one shot}

Pairing: Frankie Morales x Reader

Summary: Frankie picks you up for date number three and he's got it all planned out. Unfortunately, you're a little out of your depth with what he has in mind...

Word Count: 1.8k

Warnings: insecurities, frankie being excited and adorable gets it's own warning, competence kink, kissing, matching clothing, this is so fluffy and soft, um i think that's it tbh

A/N: while i'm still taking a short break from regular fic updates, this was a commission by the lovely @whocaresstillthelouvre. the prompt was 'nervous frankie x not outdoorsy! reader go on a hike early in their relationship'. i rather like how this turned out! i am still taking commissions even if i'm not working on wips at the moment. anything helps, please check out this post and this post to know more about what's goin' on in my lil corner. no pressure all all lovelies, i know things are tough for everyone! love y'll and hope the day is good to you ♡♡

ao3 link || navigation || main masterlist || ko-fi

Body tingling with anticipation, you wait on for the rumble of a truck engine to round the corner. You were nervous, this is only your third date with the man you had met by chance at a coffee shop. A mix up of to go cups and you found yourself placating a very tired and embarrassed Frankie Morales.

He had picked up your drink by mistake. But if you were honest, it was totally okay that you had to wait an extra few moments to get it remade before you blipped off to work, because it gave you the chance to chat with him and scrawl your phone number onto the cup that was supposed to be yours. His kind smile motivating you to be a little bolder than you normally would.

The truck does indeed rumble around the corner and within minutes you’re sat in the passenger seat with the radio playing low and cruising down the highway.

“So what did you plan for us today? The truck looks suspiciously empty.” You eyed the cooler sitting in the extended cab, lid propped open and empty. Then the simplistic backpack beside it, it was always in the foot space between the two front seats. Frankie had admitted to you that it helped to ground him to know he had essentials within reach at all times, just in case. You hadn’t pushed for more of an explanation, knowing he had faced more than a few situations he felt less than prepared for.

But the rite in the rain notebook with the matching pen he had in his pocket along with his wallet at all times told you he was good at preparing for anything within reason. The situations he faced out of his control had not been shared with you quite yet but you would be content if they weren’t, only wanting for him to tell you if he was comfortable enough to do so.

With pink tinged ears he turns to you with a lopsided smile.

“The pack has everything we need, don’t you worry your pretty little head.”

“Not worried, just curious.” Your tongue peeks out from between your teeth and you see the way his adam’s apple bobs in response. His eyes snap back to the road and you feel a giddy sense of satisfaction at having flustered him a bit. He’d been the perfect gentlemen, his large hands only skimming around your body to lead you through doors, a tentative palm on your thigh as you sit beside him. No kissing, at least not yet. You were hoping today would be the day.

“I figured we would get out of the city a bit, go on a hike. It’s a really short one, only a few miles. Not too bad of an elevation gain, cleared out of poison oak, leads to a view I really think you’ll like. It’s an easy looped hike, so I figured we’d have a bite to eat at the midpoint. I packed up some snacks too, plenty of water. Even got some bugs spray and sunscreen.”

He rambled on, excitement obvious as he detailed the plan for the day, his face lighting up in the most endearing way. He was totally in his element and you….you were not. When you didn’t quip back immediately, he loosened a curled fist from around the steering wheel and reached for your thigh.

“That okay?” He jostled you slightly, worry seeping into his voice.

“Oh, um, y-yes.” You tried to muster up a smile, but it paled in comparison to the one he had only moments ago.

“I knew I should’ve run the idea by you. You don’t seem as excited now,” His bottom lip was taken between his teeth, worrying the skin of it as he regarded your profile. The slight furrow to your brow, the way your hands were wound around the flaps of your open overshirt. You had picked out a tank top and shorts outfit, tossing on casual button up over it, not sure what he had planned initially.

The first date had been coffee: to make up for him stealing yours. He had been nervous, his energy spiking and waning as he admitted he didn’t do this often. Date. Get random phone numbers. Have a lot of free time. He was a dad, to a bouncy and energetic seven-year-old. Nothing to worry about on the baby momma front, she wasn’t a part of the picture. A story you didn’t push on either, just making it as comfortable as possible between you two for him to want to tell you.

The second date had been dinner, with him in an ironed outfit and you in a slinky dress. It had been so much fun, the excitement obvious as you both hoped for another chance to see each other.

And now, the third: a hike.

You did not hike. You didn’t do anything considered outdoorsy if you were being completely honest. You were a lazy, take the day off to look through thrift shops kind of person. A curl up on the couch with a cup of steaming coffee or a cocktail and a book kind of person.

“Hey,” He breathed, soft brown eyes watching the way you had closed up. “It’s okay. We don’t have to, I promise I won’t be mad.”

“You’re so excited, though.” You move a hand to tangle your fingers with is, hand still on your thigh. Your stomach flutters, his skin is calloused and warm.

“I get excited about spending time with you, hermosa. It doesn’t matter what we do.”

“I want to do the hike.” You insist, wanting him to go back to the enthusiastic way he had talked about his plans.

“Please don’t feel like you have-“

“I don’t feel like I have to, Frankie, I want to. Because you want to. Simple.” You squeeze his hand in yours, placating him along with a soft smile.

“Simple.” With a lopsided grin and a press of his lips to your knuckles, the tension eases.

Gravel crunched underneath the tired of the truck as Frankie maneuvers off the secluded highway. Tall trees and various shades of green surround you. You both sat and listened to the clinking of the engine cooling down, taking a moment to breathe in the pine and cedar.

“I, uh, got you something.” He huffed a little as he reached for the back and hauled it into his lap.

“You didn’t have to- oh my gosh!” It was a hat, a baseball cap just like the one atop his head. Dark navy blue, emblazoned with a ‘standard heating oil’ patch. Your stomach fluttered at the implication.

“To help keep the sun off your head and outta your eyes.” He plopped it atop your head, the stiff thing just barely resting over your hair. “We’ll have a lot of tree coverage, but better safe than sorry.”

“We’re matching.” You can’t help the teasing smile that took over your lips, heat blooming in your cheeks as you realized you would look like an official couple to any onlookers. Something you had thought about more and more as Frankie filled your thoughts and messages.

“Yeah, would you look at that.” A dimple in his right cheek had you reaching out to caress it, silently thanking him for his thoughtfulness. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted one like mine, but I’m really glad you like it.”

“I do like it! I like matching with you, Frankie.”

His smile was dazzling as he looked back at you over his shoulder. You perked up a little, not wanting him to see the way it was hard to catch your breath or the falter to your steps as your legs began to ache from the incline. The slight brush of the long grass and reaching limbs full of leaves tickled but you tried your best to ignore it, opting to focus on the broad set of shoulders carrying a backpack.

Another bout of time passed, allowing for sweat to dampen your brow and the small of your back. You had removed your overshirt, tying the long sleeves around your waist. The stray pieces of your hair that had escaped from your hat floated around your face as you puffed out a deep breath.

Frankie seemed to pick up the moderate pace he had been keeping, his boots thudding the ground as he turned to pivot from the path as it began to curve.

“Uh, the trail goes that way.” You pointed over your shoulder, having followed the man’s lead regardless.

“I know, got a map in the pack if it makes you feel better.” He tossed you a reassuring smile, over his own shoulder. His eyes alight underneath his cap.

You were about to respond when he took another step and suddenly the trees fell away from around you, leaving you stood on an overlook. Valley open and wide in front of you, the view took your already short breath away. Frankie looked from the view to gauge your reaction. And he broke out into a wide smile as he saw how much you were taken off guard by the beautiful view.

Removing is pack, he set it down and reached to turn you toward him.

“This last month or so has been so amazing. Getting to know you has been some of the best parts of my life, hermosa. I was worried dating again after so long and not even looking for it would’ve been another lesson learned but everything with you is just so….”

“Simple.” You allowed him to caress his hands over the small of your back, your own reaching for his shoulders. The bills of your matching hats bumped, easy laughter bubbling up from you both.

“Simple.” He agreed, tongue swiping out to wet his plush lips. His eyes flicked down to yours briefly and your heart fluttered as warmth blossomed in your chest. Pressing more into his space, your chest bumped his, giving him the nudge he needed to close the gap even more.

Out on that ridge where you never would’ve trekked to on your own, you shared your first of many kisses with the man who had taken you completely by surprise. His lips soft and pliant against yours, his warmth seeping into you much like the sun on your skin underneath the open sky. You were the one to lick into the seam of his mouth, something he readily allowed you to do. The slid of his tongue on yours like heaven.

Breaking away, Frankie peppered kisses over your face. Lips tasting the salt from your sweat but he didn’t seem to mind one bit. Turning side by side, he kept his hand around your waist and you mimicked him.

Maybe hiking wasn’t so bad.

dividers by the lovely @/cafekitsune

taglist: @tuquoquebrute @sawymredfox @jessthebaker @littlemisspascal

#dev writes #fic: coffee and candor #triple frontier #triple frontier fanfiction #francisco morales #frankie morales #frankie morales one shot #frankie morales fluff #frankie morales x reader #frankie morales x you #frankie morales fanfic #frankie morales fanfiction #frankie morales fic #fluff #ao3 link #pedro pascal #pedro pascal fanfiction #first dates #dating

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persephoneggsy · 4 months ago

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Phryne Ingellvar Banter

writing full fics is still kind of exhausting to me, so I've taken to writing fake banters for my Mourn Watch Rook, Phryne Ingellvar. Most of them are with Emmrich, because he's her romance, but maybe I'll eventually expand on her relationships with the other members of the Veilguard. A lot of this is mostly bits and bobs from Phryne's backstory.

[During Emmrich's recruitment quest, as they’re traversing through the Necropolis]

Emmrich: Surely we’ve crossed paths before, Rook? It seems bizarre that we’ve both been Watchers for so long and never interacted. I swear the name Ingellvar sounds familiar…

Phryne: Well, I mostly did grunt work. Escorts for trainees entering the Necropolis for the first time, protecting mourners visiting the graves. That sort of thing. Probably not what you spent most of your time doing.

Emmrich: Ah, I see. Still…

Phryne: Though we have met before.

Emmrich: Oh? I’m sorry, I can’t recall…

Phryne: Don’t worry about it, Professor. It was almost a decade ago, and it was brief.

Emmrich: Well, you remembered. I hope I made a good first impression, at least?

Phryne: I don’t think you’re capable of leaving a bad one, from what I’ve seen so far.

Harding: Um, sorry to interrupt, but can we maybe focus on the horde of despair demons charging at us right now?

Phryne & Emmrich: Spirits!

Harding: Whatever!

[When Phryne goes to see how Emmrich is settling in]

Emmrich: When did we meet, Rook? It’s been driving me mad.

Phryne: Oh, alright. It was at a funeral. My son’s. You administered his final rites and prepared his body for burial.

Emmrich: Oh! Of course. I remember now.

Phryne: Really? It was so long ago, and I’m sure you’ve performed dozens of final rites over the years. I wouldn’t be upset if you couldn’t recall…

Emmrich: Not many Nevarrans left to join the Inquisition. It was seen as a primarily “southern” concern, despite the danger it posed to all of Thedas. I remember thinking that young Rothe Ingellvar must have been a fine young man, to give his life for such a cause.

Phryne: He was.

Emmrich: I’m sure I said it back then, but my condolences, Rook.

Phryne: Thank you, Emmrich.

Emmrich: I’ve been wondering something, Rook. If you don’t mind a personal question.

Phryne: Ask away.

Emmrich: We’ve been in the Mourn Watch for almost the same number of years. You’re an incredible warrior, a natural born leader, and every other Watcher I’ve asked has nothing but wonderful things to say about you.

Phryne: Aw. Thanks. But… what’s the question?

Emmrich: By all accounts, you should be extremely high up in the ranks. But by your own admission, you’re just “a grunt.” Why haven’t you been promoted?

Phryne: Ah. Well. They tried, at first. But I joined the Watch after I had my kids, so they were my priority. Promotions meant more responsibility, more responsibility meant more time away from them. And then, after rejecting promotions for years, they finally stopped trying. Happily been a grunt ever since.

Emmrich: I suppose I can understand that. But wouldn’t a promotion also mean more money with which to support your family?

Phryne: My mother left me with her estate when she passed. We were always comfortable. I just wanted as much time with my kids as possible.

Emmrich: That’s very admirable.

Phryne: Really? Mother always said my lack of ambition was my fatal flaw.

Emmrich: I think love for one’s family outweighs that.

Emmrich: The Battleaxe!

Phryne: Sorry?

Emmrich: Your surname, Ingellvar — it’s been nagging at me, but I finally remember where I’ve heard it before! Your mother was Prudence Ingellvar, the Battleaxe!

Phryne: Oh! (Laughs) I forgot they used to call her that. Yeah, that was my mother. You knew her?

Emmrich: I’m afraid I never had the good fortune, but I knew her reputation. A staunch traditionalist, to be sure, but such exemplary understanding of anatomy and theory! Her essay on both magical and mundane methods of preserving vital organs was quite innovative!

Phryne: Oh, she would’ve adored you.

[After revisiting the Necropolis for the first time and speaking with Myrna and Vorgoth]

Emmrich: Phryne?

Phryne: Yes?

Emmrich: Just making sure I heard correctly. Back at the Necropolis, Myrna called you ‘Phryne’ rather than ‘Rook’. Is that your given name?

Phryne: Oh, it is. Rook is a… recent nickname. Varric started calling me that after we met. Something about chess pieces.

Emmrich: What would you prefer to be called?

Phryne: Rook is probably easier. No one could ever pronounce Phryne right when I was younger. The number of times I was called ‘Frine’ or ‘Fern’...

Emmrich: (laughs) A shame. It’s a lovely name.

Phryne: Well. I like it when you say it.

Emmrich: Very well. Phryne.

[During their first date]

Phryne: This is one of the more romantic dates I’ve been on.

Emmrich: How wonderful! I was afraid I’d lost my touch. Between work and research and teaching Manfred, there hasn’t been time lately for company.

Phryne: I know what you mean.

Emmrich: Do you?

Phryne: Well, I spent the last year or so hunting down Solas. Not a lot of time for courting. And even before that, I’d… sort of given up on romance.

Emmrich: Oh. May I ask why?

Phryne: Dating’s hard with kids. I always had someone willing to look after them if I had plans for the evening, but a lot of the time, people were put off by the fact that I even had children. Or the kids would hate them for whatever reason. Or things would work out for a while before fizzling out. So I stopped focusing on relationships and just focused on… the physical side of things.

Emmrich: I see…

Phryne: Does that… bother you? My ‘experience’? I know some people find it unladylike.

Emmrich: My dear, I would never hold your past against you. I’m only marveling at my good fortune, to be the one to show you how a proper courtship works.

Phryne: Ooh. Bold words, Volkarin. Are you sure you have the skills to back up that confidence?

Emmrich: You’re not the only one with experience, darling.

[After Harding asking about whether Emmrich is a noble]

Harding: So you’re really not nobility? Volkarin just sounds so… fancy.

Emmrich: It’s a commoner’s name. My father was a butcher and my mother was a cook. If you want to speak to Nevarran nobility, you could always ask Rook.

Harding: (laughs) Right.

Emmrich: …

Harding: … Wait, really? Rook is a noble?

Phryne: You don’t need to sound so surprised.

Harding: It’s just… you don’t really act like…

Phryne: To my mother’s chagrin, I know. But in my defense, I was adopted.

Emmrich: Oh, truly? I hadn’t known that.

Phryne: Mother and a few of our undead found me in an abandoned crypt when I was just an infant. She took me in, raised me as her own.

Emmrich: How sweet! I’d heard one of our own was a cryptling, I had no idea it was you!

Harding: … You were found in a tomb? As a baby?

Emmrich: That isn’t so unusual in Nevarra. Many Watchers see them as an omen!

Phryne: Whether I was a good or bad omen depended on if I took a nap that day. According to my mother.

Harding: … Nevarrans are so weird.

#phryne ingellvar #fake banter #emmrich volkarin #emmrook #emmrich x rook #lace harding #datv #datv spoilers #dragon age: the veilguard #these are probably too long/wordy to be real banters but #i like writing dialogue damn it lol

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persevereforahappyending · 7 months ago

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A Beacon in the Dark |7|

Pairing: Joey x Reader

Summary: Joey likes helping people, it's what she's best at. Hunting down the monsters of myth and legend might be the best way to save people.

Warnings: Death, Murder, Fighting, Blood, Shooting, Stabbing

Word Count: 4.7k+

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Your eyes were closed as your head was leaned back against the headrest. You had turned the car off as you waited for Joey to be ready. She had given you the location of an apartment complex. She said the mom of one of Caleb’s friends agreed to let them stay the night, that the woman was happy Joey had found a job and was actually working. You were well aware of who’s apartment you were at though, it said enough that Joey would rather leave Caleb with a woman who barely seemed to like her, than with his own father. As much as you wanted to, you wouldn’t press her about it, it was none of your business anyway.

You opened your eyes, turning your head to the right when you heard the passenger door open. You watched Joey hop into the Jeep and instantly begin ringing her hands together. “You don’t have to do this,” you said softly, you should definitely have backup when going siren hunting, but you never wanted Joey to feel like she was obligated to join you.

“It’s fine,” she said. “This is just the first time it’s effected our time together,” she whispered, looking up at the apartment complex. “I don’t want him to think I’m falling back into old habits.”

You nodded. “I can make sure you get back here before school; you can still walk him.”

She shook her head, finally turning to face you for the first time since she got in the car. “No, Mrs. Johnson is going to drop him off when she takes her son. I just need to be there to pick him up.”

“Of course.”

Joey gave you genuine smile and you finally turned the key and pulled away. You still had to run over some things with Grace, make sure Joey knew what she’d be up against, and get to the boat before you could actually face the sirens. You began the drive to Grace’s; it was going by much quicker given how late it was and the lack of traffic. You couldn’t help but admire the scenery as you passed by, the half-moon illuminating the woods perfectly.

“So,” Joey said, breaking the comfortable silence. “Sirens?” You nodded. “They’re like mermaids, right?”

You bobbed your head back and forth. “Sort of,” you said slowly. “They both live in the ocean, they’re both half human half fish, I guess is the best way to describe them. Mermaids are a little more easy going though, they like to keep to themselves and not interact with us surface dwellers,” you chuckled at your own joke. “But sirens, they’re the exact opposite, they pretend to be shy, luring you in with their song only to drag you under.”

“What’s their goal, drowning people?” You turned to her, giving her a questioning look. “I know I don’t have as much experience as you with all this,” she gestured with her hand. “But me and the crew I worked with were setup by a vampire because we had each betrayed her father in some way. Then those succubi, though they seemed to enjoy the killing.” You nodded; they really did seem to take pleasure in it. “They did that to feed, to sustain themselves and survive. So, what’s the goal of a siren? Why do they do what they do?”

You couldn’t help but smirk, she really was picking things up quick. There were times where a monster did just mindlessly kill people, or do it for fun, but most of them time there was a reason for it. Whether the reason was logical was up for debate, sometimes the monster just did it to survive, other times it was a ritual, a rite of passage, or some sort of game. That’s how it was for Grace, based on the way she talked about it, which was rarely, it didn’t seem like the Le Domas family enjoyed the killing, but they had to do it, if they didn’t then they would all die. Of course, they made a deal with a demon so they could become rich, so it was really all their fault to begin with, but that was beside the point.

“Sirens are very territorial,” you said. “They don’t like humans coming into their waters. They also tend to feed on or use them for mating.”

“You’re joking?” You glanced at Joey to see her looking at you, as if she was expecting you to say you were joking and laugh it off. You just shook your head and watched as Joey’s face morphed into one of horror. “If they hate humans, why mate with them?”

“So, they can keep their population growing. There are no male sirens, which is why in all the stories they’re luring men to their deaths. They use men to procreate.” You didn’t realize you were at the mansion until you were turning down Grace’s driveway. “Then they kill them. They only leave them alive long enough to get what they want.”

You parked and ran around the side of the car to open Joeys door for her. You offered her a smile, but she just rolled her eyes, though you were pretty sure it was more of a playful eye roll than an annoyed one, you considered that progress. You led her to the front door and opened it with a small bow. She just pushed past you and began making the now familiar way towards Grace’s office. She could ignore you and deny it all she wanted but you didn’t miss the way Joey’s lips twitched slightly up.

“So, what are the odds they try and kill us?” Joey asked as you pushed open the door to Grace’s office.

“High,” Grace answered before you could even open your mouth. “Very high.”

You rested a hand on Joey’s shoulder as she came to a stop directly in front of you. “Nothing’s going to happen to you,” you whispered.

She glanced at you. You could see the way her eyes darted around, searching for any reason not to believe you. You wouldn’t give her a reason though, you didn’t care how dangerous sirens were you would make sure Joey made it back home, even if she was the only one to do so, you refused to let her son grow up without her.

When you looked back up at Grace she was giving you a knowing look. You shifted your eyes to the rest of the room. Grace could think whatever she wanted; you didn’t care if she assumed you were protective due to your developing feelings. Grace was only partially right in that regard anyway, you might not have ever met Caleb, but you knew he deserved to not have his mom around, he deserved to get to know her.

“We need to make this quick,” Grace said, moving through her office. “You need to get there and out on the water as soon as possible.”

You glanced around the room while Joey followed Grace. Grace was giving her a quick run down of sirens and what to expect while gathering her supplies. You noticed since the last time you had been in the office there were more papers scattered about. The growing stack of papers on the victim’s pile did nothing to ease your worries. You were confident in saying Joey would make it back alive but if you were looking at things realistically it wouldn’t be good, you would be on the water at night, no one besides Grace knowing where you were going, and you’d be going to face with you didn’t even know how many sirens.

“These,” Grace said, holding up a little black box. “Are the most important.”

Joey took the box from her with a furrowed brow and flipped the lid open. “Ear plugs?” she questioned.

“Made of wax.” Grace continued to dig around her desk for what else she was looking for.

“Just like in the Odyssey,” you added. Joey’s head snapped to you, you couldn’t help but smirk and give a little shrug at her impressed look.

“Put them in as soon as you get out on the water,” Grace continued, ignoring your comment. “They’re the only thing that will keep you from falling under the sirens spell.”

“Got it,” Joey nodded and put the box in her jacket pocket.

“For the captain,” Grace handed you an envelope. You shoved it in your jacket pocket as well, tucking it away without looking at it. You didn’t need to look at it, you could tell by the weight that Grace was paying him a substantial amount.

“How do we kill these things?” You and Grace gave each other a look as Joey looked between the two of you.

“They’re only mortal,” Grace said softly. “It doesn’t take anything special to kill them but-”

“The key is hitting them,” you finished for her. “They hide under the water, under the cover of night, and if you hear their song,” you shook your head. “You might as well be lost already.”

“So, we’ll have actual weapons this time?” Joey asked. You couldn’t blame her, both of you had been caught off guard by the succubi. You had gotten lucky that the party had been thrown in an old mansion with weapons strewn throughout the place.

“Yes,” Grace assured, resting a comforting hand on Joey’s shoulder. “I already have a bag made up,” she nodded at you. “It’s in the weapons room.”

You nodded and walked off to grab the bag. As soon as you got to the weapons room you saw the black duffle bag sitting on the table. You unzipped it a little to get a sneak peak as to what Grace picked out for you. You couldn’t help but smirk when you saw the silver tip of a spear. Guns were fun, they were easier to aim but they weren’t your first choice of weapon when going after a siren, part of you was silently hoping the boat would have a harpoon on it.

Before zipping the bag back up you caught the glint of a small explosive charge. You sucked in a breath, Grace had really thought of everything, not that you were surprised. When you knew what you were dealing with Grace was always prepared. Grace would have the basics laid out for you while also preparing for the worst. There had been one too many times when the two of you would go off on a mission thinking you were dealing with a lone vampire or something only to be led back to an entire den. It was always better to be overprepared in Grace’s eyes and you weren’t one to complain, her methods were what had kept you alive this long.

You finished zipping up the bag then swung it over your shoulder and made your way back to the front door. As you approached the foyer you saw Joey and Grace already there. You opened the front door, allowing Joey to go first.

Before you could follow though Grace rested a hand on your arm, making you turn to face her. She pulled you into a hug and you instantly wrapped your free arm around her like you had done many times. “Before careful,” she whispered.

“Always,” you whispered back. You could feel Grace suppress a sigh, but she didn’t say whatever she clearly wanted to.

You made your way out of the mansion and towards your car. You gave a thankful smile as Joey opened the trunk, allowing you to toss the duffle bag of weapons in the back. You gave Grace one last wave goodbye as you and Joey hopped back in the car. You tapped your phone, seeing Grace had already sent the location to you.

You groaned when you saw it was almost an hour drive away, it was no wonder Grace was rushing around. You guys needed to get out on the water before sunrise if you had any hope of finding the sirens. You turned the volume of the radio down low enough that you could talk to Joey if she wanted but it was loud enough to hear so you weren’t sitting in complete silence.

After leaving the mansion and a few turns you were finally on the main road, and it was mostly a straight shot until you got closer. “So, what do you know about sirens?” Joey asked. “You and Grace don’t seem to be messing around with this one.”

“Grace never messes around when it comes to a job,” you replied.

“You know what I mean,” she rolled her eyes. “She seemed more intense with this one.” You felt Joey’s gaze on you, but you kept your eyes on the road. “So do you.”

“We’ve known each other less than a month and you think you know me?” You joked, lightly chuckling to make sure Joey knew you weren’t serious.

“I’m good at reading people.” You could practically hear Joey smirking. “You can’t be serious,” she admitted. “When you want to be.” You smiled to yourself. “But this is different.”

You sighed and let one of your hands fall off the steering wheel as you got more relaxed. “This isn’t our first time dealing with sirens as you’ve probably gathered.” Joey nodded. “We were so in over our heads that first time,” you shook your head at the memory. “We got lucky it was only a handful. It didn’t matter what we did, people just kept dying.” You cleared your throat when you realized you were getting emotional. You didn’t think about it often but when you did, images of the carnage left behind played through your mind on repeat. “Our mistakes then, is what made it so we could be prepared today.”

Joey didn’t say anything at first, she just nodded. You had been on a boat filled with people, just you, Grace, and the crew, but it had been a big crew. People were picked off left and right, people flung themselves off the side of the boat, only to be yanked down under the water, never to resurface. You hadn’t known what you were dealing with at the time, you almost lost Grace, you almost lost yourself, it wasn’t until you found a way to plug your ears that you finally were able to fight back. Despite how hard you tried, you and Grace were the only ones to walk away that day, the boat sank, and a couple days later the coast guard found you. It was one of the only times neither of you had to come up with a story, just a boating accident with no survivors.

“And I assume they don’t just go after men?” Joey asked, breaking the silence again.

You shook your head. “That’s just the stories,” you said. “Most sailors are men; it makes sense why that myth got started. Men are more useful for them.” Joey nodded, probably remembering what you had told her about sirens needing men to reproduce. “They have nothing against going after women though, there’s no ulterior motive for keeping them alive, so,” you shook your head as you stared at the dark road ahead of you. “You’d be lucky if you drown before they start ripping you apart.”

You drove in silence the rest of the way. You wouldn’t call it uncomfortable, just that there was a more somber mood throughout the rest of the drive. You didn’t want to scare Joey by any means, but she needed to know what she was getting into. When you got there it would just be you, her, and the captain, she needed to know what to expect. You were going to do everything in your power to protect her, but anything could go wrong.

Before you knew it you were pulling into a parking space near the docks. You looked out the windshield, there was absolutely no life to be seen, except for the one boat with lights on. “Guess that’s our ride,” you mumbled.

You and Joey both got out of the car and went around back to grab the duffle bag. You led the way down the dock and towards the boat. The captain was waiting in front of the boat as the two of you approached. “Got the rest of my money?” he asked in greeting.

You had to contain your eyeroll and remind yourself he was doing you a favor, even if it was just for money. You reached into your jacket pocket and pulled out the envelope, opening it just enough for him to see the cash inside. The captain stepped forward, but you tucked the envelope back into your jacket. “When we’re on the water,” you said, your voice leaving no room for argument.

The captain grumbled something as he turned around to board the boat. You waited a second before he got up on the deck and gestured for you to follow. You looked back at Joey who raised her eyebrows and walked past you to climb aboard. You jumped onto the boat and handed the duffle bag up to Joey so you could climb up the rest of the way.

Once the boat was untied and the anchor raised the captain set sail. You and Joey moved to the front of the boat, dropping the duffle on one of the boxes close by, and occasionally glancing at your own GPS to make sure the captain was headed to the right area. You were at least half an hour out from the place you suspected the sirens to be, but you kept your eyes peeled anyway, making sure to follow the light from the ship as it swung around.

You glanced at the GPS again to see you were almost there. You furrowed your brow when a sizeable rock formation appeared. “What?” Joey asked.

“Seems there’s rocks or an island of some sort,” you answered.

“Is that bad?”

You clenched the GPS just a bit tighter. “Possibly.”

“Why?”

You looked back up, scanning the water, you could just make out the outline of the rocks. “We should put in the ear plugs,” is all you said.

Joey gave you a look but pulled out the little box, flipping the lid open for you. You grabbed a pair and popped them in your ears, everything instantly becoming muffled. You looked over to see Joey doing the same. The two of you wouldn’t be able to talk well unless you were close and yelling at each other, but it was better safe than sorry.

Your head snapped to the side when you saw something making a splash. You leaned over the railing and stared down into the water, seeing nothing but darkness. You leaned back, about to turn and call to Joey when something shot out of the water and slammed into you.

You slid across the deck until you slammed into a metal bin. When you opened your eyes, they instantly went wide and your hands shot out, holding the siren back. She had long black hair, her eyes were a milky grey and her skin pale grey, she snapped her razor sharp teeth at your neck. You could feel her tail flopping around as you held her off.

The next thing you knew, a gun fired, and blood splattered across your face. You tossed the body off you, seeing she had been shot through the neck. You looked over to see Joey still holding the gun out.

Your eyes widened as you saw another one jump out of the water, aiming directly for Joey. Joey whipped around, firing three in the chest. She stepped back, letting the body land at her feet.

You scrambled to your feet and rushed to the duffle, ripping it all the way open and pulling out a spear gun. You got the gun loaded as you ran to the edge of the boat, whipping it around as you scanned the water for another one. As soon as one popped her head out of the water you fired, sending the spear right through her heart.

When you looked up you saw several pairs of eyes shining in the light as it passed by. “Fuck,” you whispered.

You ran back to the duffle and started loading up on all the explosives and grabbed another spear to reload. Just as you turned around you saw another siren jump out of the water and knock Joey overboard. “No!” you didn’t hesitate to rush across the deck and dive over the railing and into the water.

Your eyes landed on Joey being dragged deeper and you loaded the spear in the gun. You continued to swim after them as you took aim, sending the spear sailing right past Joey and into the eye of the siren. When Joey broke free of the sirens gripped, she swam to you, and you helped her back to the surface.

She began whipping her head around as the two of you tried to keep your heads above the waves. You looked at her questioningly then you saw her raise a hand to her ear.

You instantly took out your ear plug. “What are you doing?” Joey snapped, making sure your hand stayed closed around them.

“Take mine,” you said. Joey shook her head. “Now,” you ordered, leaving no room for argument.

“What are you going to do?” she asked as she popped one ear plug in.

You looked to the side as your mind started to be flooded with a sweet hum. “It’s mating season,” you said, trying to shake your mind clear. Joey raised a questioning brow at you. “Get back on the boat, hold them off as best as you can, I need to blow the nest.”

“Be careful,” Joey said as she popped the other ear plug in.

You nodded and swam towards the rocks. You should have known the spike in deaths was because of mating season. You really wished you could get in contact with Grace. During mating season, a pack of sirens gathered and lured multiple victims to their doom. You had never faced one directly, only read about them or found abandoned ones. If you blew up the nest though, you’d prevent any sirens coming back in future years.

You felt something grab your ankle and yank you under the waves. You kicked and thrashed around, trying to break free of its grip. You finally felt it release you but then next thing you knew it was in front of you. All your thrashing around suddenly stopped, and you just floated there, staring at the gorgeous woman in front of you.

She reached out and ran her hand across the back of your neck, sending a chill down your spine. You didn’t fight as she pulled you forward by the back of the neck, leading you deeper into the water. You closed your eyes, and your mind was flooded with the most beautiful song.

When you opened your eyes again you were met with the gorgeous woman, but you couldn’t help the way your mind drifted back to Joey. You reached out to touch the woman’s face, watching her smile as you caressed her cheek. You guided your hands down as she leaned forward; you leaned in as well. Right before your lips touched you gave a quick twist of your hands, snapping her neck.

You blinked rapidly, trying to come back to yourself. You looked down to no longer see a beautiful woman but a siren, her head nearly twisted all the way around. You looked around, smiling as you realized you were in a cave, the siren brought you directly into the nest.

You got to work, quickly placing the charges underwater and on the little bit of land in the cave. You were in the middle of placing the last charge when something jumped on your back, digging it’s claws into your shoulder and pulling you back under water. You thrashed around in its grasp, forcing it to redirect as it tried to drown you. It didn’t let you go until you hit the bottom of the cave.

You reached down and grabbed the knife you always had strapped to your ankle. You whipped around, slashing the knife at the siren only to meet water. The siren shot forward, grabbing you by the shoulders and slamming you into the ground again. You brought the knife up, stabbing the siren on the side of her tail. She instantly released you with a shriek. While she was distracted you brought the knife down onto her fin, impaling the knife through her and into the cave floor.

She thrashed around, shrieking in pain. You smiled as you swam back. She let out another shriek, it was only a matter of time before the others came. You swam back out of the cave, barely escaping it as three more sirens came darting past you. You were almost clear of the blast range when a siren came from the dark depths, ripping into your leg and dragging you down.

You groaned as you fumbled for the detonator and pressed the button. A second later there was an explosion, sending dirt and debris towards you and the siren. You pushed the siren off you, watching as she was crushed by tumbling rocks. You swam through the murky water, your head finally breaking through the waves.

You swam back to the boat and Joey was there to help pull you back aboard. “Holy shit,” she whispered. “You’re hurt,” she began feeling around your shoulder where the siren had dug her claws into you.

“It’s fine,” you waved her off.

“Let me look at it.”

“It’s-It’s not as bad as it looks.” You rested a hand on hers, getting her to pause her movements. “Please,” you stared into her eyes, silently pleading with her to drop it. She reluctantly nodded.

Joey got you back up to the deck and went to tell the captain to head home and hand him the rest of his money as well. You remained on the deck, wrapped in a towel as you tried to dry off. You peeled back your shirt, getting a glance at the claw marks to see the bleeding had already stopped. You let out a shaky breath and quickly covered the wounds again when Joey came back outside.

The boat ride back was silent, even with you and Joey sitting side by side. Joey would occasionally get up and grab you a dry towel to wrap yourself in. You appreciated the gesture and were mostly dry by the time the boat docked again. You attempted to thank the captain, but he just yelled at you and Joey to get off his ship. He hadn’t left the wheel so you weren’t sure how much he saw but you were confident he wouldn’t say anything about you, the sirens, or the explosion he most likely witnessed.

When you got back to your car you tossed the weapons bag in the back and then slid behind the wheel. As soon as you started the car you let out a scoff, it was almost four in the morning. You started the drive back home in silence, Joey resting her head against the window the entire time, you weren’t sure if she had fallen asleep or what. It had been a long night, you couldn’t blame her if she did fall asleep, she earned it.

It was nearly five when you pulled up outside Joey’s apartment. You looked over to see her still with her head against the window. You couldn’t help but smile as you rested a hand on her shoulder and gave it a light rub to wake her up. “Hey,” you whispered.

She let out a hum as she slowly came to. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she looked around. “You got just enough time to get some sleep before you got to pick up your kid,” you whispered.

Joey looked at you, resting her head on the back of the seat. “Thank you,” she whispered.

You gave her a nod and watched as she slipped out of the car. “Make sure you get that looked at,” she added, nodding to your shoulder. “Since you won’t let me do it.”

You chuckled but nodded anyway. “Always a doctor,” you mumbled. She gave you a pointed look before turning and heading to her building. You watched and waited until you knew she was safely in her apartment complex. You shook your head, trying to get rid of the sleepiness as you pulled out onto the street to begin making your way back to Graces.

Taglist: @thinking1bee @so-to-aqui-pelas-fic @alexkolax @pianogirl2121 @thatshyboy1998 @chxrry-lov3

#joey abigail #joey (abigail)#ana lucia cruz #ana lucia cruz abigail #joey (abigail) x reader #ana lucia cruz x reader #melissa barrera #abigail 2024 #abigail movie #ana lucia cruz (joey)#a beacon in the dark

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thesimline · 2 years ago

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While long hair on men continued to be the fashion during the 1400s, the style started to draw criticism from churchmen and other moralistic authorities who worried that long hair for men meant trouble. This resulted in long hair mostly falling out of fashion by the 1500s. However, beard-wearing was still seen as a sign of masculinity and almost a rite of passage, symbolising the transition from boy to man. CC links under the cut.

You can find more of my historical content here:

1300s ✺ 1400s ✺ 1500s ✺ 1600s ✺ 1700s

1 - Berthold by DarkNightTt (TSR)

2 - Autumn by GoAmazons (TSR)

3 - Alvin by Merci (TSR)

4 - Chase by AHarris00Britney

5 - Bowl Cut Conversion by Birksches

6 - More or Less by Magpie San (TSR)

7 - Liam by Sehabla Simlish (TSR)

8 - Ancient Greece by Plasma Jane (retired CC)

9 - Loreta V2 by GoAmazons (TSR)

10 - Dune by Simstrouble

11 - Free Spirit by Joliebean

12 - Luke by Kiara Zurk

13 - Bermuda by GoAmazons (TSR)

14 - Adenios by Merci (TSR)

15 - Mirra by GoAmazons (TSR)

16 - Thor by Simcelebrity00 (TSR)

17 - Leonard by Shimydim (TSR)

18 - Igor by Okruee

19 - Short Curly Hair by Buzzard's Bits and Bobs | The Handy Dandy by Igor Sims

20 - Style N66 by Veiga Sims (TSR)

21 - Style N30 by Veiga Sims

22 - The Gramps by Igor Sims

23 - Style 14 by Veiga Sims (TSR)

24 - The Fluff by Igor Sims

With thanks to some amazing creators: @goamazons @aharris00britney @simstrouble @joliebean @simcelebrity00 @okruee @igorstory @veigasims

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yamujiburo · 1 year ago

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Is there a reason for Delia's shaggy bob cut post-marriage? Like preferential to that one or cause others you tried just didn't click?

i just think delia would wanna try something new! and a short hair phase is lesbian rite of passage LMAO

but also i wanted to give her a hairdo that kinda resembles ash's a little more

#ask yam

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album-tourney · 2 months ago

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Bracket Polls for Round 1

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix - Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath - Nevermind by Nirvana

Titanic Rising by Weyes Blood - The Stranger by Billy Joel

Sunshine Superman by Donovan - Short n' Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter

1989 by Taylor Swift - O my Heart By Mother Mother

Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me! - To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar

Out of the Blue by ELO - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill

American Idiot by Green Day - Abbey Road by the Beatles

Dirt by Alice in Chains - Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman - Led Zeppelin IV

Blue Album by Weezer - Parallel Lines by Blondie

Blue by Joni Mitchell - Grace by Jeff Buckley

Songs from the big chair by Tears for fears - Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Remain in Light by Talking Heads - Deja Vu by Crosby, Nash, Stills, and Young

In the Aeroplane over the sea by Neutral Milk Hotel - Back to black by Amy Winehouse

I ain't Marching anymore by Phil Ochs - Bad Girls by Donna Summer

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie - A Fever you can't sweat out by Panic! at the Disco

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan - The Fame by Lady Gaga

The Normal Album by Will Wood - Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morrisette

the Queen is Dead by the Smiths - The Crane Wife by The Decemberists

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan - Tallahassee by the Mountain Goats

Hounds of Love by Kate Bush - Lemonade by Beyonce

Hot Fuss by the Killers - Demon Days by Gorillaz

The Black Parade by MCR - People who East People by AJJ

London Calling by the Clash - Hawaii Part II by Miracle musical

Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt - Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

Rites of Passage by The Indigo Girls - Hozier by Hozier

Tapestry by Carole King - Electra Heart by Marina and the Diamonds

Illmatic by NAS - brat by Charli XCX

Darkside of the Moon by Pink Floyd - Lush by Mitski

Flood by They Might be Giants - Breakfast in America by Supertramp

Ok Computer by Radiohead - Melodrama by Lorde

Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii - Live Through This by Hole

Emotion by Carly Rae Jepson - Since I left you by The Avalanches

Rio by Duran Duran - System of a Down by System of a Down

Lungs by Florence + the Machine - Jazz by Queen

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nixandtonic · 11 days ago

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Therebefore

Dr. Michael Robinavitch & named female OC (platonic?)

This is 100% self indulgence because I heard Rachel Zegler's accapella version of "The Old Therebefore" and thought, damn that is fitting.

This will probably never happen again so go easy on me please.

Also I pictured Rachelle Lefevre while writing this - not sure why, but to me it just fit. Tried to steer clear of actual physical descriptors though...

The trauma bay had quieted the way battlefields sometimes do - after the final shot, after the final scream, when there’s nothing left to do but stand still in the wreckage. The alarms had gone silent. The monitor was a set of straight lines. Dr. Rowan Corvin stood by the bed, one gloved hand still resting on the ventilator tubing, the other clenched at her side.

The body on the gurney was still warm. Former Marine Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Cardell, age sixty-six. Three gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. Pericardial effusion. Hypovolemic shock. Flaccid paralysis from spinal trauma. He’d held on longer than anyone expected - long enough to whisper “make it count” to his wife in the ambulance bay and squeeze Rowan’s hand with his remaining strength before the sedation took hold.

Now, the man who’d survived Fallujah but not a mugging outside a Rite Aid lay beneath a thin white sheet.

His wife, Rhea, was curled beside him, her fingers combing through the gray at his temple, her voice breaking like glass.

“…our granddaughter… took us to see that new movie, the one with the kids and the… the bow and arrow girl, the… Hungry Games, I think - and Jeffrey, he leaned over to me right in the theater, straight face, and said, ‘That’s the song you play when I die.’” A watery chuckle, then a sob. “Not at his funeral. 'When I die, Rhea,' he said. 'A promise to yourself'… and now I… I can’t even sing and my phone… oh God… I…”

She collapsed into her own arms; the kind of grief that sucks all the air from your lungs, folds you in half and makes you feel like you'll never be whole again.

Across the room, Princess stood stiff, hands hovering over the tray of unused syringes. Her wide brown eyes flicked to Dr. Corvin, silently asking if she should do something - anything.

Rowan’s throat bobbed as she swallowed. Her voice, when it came, was steady but soft. “Princess,” she said, “can you get me the LED candle thingy we used for Langdon’s birthday cake?”

Princess blinked, nodded once, and hurried out.

Dr. Michael Robinavitch had drifted closer during the final minutes - he always did, when things got heavy. Now he lingered just behind Rowan, sleeves rolled, stethoscope hanging like a noose around his neck, jaw tight as he watched the scene unfold.

When Princess returned with the tiny plastic candle in hand, Rowan took it gently and flicked it on. The flame flickered an artificial amber, but it glowed like memory.

She placed it on Jeffrey’s chest, just above the line of the white sheet, where his heart had once labored valiantly against the inevitable.

Then she inhaled, deep and shaking, and began to sing.

Her voice floated like a benediction, weather-worn but lovely - an old Appalachian cadence that belonged more to mountain hollows and church pews than hospital rooms.

You're headed for heaven, the sweet old hereafter And I've got one foot in the door But before I can fly up, I've loose ends to tie up Right here, in the old therebefore

A tech dropped a tray in an adjacent bay and no one flinched. A call light buzzed in the far hall, unanswered. Time halted, or forgot itself. Nurses leaned against doorframes. Security guards stilled. Even the new intern, the one with the jitters and sad mousy eyes, stood slack-jawed beside the crash cart.

And I'll be along when I've finished my song When I've shut down the band When I've played out my hand When I've paid all my debts When I have no regrets Right here, in the old therebefore When nothing is left anymore…

Rhea lifted her head, eyes rimmed with red, breath caught in her chest like she was afraid to disturb the air.

And I'll catch you up When I've emptied my cup When I've worn-out my friends When I've burned out both ends When I've cried all my tears When I've conquered my fears Right here, in the old therebefore When nothing is left anymore

Rowan closed her eyes, she couldn't break. Not yet. Her voice was full of iron, of debt and sacrifice and every loss she’d tallied in this place.

And I'll bring the news When I've danced off my shoes When my body's closed down When my boat's run aground When I've tallied the score And I'm flat on the floor Right here, in the old therebefore When nothing is left anymore

The artificial candle on Jeffrey’s chest flickered.

When I'm pure like a dove When I've learned how to love Right here, in the old therebefore When nothing is left anymore...

The last note faded like breath on glass. Then - silence. Thick. Reverent. The kind of silence that doesn’t ask for applause.

Rhea Cardell’s face crumpled, but her hands were steady as she reached for Rowan, rising with a quiet urgency from the side of the bed. The grief hadn’t left her, far from it, but something in her spine had straightened. A sacred kind of resolve.

She wrapped her arms around Rowan before she younger woman could retreat. Held her in that tight, grandmotherly way - no performance, no pageantry. Just warmth and sorrow and something ancient. Rowan stood stiff for half a breath, then let herself be held.

“I’ll never be able to thank you enough,” Rhea whispered against her shoulder. “That song… you gave him what he asked for. You heard him.”

Rowan’s throat clenched.

She wanted to say don’t thank me. Wanted to rip her own voice box out. She shouldn’t be thanked for singing to a dead man.

I should have saved him.

I should have-

The words looped like a siren inside her skull.

He was still warm. His hands had callouses. His chest still smelled like gunpowder and iodine. Her hands had been inside his chest cavity - she’d massaged that heart, screamed for another epi, pushed forward with every ounce of her strength and it still hadn’t been enough.

Saved him… saved him…

Her lungs felt thick. Rubberized. The air in the trauma bay tasted wrong; too much blood and bleach and hot plastic from the defibrillator pads.

“Thank you,” Rhea murmured again, and it hit Rowan like a train.

She couldn’t breathe.

She turned, nodded stiffly, and murmured something - a prayer, a lie, an excuse - before she fled the trauma bay, the hallway, the judgment of overhead fluorescents and the stares of coworkers.

The door clicked shut behind her.

Dr. Corvin pressed her back to the shelf of saline bags, breathing hard through her nose. Her fists were still clenched, nails half-mooned into her palms. She’d stripped off the gown and gloves, but not the guilt. That clung tighter.

She didn’t hear the door open - didn’t see the warm shadow until Michael stepped in and pulled it shut behind him.

“Rowan.”

She blinked up at him. Her eyes were wet. Not the surface tears she let people see when appropriate - death protocol tears, dignified and manageable. No, these were guttering, real.

“I—” her voice cracked. “It was the last thing I could offer him.”

Michael stepped closer, but didn’t reach for her yet.

“I tried so hard to… I did everything, Michael. I threw every fucking thing in my arsenal at him, I cracked his damn chest open and I kept him alive with my hands and adrenaline and sheer stubborn will and - he should be alive. He saved that woman from... and now…”

She shuddered, finally falling forward into his chest. He caught her easily. His arms wrapped tight around her frame, one hand stroking the back of her head like a lullaby.

“This is… this…” she choked, voice buried against him.

Michael pressed his lips to her hair, murmuring, “Let it out, Ro. Just let it out.”

And she did.

Sobs shook her - short, sharp, wrenching things that sounded like they’d been waiting years to escape.

“It’s normal to feel this way,” he said, when she quieted some - minutes or hours later. “You know that. But also…”

She sniffled.

“We can’t save everyone,” he whispered, his voice tight with his own grief. “And that is bullshit. It is. But we have to deal with it. We have to hold on to the ones we can save. Or we’ll never get out of this closet.”

Rowan let out a laugh-sob that sounded like a cracked bell.

He smiled into her hair. “And don’t get me wrong, I’m totally fine with hiding in here for the rest of the day. But Princess and Perlah are probably outside with some chismis to get your mind off things.”

That earned him a snort.

“Come on, warrior,” he said, nudging her gently upright. “Let’s go help someone else make it home tonight.”

She nodded, swiping at her face with the sleeve of her scrub jacket.

As they stepped out into the hallway, the hospital lights hummed overhead. A new trauma was being paged.

And somewhere, in the old therebefore, a candle still flickered.

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