#but I still need to find an affordable composer

[dark-and-kawaii]

꧁༺ 𝒞𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑜𝓃𝑒 ༻꧂

Astarion loses sight of you in a fight, he fears the worse has happened to you. He finds you and manages to bring you back to shadowheart for healing, only to discover he has more to protect than just you…

Angst - Hurt - Comfort - Pregnancy

(Click For Part Two)

You were fearless. He watched as you swung your dagger effortlessly, piercing into the necks of their enemies.

He wondered how you still managed to look elegant even when covered in the blood of fallen warriors.

His gaze never left you for too long, making sure you were safe, while he stealthed around the makeshift arena, racking up his own share of kills. How glorious this was! There was so much blood splattering all around them and with his love at his side it truly couldn’t get any better.

Astarion’s eyes couldn’t be everywhere though, and at some point, he lost sight of you. The last person to recognize him for what he’s worth, the one person he truly couldn’t afford to lose.

His head darted across the battlefield, desperately trying to find you. His panic plunged into sheer dread as fear overcame him. It was happening all over again, he’d seen this before… Alone.. No, please, he couldn’t let this be his fate.

He hadn’t felt fear this whole day; why should he? He was free of Cazador, had you- A subtle manic laugh drew from his throat, he’d never be free of fear, instead of fearing for himself or what his old master would do to him he now feared what would happen to you when in danger.

His red eyes turned a dark shade of black. The expression of a crazy man etched onto Astarion’s face. No, he wouldn’t let fear consume him, no more! He’d finally be the protector! Overcome with fury he went on a rampage. Cutting through the battlefield, slaughtering anyone and everyone in his way, determined to find you. He raced over to where he last saw you, faster than a blue dragon's lightning splits through the air in a storm.

Was he truly going to be the reason you passed on to the next life. Was his fate to destroy everything he held near and dear to his heart? He nearly killed you before with his own fangs and now, no! He wasn’t the cause of that, was he? He hadn’t ever tasted human blood before, but if he was stronger it wouldn’t have happened! If he would’ve ascended he would’ve been able to stop this, however he’s still just a spawn… How could you have fought for his love, a fool who couldn’t even protect you. A fool who was going to be the reason you die.

“FIND HER” He roared at the top of his lungs. “FIND TAV!”

The group of companions didn’t dare hesitate and instantly started searching the grounds, Gale being the second most worried.

Astarion was about to collapse to his knees before hearing Gale's voice, “I’ve found her!” in the distance. It filled him with more apprehension. All he could think is, ’what if she’s dead’.

Staggering up the hill where Gale’s voice had come from, Astarion can see a figure laying in the dirt next to the wizard, “No! You can’t die dammit! Get up!!” he rushed out his words, dismay evident in his tone as he knelt next to you.

“She is unconscious, but alive. There’s hope.” Gale replied.

Astarion let out a shaky breath of relief.

“We must get her back to camp,” Astarion demanded. “She needs Shadowheart, she’s the only one who can fix this!” His voice cracked despite his efforts to mask it.

“I agree.” Gale, mere inches from grabbing you to lift you in his arms until the pale elf stopped him, “Don’t touch her!- I- I will carry her.” Trying to compose himself he lifted you bridal style.

Astarion never left your side during Shadowhearts attempts to heal you. Time never bothered him, not after his 200 years of torment, he waited as “patiently” as he could.

“Honestly, how long does it take! You could at least give me some good news!”

Shadowheart continued to focus on you best she could, everyone including the gods were used to Astarions fits at this point. Gale on the other hand not so much, he could hear Astarion all the way in his own tent which caused the wizard to scrunch his nose. Eventually, leading him to where you were being treated, “Astarion, why don’t you join me in some wine. I’ve got quite the choices, besides… It might be best if we give her some space.”

Astarion scowled, “You expect me to leave her side to join you in some cheap wine? Really? I didn’t think you could get anymore annoying, Gale.”

“It’s done. She’ll be fine after some more rest.” Shadowheart stood from your side and wipes the blood off her hands. She’s been traveling with you and these two men for far too long, toning out their bickering was a skill of hers at this point.

Turning to face you, if his heart could beat he knows it would’ve dropped in his chest this very moment… “Leave us-“ kneeling down next to your bedroll, his eyes fixed on your bandaged wound, “please.”

“I was able to save her,” -Shadowheart bent down towards Astarion- “and the child, but it took most of my energy and resources… Don’t ask for me again for a while. Keep them both safe.”

He was quiet, his eyes wide after the news he was just told.

“Ahhh,” Shadowheart’s voice was surprised, “she didn’t tell you yet? Hmm or perhaps she hadn’t known yet? Curious.”

Astarion could only stare at his love, “A-are you for certain?”

Gale interjected, “I doubt her magic would deceive her, congratulations.”

Dark bruises and cuts decorated your once perfect skin. A deep purple shade surrounded your right puffy eye. His eyes traveled further down your body, stopping at your stomach.

He caressed your still flat stomach, causing you to wince and awake. Retreating his hand, he awaited for your eyes to open and look up at him.

A-Astarion?” You spoke with a small smile carved on your lips.

“Yes, my love. It’s me.” He struggled out, trying his best not to crumble.

You were both silent, hands entwined with one another thankful that you both can spend another day alive in the presence of another.

He was the first to break the silence, “thank you.”

You were so weak, but you wanted to know why he was thanking you out of the blue, “For what?” Your voice barely heard.

“For this,” his hand stretching out to rest on your abdomen, “for giving me purpose again.”

Your eyebrows furrowed, not knowing what he was talking about until it finally hit you. Your arm wavered as you lifted it to place your hand atop of his on your belly. A gentle smile forming on your lips as you stared into his vermilion eyes.

When your breath became labored indicating you had fallen asleep again, Astarion’s attention was back at your torso where the bandage was slowly being stained by your blood. This moment of relief turned to anger again as he lashed out, slapping a metal canister of water out the tent with force. The absolute intrigued him at first, more power meant being stronger to protect you, but now… He was beyond ever considering it again. The cultist not only almost killed you, but the child growing from within you!

“How dare they…” He seethed, “How dare they harm her and my child!”

Astarion was pacing around angrily, how could he have allowed this to happen? He started to blame himself.

“Astarion-“ You spoke up, attempting to calm him down.

“I’ll show them, my love-“ he cut you off, “that nobody is allowed to touch what is mine.” He growled.

His eyes darkened again: “I’ll make them pay.”

[tetsuissohot]

Lice?!

☆summary. you check their head for lice!

☆warning/tags: fem!reader, mostly crack, fluff, jkk men with lice?

☆word count: 1.3k

☆a/n: I don't know how I came up with these, but I still hope you enjoy and that this brings a smile to your face!

Nanami Kento | Gojo Satoru | Toji Fushiguro | Geto Suguro | Choso

Nanami approached you in the living room, looking uncharacteristically flustered. He adjusted his tie for the third time in two minutes, clearly uncomfortable.

"Y/N," he said, voice calm but with an underlying urgency, "I need you to check my head."

You blinked, setting down the book you were reading. "Uh, what?"

Nanami sighed, running a hand through his perfectly styled blond hair. "It’s nothing serious... well, probably nothing. But I’ve noticed I’ve been itching. A lot. I can’t afford to be distracted on the next mission, so just... check."

You suppressed a smile, biting your lip. Seeing the always-composed Nanami unsettled by something as simple as an itchy scalp was too adorable.

“Sure thing,” you said, standing up and motioning for him to sit on the couch. “Come here, let me take a look.”

Nanami sat down, stiff as a board, his back straight and eyes fixed ahead as if preparing for battle. You took a seat behind him, fingers gently parting his hair.

After a few moments, you broke the silence. “So, should I call Satoru if I find anything? Maybe he’ll bring you a lice comb—”

“No.” Nanami cut you off instantly, his voice firm. “Under no circumstances should Gojo find out about this.”

You chuckled, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. “Relax. No lice. You’re clear.”

Nanami visibly relaxed. "Thank you." He stood up, adjusting his suit once more. "But remember, we never speak of this again."

"Agreed," you said with a grin. "But if you’re ever itching to come back for a check-up, let me know."

He shot you a deadpan look. “Not funny, Y/N.”

Gojo waltzed into the room with his usual swagger, but something was off. He scratched his head casually, trying to make it seem like he wasn’t bothered, but you caught the third scratch in as many minutes.

“Babe,” he began, a playful grin tugging at his lips, “you wouldn’t mind checking my head for lice, would you?”

You looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. “Lice? Satoru, you literally have Infinity. What, did they evolve to pass through it?”

Gojo plopped down on the couch beside you, leaning in close. “Listen, Infinity protects against curses, not tiny, itchy creatures. They might be cleverer than we think. I can’t risk this perfect hair being infested.”

You snorted, grabbing the comb from the table. “You really think you’ve got lice?”

Gojo gave you a dramatic shrug, scratching his head again. “Well, if you loved me, you’d check and make sure. You wouldn’t want the strongest sorcerer being brought down by some tiny bugs, right?”

You rolled your eyes, but part of you found his vulnerability oddly endearing. “Fine, hold still. Let me make sure your Infinity isn’t on vacation.”

You ran the comb through his hair while he hummed, grinning all the while. “You know, I could get used to this. You, doting on me, fingers in my hair. It’s pretty romantic if you think about it.”

“Keep talking and I’ll start charging you for this,” you teased. “Also, no lice. Your perfect hair is safe for now.”

Gojo beamed and leaned back, dramatically throwing an arm over his eyes. “Ah, wonderful! I guess I’ll have to come up with a new excuse for you to pamper me next time.”

You playfully pushed his shoulder. “Get out of here, drama king.”

Toji barged into the room with his usual swagger, but the moment he started scratching the back of his head, you knew something was up.

“Toji?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

He scratched again and grunted. “Yeah, yeah. I know how this looks.”

You blinked. “Like you need some flea powder?”

Toji shot you a glare but then sighed, leaning against the wall. “Look, I’ve been itchy, okay? Maybe it’s nothing, but I need you to check my hair. Make sure I don’t have any of those... lice things.”

You had to stifle a laugh. Toji Fushiguro, the man who took down powerful sorcerers and curses, was worried about lice.

“You? Lice?” You chuckled, motioning for him to sit. “Aren’t you supposed to be too tough for something like that?”

He scowled, sitting down with a huff. “Just check. I don’t want to be distracted on a job.”

You grabbed the comb, shaking your head as you began parting his hair. “This might be the first time I’ve seen you worried about something so... small.”

Toji grumbled. “I’m not worried, I’m just... irritated.”

After a minute or so of combing through his thick, dark hair, you grinned. “No lice. You’re good. Maybe you’re just allergic to being so grumpy.”

Toji looked over his shoulder, his smirk returning. “If you’re done messing with me, maybe you can help me... de-stress.”

You flicked his ear and laughed. “Sure, but next time, try not to come in here scratching like a stray dog.”

You were chilling in the couch when Geto came in, looking suspiciously thoughtful. He sat down beside you, scratching his head absentmindedly.

"Y/N," he started, his voice soft but curious, "do you know what’s causing this? I’ve been itching for days."

You tilted your head, looking at him with amusement. “Scratching your head a lot lately, huh? Want me to check for lice?”

Geto chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “Lice? Really? That’s your diagnosis?”

You shrugged, already grabbing the comb. “Well, you’ve been scratching a lot, and lice don’t care how strong a sorcerer is.”

Geto leaned back slightly, allowing you to start combing through his long black hair. “I’ve exorcised curses and fought cursed spirits my whole life, but I never thought I’d need protection from something so... mundane.”

You laughed softly. “Well, even sorcerers can’t escape normal human problems.”

Geto closed his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. “I suppose that’s what I have you for. Keep me grounded in the world of lice and hair care.”

You chuckled, running the comb gently through his hair. “Exactly. Someone has to make sure you don’t lose your head over a few itchy spots.”

After a few moments, you gave him a pat on the shoulder. “All clear. No lice.”

Geto smiled, his eyes soft as he glanced over at you. “Thank you, my love. I feel much more at peace now.”

You kissed his cheek. “Glad I could help. Anything else bothering you? Maybe you’re allergic to all that long hair.”

Geto grinned. “Perhaps... or maybe it’s just an excuse to have you take care of me.

Choso shuffled into the room, looking slightly unsure of himself. He scratched his head awkwardly, avoiding your gaze.

“Y/N,” he started slowly, “I... think I might have lice.”

You blinked at him, surprised by the blunt admission. “Wait, what? Why would you think that?”

He scratched again, looking down at his feet. “I’ve been itching a lot, and I heard some people say that could mean... lice. I’m not sure, but it’s starting to worry me.”

You smiled softly, walking over to him. “Hey, it’s okay. Sit down, I’ll check for you.”

Choso obediently sat down, his shoulders tense as you grabbed the comb and began parting his hair. His usually calm demeanor was replaced by visible uncertainty.

“I’m not familiar with this... lice thing,” he admitted quietly, glancing up at you. “But it doesn’t sound good.”

You chuckled softly. “It’s just tiny bugs that can live in your hair. Annoying, but not dangerous. And don’t worry, if you’ve got them, I’ll help you get rid of them.”

Choso relaxed a bit under your touch, his tense shoulders lowering. “I’m glad you’re here. I’d have no idea how to handle something like this.”

You finished checking his hair and smiled. “Good news, Choso—no lice. You’re safe.”

Choso looked up at you, visibly relieved. “Thank you. I feel much better now.”

You ruffled his hair affectionately. “Next time you’re itching, just come to me. I’ll make sure it’s nothing serious.”

He smiled softly, his eyes warm. “I’ll remember that.”

MASTERLIST

Thank you for reading until the end! I hope you enjoyed it. This piece was more of a spontaneous writing, so there may be some imperfections in the scenario. I just had these ideas and wanted to put them down quickly. xoxo

[fandomtherapy44]

Trick or Treat Dean x reader Oneshot! Pt2

Pairing: Dean x reader

Warnings: SMUT, language

Summary: Y/n and Dean finally get to have a treat.

Divider from

Firefly Graphics

Reblog Banner and 18+ Banner From

cafekitsune

WC: 2,401

AN/ So this is like a second part to my Congrats you're a Dad fic with Dean, but you don't have to read that to fully understand this one. This was supposed to be posted on Halloween, but life got in the way, so let's just pretend that it is okay! Also, if you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I have a Spike x reader with smut if you're interested!

I blink my eyes open to sunlight peeking through our curtains and shining on our feet. The air is cold and crisp due it being October, and I want just to ignore the world and cuddle myself deeper in the heap of blankets we have on our bed. But sadly, the world demands our attention, well, more like our daughter needs it. I knew Bella would be awake soon her being now seven and having all the energy in the world, man I never thought I would be jealous of my kid. And my boyfriend the father of our daughter Dean Winchester is just softly snoring away. 

And I couldn't blame him he has been working a lot for us, both of us were to just afford a bigger place. I softly kiss his nose get out of my bed and grab my robe. I walk to the kitchen to get breakfast ready. I start the coffee and get the pancake mix out I’ve been making new spooky designs for Bella every day, its a pain in the ass to do it but worth it to see her face light up every morning plus it’s a lot easier to get her up for school. I start to make the food pour my coffee turn on a hype playlist on my phone to try to wake myself up.

“Hey, baby,” Dean said in his early gruff morning voice coming into the kitchen and wrapping his arms around me from the back.

“Good morning sleep well?” I responded loving the feeling his arms brought an extra warming to my body.

“Yeah, I did, what is that a witch?” He asked referring to the monstrous creation I have in the pan, no pun needed.

“No, I was going for candy corn.” I slumped my shoulders pout and I could feel his body chuckle at that.

“Aww sweetheart you know Bella loves anything you make for her.” He comforted me.

“But it’s supposed to be-” Before I could get in one of my little overthinking rants Dean started kissing my neck.

“Dean, what are you doing? You know Bella has to be up in fifteen minutes.” I sighed trying not to get swept up in his presence. Which is impossible.

“I am trying to remind you that no matter what you are an amazing mother to our little girl and that you deserve a little treat.” He breathes in my scent and reaches forward to turn off the stove. He starts to kiss my neck and finds my pulse and sucks down on it like he was a vampire.

“Mhh Dean.” I moaned.

“All for you.” Then his hand slips through my robe and to my shorts.

“I love these on you so easy to…” His fingers find their way to my panties and lightly tease my slit. The fingers getting slick on them almost embarrassingly.

“To go in.” I start to move with him and grind up on him a little like a dance. I can feel him getting hard. He moves his shaft against me.

“You…are…playing…with…fire…buddy.” I stated with bated breath.

“Always have.” He then slips in.

“Ah fuck Dean!” Fingers start to pump in gently.

“That’s it just let go.” I'm already close, it’s been a while since we could have a fun time.

“Mommy?” Shit! Fuck!

Dean quickly removes his fingers and goes to wash his hands while I try to compose myself.

“Good morning Princess, did you sleep well?” I asked as I placed her pancakes on the table kissed her head and tried to forget the last ten minutes.

“Uh-huh! Good morning Mr.Dean!” She exclaimed excitedly eating her pancakes with glee.

“Good morning Pumkin!” He adored her back with her nickname. We still have not told her that he was her Dad we really want her to get comfortable and she is.

“Mommy we still have to get my costume.” Our little seven-year-old demanded.

I laugh, and so does Dean, and we sit down, too. “Well, how about this: How does Mr.Dean take you to get one, huh?” Her little eyes light up like Christmas lights.

“Really! Yay! Thank you, Mr.Dean.” She runs to hug him and then to get ready.

He turns to me with a little panic running through him. “I’m going take her? Not that I don’t want to it’s just it will be like a real bonding thing do you think she’s ready or me?” My heart leaps with joy at his shyness and happiness.

“You are ready, plus if you’re going to stay around there is going to be a lot of bonding experiences.” Before I know it he pulls me to his lap.

“Hey I am here to stay and I’m going to rock the socks off of this bonding experience.” He gave me his signature smile and I leaned in to kiss him. We start to drift into what we were doing before and I pull away.

“Mhh baby you're giving me blue balls here.” He gripped my hips.

“Sorry, but we both have work and you still have to drop off Bells at school, maybe later okay?” I get up to get ready. “I lo-” I stop myself. “I hope you have a good day.” I smile and ignore the almost confession I committed. 

It’s Halloween and I’m rushing to get ready in my costume. 

“Babe you almost ready Bella is pulling on my-” he stops dead in his tracks seeing me.

“Wow just wow.” Scanning me up and down in my Poison Ivy costume he was Batman and Bella was Robin.

“You just trying to torture me aren’t you?” He asked in a low sexy voice getting his hands on me.

“Maybe?” I innocently asked knowing what I was doing.

“Oh, are you really trying to play coy right now?” He gripped harder on my hips.

“Why don’t you find out Mr. Wayne?” I whispered and nipped his earlobe.

“I am going to have you all tied up with your own-” He gets interrupted by our adorable daughter.

“Batman! There are criminals out stealing candy we must stop them!” She pronounced it like a real superhero.

“We are coming, Robin!” He called out. He turns back to me.“We just got blocked again by our own kid what is this world coming to?” He practically whined.

“Sorry, Mr.Wayne.” I kiss his cheek grab my cape and leave with blue balls… again.

We walk hand and hand while watching Bella run down the sidewalk shouting “Criminals beware!” Yes, it is the cutest thing ever. Between the orange twinkle lights and fake monsters on the lawns, little kids running around having fun, and the man I am starting to love it felt like a dream. A dream I never thought I would get.

“Hey, Ivy what's passing through that pretty head of yours?” My Batman asked. I hug his arm tightly.

“Just I think this is the best Halloween Bella and I have ever had.” I kissed his shoulder.

He squeezes my hand in agreement. “Me too, but there was this one year where I got to fight this animatronic that is a horror movie icon!-” He sees my face of confusion and just stops. “Yeah, me too.” 

We get home after an hour of Bella yelling about criminals and yes people did look at us a little weirdly. We walk up and Sam and Eileen are waiting on our porch. “Hey guys, sorry but we weren't expecting you.” I hug them both. 

“Actually I was,” Dean responded to my surprise.

“You were?”

“I was thinking while Bella has a super fun sleepover with her Uncle and Aunt we can have our own “super fun sleepover”.” I got what he was putting down and I loved the idea. I bend down to Bella.

“Sweetie would you want to-” 

“Yes, Mommy! Love you goodnight!” She hugs me quickly and runs to her uncle. I signed thank you to Eileen and she signed back you're welcome and have fun.

“Dean you planned this?” I put my arms around his neck.

“Well what I said earlier is true you do deserve a treat.” 

“Well, Mr.Wayne show me to your bedroom.” He picks me up bridal style and takes me to our bedroom.

SMUT 18+ Below cut....

He brings me in and places me on the bed. The room is dark, and a candle is burning, giving off the scent of chocolate and sweet berries in the air.

“Oh, you don’t know how long I've been waiting baby.” He starts to kiss down my neck. Paying special attention to my sweet spot.

“Why don’t you show me?” I raised my eyebrow being bratty. I knew what I was doing and I was good at it. That’s how we met in the first place I may have “accidentally” bent down in front of him at the diner.

“Oh, I will.” He gropes all down on me like he’s never touched a woman before. His fingers linger and drag down my most sensitive areas. Knowing what he was doing.

“Babe? Babe!” I giggled. “We have time now slow down I want to enjoy my Batman.” I spread my hands down his chest. Felling his toned muscles through his costume hell he probably could be Batman. They tensed under my fingers.

“I know it’s just that I miss my Ivy in bed waiting for me.” He nibbles on my neck. Sucking hickies in the deep nape of my neck.

“Me too but we have all night and tomorrow morning so I’m thinking maybe five rounds?” I pronounce confidently. Letting him really get into it. He was now licking those sore spots.

His eyes light up. “You really think we can do five?”

I pull him down by his cape. “You're right let’s do ten,” I smirk. Like I said it has been a while.

“Oh, I like what you're thinking!”

I slowly pull off my costume to reveal my green matching sexy lingerie. I run my hands over my body to tease him.

“Oh my, I think I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

“That you are Mr.Winchester.” He climbs on top of me and we start to make out. His tongue slips to meet mine and we start a beautiful rhythm. Like we had a hundred times before.

“Mhh Dean.” His hand goes to my pussy. Fingers go straight in. Really, sloshing in.

“So wet already huh?” The fingers pump in but then move more quickly. My body reacted and involuntarily jumped up. His hand steadied me on my hip. It was so sexy that my body shook from excitement.

“Yes yes!” He makes rings around my walls. He makes patterns in me. Rubbing up and down before I know it I’m cuming.

“Shit, I guess it has been a while.” I chuckle. “You're turn Bats.”

I push him to the bed and get on top of him.

“You want slow or fast?” 

“Slow.” 

I pull his pants down and bend to pull his underwear down with my teeth and his shaft springs forward. I start with tiny kitten licks and go up and down mainly focusing on the head. My tongue circled the top like a lollipop. The flavor being sweet and salty. 

“Mhh that’s it Baby you're doing great.” He sighs in deep pleasure.

At that compliant my pussy gets wet again I guess I have a praise kink.

I then suck deeply. And bop my head up and down making sure to get all of it. I then add my hand to it. And I pump the parts I can.

“Ah fuck!” I can tell he’s getting close. I don’t pull off and he comes in my mouth.

“I will never get tired of that.” He smiles happily.

“Thank you, now should we get to the main event of the evening?” I raise my eyebrows up and down.

“Yes, we should.” He goes to pull off the rest of the costume but I stop him. “Wait I've always wanted to do it with Batman.”

“Oh you dirty girl, okay your wish is my command.” He pulls me to him and slides up his shaft to meet my slit.

“Okay, are you ready?” I nod yes.

He slips in very easily.

“Oh that is…”

“Amazing” I finish.

He starts to move at a careful but intentional pace his strokes in me making music with my body. His shaft was hard as a rock making it juts up like it was a ship hitting the shore but in the best way possible. He held me up in a way I would feel every thrust.

“Ohh Dean…” I groaned out. He is fucking sex on legs littery and physically.

“Y/n… fuck…so…good!” He could feel my walls clench around his dick hard he kept pounding and sweat started to pour from both of us making the slick a lot more slideable. 

I grab the sheets in a tight grip to remind myself I wasn’t in heaven even though I felt was pretty close. One of his hands goes up to my nipple to rub it in small circles. His thumb moves over the texture of it and my whole body is in full on stimulation. I moved up my hand to his bicep and his skin was hot. We were both meeting each other in the middle of the thrusts. We were both getting close.

“Dean..” I was breathless.

“Yeah I gotcha Baby okay ready.” I nod yes.

He slows down his thrusts to make sure we can fully chase and enjoy the high. His hand that was on my chest goes to my clit. He makes tiny pets at it.

“Three…Two…One!” Both our bodies exploded together.

He pulls out and flops down next to me in exhaustion. 

“Baby we needed that.” he pulled me in under his arm.

“Definitely, so ready for the next round.” I reached up and brought his face to meet mine.

“Ohh give me like thirty minutes to recuperate I’m not twenty anymore.” I smile at that and give him a sweet kiss truly appreciating that he is here and getting older. Because with his old job, he could of very easily of ended at twenty.

“Dean thank you for my treat best one I’ve ever gotten.” I cuddle in deeper and think “I am so in love with Dean Winchester.”

Thank you for reading! And remember to vote! Also, if you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I have a Spike x reader with smut if you're interested!

[rorylovesmatt]

over worked - chris sturniolo

summary: y/n’s first year of college was coming to an end which meant she had to take multiple exams, but one night she broke down feeling too overworked

warnings: i don’t think there’s any? (please correct me if i’m wrong)

word count: 853

a/n: I CANT STOP WRITING HELP (dont look at how stretched out the middle pic is 😭😭) *NOT PROOFREAD*

Y/N sat at her desk in her small dorm room, surrounded by a chaotic array of papers and textbooks. Her laptop screen glowed with a half finished essay and a to do list with more tasks than she could handle stared back at her from the wall. The pressure was relentless. She had been studying for hours, and exhaustion weighed heavily on her eyelids.

She glanced at the clock, it was past midnight. Her chest tightened as she thought about the exams she still had to prepare for. Panic began to set in, her breathes coming in short, uneven gasps. Despite her best efforts to keep going, she could feel her self control (frank ocean mentioned!) slipping. The tears came slowly at first, and then in a torrent, her body shaking with silent sobs.

In the midst of her breakdown, her phone buzzed on the desk. It was Chris texting to check in on her. They had been dating since the beginning of the semester, and he had always been her rock. She tried to compose herself, wiping away tears as she picked up the phone.

"Hey how’s studying going?" his message read.

Y/N took a deep breath and typed back, "Not great. I'm really struggling right now”

Within minutes, her phone rang. Chris's concerned voice filled the room. "Hey Y/N, talk to me what's going on?"

Hearing his voice brought fresh tears to her eyes. "It's just... everything" she said, her voice trembling. "I'm so overwhelmed Chris. There’s so much to study for and I feel like I'm drowning. I don’t know if I can do this"

Chris's heart ached for her. "Stay right there" he said gently. "I’m coming over”

Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock at her door. Y/N opened it to find Chris standing there, his expression filled with concern. He stepped inside and pulled her into a comforting hug, holding her close as she cried into his shoulder.

"It's okay" he murmured, rubbing her back soothingly. "You're going to be okay"

They stood like that for a while, Y/N finding comfort in his embrace. When her sobs finally died down, Chris guided her to sit on the bed. He looked around at the cluttered desk and the stress etched on her face.

"You're doing too much all at once" he said softly. "You need to take a break Y/N. You can't keep going like this"

Y/N nodded sniffling. "I know, but there's so much to do, and I feel like I can't afford to stop"

Chris cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently brushing away her tears. "You can and you need to. Your health is more important than any exam. Let's take a break okay? We can go for a walk or get some fresh air. Just something to clear your mind"

She hesitated, but the exhaustion in her bones made her agree. "Okay" she whispered.

Chris helped her put on a jacket, and they left the dorm, stepping into the cool night air. The campus was quiet, and the stars twinkled overhead. They walked in silence for a while, the calmness of the night slowly easing her anxiety.

They found a bench under a tree and sat down. Chris took her hand in his, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her skin. "You know, you’re one of the strongest people I know" he said quietly. "You’ve worked so hard this year and I’m so proud of you. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here with you, every step of the way"

Y/N leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling the tension in her body slowly release. "Thank you Chris. I don’t know what I’d do without you"

They stayed there for a while, talking about everything and nothing, the simplicity of the moment providing a much needed escape from her worries. Chris shared funny stories from his own exams, making her laugh and reminding her that she wasn’t the only one facing these challenges.

When they finally made their way back to her dorm, Y/N felt lighter, her mind clearer. Chris helped her organize her desk, quickly coming up with a reasonable study schedule that included breaks and rest. He kissed her forehead and tucked her into bed promising to check on her the next day.

[seungminsbaldspot]

Impenetrable - Chapter Two

Pairing:  Hybrid/Poly BTS x Reader 

Series Link:  impenetrable masterlist

Word Count: 2,020 ish

Warnings: Mentions of gangs, hitman behavior, mentions of killing

Taglist: Open

Notes: If you want to join the taglist, comment and I will get it sorted for you!

prev / next

Recap: 

As the pack eats dinner, You can feel the heaviness from the stress of the day take a toll on you, causing your eyes to flutter. No matter the amount of training the lab or Eanses puts you through, when the body needs something it will either get it or break down. 

And unfortunately for you, your eyes close. 

And when they open, You see your target eye-to-eye with you.

The sudden change in surroundings startles you as your eyes open to find yourself face-to-face with Min Yoongi. The realization hits you like a jolt of electricity, and a surge of panic courses through your veins. How did he find you? Did he sense your presence despite your efforts to remain hidden? 

Your furry ears move a thousand miles a minute, searching for any audio clues. Your eyes search your surroundings, Only Min Yoongi is in the room. There is only one exit. Two if you count the window, but looking out the window, You are on the second floor. How did you even end up here? How did you not wake up while in transit? 

Your eyes land back on Min Yoongi. His gaze on you intensifies. You can’t read his expression, His face is very blank. But as he is your target, the files that you’ve read about him, this was not surprising to you. As you focus back on Min Yoongi, his blank expression is disconcerting. Your training reminds you to stay composed, but the uncertainty of the circumstances tests your resolve.

For a moment, neither of you speaks. The air in the room hangs heavy with unspoken questions. Finally, Min Yoongi breaks the silence, his voice low and measured, "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" You think for a moment, whatever you say could lead to your demise. Whether by Min Yoongi’s hand or Eanses. 

“I will not lie to you,” You start off, “I was sent here on a mission. But I am sure you were already aware of that. “He scoffs, “No shit.” You shrug, the shrug causing you to realize that you were tied down to the chair that you were sitting in. Min Yoongi smirks, “You’re tied.” Now you scoff, “No shit.” He rolls his eyes, “What the hell are you doing here? I haven’t done anything for the past five years. What the fuck do you want from me?” You sigh, looking down. Yes, you were trained to kill, But watching this pack for the past seven months has gotten you unfortunately attached to them. 

“Sent to eliminate you.” You mutter out. As soon as you said that, Someone bursts through the door, “And you still want to be alone with her?” Alpha says, well more like yells. 

The sudden intrusion startles both you and Min Yoongi. Alpha's commanding presence fills the room, and you can feel the tension escalate. Min Yoongi's expression shifts from annoyance to curiosity, and you're acutely aware of the precariousness of the situation. 

 Alpha's eyes narrow as he assesses the scene, taking in the tied-down figure before him. "Explain," he demands, his tone leaving no room for evasion.  You take a deep breath, considering your next words carefully. 

"I was sent here to eliminate Min Yoongi," you repeat, meeting Alpha's gaze. The admission hangs in the air, and you brace yourself for their reactions.  Min Yoongi smirks again, seemingly unfazed by the revelation. 

Alpha's eyes, however, narrow further, and the intensity of his gaze suggests that your presence poses a significant threat to the pack.  "You're tied because we can't afford to take chances," Alpha states, his voice firm. "Why should I believe anything you say?" Min Yoongi scoffs, “Why would she lie about that? Isn’t it obvious she’s telling the truth?” 

Alpha's gaze shifts between you and Min Yoongi, considering the dynamics of the situation. The skepticism in his eyes persists, but Min Yoongi's endorsement of your truthfulness carries some weight. The atmosphere in the room remains charged with uncertainty.

"Truth or not, we can't ignore the fact that she's here to eliminate me," Min Yoongi says, his tone calm but with an underlying edge. "The question is, what do we do now?"

Alpha remains silent for a moment, contemplating the options. Finally, he issues a command, "Untie her, but keep a close eye on her. We need more answers before making any decisions." Min Yoongi bends down to untie your wrists, once letting them free you try to rub the marks away. 

As you rub your wrists, Alpha warns, "Make a move, and you won't like the consequences. Now, start talking. Who sent you, and why are they after Yoongi?" You shrug, “Either way I am about to end up dead.” The two men’s gaze intensifies for a moment, “Look, we don’t care about what could or could not happen to you. We just want to know who fucking sent you.” Min Yoongi grumbles. You suppose that is fair, You are nothing to them. Looks like they have a lot in common with the humans from the lab. 

You sigh, pulling down the collar of your shirt, to reveal the branding that Eanses gave you many years ago. The giant E that stretches across the skin of your neck cause your target to sharply inhale. The room falls silent as Min Yoongi and Alpha take in the sight of the branded "E" on your neck. Their expressions shift from suspicion to a mix of surprise and realization. 

Min Yoongi's gaze narrows, and he demands, "Eanses? What's your connection to them?" 

You take a moment to collect your thoughts, realizing that your mission has taken an unexpected turn. The dynamics of the situation have shifted, and you find yourself at a crossroads where the truth becomes your only ally. You tell the truth you die, you lie you die. There is no winning for you. Death is the only end deal here. 

“I was created for Eanses.” You admit, your voice steady. “ They worked closely with a hybrid lab that tested on us. There was a group of us, I was the only one that lived, or well ‘passed the tests’.” You sigh, trying not to let the memories of the lab and the people make you crumble in front of your target and his pack, “Once Eanses got word of me passing, they took me. Trained to kill. Conditioned to follow commands without question. My official mission was to eliminate Min Yoongi and anyone in my way.” 

Alpha and Min Yoongi exchange a glance, a silent communication passing between them. The room remains silent for a moment, the gravity of the situation palpable.  Alpha breaks the silence, his voice stern, "Why are you telling us this now? What changed?"  You meet Alpha's gaze, recognizing the need to explain your unexpected deviation from the mission. Your eyes widen, You have officially failed your mission. 

“I… I’m not sure. Perhaps watching you all live so… freely? It’s quite a selfish thought of mine I suppose, But I knew there was no way I could fuck your lives up. Ending Min Yoongi’s life would most definitely fuck up the packmate’s lives. I was trained to not give a shit and yet I’m giving all of my shits for this random ass pack.” You angrily ramble, However you aren’t angry with the two men in front of you, no, you are angry with yourself. 

The admission of your internal struggle echoes in the room, and your frustration with yourself is easily seen. The unexpected depth of your connection to the pack has thrown a wrench into the well-laid plans of Eanses. Alpha and Min Yoongi exchange another glance, this time with a hint of understanding. 

 Alpha's stern expression softens slightly as he observes your internal conflict. "You chose a different path," he states, his tone less accusatory and more contemplative. "We need time to consider the implications of your presence and the threat Eanses poses to us." 

You nod, understanding the situation that the pack is in. However, You are unsure what this means for you though.

Min Yoongi, who has been mostly silent throughout, finally speaks, "If you're telling the truth, then your mission has obviously failed. And returning to Eanses would mean death. But trust is earned, not given. We'll be watching you closely, and with any sign of betrayal, I will kill you." You nod understanding. 

Your frustration simmers as the weight of your actions sinks in. The pack's decision remains uncertain, and the reality of your failed mission looms heavily over you. “I’ll talk to the others. Explaining everything. I’ll see their reactions and then we will move on from there. You stay here with her. “ 

Alpha's command leaves you alone with Min Yoongi in the room, the air thick with tension. As you process the implications of your failed mission and the uncertain fate that awaits you, Min Yoongi studies you with a contemplative gaze.

The silence stretches, broken only by the distant sounds of the night. Min Yoongi finally speaks, his voice calm, "You've put yourself in quite a predicament. Trust is a rare thing here, it's not something easily earned."

You nod, acknowledging the truth in his words. The weight of your choices and the consequences they carry weigh heavily on your shoulders.

Min Yoongi leans back, crossing his arms, "You're not the only one with a troubled past. We all have our demons. What's your story, aside from being a tool for Eanses?"

As you contemplate how much to reveal, Min Yoongi's question forces you to confront your own history. The vulnerability in his eyes suggests a shared understanding of the complexities that shape a person.

“I don’t know what else to tell you really. I’ve already said all I needed to say.” You shrug. Min Yoongi studies you for a moment, his gaze searching for any signs of deception or hidden motives. The room remains quiet as he contemplates your words.

"You've said what you needed to say, but that doesn't mean your past is irrelevant," he replies, his voice measured. "If you want a chance with the pack, honesty is crucial. Tell me more about the lab, Eanses, and what they did to you."

You hesitate, considering how much to reveal. The vulnerability in Min Yoongi's eyes hints at a shared understanding of pain and struggle. Opening up might be a way to bridge the gap of distrust that currently separates you from the pack.

"Fine," you sigh, “The lab stole me. It was your typical hybrid lab, testing on hybrids Genetic manipulation, conditioning, and training, all that, I’m sure you’re aware. Eanses was already working with this particular lab, trying to create the perfect hitman. And if they were caught and killed oh well because they’re a hybrid. You know? There was a group of like fifteen people who were put through the testing and training for Eanses. They all died, but me. I was successful. Eanses took me as their perfect hitman. I’ve been doing missions since then. This is the only one I’ve failed.”

Min Yoongi listens attentively, and for a moment, there's a glimpse of empathy in his eyes. The bond between you and the pack may still be uncertain, but your willingness to reveal more about your painful past could be a step towards building understanding and trust. 

Min Yoongi absorbs your words, and the weight of your history hangs in the air. The vulnerability you've shared opens a window into the dark chapters of your past, and the shared understanding of pain and struggle begins to bridge the gap between you and your target.

"I've had my fair share of struggles," Min Yoongi admits, his tone softer. "We all carry our demons, but it doesn't define who we are. The fact that you're here, willing to talk about it, suggests there's more to you than just being a tool for Eanses."

The acknowledgment of your shared struggles creates a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Min Yoongi's gaze reflects a mixture of empathy and contemplation, as if trying to decipher the complexities of you. 

"What now?" he asks, breaking the momentary silence. "Even if the pack decides to let you stay, Eanses won't take kindly to your failure." 

You look down, “Death is really my only option here. Sounds gruesome but I am nothing to them, just some spendable life.” 

The conversation is interrupted by the door swinging open. It’s Alpha. “The pack wants to meet you.” 

taglist: @sophiaj650 @danielle143 @sweet-nothings467

[adozowa]

CHAPTER 1 EP 1

New beginnings.

:: WOOH! NEW START ON EXCEED SERIES, now anyone wants to guess what's with this spirit and what it does?

GN READER ✦

|| Dio manipulation, Sibling-like bond with Erina ||

It was another sunny day, the bright orb of light illuminating the verdant surroundings. You knelt beside a small patch of earth near a grand mansion, its majestic architecture casting a long shadow over the garden. Even being near such an impressive structure felt like a privilege, yet your focus remained on the tiny seedling before you, tenderly watering it. This little plant was your pride, a week-old testament to your care and dedication.

However, your serene moment was interrupted by distant voices—harsh and grating. Panic set in as you scrambled to find a hiding place, darting behind a nearby bush. You glanced anxiously at the tools and supplies you’d left near your seedling, silently hoping they would remain untouched.

Through the gaps in the leaves, you saw them—a group of ruffians cornering a young woman. Their taunts and jeers carried across the garden, making your blood boil. Yet fear rooted you in place. Confrontation was a luxury you couldn’t afford; one wrong move and you’d be in over your head.

“Awh, c’mon, girly, no need to be shy~” one of them sneered, stepping closer to her.

Your fists clenched as you watched, helplessly cursing your hesitation. Just as you were about to muster the courage to act, a figure appeared—a blue-haired boy. He stepped in without hesitation, standing between the woman and her tormentors.

For a brief moment, you felt relief. But it was short-lived. Outnumbered, the boy was quickly overwhelmed, taking blow after blow before retreating in defeat. The woman called after him, concern etched on her face, before chasing him down.

As the garden quieted once more, you exhaled a shaky breath and emerged from your hiding spot, rushing back to your tools. But before you could get far, the woman suddenly reappeared, her hurried steps colliding with your own.

“Ah—!”

The two of you tumbled onto the grass in an awkward heap. Wincing from the impact, you tried to steady yourself, fatigue threatening to overtake you.

“I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, quickly helping you to your feet.

You waved off her concern, brushing yourself off. “It’s fine, really. I should’ve been watching where I was going.”

As you gathered your tools, she introduced herself. “I’m Erina. Erina Pendleton.”

Her kind smile was disarming, and before long, the two of you struck up a conversation. You explained your supposed "fragility"—a harmless lie to excuse your earlier inaction. Despite this, Erina seemed genuinely intrigued by you. The two of you spent a while chatting before she eventually excused herself, likely still thinking about the blue-haired boy.

That day marked the start of a friendship, one that would grow stronger with time.

TIME SKIP

“HEEEEEEYYYY!”

Erina’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. You turned to see her running toward you, arm in arm with someone. As they got closer, you recognized the figure beside her—it was the blue-haired boy from before!

“Erina, you never told me you were seeing this dude!” you exclaimed, mock indignation coloring your tone.

The boy stepped forward, offering a polite bow. “Jonathan Joestar,” he introduced himself.

He exuded elegance and grace, the very image of a gentleman. His mannerisms, so refined and polished, stood in stark contrast to your more casual demeanor. You begrudgingly admitted to yourself that he seemed like a perfect match for Erina.

Before long, however, the two of you found common ground. Your humor clashed wonderfully with his calm and composed nature, creating a dynamic that quickly made Erina regret introducing you.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” You doubled over with laughter after Jonathan accidentally blurted out something inappropriate, his face turning crimson in embarrassment.

“Jonathan, you’re going to make them faint!” Erina groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Your bond with Jonathan grew over time, but one day, you met someone else—a blonde man who carried an air of both charm and menace.

---

You were tending to your plant when you noticed Jonathan standing defensively in front of it. Opposite him stood a strikingly handsome blonde man, his expression unreadable but his stance threatening.

“Dio! I will not allow you to harm this plant at any cost!” Jonathan declared, his voice firm.

“JoJo, do not tell me you are that eager to shield a mere plant—”

“JONATHAAAAAN!” you called out, jogging over and cutting Dio off mid-sentence. Without acknowledging the blonde, you started rambling to Jonathan about the plant’s progress, completely oblivious to the tension in the air.

Dio cleared his throat, drawing your attention at last. You froze, suddenly aware of his piercing gaze.

“My apologies,” he said smoothly, a sly smile on his lips. “I don’t believe we’ve met. Dio Brando, Jonathan’s brother.”

You hesitated before shaking his outstretched hand, only to realize too late that your grip was unexpectedly firm.

“Oh my, eager are we?” he teased, his smirk widening.

Flustered, you quickly let go. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” you stammered, your face heating up.

Dio chuckled softly, clearly amused by your reaction. But when your attention shifted elsewhere, his expression darkened ever so slightly as he glanced at Jonathan.

Jonathan, on the other hand, frowned at the interaction. He didn’t trust Dio, and the thought of you becoming entangled with his brother unnerved him. You were a dear friend—practically family—and he couldn’t bear the idea of you getting hurt.

As you continued your awkward attempts at small talk with Dio, Jonathan silently vowed to keep a close eye on his brother. There was no way he’d let Dio manipulate or harm you.

The question lingered in his mind: how far would Dio go, and would you be ready for it?

[stellar-haikyuu]

stellar's haikyuu ocs! ☆ timeskip jobs

I'm still wondering how to go about their individual introductions, but I figured it would be fun to share my Haikyuu original characters' future professions! This post will also feature their names and their meanings hehe. ♡ Feel free to leave any thoughts or questions hehe I'll be more than happy to overshare! (Unfortunately, I still find drawing quite difficult, so I use this picrew by veluv_art to help make my visions come to life.)

Works as a pediatric speech-language-hearing pathologist

Plans to specialize in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Collaborates with Ennoshita whenever he is given pediatric cases

Works as a volleyball coach for Niiyama Girls High School

Plans to coach the Japanese women's national team and youth/under 19 representatives team

Works as a preschool teacher

Employed in the same facility as Inuoka

Supervises or leads workshops at her sister's dance studio every other weekend

Works as a video game developer

Plans on spearheading the creation of more sports games

Also works as a freelance graphic designer

Plays volleyball with the former Date Tech members

Works as a family medicine resident/doctor

Employed at the same hospital as Shirabu

Does free consultations for families who cannot afford health services

Works as an author of both children's and adult books

Writes under two pseudonyms and is employed at the publishing company Akaashi works at

Privately posts fanfiction online

Works as a food and lifestyle vlogger

Promotes Kita's rice farm and Onigiri Miya

Also works as a soundtrack composer for small film projects and games

Works as a professional volleyball player

In the same team as Kanoka (Hikari Pharmaceutical Red Rabbits)

Also a member of the Japanese women's national team

Works as an artist

Sells merchandise such as stickers, crochet items, keychains, you name it

Co-owns an art makerspace with Himekawa

Works as a psychologist in the private and school setting

Plans to specialize in child psychology and play therapy

Often asks for Hirugami's insights for cases needing animal/pet therapy

Works as a disability/accessibility advocate and consultant for the Paralympics

Hosts accessibility workshops for workplaces and universities

Hyakuzawa always promotes her advocacy projects on his social media and volleyball interviews

stellar's masterlist

[bridgetotheskyyy]

chapter two.

masterlist

Chapter summary: Gaara gives you a tour of Suna and Temari takes you shopping with ulterior motives . . .

Chapter warnings: hints of parental abuse, mentions of death and violence, threats

Word count: 12.9k

A/N: I truly hope this chapter exceeded your expectations. But, if not, I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. Next chapter (which I will try and drop mid-September, think September 15th. I'll let y'all know if there are any delays; I'm in the process of moving from the shithole I live in to somewhere hopefully nice, so fingers crossed!) we get our anime beach episode! Embrace yourselves!

Read on ao3 here

Your empty stare fixed on the equally empty stage. Shinobi dispersed into the crowd to initiate calm. 

To no avail.

“It’s an attack!”

“Oh, our poor Lord Kazekage …” 

“What’s happening?”

You didn’t dare take your eyes off the stage, now serving as your judge, jury, and executioner. If Gaara didn’t return, who else would be blamed? Who could blame them for blaming you? You had been the last to touch him. 

In your periphery, Chuuyou inched toward you. An apex predator ready to defend his cub. He would shed blood here tonight if it came to that. 

You swallowed a scream.

Had your father not trusted you after all and taken matters into his own hands? Did he have your innocuous gift swapped with something more deadly? The minutes ticked on. Oasis ninja clotted around you.

Your heart drummed in your ears as Baki reappeared. Silence fell, attention rapt as he took the microphone.

“Everything is all right!” he announced. “Lord Kazekage is not normally fond of alcohol and accidentally had the strongest liquor available tonight! He is completely fine.”

An universal sigh of relief; murmurs sounded, coated in a new tone as Baki’s words sank in. 

“Our Kazekage is so responsible!” 

“Not like his brother … you see how he was chugging those glasses earlier?”

“Oh, of course, yes …”

Your ninja relaxed as well, affording you space to breathe.

Tension wiped the strength in your legs; you collapsed into your seat. You were in the clear.

And … and Gaara was all right.

… Why did you care about that?

Baki abandoned the stage and joined the soothed crowd. You raced to compose yourself as he came toward you, the static of your nerves revving up in anticipation of what he would say.

“Are you all right —?”

“Yes,” You said with too much haste. You ironed out the fabric of your kimono to occupy your hands. “Is … is Gaara all right? Really?”

“He is.”

“… May I see him?”

You hung your head. You feared Baki’s face, the possibility of finding suspicion there, but when you lifted your gaze, his uncharacteristic smile had returned. 

“Of course,” he said. 

“So irresponsible!”

They had moved Gaara to the Suna Hospital for emergency analysis. Baki led you to his room. Gaara was bedridden, a wet towel on his head. Medical ninja fretted over him, plumping pillows and measuring his temperature, but they dispersed when they saw you coming. Temari was haranguing Kankuro in the corner.

“Gaara.” You came to the foot of his bed. “Are you all right?”

He opened a charcoal-ringed eye. “Yes. I apologize; I wasn’t thinking.”

“Lord Kazekage just needs some water and he’ll be right as rain,” came the soothing voice of a masked nurse.

Baki squeezed the space between his eyes; Temari was still berating Kankuro.

“I knew we should’ve been more careful!” she yelled. “You didn’t even try to help —!”

She beat him over the head with her fan.

“Ow! Temari —! Ah!” 

“That’s enough, Temari.” Gaara raised from bed. He removed his towel and looped it over his wrist. “I would like to return to the party.”

Temari paused. “But … but Gaara …”

“There’s still one more thing that needs to be done,” he said, “and I must ensure it happens.”

“Yeah, Temari,” Kankuro said, rubbing his head. “Stop embarrassing him in front of his future wife —“

He recoiled as Temari growled at him. 

She relaxed. “Well, If you’re feeling well enough …”

“I am.” Gaara was on his feet, approaching the door. He stopped to nod at the nurses. “Thank you for your care.”

The nurses had hearts in their eyes. “Ye — yes, of course, Lord Kazekage!”

The four of you returned to the halls of the party. The tension had left the party as it had your body. Warm applause greeted Gaara upon his reappearance. Cordial conversations flowed like unblocked rivers . The sky darkened enough to invite the blinking of stars. 

Gaara glanced over his shoulder to Baki. “It’s time.”

Baki nodded and hurried away. 

“What’s going on?” You asked. 

Gaara turned to you. “I was meant to present a gift to you as well.”

What? You blinked. “Oh …”

“I didn’t know what you would want,” Gaara went on. “And … I’ve been told I can give out rather strange gifts. I didn’t want to give you anything useless. I’ve prepared something nice instead.”

He led you to a tower, and the two of you climbed stairs to the top. At the top, a winged roof hooded over the reigning stars.

Gaara grasped the railing. “Come …”

You obeyed and stood beside him, waiting. 

Pop. A whistle. A white tip shot into the air. You tipped your neck skyward — an explosion of lights and color.

Fireworks …!

More scurried into the air to become sparkles of green, orange, red, and purple. The light of fireworks descended to illuminate the space between the two of you. 

“Gaara …” You stared in awe as fireworks mingled with the stars before tumbling into the desert. 

You were speechless. Had anyone ever done something so nice for you? No one. Not even Father. Especially not Father.

You grazed the necklace — that evil necklace — still swung around your neck, along with your mission culminating in its use. You lowered your gaze as crimson light cast on your skin. 

“(Y/n)?” 

You turned to Gaara. His small smile tipped the edges of his mouth. Your silence tempered it.

“Is this …all right?” he asked tentatively. “Do you like them?” 

Green replaced crimson, but you were immersed in the turquoise of Gaara’s eyes. 

Your mission became white noise as you smiled to assure him. “I … I love it … Thank you.” 

Gaara nodded. “I’m glad. I … hoped you would.” 

When he seemed content enough, you resumed marveling at the show, where fireworks of pure white blazed into the sky to rival the dazzle of stars. 

Dear Father,

I’m all settled in now. They’ve made things very comfortable for me. Your daughter is well. I want you to know that. They threw a party to honor my arrival — isn’t that nice? It’s been two days since — it went well. I don’t think anyone suspects anything. I haven’t seen much of the Kazekage, though; he’s been so busy since the party. 

I have a question to ask.

You never shared the full details of Hideo’s death with me. I suppose you thought I was simply too young when it happened and didn’t wish to traumatize me, but I need to know. Are you sure the Kazekage was responsible for it? I’m only asking because he is not what I expected. He is very kind to me and to his siblings. They seem to love him immensely. 

If you’re not sure, is it really necessary to go through with this plan? Wouldn’t it be more prudent to let things carry on as they are? Wouldn’t it be better for both of our villages if we let this marriage come to pass?

Despite the warm welcomes, I miss home, and I miss you.

Much love, (Y/n)

Baki had taken it upon himself to become your official caretaker, escorting you wherever and whenever you wanted to go. He led you to the Kazekage’s office. You looked forward to seeing Gaara, though you knew you shouldn’t.

Baki opened the door for you. You grinned; the cactus you had given Gaara now sat on his desk. One among many plants decorating the room. They livened up the place while circular windows ventilated the small space, granting all a shorthanded view of the village underneath. Towering buildings stood nearby. The windstorm had subsided, only a slight breeze trembling the lines of utility poles. 

Temari stood beside the Kazekage’s desk, looking unimpressed. At the sight of you, she managed a smile.

“Good morning, (Y/n). Hope you slept well.”

“I slept great, actually!” You said. “Gaara’s put his gift on his table, I see.”

The desk chair swiveled to reveal Kankuro flinging his hands out.

“Surprise!” 

You blinked, confused. 

Silence. 

“What’s happened?” You asked. 

“Nothing good, I promise,” Temari deadpanned. 

Kankuro’s enthusiasm deflated with a sigh. “There’s been a new arrangement.”

“Kankuro’s decided to step in and substitute as Kazekage for a few days,” Baki said, “so you and Lord Kazekage can get to know each other.”

“That’s a great idea!” You said. 

Free time with Gaara? One thought collided with another: would this give you time to accomplish your mission? Anxiety coupled with dread became acutely aware of your necklace sitting against your chest.  

You wanted word from your father first before you proceeded. And still … It was much too soon to try to make a move. 

“Um, where is Gaara?” His name sat sacred on your tongue, blasphemous to utter aloud.

“He’s in a meeting right now,” Baki said as the door opened and a servant entered, “as he won’t be taking part in them for a while.”

“What —“

“Here are the papers for today — uh, Lord Kazekage.” The servant dropped a stack of paperwork on the desk, now belonging to Kankuro. 

He smirked. “Heh, thanks, but I’ll need my morning coffee as well. How am I supposed to work without my coffee?”

The servant gulped. “Yes, right away!” He scurried out the door. 

Kankuro leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head. “I could get used to this.” 

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Temari huffed. “It’s only temporary.” 

You chuckled. You had grown to like the Sand siblings tremendously. Being sequestered in the sand palace with them was not as miserable as you had imagined; the stories, the bickering, the atmosphere of a home lived in. It was like having a sibling of your own again … 

You returned to your inquiry. “What is the council concerned with?”

“Oh.” Baki cleared his throat. “It’s concerning … the festivities a few days ago. Gaara’s incident.”

“Oh.” Bad news. What had caused Gaara to drink so much in the first place, you wondered? Was it you? Had you distracted him? Would the council blame you for what happened, though Gaara hadn’t?

Kankuro winked. “Afterward, he’ll be giving you a tour of the village.” 

You wiggled your eyebrows. “Oh, really?” 

“There’s just one thing.” Temari faced Baki. “Why weren’t you chosen to serve as a substitute for Gaara?” 

“Gaara recommended Kankuro personally,” Baki explained. “He trusts Kankuro — he’s also very good with people, should the need for such a skill arise.”

“What?” Temari placed her hands on her hips. “And I’m not?” 

“You are marrying a Leaf shinobi in a matter of months,” Baki replied. “We believed that would cause some … issues.” 

Temari’s cheeks reddened. She wilted into herself. “Oh, right, well …

“In the meantime,” Baki turned to you, “I will be chaperoning you and Gaara during your tour.”

“I see,” you said.

Kankuro scoffed. “Like my little brother needs a chaperon.” He raised his head proudly. “My gentlemanly little bro.”

“You’re completely right, though  …” Temari giggled into her hand. “You probably need one more than he does.”

“Maybe so … Hey!” 

More time passed, during which Kankuro made more demands, sending servants out as quickly as they came in.

You giggled into your sleeve as an anger mark sprouted on Temari’s forehead, growing ever larger by the second.

“What’s next, Kankuro?” Temari gritted her teeth. “Free ice cream?”

“You read my mind!” Kankuro shot a finger into the air. “For everyone! And the Suna library’ll have an Icha section! We’ll keep Jiraiya-sensei’s memory alive by —“ 

Temari hit him over the head, and Kankuro fell over the desk. 

“Can you at least pretend to take this seriously?”

Your perked, interest piqued. “Hm? Did you say the Icha Icha series?”

Their heads turned to you in mortified silence.

“How …” Baki looked like he had seen a ghost. “How do you know about those books, Lady (Y/n)?”

“Oh, I love them! All the ladies read them in court! And you know the author? How amazing —!“

“You’re allowed to read them?” Temari said.

You tilted your head, confused. “Of course. My father recommended it … why are you all looking at me like that?” 

They all stared at you, wide-eyed and in horror. 

“Did I … say something wrong?” 

“No, you didn’t.”

A fresh voice. Gaara entered, wearing a faint smile. 

“And yes,” he said. “We did.”

“Gaara,” You grinned. “Long time no see.”

You were genuinely happy to see him and, maybe, it was all right to be — for the time being. Until your father returned your letter, you would let yourself be.

“Yes. I’m sorry I was away for so long.”

Hope laced your fingers together. “Are you saying you’ve read the books, too?”

Temari gawked with horror. Baki sighed over Kankuro’s snicker.

“Yes.” Gaara tilted his head, considering. “But I didn’t understand them. Perhaps you can —“

Baki cleared his throat unusually loudly. “Perhaps we should get a move on. You both have a big day ahead of you.”

“Right,” Gaara said. “I meant to tell you about what I had planned today. If that appeals to you.” 

“Of course it does!” You strode to him. “I’m looking forward to it!”

“Have fun, you two!” Kankuro waved you off beside a facepalming Temari as Gaara led you, like a gentleman, out the door.

Sunagakure made you eat your words.

The village sat in its giant crater, nestled away from wandering eyes, a maze of stucco and rough sand. The buildings shouldered the responsibility of weathering the sandstorms. The orderly streets and marketplaces left you feeling guilty about the footprints you left underfoot. Domed buildings stood squat and quaint. Come nightfall, the gift box windows would cast yellow gazes on you in the dark.

“It’s beautiful …” You said.

“You’re a long way from home, so this must be strange for you,” Gaara said.

In truth, you had always been under your father’s thumb. This mission had taken you out from under it and now you could breathe. No one stood analyzing your every move, ready to correct or chastise or worse.

“It’s …” You trailed as the three of you turned a corner. “Different, to say the least.”

 “I apologize for being away,” Gaara said. “I hope you’ve been able to settle in without any problems.”

His courtesy flattered you. “Thank you, but I was fine, really!” You debated sharing your next point. “I even sent a letter to my father telling him I arrived safely.” 

“Hello, Lord Kazekage!” 

You, Gaara, and Baki stopped to entertain the woman approaching, waving and smiling.

“Oh, hello, Yen,” Gaara said. “It’s been a while. Is the baby all right?”

Your head snapped to him. Yen. He knows her name? Your mouth hung agape; your father would never know the name of a villager, let alone the servants conditioned to scrub his palace. 

“Yes, she just started teething!” the woman — Yen — giggled. She noticed you. “Oh, and who is this?”

Another girl crept toward you. “That’s Lord Kazekage and Lady (Y/n)!” she squealed. 

Villagers crowded the three of you; déjà vu of the party nights before started you chuckling to yourself.

“Oh!” Yen said. “Your fiancée! A pleasure to meet you!” 

“The pleasure’s all mine, surely …” You mumbled. 

“Lord Kazekage,” another girl whined. “You said you’d come to my rehearsal!” 

“No way! He said he’s coming to our picnic!” 

“I’ve got him Sunday —“

“No, I do!” 

“Please, please, everyone.” Gaara raised placating hands, albeit with a smile. “I will honor all of my agreements, I swear it!” 

“You’re so pretty,” one girl cooed to you. 

“What’s the Oasis village like?” asked a man.

Baki hung over your shoulder. “I’m going to have to get the two of you out of here,” he whispered. “I’ll find a quieter street for the two of you to walk.”

You nodded, though you had no idea how he would manage this, what with the villagers ready to carry your fiancée away like some sort of handsome singer. “Understood.”

“What are you doing —?”

Temari squealed, shooting up from the side of your bed. 

“Oh.” She relaxed as Kankuro entered. “You scared the shit out of me. Have you ever heard of knocking?”

“I did knock.” Kankuro crossed his arms. “Twice.”

“Well, don’t!” she said before ignoring him to flip pillows and pop her head through the bed curtains.

Kankuro’s eyebrow twitched. “Temari. What are you doing?”

“Looking for clues.”

“Wha—?” Kankuro gawked. “Clues?”

“Yes, Kankuro. Clues. Hints, evidence — anything that could indicate a plot.” Temari rummaged through drawers. “I just know something’s up.” 

“You think (Y/n)’d have something where we could easily find it?” Kankuro asked rhetorically. “You think she has some assassination diary laying around that says ‘April 5th. The plan to kill Gaara’s going well. The onigiri was great last night, too’?” 

Temari paused. “A diary … I didn’t think of that.” She closed the drawer in favor of the bed. “Kankuro, help me flip this mattress over —“ 

“Temari,” Kankuro stepped forward, resigned to the fact he had been talking to himself to take Temari’s hand. “Stop. This is insane.”

She drew her hand away. “You know that man has it in for Gaara!”

“No, Temari, I don’t know that,” Kankuro said, blocking her access to your bed. “Stop shoving — ngh! — You’ve gotta let the past be the past —“ 

“Kankuro, move —“

“As sub Kazekage, I order you to stop!” Kankuro said.

Temari paused, surprised.

“That’s right.” Kankuro grinned, victorious. “You know you have to do as I say.”

Temari sighed. “Fine.” She thrust a finger in his face. “But this. Isn’t. Over.” 

She stalked from the room. Kankuro watched her go. 

“Yeah, I know it’s not,” Kankuro said.

Not fooling anyone, Temari; I know what this is really about …

Baki did the impossible and secured a vacant street where the two of you could traverse unmolested. But the villagers still took it upon themselves to wave at Gaara from their windows before retreating behind curtains. Baki fell behind to give you some alone time and, though you couldn’t see him, you knew Chuuyou was nearby, foreseeing everything.

“They love you,” You said as he waved back. “They absolutely love you.”

Color blossomed on Gaara’s face. “It’s quite a change … from when I was a child.”

“Did they all know you, then?”

Gaara lowered his hand. “Yes … albeit for a very different reason. I was a very lonely child. The Fourth Kazekage kept me … away from others.”

“I understand.” You chuckled. “I think being the child of a village head always leaves so much to be desired. My father wouldn’t let me have any friends growing up; he always feared plots against our family.”

Gaara lowered his gaze. He said nothing as the two of you came to a bridge. And for a second, you began to think you had misjudged his meaning when he continued —

“I was a very different person then, like I told you before,” Gaara said. “I had my uncle, Yashamaru, but I was feared by everyone else.”

You weren’t stupid. Gaara of the Sand Waterfall. The Beast of Suna. He must be alluding his savage reputation. Oasis shinobi spoke of the terrors of facing him if they were blessed enough to return to tell the tale. When the Fourth Kazekage sent Gaara out on missions to ravage his opponents, opposing villages, yours along with many others.

But still, wouldn’t he have been a little boy then? How could he have been so feared, even then? You were tempted to ask for more, but, fearful of overstepping your bounds, kept your mouth closed.

“There is a reason they treat me this way; I’ve worked hard to redeem myself in their eyes,” Gaara said. 

You came to rest beside the railing of the bridge, head tilted in interest. “What changed?”

A long beat before Gaara spoke again. 

“I met someone who showed me a different way of living. That … I could be precious to others.” Gaara squeezed the rail as if to ground himself, though you pretended not to notice. “After that, I wanted nothing more than to make the people of this village love me.”

His words set in as you studied his face. This was a man who took it upon himself to know the name of his villagers, who was gentle, kind … 

Respect bloomed in your chest. You … you admired him.

But how could you when …

“Lord Kazekage!” 

A little boy ran up the bridge, stopping at the hill of it. He leaned on his knees to catch his breath. 

Gaara stood upright, commanding. Kazekage. “What is it?” 

The boy perked. Something crumpled in his little fist. Something yellow …

He offered it to Gaara. A flower. 

“It’s for you!” he said. “My friends told me you were around the village, so I picked it myself!” 

Gaara took the flower and inspected it thoughtfully, as did you; a few of the petals lay bent and crinkled from the boy’s well-intentioned hassling, but the creases increased the flower’s beauty. Gaara looked down and smiled. 

“Flowers are rare in this village,” he said. “Thank you. I’ll cherish it always.”

The boy’s laugh was music as you approached Gaara. 

“Whatever you did to make them love you, I think it worked,” You whispered over his shoulder with a wink.

Color had returned to Gaara’s cheeks. He faced the boy. “Is it all right if I place it in her hair? I think it would look nice on a woman.”

“Sure thing!” the boy said.

You froze, stunned as Gaara fixed it in your hair. 

“You look beautiful, Lady (Y/n)!” the boy said. He scratched his head sheepishly. “I wanted to find one for you, too, but I couldn’t, hehe …”

“I’m sure she appreciates it,” Gaara said.

You touched your hand to the flower, gingerly feeling its soft petals against your hair.

Another voice, feminine, called a name. 

“That’s my mom,” the boy said. “Bye, Lord Kazekage!” 

The boy waved at the two of you as you said your goodbyes. Gaara turned to you.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

The grumble of your stomach gave away your ladylike position. “Hehe. Starving.”

“I know just the place.”

Kankuro tossed a page in his book as Temari opened the door with her back, carrying a new stack of papers. 

He looked up — and groaned, sinking into the chair. “You’ve gotta be kidding me! More papers? Ugh, my first day and I’m already exhausted …”

Temari steadied the stack on the desk. “You should read more, anyway … Wait.” She went bug-eyed. “Are you actually reading?” 

“Yeah,” Kankuro sighed, returning to his book. 

“It’s a miracle!” Temari cried. She nudged closer to sneak a peek at the pages. “What’s the book?”

“I sent for some books about the Oasis village,” Kankuro said. “I figured it’d be a good idea; maybe it’d help us bridge the gap between our villages if we knew more about each other. But …” Kankuro closed the book. “They’re so secretive. They’ve clearly gone to great lengths to hide the secrets of their oasis. Not that I blame them. But there’s nothing on it, really. Just historiographies of the village and some legends. Do you know any?”

“Uh, no?” Temari crossed her legs and leaned against Kankuro’s arm. “Just that they think the oasis was graced by some water spirit a hundred years ago.” 

“That’s not all.” Kankuro flipped to the pages at the back of the book to inspect its index. “Apparently, that water spirit blessed the village with an oasis after he defeated some beast who’d gone rogue.”

“Charming,” Temari deadpanned. “I was never much for fairy tales, though. What are you getting at?”

“The oasis is said to have special powers,” Kankuro said.

“I thought you couldn’t find anything concrete?”

“If you read between the lines, that’s really what they’re getting at.” Kankuro leaned back after having found nothing substantial in the index. “What if (Y/n) knows about it? Who knows what we might gain access to?”

Temari snorted. “Now you sound like you’re on the council.”

Kankuro stiffened. “Not what I meant. I don’t want to play their game; I’m not looking to use her or anything. Just … who knows? Maybe it has healing abilities or something? Maybe it can bring back the dead? The possibilities are endless. Aren’t you the slightest bit curious?”

“Sure.” Temari looked out one of the windows. “But, Kankuro, even if it’s real and —“ She cut him with a pointed stare. “— there isn’t some plot we’re unaware of. We’re not just enemies to (Y/n)’s village — we’d considered blasphemous to them. I don’t know how friendly they’d be to us poking around.”

“I don’t know …” Kankuro closed the book but eyed it still, interest lingering. “I’m going to see if I can find anything else, though.”

“Understood,” Temari said. “But let’s tackle the paperwork first. Promise?”

Kankuro’s eyes roved over the stack. He sighed. He abandoned his book for the first sheet in the stack. “Promise.”

The restaurant was placed in a canyon on the outskirts of Sunagakure. The place held intimacy, as it was sparsely occupied with a few lone couples. You could hear their excited murmurings from afar as the two of you ordered food. The icing on the cake was poor Baki, trying to pass off as a simple bystander while so obviously a guard meant to protect Gaara. The man looked so out of place, shuffling his feet on the sidelines, you couldn’t help but laugh. 

“Maybe you should tell him to go back to the office,” You whispered to Gaara.

“He … insisted,” Gaara said.

Baki awkwardly crossed his arms and looked down the path of the canyon, playing as cool as he could.

“Kankuro told me about this place,” Gaara said, ostensibly to get your attention away from his uncomfortable former sensei. “He took a date here once.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes.” Gaara flattened a napkin. “Only, I don’t think it ended well … he said something about the girl pouring hot soup all over him.”

“Popular with the ladies, I see.” You giggled into your hand.

“This is a nostalgic place for our family, Gaara said. “My father took my mother here to propose. My uncle, Yashamaru, recommended it.”

You smiled. “You mention him often.”

“He taught me a great deal about love.”

 You leaned toward him. “He must be so nice.”

Gaara grew quiet.

“… he was.”

Your shoulders fell. “Oh. I see. I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right.” Gaara picked up his glass to immediately put it down — perhaps wary of its contents. “He taught me love is … the heart’s desire to serve someone closest to you.”

A FAMILY of orators, then.

“The heart’s desire …” You ruminated. “That’s beautiful.”

“So when Kankuro showed me this place …” Gaara looked up at the canyon’s ledge; the lights strewn from one side to the other, while umbrella roofs shielded them from the heat. A blade of light whet the side of Gaara’s face. “And told me about how Yashamaru had my father bring my mother here, I couldn’t help but think of his words again.”

“I look forward to learning more about your village and your family,” You said, transfixed. “The other things I know have been enforced by the rivalry between our villages.” Something occurred to you. “I hope I didn’t get you into too much trouble.”

Gaara frowned, clearly in need of clarification.

“With the council, I mean,” You elaborated. “I know you had to meet with them today.”

“It was nothing I couldn’t handle,” Gaara said. 

A smile tugged your lips. Was he bragging?

“They feared the incident could make the Sand look foolish,” Gaara continued, and when you tensed with memory, he added, “but I was quick to remind them the party seemed much livelier after what happened. It would have been rude if I had chosen not to engage in the festivities.”

You fiddled with your glass. The idea of playing even a minor role in the reproachment Gaara received needled you with guilt.

“I agreed there wouldn’t be a repeat incident,” Gaara said. “They were also concerned about what could happen if your father heard. Lady Ikanago said he could take it as an insult.”

The mention of Father cast an extra shadow over the two of you, doubling with the umbrellas above your heads. “What did you say?”

“I told them this is only a problem because the Sand has built up a reputation for terrorizing smaller territories around it,” Gaara replied. He cast his gaze down. “I do not deny my part in that terrorization. It is why I keep Joseki on the council.”

Joseki. Memories of the man flooded your mind. 

“He doesn’t like you at all.” You said it as though it were not obvious, intrigued by what Gaara’s reply would be. 

“No, he doesn’t.” Gaara’s gaze remained on the table. “I do not want to forget about my previous sins, nor the pain I’ve caused. Joseki’s disapproval serves as a frequent reminder of both.”

You tilted your head, stupefied. He kept a man on his council who despised him; was he so dedicated to making amends?

Gaara lifted his gaze at last. “Kankuro has questioned my methods, but this is what I’m comfortable doing.”

“Did they — did they say anything else?”

“There was talk of securing important bloodlines — yours,” Gaara said. “To ensure the Sand is strengthened.” Gaara paused; he suddenly seemed so tired, like an article of clothing excessively worn. “I have to admit: With each passing year, I become more disgusted with the council and their asinine power plays … For years, we have accused Konoha of terrorizing smaller villages, involving them in bigger wars, meanwhile we do the same in secret.”

“Such is politics,” You quipped.

Gaara was not swayed by your show of cynicism. “Despite what you told me before, about you coming here willingly …” He grimaced. “I’m sorry you have been involved in all of this.”

You were silent, too stunned to reply. When all had been said and done, no one had asked you about how you felt to be shipped off to another village. You did what was expected of you. Why did he, of all people, care so much for your well-being?

He is your fiancée, is he not?

Gaara tried for a reassuring smile. “Enough about this. Tell me about your village, your family.”

Chills ran over your skin despite the heat of the day. You? What could you say? What could you safely share that wouldn’t incriminate you? You considered speaking about Hideo, but would you be able to keep your cool? And nevermind your mission — you were a sheltered daughter of a village head. You had no stories, nothing worth sharing.

You gripped the side of your glass, hyper-aware of Gaara’s expectant stare. “I’m afraid I can only tell you stories about other people I’ve known. Your love for your uncle has reminded me a bit of my love for my maid, Hahaoya.” 

“Your maid?” Gaara parroted. 

“I don’t mean it like that,” You implored. “She was like a mother to me. She was all I had after my mother had died. After we buried my mother, I had nightmare after nightmare. Her death destroyed my father. He said he had no sympathy for me … He said I should get used to having nightmares, to living without her. He would have to. So would I.” You pinched the tablecloth. “But Hahaoya was always there; she would sneak into my bedroom once everyone else had fallen asleep to sing me songs and tell me stories. She was my everything.”

Gaara stared. “… Was?”

Misery creased your face; you did nothing to conceal it. “Was. One day, she was serving me soup, and I got so sick off of it. It was a few weeks after my mother had died and I wasn’t eating regularly, so I’m sure I was only having trouble digesting it. But my father threw a fit, ranting and raving about how Hahaoya had sided with ‘the’ enemy and had tried to kill me. He had her banished from our village and when I confronted him about it, he said she’s lucky he didn’t have her killed.”

Your trained eyes on the table, now too afraid to look up at Gaara. You had said too much; you were sure, but you hadn’t been able to help it. Reliving the memory, you remembered how upset you were with your father when it happened. Hahaoya, your only source of peace in those times … Your brother had been there, too, but as a fully fledged ninja with missions stacked atop each other, not as much as he may have wanted.

Then he died, and you were left truly alone with your crazy father … 

Gaara’s hand squeezing yours bore you away from your thoughts. You looked up.

“I’m sorry.” Gaara’s face brightened. “Perhaps, when we’re married, we can find her for you.”

You froze. “Rea — Really?”

“Yes.” Gaara cupped your hand with two hands now. “I can dispatch a team to go looking for her.”

Your lips parted in awe. “Gaara …” 

Gaara studied you, and for a second it looked like he would inquire further into your past — 

“Here you are!” 

A waiter came bearing plates.

You withdrew from Gaara’s touch as the waiter presented dishes. 

“Tell me if you need anything else, all right?” 

“Okay …” You replied weakly.

The waiter left you two to eat. 

“Once you’re full, there’s something else I’d like to share with you,” Gaara said.

You gave him an are you kidding expression. “No more fireworks, Gaara.”

“No.” Gaara leaned from the shade and sunlight brightened his eyes. “Something I’ve been hoping to share with you since you came. Something very precious to me.”

“Kankuro — oh, for gods’ sake — wake UP!”

Kankuro shot from the desk, a sheet stuck to his face. 

“Jeez!” Temari cried. “Gaara never fell asleep at his work!” 

“Doubt it.” Kankuro plucked the paper from his cheek, now smeared in purple paint. “’Tis the kind of work that could even put an insomniac to sleep. I — wait, whose drool is this … Oh, it’s mine —“

“I’ve had just enough of your lack of concern. You have no sense of urgency for anything!” Temari said. “Show some initiative for once, would you?”

“Fine!” Kankuro snapped. “From now on, it’s your job to get close to (Y/n) and see if she can tell us anything about the oasis. Happy? How’s that for initiative?”

Temari blinked. “That’s … that’s a brilliant idea!”

“Happy to hear it.” Kankuro plopped into his seat. 

“In fact …” Temari continued, thumbing her chin. “I know just the thing! A girl’s day out! She won’t suspect a thing. I’ll have it all planned out. I’ll have us go …”

Kankuro zoned out, happy to know Temari was now distracted enough leaving the office, allowing him to go back to sleep.

Gaara’s greenhouse burst with green, plants sprouting from every corner and orifice. A mahogany desk and chair sat in one aisle where you assumed he did his work cultivating. Butterflies fluttered past while ladybugs crawled across the face of leaves. You giggled as butterflies neared, curious about the flower placed in your hair. 

“It’s beautiful, Gaara!” You cried out.

“Thank you,” he said from behind you. “We have another greenhouse where we grow plants to counteract poisons and other undesirable things,”

You admired a succulent on his table to deter your nerves. “Really?” 

“Yes,” Gaara said. “I prefer only to grow harmless things here.”

You heard him take a step and chose to change the subject. “Where’s the cactus I gave you? Oh, I remember, in the office!”

Gaara came to your side. “I enjoyed it so much I wanted it somewhere I would be sure to admire it every day.” 

Baki swatted a butterfly away. “Cacti have been Lord Kazekage’s main hobbyhorse for a while now.”

You inspected the cactus he had propitiated. Verdant green cacti complimented the desk, lined up perfectly. “You’re so good with them. I can’t grow anything!”

“I’m only a beginner,” Gaara said. “I’ve read books on different plants from around the world. I’m not even aware of all the cacti yet …”

You chuckled. “You could’ve fooled me.”  

“One day, I’d like to know about every cactus,” Gaara said earnestly.

An image of a wizened Gaara, surrounded by a museum of cacti, flared in your mind. You giggled.

“I don’t know much about them,” You said, grazing the petal of a succulent, “but maybe there are specimens which grow back home I can have sent to you!” 

Gaara’s eyes brightened. “You would do that?” 

“Why not!” You smiled at him. “Why cactus, though? Is it because they’re easy to find in the desert?”

Gaara’s eyes followed the fingers you had ghosting the succulent petals. “I thought it a nice change. To grow and allow things to prosper, as opposed to destroy, was humbling for me. It is very soothing. Though not much grows in the desert … I came to love planting and watering things.” 

“Apologies to the earth,” You remarked. 

Gaara considered you. “Apologies to the … earth. I like that.”

Baki caught your eye; he was considering you as if you had materialized anew.

“It’s a beautiful hobby you have,” You said. And adding, due to your respect for him, “Lord Kazekage.”

He blushed, shied into a collection of leaves. 

He’s so cute — he really is handsome.

A half an hour passed as Gaara showed you more of his plants — prickly pear (turned out this was the class of cacti you had gifted him), golden barrels, barbary figs, the darling peyotes reminding you of dumplings. He set you in his working chair and let you review the spreadsheets he kept to remember which plants needed watering and when (cacti were not desperate for water, so the schedules were spaced out through a period of days and weeks) as well as the books he read for research. 

“(Y/n) …?” Gaara’s voice was tentative behind you as you inspected an index.

You lowered the book. You knew what he would ask. “Yes?”

“You mentioned a brother,” he said cautiously. “A brother who died.”

You smiled in defeat. Did you think you could avoid the topic forever? How stupid.

“If you don’t want to talk —“

“No.” You turned to Gaara. “It’s okay. I can talk about it …”

Concern creased Gaara’s face, looking ready to accommodate your comfort. In your periphery, Baki’s face echoed the sentiment.

You toyed with the corner of a page. “He was older than me, and a great shinobi …” Hideo’s smile came to life in your mind’s eye, behind your eyes as you closed them. “My father’s favorite, obviously. But that was all right; Hideo always said I was his favorite.”

You fought to maintain your composure; Gaara would come to your side if you curled over in pain.

“There was a mission — it was meant to be incredibly dangerous. I don’t know the details. I was never told …” Your hand abandoned the page to fold in your lap with the other. “Even my father wasn’t sure if he should go, but eventually let him. Hideo insisted. He wasn’t afraid — he wasn’t afraid of anything …”

You shoved a tear away from your cheek. The skin reddened and ached there.

“I don’t know what happened after that,” You said. “He never came home. There was — there was nothing to bring back —“ Your voice clipped and broke. 

“Enough,” Gaara muttered, a hand slipping to your shoulder. “It’s all right. You don’t have to go on.”

“I’m sorry.” Your voice was wet. You sniffed. “I’m okay, really.”

Gaara’s gentle touches helped you to put your emotions back where they belonged. 

“Your brother sounds like he was a great man,” Gaara said. “We are lesser for having lost him.”

Your feelings gnawed and clawed for the surface. Did I forget to tell you my father thinks you killed him? And the only reason I’m here is to —?

You banished the thoughts with a jerk of your head.

“He was,” You said. “Thank you.”

An awkward silence, clogged with pain, followed.

“It’s getting late,” Baki remarked after a few seconds, studying the sky.

You followed his gaze. He wasn’t wrong; the heavens burned a deep orange, the blue of the sky retreating to darken into a near-black. You were no fool; Baki was saving the two of you from the suffocating silence. You caught his glance toward you before he quickly looked away. 

Correction: Saving you especially.

“He’s right.” Gaara’s hand lingered at your shoulder before withdrawing. “We should be heading back for dinner. The others will be expecting us.”

You nodded. “Okay.” You managed a laugh. “I’m sor —“

“Don’t ever apologize for having feelings,” Gaara interrupted, eyes soft on you.

You smiled as Baki opened the door to the greenhouse. Whether it was from the new source of air, or Gaara’s warmth, or both, the place was easier to breathe in. 

At the threshold, Gaara looked over his shoulder at you. “(Y/n)?”

“Yes?”

“You said you were a fan of the Icha Icha series,” Gaara replied, oblivious to Baki stiffening in front of him. “Would you mind explaining the books to me?”

Baki blanched with horror.

You fought a giggle. “I’d be delighted!”

“Well,” Kankuro’s voice piqued with interest, “it seems you two had a fun and eventful evening!” 

“Yes …!” Gaara said. “First we …”

You let him summarize the day. You were content to be off your feet; the walking had murdered your feet, and they screamed in salvation as you sat at dinner. Later, you hoped to run a bath so you could soak before bed.

You wondered how long it would take for your father to reply. Hopefully soon, because … you were losing your resolve. You were never alone with Gaara, nor did you share his bed. How were you meant to do this? You knew Father would either tell you something to push you over the edge and solidify your resolve or the whole thing would be called off. Secretly, you hoped for the latter. You had never been allowed to date before, and if this is what it was like for everyone, you understood why people raved about it so much.

You hoped nothing would be waiting for you tonight; you were tired. 

“That’s all wonderful,” Temari said hastily. “Wonderful, wonderful. (Y/n), how would you like to spend the day with me tomorrow?”

The boys lowered their forks to stare, Kankuro looking more in the know than Gaara.

“I’d be delighted, future sister-in-law!”

Temari giggled, waving you off. “Stop, you’ll make me blush.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” Gaara said, turning to Kankuro. “And what about you? How was your first day as Kazekage?”

“I don’t know how you do it.” Kankuro leaned back and rubbed a balled fist in his eyes. “Thought the day was never gonna end.”

“It is grueling work,” Gaara said. “But it’s necessary work in order for the village to run smoothly.” 

“Hopefully, I’ll never have to do it,” Kankuro peeked at you. “You — you better give him lots and lots of kids.” 

“Kankuro!” Temari cried.

You went red. You had never even thought of having children with Gaara. You looked his way briefly before lowering your gaze to your meal.

“Speaking of which.” Gaara cleared his throat. “(Y/n) has been helping me understand Icha a lot more —“

Temari spit out her water. 

“I still have questions about —“

“Mm, Gaara!” You interrupted with a hand on his. “Maybe not at the dinner table, okay?”

“Oh,” Gaara said innocently. “All right.”

Four days later. No letter came for you.

It was the morning after last and every moment you spent holed up in your room was murder; you lay in wake for a hawk to come and throw a curve in your world.

Temari hadn’t taken you out yet, too tired after the dinner the night before last; the four of you had stayed up playing shogi, and she had been so excited about winning nearly every match she forgot about a curfew and fell asleep at the last moment, drooling over the carpet while the rest of you enjoyed yourselves. 

So, mostly, you stayed away from your room and spent time with Gaara and his siblings.

You liked them. You really, really liked them.

You frequently lost yourself in the beautiful turquoise of Gaara’s eyes, and when that wasn’t happening, Temari and Kankuro were pampering you or making you laugh, as much your siblings as Gaara’s, and when that wasn’t happening, Baki was treating you like a daughter, knocking on your door to ask you if you needed water or an extra blanket or helping you navigate your way through the palace or to the office. It all left you wondering if Father wasn’t … him. If this is what it was like to have a normal, sane man protecting you.

Friendship was alien to you. But this was even worse: this was a family. Despite their relation to the Kazekage and the responsibilities befalling them, they were a normal, loving family.

Still, you waited with chattering teeth and moist palms for the hawk you were beginning to hope would never come.

“What do you actually plan on doing with (Y/n)?” Kankuro asked, leaning against the door frame of her old bedroom.

“Shopping, of course,” Temari answered absentmindedly, making her bed.

“You don’t even like clothes,” Kankuro noted. “Come to think of it, I’ve never even seen you shop.”

“No, I don’t, but I suspect (Y/n) does,” Temari said. “She’s always wearing the loveliest yukatas around the place. Have you noticed? And anyway, it doesn’t matter; this gives me the perfect time to get her to let her guard down and let something slip.” 

Kankuro sighed. “We’re still on that, huh …? Just forget about the oasis, okay? Don’t mention it to her. I’ve had no luck at the library.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Temari said. “I’m sure I can get her to spill something about Lord Boutoku’s plans —“

“What’s this?” Baki said at the door.

Kankuro jumped from the door frame. “Oh, h — hey, Baki, We were just —“

“What are you two up to?” Baki frowned. “This better not have anything to do with (Y/n). Just what’re you planning?”

“Nothing!” they said in unison.

Baki paused to pinch the space between his eyes. “Fine, I relent. Kankuro, you’re needed in the office.”

“What’s happening?” Kankuro asked gravely.

“It seems there was an egregious error in one of the documents you signed a day ago,” Baki explained droningly. “You promised those contractors two-thousand yen, not two-hundred-thousand yen. Now, they think they’ve struck gold and have taken to the streets —“

“Oh, for gods’ sake!” Temari threw her cover to the side. “This is exactly why you should’ve chosen me as sub-Kazekage or appointed yourself! I can’t believe this! Now, I’ve got to go talk to them and explain all this and —“ She pointed to Kankuro as she walked to the door, “ — fix your mistake! I can’t believe —!”

Temari sprinted out the door, lecturing absolutely no one, leaving Kankuro and Baki alone.

“This is why I’ll never get married,” Kankuro said. “Shikamaru’s really a man to be envied.”

And he abandoned the room as well. 

“I think I need to up my migraine medication …” Baki spoke under his breath before following them.

Temari was late. You slipped into your sandals —

Squawk.

You froze. 

You faced the window: a hawk, a curled letter attached to its leg.

You raced to the window. You untied the letter with trembling fingers. The hawk, unperturbed by your panic, flew away. 

You sank against your windowsill. The letter unfurled. You began reading.

You SELFISH girl! 

What have I done to vex the gods so that I was cursed with you? That beast masquerading as your betrothed is an absolute MENACE who has killed hundreds of people from our village and beyond. Perhaps I was wrong to trust you — how could you ever understand the complexities of this situation. If you have a shred of dignity left, you will commit yourself to silence and do what you’re told for once! The demise of the Kazekage will lead to the prosperity of our village and others for decades, possibly even centuries, to come! Are you in such desperate need of a reminder? I have entrusted our ninja to protect you and wait until you complete your mission, which you  WILL  do. After which they will go to work wiping out the Suna council and his disgusting siblings AFTER you are done with the job of killing him, which you  WIL do . What is wrong with you? You would ally with the people who killed your brother in cold blood, simply because they smiled at you and gave you a place to sleep? What kind of street rat are you? Are you not my daughter? Well, since you need so much convincing to resist the temptation of allying with the people who have  MURDERED  members of your family, let alone your precious elder brother — who was the  second  to hold you after your  disgraceful  birth — let me enlighten you on how your brother died — 

“(Y/n)?” Temari’s voice came down the hallway.

Quickly, you hid the letter under your pillow. You slapped a false smile on, given no time to process the ire of the letter as Temari appeared.

“Hey,” she said, all smiles. “Are you ready? Let’s get a move on!”

“Yes,” You said, your voice shaking from your father’s lashing. “Let’s.”

The shopping centers were bustling. Temari had clearly taken you to one of the more expensive areas of the village; it was not like when Gaara had taken you out; no one stopped to say hello or noticed Lady Temari or you out and about, so transfixed the shoppers were with their vibrant kimonos and embroidered cloths, their jewels and sparkling jades.

The excitement dizzied you. “You didn’t have to take me somewhere so decadent, Temari …” You muttered, looking around at the ornate sand buildings. Their signs would blare to life with neon colors come nightfall.

“Nonsense!” Temari nuzzled closer to you. “Only the best for my future sister-in-law!”

You nodded furiously out of fear of seeming ungrateful. The letter numbed her flattering sentiment. You walked with legs made of cotton, immaterial and ready to buckle any moment. You fought to get a hold of yourself. You had been sure Father would come through the letter to strangle you; his fury had messied his handwriting. If he was that mad in the letter, what was it like to behold him in real life …?

Will do. What would happen if you didn’t do as he said?

What would happen to you?

… Would he … kill you? Could he?

No … no, he couldn’t —

“Something seems to be on your mind,” Temari said, studying you.

Fear shrank you. You faced her. His disgusting siblings. “Just a little — uh — overwhelmed, is all.” 

Temari chuckled. “I understand. Perhaps I was a bit too hasty to show off?”  

A woman walked past with a layer of fabric slung over her arm. 

Temari watched her walk away. “It’s funny … My father, the Fourth Kazekage, was so resentful of the Oasis village he had any and all items branded with scorpions banned.”

You swung your head, taken aback by the vitriol of the past. “What?”

Temari resumed walking. You tailed behind her. “He told me he came to despise the symbol of the scorpion so much he couldn’t bear the idea of people in his village donning it. It couldn’t be on bags or purses, or shirts or even rings. I didn’t totally believe him at the time and went looking — It’s in the records. Can you believe it?”

You suspected you were not being called to answer. Your mouth bobbed.

“I …”

“It was such a dark time.” 

You aligned your steps with hers. Temari was taller than you and, judging from the look of her arms and legs, stronger. Her blouse exposed her back and you could detect the lean muscles molded there. You hid behind her, hoping, in your panicked state, she would protect you from …

She glanced over her shoulder at you. “I’m sure your father is still angry about the way the Sand has treated him, despite this arrangement.”

A bitter laugh quivered from your mouth. “He’s always angry.” 

“I bet.” Temari spotted a store and beelined toward it. “Let’s go in there! It’s one of my favorites.”

You obediently followed.

Temari stopped abruptly, facing you. “I’ve been meaning to ask you … What even made Lord Boutoku set this up between you and my brother? After all, there were other villages in the Wind country he could have chosen.”

You paused. You met her eye. She’s grilling me. 

Father’s voice thundered in your head: I trained you for this, do NOT ruin the plan, selfish girl …

A group of teenage girls brushed past to enter the store. Temari was not deterred.

You straightened and forced your voice airy and polite. “The truth is, the Oasis is willing to share their secrets if it means they and the Sand can be allies.”

Temari was silent. Clearly, you had thrown her. 

“But,” You continued, “while we’re on the subject, why did the Sand agree at all? I’m not a ninja after all, so I’m not privy to any hidden techniques or anything the Sand may want. The Sand could have had us offer anything else. It didn’t have to be my hand.”

Silence. Temari stared —

The door flung open. 

“Can it be?” A woman stood at the door with huge white hair and pink cheeks. “Lady Temari! What a blessing to have you come to my store!”

Temari blinked. “I —“

“Come in, come in!”

She ushered the two of you inside. Several girls lingered behind the counter with the same rosy cheeks as her. 

“Ohhh!” The shopkeeper leaned uncomfortably close to your face. “And who is this?”

“That’s Lady (Y/n), mama!” One of the girls behind the counter said, holding her face. “The Kazekage’s fiancée!”

Galaxies erupted in the shopkeeper’s eyes. “OHH! What a blessing! What a blessing!”

“We — “ Temari struggled. “We were just looking —“

“Well then, I must show you my most prized section,” the shopkeeper said. “Only the finest apparel for the Kazekage’s family.”

She forced the two of you into a section separate from the front of the store. The shopkeeper thrust you into a private mall with floors and stairs to higher ones. Racks upon racks of clothes filled your eyes, along with the most divinely embroidered fabrics for crafting kimonos.  Two other women there with you, apparently high class enough to be bestowed the same honor, but were too engrossed in their potential purchases to notice your appearances.

“Really, ma’am!” Temari pressed. “We’re — really not looking to —“

“Oh, don’t be modest, my lady!” said the shopkeeper. “Spend as much time as you want looking! Oh! And don’t be afraid to call me!” 

She waved and shut the door, leaving the two of you in the museum of outfits. 

“Actually, I wouldn’t mind buying a few outfits since we’re out,” You told Temari. “If you don’t mind?”

Temari blinked, defeated. “Not … Not at all …”

You investigated the nearest racks while she got her bearings. 

After a few minutes, she started again. “So, I was right to take you shopping?”

“Oh, yes.” You surveyed the racks. “Clothes … they’re really the only way I’ve ever been able to express myself as the daughter of a village head.” 

“I can imagine it’s been very stifling for you.”

“Mhm …” You feigned interest in a glittering dress. Temari’s attention spidered up your back and you braced yourself for another set of incoming questions. 

“You know,” she began. “Gaara’s kept his promise to your village; the first set of resources has been sent out already.”

You turned to her with a grateful smile. “Really? That’s fantastic news!” 

“It is …” Temari leaned against a rack. “But I wonder … if your village is willing to spill its precious secrets, they must expect something truly invaluable in return.”

You knelt down to admire some shoes.

“The basics — water, weapons — that’s all fine, but … Your oasis is sacred, isn’t it?” 

“The friendship of a previous enemy is plenty valuable.” You looked at her over your shoulder. “Don’t you think so? You were there for Gaara’s speech. He has such a way with words …”

“He does,” Temari said. “He’s done so much reading the past few years, absorbs words like a sponge. I’m proud of him. We all are.”

“I can imagine.”

“When he fainted on stage, I could’ve sworn you must’ve slipped something into his drink!”

Your heart drummed, but you willed your body still. 

“Isn’t that funny?”

You rose with your most charming smile. “It’s hilarious! I can’t imagine what would make you think such a thing.”

Temari stared. Clearly, she was studying your face. The two women in the room exited, leaving you at Temari’s mercy. You collected some dresses, hoping your trembling arms would go unnoticed.

“Oh.” Temari bobbed her head. “I just remembered … Our fathers have only met once, I think.”

“Oh?” You passed her with a few dresses hung over your arm. You were sure of her eyes following you. You climbed the steps. Temari stalked behind you. 

“Yes,” Temari said. “I must have been about ten when that meeting took place. If I remember correctly, there wasn’t much rapport after our father was confirmed dead.”

There’s no reason for the Oasis and Sand to become allies — unless one had ulterior motives … 

You nodded, crossing into a new aisle. “Orochi … maru, was it? Horrible creature. I apologize on behalf of my father; he can be so classless sometimes. But …” You faced a new rack as Temari sharked toward you. “But … I imagine Konoha wasn’t shedding too many tears over the Fourth’s death, either. I think they should apologize for their silence as well. If they haven’t already. Don’t you?”

You shifted clothes on the rack — Temari’s hand blocked the hangers transferring.

“The Oasis would have much to gain from Gaara being removed. Or otherwise disposed of.”

You froze. 

Shit.

You thanked whatever god you had to you were not facing her at that moment, for you were sure you would have blown it. 

Think.  Think.  Have to throw her off. 

You wracked your brain, thinking of what you knew about Temari so far. 

You faced her after a beat. “Not at all.”

Temari stuttered. “What?”

“If Suna were to fall for whatever reason, it would throw the entire Wind country in disarray!” You said, as though the idea were ridiculous. “Suna is the seat of power on this side of the world. We would all suffer from it. The world of politics is so messy and pedantic as it is without bringing murder into the mix.”

It frightened you how true your words rang. The image of Father loomed in your mind, eager to deliver disapproval.

Authenticity proved your savior; Temari seemed to consider your words, leaving an opportunity open.

“Temari,” You began, feigning bashfulness. “I’ve been meaning to ask … what’s it like to be in love?”

“What?” Her face grew red, throwing hands in front of her face.

You toyed with the hem of one shirt. “I only wondered … I know I’ve only known Gaara for a few days, but I’ve grown to like him so much.”

None of it was a lie. You were growing to like Gaara a lot, a dangerous amount. You only knew romance from books, and a part of you did wonder if this fluttering in your chest was …

Temari recovered inchmeal to answer you. “It feels … good. To have someone understand you on that level.”

You smiled. “It must …!”

“I never thought I’d ever find someone I loved as much as my brothers,” Temari said, facing you again. “It would be a shame if anything happened to either of them.” 

Oh no. You kept the guilt from your face. 

“If anyone threatened them in any way,” she said, voice low, “I’d tear them apart.”

You would drown in the dark of her eyes. You stood, rooted beside her, silent.

She meant it. Temari crowded her brothers under her wings. If she discovered you, you would be torn apart and by her personally. There would be no excuse, no sob story you could bestow on her to make her reconsider. She would kill you.

But, if you failed, would Father?

Who were you more afraid of?

You swallowed — 

The door burst open.

“How’s everything going?” the shopkeeper said. Her daughters’ heads peeked from behind. She spotted where you two stood on the second floor. “Hm? Finding everything okay?”

“Lady (Y/n), what’s the Kazekage like in private?” 

“Is he charming? Oh, I bet!”

“Girls!” the shopkeeper barked.

Temari sighed before turning to you. “I’ll pay for everything. Let’s just go.”

Yes,  please!

As though the past few moments hadn’t happened, Temari led you out of the section and to the cash register to pay.

It was strange for Gaara to watch someone else do his work. Kankuro sat on the other side of the Kazekage’s desk, his lips as he stamped another document and shuffled it into the done pile.  

Anxiety gnawed at him; he of all people knew Temari could be … daunting.

“You don’t think Temari is scaring (Y/n) too much, do you?” Gaara asked. 

“Yep,” Kankuro said, stamping another. “She’ll be calling this whole thing off and heading back to the Oasis tonight. Let’s not forget what she did to Tenten — and she wasn’t even trying to marry you or anything.”

Gaara imagined your back broken over the tip of Temari’s folding fan, lifeless and bleeding. He didn’t like the image at all and shook his head blank. 

“Kankuro?”

“Hm?”

“What do men … do with women?” Gaara asked, hands in his lap. “I want to be a good host to (Y/n), but I’ve never done this before. I’m running out of ideas.”

Kankuro snorted. “What? Icha Icha didn’t give you any ideas?”

“It definitely plugged up some holes.” Gaara heard his brother snickering but, unable to understand why, returned to thinking. “But there’s much that seems so complicated. How do you date a girl …? And why would a mother pursue her son-in-law?”

Kankuro nearly fell over. “She … she really did explain those books to you, didn’t she?”

Gaara looked to his brother for help.

Kankuro sighed. “All right, well, you’re doing fine as it is, Gaara. Girls like being wined and dined, and they like surprises and gifts. You know, fun things.”

“Fun things …”

“Just take some time to brainstorm,” Kankuro said. “You can bounce some ideas off of me. I’m …” He looked up at his stack of paperwork. “I’m not going anywhere …”

Gaara thought to himself. He and you were both people of the desert. Surely there were more things you could share with one another?

What could he do … What —

It came to him. 

“Kankuro, I think I have an idea!”

Pride shone in Kankuro’s eyes. “I’m all ears.”

For the rest of the evening, Temari was noticeably defanged. You had passed whatever test Temari had put you through. Now the two of you were finally having a normal day out. 

You wanted to be proud of yourself, but you didn’t know how to be, or if you were allowed. For what? Your assassination plot having not been found out? 

“I’ll order us lunch,” Temari said as she placed the menu on the table. 

“Thank you.”

“I was thinking about what you said,” Temari said.

You grew nervous, fidgeted in your seat. “Hm?”

“About being in love,” Temari clarified. “I’ve spent time with my fiancée’s family — the Naras — and it was nice. Being around an ordinary family. As opposed to what our families are like, you know?”

You blinked. From your perspective, the Sand siblings were an ordinary family. 

“I — Yes, I get you.”

Temari laughed to herself. “It’s rough being the only girl, isn’t it? All the bullshit we have to take from the men. The constant threat of political marriages.”

You perked. This you could understand. “And you’re the oldest, aren’t you?”

“Ugh!” Temari flew back in her chair. “Don’t remind me. You know, my father tried to marry me off once?”

“No.”

“Yes!” Temari leaned in, excited. She twirled a finger to jog her memory. “Some boy from the Land of Rivers — don’t even remember his name.”

“What happened to him?”

“He said something about my ass and I nearly broke his neck.”

The two of you exploded into giggles. You adjusted one of the shopping bags at your feet so as to not knock it over.

“Not for lack of trying. Suffice to say, that ended things and he went home,” Temari said.

You wiped a tear from your eye. “I can imagine!”

“So, Lord Boutoku really lets you read Icha Icha?” Temari said, disbelieving.

“He insists,” You pressed. “He thinks it’s the only thing ladies should read so they know how to please men.”

Temari shook her head. “No offense, but I’m liking the man less and less.”

“None taken. But I started liking them quite a lot on my own.”

Food came at last, a myriad of different dishes — miso soup, fish, steaming rice — and the two of you dove in.

You sipped your jasmine tea to wash your throat. “Mmm …” 

“Good?”

“So good.” You inhaled the steam warming your nose.

“So,” Temari began. “You really like Gaara, don’t you?”

You set your tea down. “I do. He’s … nothing I expected.”

“Has he … told you anything?”

You caught her meaning. “He’s told me he’s had a difficult past.”

“Ah.” Temari preoccupied herself with the removal of onions from her salad. “So … no details, then?”

You paused. “No.”

You remembered your father’s letter and how you hadn’t had the chance to finish it. His words rang in your head still, and you hadn’t even endured the full torrent of his ire. Chills snaked over your skin despite the heat of the tea trickling down your throat. Temari sobered up as she minded her meal. You frowned.

“Temari?”

She looked up. “Oh, Nevermind me! We should keep things light!” 

“Yes.” Relief replaced the chills. “Let’s.”

“I’ll tell you about the time Shikamaru’s father walked in on my changing and swallowed one of his cigarettes.”

“Oh, gods,” You leaned in. “Shoot.”

Dusk overran evening once the two of you returned to the Suna palace, barring shopping bags and giggling over anecdotes. Gaara and Kankuro loitered around the entrance. 

They must have been waiting for us. So cute!

Gaara scanned the myriad of bags with a smile. “You must have had a good time, since it’s so late out,” he surmised. 

“We did!” Temari chirped before facing Kankuro. “Hope you didn’t pass any more asinine orders in our absence, Kankuro.”

Kankuro hmphed and crossed defiant arms. “I’ll have you know I finished all the work early today.”

“Good, so you can help us carry bags inside —“

Temari swung bags in Kankuro’s face and he yelped. 

The four of you hurried into the living room. Servants relieved you of your bags and moved to leave them in your respective rooms. The four of you piled into the dining room for dinner, for it was not long before varying plates of food — fish platters, potatoes, red wine (you gulped; Gaara fidgeted), figs — were brought to the table.

“The onigiri is immaculate,” You said, admiring the cute rice pyramids. “I have to send compliments to the chef.”

Kankuro shot Temari a look you couldn’t interpret. You returned to your meal.

Kankuro nudged Gaara’s arm with a mouthful of biscuit. “Gaara, don’t you have something to tell (Y/n)?”

“Yes, about that …” Gaara turned to you proudly. 

“Well, don’t leave us in suspense,” Temari said. “Spill it!”

“I’ve prepared some things so all of us can take a vacation to the beach.”

You shot up from your chair. “The beach?”

Gaara paused, clearly startled. “Y—Yes,” he said. “Is … is that all right?”

“Are you kidding?” You laughed. “That’s … oh my — it’s fantastic! I’ve never been to a beach! A beach in the desert?” 

“You’d be surprised,” Kankuro said. “Weirder things are out there.”

“That’s thoughtful of you, but, Gaara.” Temari faced her brother. “What about the office?”

“Baki will take over for Kankuro for the weekend we’re gone so we can enjoy ourselves,” Gaara explained. “He offered; he thinks it’s a good idea for us to bond, as we’ll all be family soon —“

You flew over the table and enveloped Gaara in a hug. 

“Oh, thank you!” You squealed. “Thank you, thank you, thank you —!“

Temari and Kankuro giggled while Gaara pet you on the shoulder.

“I’ve only ever read about beaches in books!” You leaned away, one arm still wrapped around Gaara’s shoulder. “I wish you had told me — I don’t even have a bathing suit!”

“That can be arranged,” Temari quipped. “Another quick shopping trip will fix that, I think.”

“It’ll be like a pre-honeymoon!” Kankuro shrugged. “But, you know, with us.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Gaara said. “I want us all to enjoy ourselves as (Y/n) and I get to know each other.”

“I agree!” You said. 

You smiled at him — only to realize your hug had left you situated in his lap. You leaped away.

“S — Sorry, Gaara.” You bowed, your voice a squeak. “I —“

But Gaara took your hand and kissed it lightly, causing you to blush. 

“Don’t apologize,” he said. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

Kankuro cornered Temari as she prepared for bed, organizing papers on her desk.

“So,” he said.

Temari dimmed her lamp, leaving them in semidarkness. “So what?”

“So. C’mon,” Kankuro said. “Just admit you like (Y/n).”

“All right, fine,” Temari sighed. “Despite how horrible Lord Boutoku is. She’s … nice.”

“Finally. Told you she’s not up to anything.” Kankuro tilted his head.

“Why are you grilling me, anyway?” Temari asked.

“Because I know what this is really about,” Kankuro said, leaning against the door frame as he had done before.

Temari sat on the edge of her bed, crossed her legs and arms. “Well, go ahead. Enlighten me.”

“You don’t want to let go of Gaara,” Kankuro said matter-of-factly. “He’s your little baby brother and now he’s all grown up, but you’ve mothered him for so long you can’t accept that he doesn’t need you like he used to.”

Temari rose with a scoff. “That’s ridiculous.”

“And,” Kankuro continued. “I had hoped that you would realize all on your own, but alas, I have to save the day — again. Sucks being the only sane one around here.”

“That’s just silly!”

“And,” Kankuro went on, “Now, I’m gonna have to call Shikamaru to come get you because —“

Temari held an arm akimbo. “How dare you insinuate I need a man to reign me in —”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake.” Baki entered the room. “What is it now?”

Kankuro and Temari rounded on each other. 

“Temari’s being silly —“

“Kankuro’s the silly one!” Temari bit back. “With all his crazy Kazekage orders and —“

“Okay. Enough.” Baki said. “The two of you have done nothing but bicker and fight over Lord Kazekage’s happiness from the moment Lady (Y/n) arrived.”

“That’s …” Temari deflated. “That’s not …”

“The two of you will stop scheming — both of you.” Baki narrowed his eyes. “I don’t care who started what. Kankuro, stop antagonizing your sister. And Temari, let your brothers breathe for once? You’re both too old for this. If you love your brother as much as you say you do, you will band together to help ensure this arrangement goes well, and he has fewer enemies to worry about in the future. Understand?”

Kankuro and Temari faced each other. 

“I’m … sorry,” Temari relented.

“So am I,” Kankuro said.

Baki sighed. “Good, that’s a start. Now, get some rest. We have to begin planning your trip in the morning.”

Baki gave them a lingering stare before leaving the room. 

Temari retook her seat on the bed. “Gaara … does seem very happy. With her. So far.” She lowered her head, as though considering other things coming to mind. “And I guess it is really something to be set up to marry someone you could actually grow to love.”

Kankuro nodded. “Yeah. Doesn’t happen every day, does it?”

Temari shook her head. “No …” She lent Kankuro her hand. “Truce?”

Kankuro smiled, approached her, and shook her hand. “Truce.”

Your head had snuggled against the pillow when you realized —

The letter. 

You rivaled the part of yourself desiring to drift off to sleep and forget the entire wretched correspondence. But you knew you couldn’t, not with the way your chest grew to ache with anxiety, come to reunite with you like an old friend. You hooked a hand under the pillow. Paper crinkled under your palm. You pulled it out and sat up. 

With dread cemented in your chest, you continued to read:

That boy is a scourge upon the earth who killed his mother to come into this world. My precious Hideo got caught in his wretched jutsu. His Sand Burial, I’m told. The damage done to Hideo’s body was so egregious we could never collect his body — 

You dropped the paper as though burned by it. You stared at it, wide-eyed. 

It was a moment or two before you reclaimed it to continue. You read the passage several times to convince yourself the words were real. Teardrops splattered near the edge of the paper, expanding like watercolor suns. Nausea whirled your stomach, but your eyes ran over the words anyway:

You disgrace us. If you do not do this, I will personally have you put you to death once the coup begins. Do not test me again. 

The letter abruptly ended, exacerbating the chill of it, the finality. You let it fall away to the side before you could add more tears to its face. Bile rose in your throat, threatening vomit, but your legs would not move; you were too weak to move them. 

Hideo’s beautiful face came to your mind, his beautiful smile and eyes — only to drown in blood. 

You clutched your head, sunk into your lap. Your two realities sat between you, forever at odds.

No, no. It couldn’t be true. Gaara and his siblings — they had been so nice to you. He had been so nice to you. He would never … could never be capable of such things.

Hideo kept flaring in your mind to die horrid deaths. Again and again, his mangled body reached out to you, begging for help —

“No!” 

You knocked the letter over. 

You refused to believe it — believe Father. Gaara would never, and even if he had — he would have told you … he would have remembered and called things off. 

If he even remembered or knew Hideo’s name. If he hadn’t killed so many, your brother joined a nameless herd —

You shoved your father’s voice aside like a real thing, rejecting it.

A burst of energy had you leaving your bed, letter in hand. You started a fire in the fireplace. 

Gaara had been nicer to you than anyone you had ever met. Save for Hideo, who would never stand for this, you knew. You were happier than you had ever been with him and his siblings. 

Gaara was kind.

Your father had never been kind.

Corrupt, cruel, capricious. His crimes were stacked up by the dozens as you determined to recall them all. He had yelled at you, assaulted you, called you a disgrace, called you selfish. In what way were you selfish? What had he ever asked of you that you hadn’t given? I’m here because he asked!

No.

You tore the letter in two. Threes. Fours. If only you had a fire, you would thrust it in the flames and let them eat the corners away before disposing of the thing. Your father was insane, you knew. None of it could be true. Gaara was kind and gentle and — and the two of you were to be married soon. He was taking you to the beach.

I don’t believe you, Father.

You collected the letter’s pieces and went to the window, letting the pieces flee from your hands and scatter to the wind like snow. You wrestled with the necklace around your neck, its poisonous contents, and clutched a hand around its pendant. 

I’ll keep it. And if Father comes, I’ll use what’s inside to protect Gaara. Or  myself .

The rest of the thick of the night was spent sorting out your thoughts. You wouldn’t tell them about your father’s plot yet, and it was entirely due to your cowardice. You remembered Temari’s words and the look she’d given you. If you couldn’t convince them you were on their side, you were sure you would be jailed — or killed. Regardless of your reasons.

No, you would wait after the trip, then you would tell them. The coup could only begin once you gave the word to the other Oasis nin meant to protect you. Father couldn’t do anything until then. And, if your father chose to be impulsive and come, he wouldn’t find Gaara or his siblings here — all of you would be miles away … His plan would fail.

With your thoughts ironed out, you settled in for bed, but it would be long before sleep would claim you. Due to the horrific imagery your father had given you — and what your mind chose to torture you with.

Gaps, endless voids, sprouted in between the horror, and you let daydreams of Gaara and the beach fill those gaps.

[ju-vondy]

Headcanon Gwyn scene

Guys, I just wrote this for the Chapter 11 in the Gwynriel fanfic I'm posting on Wattpad and I wanted to share with you all because yes, LOL.

This is the kind of building I hope Sarah does for Gwyn. Our girl has so much to grow! I hope you all enjoy. Please leave your thoughts!

WARNING: May contain anxiety triggers.

Count of words: 1.876

Some context before starting: Our beloved Valkyries accepted Rhysand's proposal to form a legion of female warriors (the Reborn Valkyries) and now Gwyn is about to embark on a mission with Azriel. The day is coming, a lot has been happening and, well... Let's see what happens?

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The torches cast faint light across the library, creating dancing shadows on the walls as Gwyn leaned over the ancient manuscripts. The room was silent, except for the soft rustle of parchment pages as Gwyn turned them, struggling to keep her eyes open.

Her eyes burned with exhaustion, but she refused to succumb to sleep. There was an important and lengthy translation to complete before the mission and she couldn't afford to leave anything unfinished. Several days had passed since the conversation where Azriel had suggested Gwyn stop serving as a priestess, and... She was trying to ignore that advice with all her might.

Only a week and a half remained before they departed. But as exhausting as the routine had been, she owed everything to those females, didn’t she? Even though Merrill was a bossy and authoritarian figure, Gwyn had grown so fond of her colleagues and... And singing! Singing during the services made her feel like she was floating, like she belonged to something.

Stopping her work as a priestess would surely erase a part of herself that Gwyn was not willing to let go of.

The Valkyrie yawned again. The fatigue finally caught up with her, enveloping her like a heavy blanket. Her eyes began to blink slowly, giving in to the irresistible desire to close. Then, without realizing it, Gwyn fell asleep, her head resting on the ancient scrolls.

It was Merrill's sharp voice that woke her abruptly.

Gwyn blinked, confused and dazed, as Merrill stared at her with an expression of disapproval and fury.

"What do you think you're doing, Gwyneth?" Merrill growled, her words as sharp as knives. "Sleeping in the library, as if there wasn't important work to be delivered before the journey? You have a responsibility here, and you chose to sleep instead of working?"

Gwyn tried to compose herself, shame burning in her cheeks as she quickly stood up.

"I'm sorry, Merrill, I... I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. I was just trying to finish the translation before Silphie officially takes over my duties..."

Merrill interrupted her with a brusque gesture of her hand.

"Apologies won't fix this, Gwyneth. You're here to serve as a priestess, not as an exhausted soldier who can't fulfill her responsibilities."

"The High Lord said I could..."

"I don't care what the High Lord said," Merrill crossed her arms. "He'll certainly change his mind after I have a word with him. You need to choose: do you want to be a warrior or a priestess? Because clearly you can't handle being both."

Merrill's words hit Gwyn like a blow, leaving her stunned and hurt. She couldn't find a response, her thoughts muddled and foggy with fatigue.

"Are you listening to me, Gwyneth?"

The Valkyrie growled, frustrated. How long would Merrill continue to treat her this way? A fire began to spread inside her body as she closed her notebook, the books and started to organize the manuscripta.

Enough.

She had enough.

"If you don't like my work, why didn't you dismiss my services as soon as I started training?" Gwyn exhaled, standing up. "You still haven't found anyone to replace me, have you? No one likes working for you." The Valkyrie crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes and finally letting the anger inside her overflow as she said something that had been stuck in her throat for a long time: "Because you're a demanding and authoritarian bitch."

Gwyn blinked, barely recognizing her voice as she said that ugly word. Merrill's expression twisted into a mask of rage, her eyes sparking with indignation as she stared at Gwyn.

"How dare you disrespect this sacred place with your temper?" Merrill shouted, her voice echoing through the library corridors. "Aren't you ashamed of insulting your superior like this? You aren't worthy of wearing the protective stone like all the others!"

Merrill's cutting words pierced Gwyn's heart with sharp pain. She quickly regretted thinking she could stand up to Merrill. Gwyn struggled to hold back the tears threatening to overflow from her eyes, her jaw clenched tightly as she fought against the wave of emotions consuming her body.

The few priestesses still circulating through the library watched the scene with shock and disbelief, some murmuring among themselves in tones of disapproval. Gwyn felt the weight of their gazes on her, the weight of judgment and condemnation. Her anger began to transform into a burning flame within her chest.

She lifted her chin, determined not to show weakness before Merrill and the other priestesses. She wasn't unworthy, no matter what they said. She was strong, determined, and capable. She was the rock against which the shadows break. And she would not let Merrill's cruel words bring her down.

With her jaw still tense, Gwyn swallowed hard, gathering all her courage to say: "I am no less worthy than any other priestess in this library," her voice trembled slightly, but she made sure to keep it firm and determined. "I strive every day to honor our duties and our faith."

Merrill snorted disdainfully.

"You can try to fool yourself while you play soldier, Gwyneth. But I know the truth:" Merrill pointed a finger in the redhead's face. "You are a disgrace to our order, and your presence here only brings dishonor to our sacred duties."

With one last disdainful look, Merrill turned and left the library, leaving Gwyn alone with her turbulent emotions. The anger boiled inside her, a burning flame that threatened to consume her entirely. What had started as a fire had become a dangerous explosion.

She was a Valkyrie, a fearless and courageous warrior. Nothing Merrill said was true. She was worthy, just like all the others. Wasn’t she? She was not a disgrace. Or was she?

"I am the rock against which the surf crashes..." Gwyn said as she adjusted her hood to leave the library, trying to silence the noise in her head and not let those thoughts defeat her. "Nothing can break me."

Nothing can break me, she repeated in her mind as she climbed the stairs to go to the House.

Gwyn felt an overwhelming mix of emotions inside her, a burning energy that drove her to act. She knew she needed a way to release all that accumulated tension, so she decided to go to the training ring, even though it was cold and dark outside.

It was the middle of the night, but she didn't care at all.

Entering the spacious and airy ring, Gwyn saw the punching bag hanging in the center. Without hesitation she threw off her priestess cloak, not even bothering to wrap her fingers, and advanced towards the object — her fists clenched and her eyes sparking with determination.

Starting to deliver several blows in the punching bag, Gwyn let the pain take over as she said through gritted teeth:

"Nothing." A right punch. "Can..." another, from the left. "Break." and then a solid kick. "Me." a hook followed by a determined growl.

Gradually, the frustration began to dissipate slowly, replaced by a sense of relief. Still, Gwyn continued to punch with will: each impact causing a release of all the weight and pain she carried in her heart.

As the minutes passed and the intensity of her blows increased, Gwyn barely noticed she was overdoing it. Her fingers began to throb with pain, but she ignored the sensation completely. She was so immersed in her own anguish that she barely noticed the blood dripping from her hands.

The punches were no longer just about Merrill: it was about her past, the loss of her sister, the day she was raped... Every damn thing that had ever happened to her.

It was only when her tears began to blur her vision and her lungs felt heavy as she tried to swallow her sobs that Gwyn finally realized how far she had gone. Her sobs echoed through the walls of the ring, but she didn't want to stop.

She couldn't stop.

"I am the rock..." she gasped, abruptly stopping her blows against the object. When Gwyn extended her fingers to see the extent of the injuries, her hand was trembling. She sniffled and whispered softly: "Against which the surf crashes..."

A groan of pain escaped Gwyn's lips as she let herself fall to her knees on the ground, her body trembling with the intense effort, her heart racing with her turbulent emotions.

She let out an angry scream. With her hand on her thighs, the Valkyrie focused on trying to control her breathing, without much success. All she could do was cry and cry, giving small nervous laughs in the process, mentally cursing the voices in her head who were saying she wasn't worth it.

Gwyn heard light, hurried footsteps approaching her, but she didn't bother to look in the direction behind her when she said:

"Go away."

"What happened?" the familiar voice sounded worried.

"Go. Away." Gwyn said, her voice still choked with tears. She used her wrists to dry her eyes and sobbed. "Please, Nesta. I want to be alone."

"See, Az?" Nesta continued, ignoring Gwyn's request. "She just wants to be alone. You called me for nothing."

Gwyn turned back when she heard Azriel's nickname. Nesta raised an eyebrow, curious.

"Azriel?" the redhead said, confusion in her voice. And then, as if emerging from the shadows, he appeared, silent as the night. His amber eyes were serious, and a look of concern marked his face, slightly illuminated by the moonlight and stars. "You were here the whole time?"

He nodded. Gwyn glared at him, but before she could open her mouth to protest, Nesta intervened:

"He thought it best to call me because he panics when he sees a female crying." Nesta took a step closer and Gwyn didn't tell her to go away this time.

"After Mor broke a champagne bottle over my head when I tried to comfort her during a tough time, I was traumatized." Azriel joked, just to lighten the mood.

Gwyn laughed, something sparking in her chest.

"You idiot," was all she could whisper.

Nesta crouched, taking her friend's hands. "By the Mother, Gwyn! Look at this, it's horrible."

Azriel approached them, alarmed. "Let me see."

Gwyn looked away when tje shadowsinger, with gentle and precise movements, checked the bruises and cuts.

"I hope she didn't broke a finger." Nesta murmured, trying not to show panic. The wingtips of Azriel's shadow quickly fluttered at this, but the male kept his expression calm.

"It seems to be ok. Just some cuts and bruises, we'll have to clean it and apply a few bandages."

Gwyn sighed, feeling embarrassed for losing control to the point of hurting herself that badly. She didn't want to appear weak, especially not in front of Azriel and Nesta.

"How did you do this?" Nesta asked, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. And why? — Nesta only thought that.

Gwyn sighed again, fighting back the tears threatening to return.

"I was... discounting my frustration on the punching bag." She admitted, feeling foolish for not being more careful. "I think I got a bit too carried away."

"Let's take care of this." Azriel said with a comforting gentleness in his voice.

Together, the three headed inside the House, where a "first aid" kit awaited them, as if the House had anticipated their needs. Azriel guided Gwyn to the table. Gwyn insisted she could do it herself, but Azriel's serious look as he said "Sit down" in a low, authoritative tone made her obey without protest. Nesta offered her silent support, placing a hand tenderly on her Gwyn's shoulder.

The quietness of the house enveloped them. Slowly, Nesta felt the silence mix with the concern in her chest. She found herself reflecting for a moment: what had caused Gwyn to explode like this? They had much to discuss.

Gwyn felt her friend's gaze and asked: "Something wrong, Nesta?"

Nesta sighed, pondering how to approach the delicate subject.

"It's just... " she began, hesitant. " Are you... alright?"

" I'm trying to be" Gwyn admitted, her voice a whisper. "But it's been hard lately. Too much happening at once. It's just..." she swallowed hard and glanced at Azriel, who had finished her right hand and now began to clean the wounds on her left hand." I'd rather not talk about it now.

"Alright." Nesta agreed, but didn't leave Gwyn's side.

Gwyn turned her attention to Azriel, who skillfully tended to her injuries. His precise and delicate movements revealed a dexterity she imagined he had acquired over time. She spent a long moment watching Azriel's nimble hands, appreciating the beauty of the gesture.

Nesta did the same. She raised an eyebrow at Azriel, noticing the meticulous care he employed while treating Gwyn's injury — a gentleness that contrasted with the strength of his hands. A rare glimpse of the sensitivity hidden behind the iron facade he constantly carried.

"You're good at this" Gwyn whispered when the shadowsinger was almost finished.

"Years of practice" Azriel replied with a bitter smile, his gaze wandering to his own hands marked by scars of the past. "Don't worry, your hands won't look as horrible as mine do."

Gwyn frowned, surprised by Azriel's self-deprecation.

"I wasn't... I wasn't looking at them like that" she murmured, embarrassed as Azriel placed the final bandage on her right hand and announced he was done. Gwyn held his wrist for a moment before speaking: "Hey. Your hands aren't ugly, Azriel."

Azriel flinched from Gwyn's touch as if it burned him and stood up.

"Good to know someone still has faith in my appearance" he said with a hint of sarcasm, giving an ironic smile before stepping away. "Good night to you both. Don't forget to change the bandages tomorrow, Gwyn."

Gwyn stood up, about to call him back, but Nesta interrupted her:

"It's no use, Gwyn." Nesta sighed, taking a step closer to her friend. "He never listens."

"But..." Gwyn stammered.

"Forget it." Nesta grunted, holding back the urge to grab Azriel by the collar and slap him for treating Gwyn like that after such a calm exchange they were having. Nesta had seen the look her friend gave his hands: admiration. No disgust, no repulsion. Pure admiration. "How about some hot chocolate before bed? I can stay in your room until you fall asleep. If you want to vent, you know..."

"But Cassian..." Gwyn hesitated.

"He will understand." Nesta assured. "Come on, I'm sure the House will prepare a delicious chocolate cake as well."

Gwyn nodded, letting Nesta guide her through the halls. The comforting aroma of hot chocolate enveloped them even before they entered Gwyn's room, making her feel grateful for her friend's presence.

" Thank you, Nesta" Gwyn murmured, feeling more at ease with the warm friendship by her side.

Nesta smiled, wrapping Gwyn in a comforting embrace.

"I will always be here for you, Gwyn."

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THAT'S ALL, MY FELLAS!

I'm crying, are you crying?

This is the kind of thing I'm hoping for Gwynriel: they hate themselves but when they look to each other they say "Hey buddy you're worth it, stop hating yourself!!"

Literally "Do as I say, not as I do, dumbass!!" thing hahaha

I'm sorry but I have to tag you guys @gwynrielweeksofficial @bookish-brainrot @arcturustarlight @bookishwithathought @mycadences who maybe would like reading it :)

Xoxo. Have a good weekend!

[divinesolas]

The Seatfiller (1/2)

Summary: You got the job as seat filler at the grammys and you just so happen to be sitting next to your favorite band, the dragons. Anything can happen.

Pairing: Modern!Singer!Aegon Targaryan x Fem!Reader

Warnings | none for this chapter, smut in the next part

w.c | 3.4k

part two

You two have been friends for years and luckily stayed in touch despite going to different colleges and working different jobs thanks to you too living in the same area. You can hear her getting into her car, “Do you have a dress yet?” you shake your head, “I have a couple in my closet-” It was the truth, they had all been dressed you've worn before sure but you liked each of them. “No! We need to go out and go get you a nice dress so you can look nice and hot and they'll fall in love with you.” You scoff and shake your head not that she could see.You were delusional but not that delusional, “I shouldn't-” “I'm on my way so you better be dressed.” You groan, she always ends up getting what she wants so you reluctantly agree. “Fine.” “Yesssss, we're gonna get you a dress that will have that one guy on his knees for you, trust me.”

She’s not a fan like you are but knows of your obsession with them so ‘that one guy’ she happens to be referring to is Aegon targaryen.The hot lead singer who also happens to write and compose a lot of their music. He’s mesmerizing from his attractive face to his enticing voice to his charming personality. He had it all and you had a huge crush on him. Or at least in the way a fan can like a celebrity. What if you were sitting next to him? What if he smiled at you? Would he be able to tell you're a fan and have been obsessively keeping up with him and his band for years? It would be humiliating but you would only be there for forty-five minutes. Or at least you hope so.

“Don't be ridiculous.” You can hear her driving as you move to change out of your pajamas, “There is no ridiculousness in it! He will be sitting near you and there you’ll be sitting looking hot as fuck and he’ll have no choice but to fuc-” “Enough!!” You could feel yourself getting red as you shook your head as if she could see you. You hear her laugh as you finish putting on your clothes. “I'm right though!” you sigh, “No youre not.”

You wait around for her to come then you rush down to meet her. She gets out of the car to hug you before you both get back in and she drives you to the mall. Once you arrive she grabs your hand and drags you over to one of the more expensive stores, “I can't afford this-” “I'm paying.” you scoff at her and try to rip your hand away from her, “No way.”

She turns to you and gives you a glare. “This is your big night! Consider it an early birthday gift.” You attempt to argue with her some more but she still does not listen as she drags you around the store. “Now lets look, hmm no this color wont look good on you. Ugh no this is too long.” When you finally accept her ‘gift’ you begin to look around with her, attempting to pick out the cheaper options before she quickly shuts you down, “You would never wear that in your life stop looking at the tags.”

You swear you've been in this store forever trying to find a dress but can't find anything until you look near the back and see it. You pull it out and rush to show it to your best friend whos eyes widen upon seeing the dress. “That's the one.” You try it on and you walk out to show her. She squeals as you spin around, “It's perfect! If nobody wants to fuck you in there ill do it myself!” you laugh and face the mirror. The dress makes you feel hot, you admire yourself and you smile.

“See? I'm a genius, we're getting it.” After attempting to pay and having your card slapped out of your hand you two manage to leave the store. You turn to her and give her a hug, “thank you.” “Of course.” you two laugh and pull back, “Now let's go get dinner and you pay.” “Bitch.” you two laugh as you walk away from the dress store.

On the day of the event you couldn't shake your nerves as you put the finishing touches on your outfit and makeup as your friend tries to boost your confidence. “Come on, you look so good, look at you.” You sigh and nod as you stand up and look at yourself in the mirror. You really did look good and there was no point getting worked up you would be in there for forty five minutes in and out then you could go and freak the fuck out afterwards about how you sat next to your favorite band.

“Are you gonna ask for an autograph?” “They said I can't do that in my contract. I just need to sit there and look nice until I'm supposed to leave.” she groans and rolls her eyes, “Boring.”

You check your phone and see your uber is almost here, “I gotta go.” She stands up and hugs you, “Love you girl, text me when you get there k? And try to get laid.” You laugh and flip her off as you walk out your front door.

The door shuts behind you and you sigh trying to relax, the night will go just fine. You hope.

The room filled with cheers as another award winner was called, the camera panned to the dragons who had smiles on their faces before shifting back to the stage. Once the camera was away Aegon covered his mouth to yawn. “Aegon…” Aemond, his brother and drummer of the dragons, was sitting next to him glaring at him, “What? I'm tired.” Aemond rolled his eyes and Aegon giggled to himself. He hated these award shows, all he wanted to do was get back to his studio, drink some beer and write up a new song but instead he was stuck here watching these stuck up people win awards he didn't care about.

The long and boring speech was finally over and they cut the cameras. Aegon let out a sigh of relief, the person next to him got up and was rushed backstage. Aegon couldn't remember their name but they were supposed to present at some point during the night. One of the staff of the event came over to the group, “A seat filler will come over to take his place now, please do not be alarmed.”

Jacaerys, The Bass player and childhood friend of aegon and aemond, gave the staff member a smile, “It's no problem.” The staff member nodded briefly before walking away, seemingly going to fetch someone. Aegon wasn't really paying attention until he spotted he felt a soft brush of someone as they sat down next to him and a soft apology.

9:00: He looked over and saw the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen. Now that he has his eyes on you he cant take him off.

The dress you wear suits you beautifully, his eyes linger on your chest area before trailing down to the rest of your body. God you were gorgeous, suddenly aegon became way more interested in the event.

The woman turns his head to him feeling his stare and gives him an awkward smile before turning back forward.

He sat up straight and readjusts the cuffs of his suit causing aemond to give him an odd look. “What the hell are you doing?” Aegon rolls his eyes, “What can't I sit up?” Aemond eyes the girl now sitting beside Aegon and scoffs. “Oh shut up.”

This can't be happening. Your body burns and you feel like your face is on fire. He was staring at you. the aegon targaryen. Lead singer and producer of the dragons. He even checked you out.

You thank your best friend in your head for buying you this dress as you feel Aegon's eyes continue to drift back to you.

Do you look back at him? You play with your fingers and look down at your hands as they call that the show is about to start again and you look back up.

You can't help but take a glance at him and notice he's already looking at you. You quickly look away again. You hear aemond hit his arm to get him to look forward, aegon grumbles as he does but his gaze on you.

You notice you're shaking, it really is so crazy to be sitting next to the band you've been admiring for the past couple years of your life.

Another commercial break starts and you're wondering how long it's been and how much more time you have yet. You're really wishing you had your phone right now. Not only to check the time but because you're sure your best friend is blowing up your phone right now.

You look back at Aegon and notice he's on his phone. What if you asked him… it would be a good excuse to just speak to him at least once plus your friend couldn't yell at you for not doing anything despite sitting next to your all time favorite band.

Aegon had been on his phone, texting the dragons gc.

‘do not do anything stupid.’ - aemond

‘but the girl is so hot ☹️’ - aegon

‘aegon. don't you dare.’ - jace

‘i just want to know her name ☹️☹️’- aegon

‘I know good and well that's not true.’ - helaena

“Excuse me…” The voice next to him rang out. All of them whipped their heads towards her, Aegon being the closest that looked her directly in the eyes. He notices she bites her lip slightly and avoids eye contact, god he didn't know how much more of this he could take. “Can i know what time it is?”

Aegon looked down at his phone before looking back at you, “It's 9:15 gorgeous.” He feels aemond hit his arm but its all worth it to see you flush and turn, “thank you.” its hushed but he can still hear it. “of course gorgeous.”

He notices your shaking and playing with your dress. There were hundreds of stars in the room but you were the only one he could see. “You have a gorgeous name?” “aegon..” aemond harshly hisses at him.

you look at him shocked, your beautiful eyes wide open and your eyelids flutter. You were so pretty. “um…. its y/n.” He smiles, “a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” You look away bashfully as he grins, “no..” “Really, I'm serious, you're the most gorgeous woman in the room.”

There's an announcement saying the cameras were about to turn back on and he groans. He just wants to keep on talking with you. He sits up and he feels aemond put a hand on his arm, “what do you think you're doing?” aegon shrugs, “what? im just talking to her there's nothing wrong with that?” He looks over at her and winks as aemond slaps his shoulder.

“You will quit it now.” Aegon groans, “You just had the situation with cassandra-” “she was the one bothering me,” Aegon hisses, “i never wanted her.” Aemond sighs, “The media doesn't know that-” “I don't care. they don't believe me anyways.”

Cassandra baratheon, one of the four daughters of a famous director and a top model and she was one of the most annoying people he's ever met.

When they met at some random award show afterparty where she came up to him claiming to be a fan of his group. The two talked, she tried to come home with him, he didn't want that, he told her that, she got pissed because her nepo baby ass never got told no and told the media the two slept together.

For the past week hes been dealing with people up his ass about cassandra but he's denied everything and it fucking sucks.

“Aegon-” “Please dont bring her up again.” The worst part of it all is that shes been showing up to his fucking house begging him to believe her that she would never say something like that to the media and asking if she would let him inside. “Fuck off cassandra.” “baby-” “dont fucking baby me i dont even fucking know you.” “youre an asshole!” “you say this every fucking time but you keep on coming back just leave me the fuck alone!”

Aegon shakes of the memory now frowning, god e could really use a fucking drink. Once again it was a commercial break at 9:22. Aegon Rolled his head back and looked back at you.

You sat with a stunned expression on your face as your eyes layed on him, fuck you must have heard all that. You notice him looking at you and you look away. Ugh now the pretty girl doesn't even wanna fucking look at him this sucks.

“I'm sorry.” a hushed whisper comes from you, one that only he can hear “I had seen it on the news, that must suck for you. I'm sorry, I believe you.” Aegon's eyes widen as looks at you, you haven't lifted your head. Nobody other than his bandmates had told him they believed him.

He smiled, he leaned down near your ear, “thank you sweetheart. You're as sweet as you look.” You turn your head farther away from him, he can practically feel the heat radiating off of your body as he watches your hands shake.

He smiles as you turn back to him, “I'm sorry for butting in-'' he shakes his head, “there's nothing to apologize for angel, it makes me feel nice knowing a pretty girl like you believes me.” He can partially feel aemonds annoyance but he can't be bothered as he takes in your reaction. 9:29 the show turns back and now he has a smile on his face as he faces the stage.

This can't be happening. Your face feels so hot and your body burns, this can't be happening. Is he hitting on you?

You can barely sit still in your seat as the award show continues. Maybe you should be brave, I mean you'll never see the man again in about 15 minutes so it doesn't matter what happens, right?

You readjust yourself and turn your head towards him and see him already looking at you. you lose any sense of confidence you had and look back down at your lap. Nope can't do it.

He smiles, “you wanna say something to me angel?” You shake your head, god this was so embarrassing. You stare up at the stage, the performance on the stage captures your attention that you don't notice the hushed whispers between aemond and aegon. 9:41 your final intermission.

A staff member walks over, “Please gather up your things, I'll be coming back around to collect you in a few minutes.” You nod as they rush away.

Upset that the night is ending you frown, already thinking about what take out you're going to get once you get home. You take a glance at Aegon to see he has a frantic look. Before you can even question it in your head he turns to you, “do you mind giving me your number angel?”

You almost faint, you're shocked you didn't, no way he was being serious. You stare at the phone he's handed in your direction frozen. Now your favorite member of your favorite band is asking you for your number. This must be a dream.

Snapping back you snatch the phone and shakingly put the number in, double no triple checking if it was right before handing it back to him. He smiles with a laugh as the staff member comes back and rushes you out, “I'll see you later angel.” Later?

You are rushed out along with other seat fillers for the night and taken outside to wait for transportation home as well as your bag. Everyone was chatting but you can barely even think right now. Your bag gets handed back to you and you can feel your phone vibrating.

You take it out and see over a hundred texts from your friend and 2 texts from an unknown number. Your hands are shaking, What the hell was happening. Avoiding what was probably his messages to you, you open up your friends messages to you.

A lot of them were just nonsense.

‘MISS YOU’

‘ONG YOU'RE ON CAMERA

*pic

‘&-)/&:)/$/$:’

‘WHY IS HE TALKING TO YOU OOOOOOOOOO’

‘YOU GOTTA TELL ME EVERYTHING’

*pic

The two photos are one of you when your face showed when the camera panned to someone in front of you and the next is a shot of you and Aegon looking at each other. Oh no.

‘NOT YOU LEAVING ME ON READ’

‘ANSWER NOW’

‘TELL ME’

She starts calling you and you move far away from everyone else to answer her.

“hey-”

“OH MY GOD.”

you move the phone away and wince before pulling it back, “you're so loud.”

“Oh shut up, tell me what happened.”

You smile to yourself as you think over the last forty five minutes of your life and tell her everything. “shut up!” “i know!”

“Have you looked at his messages?” You shook your head as if she could see you, “no-” “WHAT. look at them now are you kidding.”

“I'm scared.” “stop being a pussy and look.” you sigh and open the message with shaky fingers. He had sent a couple more since you last checked and by a couple more you mean a lot more.

‘hey its aegon’

‘shit’

‘the guy who was sitting next to you’

‘sorry never told you my name’

‘oh wait you said you knew me’

‘ANYWAY’

‘you know i never got your name angel’

‘or would you rather me keep calling you angel’

‘that was corny im sorry’

‘god’

‘um’

‘i'd love to see you again, the hotel im staying at has a bar if you'd meet me there’

‘no pressure i just cant get you out of my head’

‘sorry i have to go, i hope to see you there :)’

The last message was an address line to a really nice hotel only a block or two away. “Holy shit.”

you can only stare as your friend yells in your ear, “what?!? what happened??” You take a screenshot and send it to her. “No fucking way you have to go.”

You are looking at the hotel's website, “I don't know… what if he's like a secret psycho murder or a human trafficker.” Like sure you did admit him and obsess over him a little but that didn't mean you trusted him. He's a celebrity for crying out loud he could be the worst man on earth.

“I have your location. If you dont text me or anything, I'll call the police .” You genuinely consider your opinions right now. You could go home, get take out and sit and talk with your friend all night about nonsense when all you could think about is the what ifs or you could go and see what could happen.

“Oh fuck it ill go.” “YES.” There's no point in getting an uber so you begin the walk to the hotel.

You stay on the phone with her as you make your way there, still looking at the hotel's website. The place was super fancy, makes sense for a celebrity, people were giving you odd looks since you're just casually walking around in a fancy dress but you can't even be bothered.

“Did you shave?” “Fuck off nothings happening.” “surrre i believe you.”

You finally arrive at the place and stare at the big door, oh fuck it its not like anything is gonna happen right.

[stuckasmain]

Absolutely one of my favorite scenes in the entire movie is the few moments after the conversation with Hal before he bursts through the airlock. I’ve talked about it a lot before and that’s one of the best parts about it is that I could dissect it into infinity. There are so many little subtleties in his performance.

These few moments are perhaps the most emotional and expressive we see of Dave in the entire movie and it’s still subdued. He cannot afford to get emotional but you can see how badly he wants to be, how he bites back and contains his very human reaction. He can still contain himself, force down like he was trained too but it’s so clear this man is on the edge, he has long since reached the boiling point. There was little keeping him from yelling. We see it in the conversation with Hal “where the F—hell— did you get that idea?”

In the minutes following the conversation we see him cycle through Guilt, frustration and grief. None of which he is permitted to feel the full extent of — there is no time. There is a guilt there when Hal admits to reading lips, it flashes across his face but is not fully realized. It’s so quickly replaced by this anger and this pain that incapacitates him.

The conversation ends and he’s pissed, he’s guilty, he’s grieving and he can’t feel a single one of them fully and yet feels all of it at once. He sits there gripped to the controls just staring at the ship in-front of him trying to compose himself. He can’t cloud his judgement, he knows he has to bite it down. Survive. But god, if he could just have a second.

The debate he is having himself here isn’t about the door, not yet, it’s not even about if he will choose to survive and finish the mission (his mind was made up long before then). It’s about Frank. His body is still cradled there in his mechanical arms. The man he did not hesitate to follow after, who he spent hours trying to find even after saving turned to recovery- who he was trying to bring home. After all of that— he has to let him go if there’s going to be any chance for him. There could be something more symbolic here that by letting go of Frank this moment is really where he lets go of humanity as Frank is the pure representation something something- I’m not the one to make that essay.

Once he is inside the discovery all else melts away and he’s this raw burning determination- it’s not even anger anymore it’s just a robotic need to end it.

Dave is once again denied his ability to express emotions in the star gate (this times by measures out of his control). There is yet another few minutes he spends silent in the pod, trembling this time- eyes wide and terrified like a child’s. After that even humanity is denied of him. There’s never a second he gets to breathe or process or scream— this man earned to be able to scream but no.

He’s now evolved “past” emotion, too busy adjusting to this new plane of existence to even register its effects. I’m still reading the book series but it’s a little annoying/concerning that he’s so… calm with it? This man was seconds away from tearing at the walls and now he doesn’t really feel anything. I don’t know maybe a thousand years down the line he hits him and just “oh that was super fucked up actually” and he gets to actually process even half of what happened to him.

[placeinthemiddleofnowhere]

the scene where ghost thought könig had fucked someone else fucking killed me that's the funniest shit I've ever read!!! I could fully relate to sneak hardly being able to contain their laughter! I would have failed, honestly. Oh my god imagine if ghost gets them alone some time later and tries to get them to talk about how they feel about this incident... how they're coping with knowing könig's fucking someone else.... I'm dying

It goes a lil something like this…

You’d needed air. It was hell sitting there in the musty bar fighting off sweat with all the thoughts that swirled in your mind. You were still yet to encounter König since his antics in the gym, and all the while, you’d been dealing with the pitying gazes of your team. It was like being the last puppy at the pound, their big sad eyes staring over at you like they needed to unroot your deep seeded pain.

If only they knew what lay beneath the surface, you thought. Not the damp bed of anguish they assumed, but the loose thread of a lie that would unravel to reveal what you’d really gotten up to with your weekend.

You shuddered and stepped away from the table, almost tripping up on Soap just to get past him. They asked where you were going and you barely had time to say ‘toilet’ before you bypassed the door completely and headed out into the cold. You needed to clear things up, needed to sort your head out.

“Hey!”

Your eyes bulged as you’d noticed Ghost’s thundering steps and heard his growl - there was no mistaking him. You closed your eyes for a moment, trying desperately to compose yourself, before opening them and turning to face him. As if the whispering breeze wasn’t enough, the look in his eyes only doubled your body’s inclination to shiver. You wrapped your arms around yourself in protection.

“I’m ok, Ghost, really.”

“You’re not,” he said, jaw holding firm. “I know you’re not.”

“Well you know, as fine as can be,” you said vaguely, trying to get him off your back.

He snorted at that and shook his head. He wasn’t one for bullshitting, but unfortunately for him, you couldn’t afford to serve up much else. Not if you enjoyed where your head was placed - fixed on top of your neck.

“I had to tell Soap what happened and he told Gaz…”

“Of course you did,” you sighed.

Typical.

There were truly no secrets when something like this happened. Especially not when dealing with your scary guard dog Lieutenant. Normally it was useful but in this case? Not so much.

“They all want to kill him,” he said, voice deadly low. “Might end up having a little issue with his parachute on the next air drop.”

You shuddered at the thought.

“That’s maybe a little extreme, no?” You choked.

“Sneaky…no one messes with the 141. He pulls anything like that again and he’ll never be taking that shirt off again, won’t be fuckin’ able to when he’s paralysed,” he said, dark chuckle sounding from low in his throat.

Suddenly what was funny and rather convenient to you earlier, had immediately lost its charm. You had to find König quick. Perhaps risk a quick text…

[pagetreader]

@honorhearted {x}

On the outside, Portia F.eatherington appeared well composed, poised, and refined, but on the inside, she was screaming at the top of her lungs, prickling with anxiety and dread. After the recent and rather unexpected passing of her husband, may his damned soul know no rest, the Feathington estate and all the family’s assets were to transfer to the most immediate family member, which was Archi.bald’s cousin, Jack F.eatherington.  However, Jack was still out of the country, currently galavanting somewhere in America. God only knew when the man would deign to return and rescue them from financial ruin. 

While her eldest, Prudence, was only twelve and not yet in need of a prepared dowry for a future husband to claim, it was preferable to Portia to have the means – something she’d possessed, or so she’d thought, only weeks ago. Then Archibald had admitted to his gambling debts, the squandering of their comfort. 

Soon after this tragic revelation, his sins had caught up with him, leaving Portia and the girls destitute. Until Jack’s tentative arrival, it was as if she was left to paddle through the ocean without a life preserver and not a single boat in sight. She was panicking, suffocating. She needed consolation, a source of relief.

While an American tutor was far below her status, it hardly mattered. Portia knew that her age put her at a severe disadvantage. Prospects would be slim were she to attempt to find a new husband with enough wealth to support her and her daughters. No, this improper attraction wasn’t about finding a suitor. This was purely carnal. 

After the dismissal of her daughters from the library, and a barrage of questions for Mr. Tall.madge from little Penelope, Portia, who’d been observing from the entryway, made her presence known to her employee, evidently startling him as he absentmindedly went about his routine packing. "Oh! Mrs. F.eatherington... I'm so sorry, I...I didn't hear you come in." 

“My sincerest apologies for alarming you, sir” she replied, smiling warmly, a glimmer of intent in her eyes. 

“You just missed Prudence, if that's who you're looking for. She's doing an exceptional job with her arithmetic -- all your daughters are doing remarkably well, in fact, and I'm not just saying that because you cut my checks."

His humor was cruelly ironic. Incidentally, Tall.madge was one of the few staff she could afford to pay these days. 

"You’ve done absolute wonders for my girls…Perhaps there are a few intimate things you could teach me, Mr. Tallmadge."

"Intimate?" he appeared puzzled. 

Portia stepped forward, “That’s right.”

"Well...if you wish for a one-on-one lesson as well, I would be more than happy to oblige. Don't let the naysayers tell you any differently: it is never too late to learn a new skill."

There hadn’t been even an ounce of flirtation in his tone, though he didn’t appear to be implying rejection of her advances. Perhaps he’d misunderstood. Evidently, despite being gifted in academics, the man was entirely obtuse when it came to the opposite s.ex. 

"Are you familiar with The A.eneid, by chance?” he asked, removing the book from his satchel, “I tend to start all my pupils with this book since it's relatively simple...though I confess, my female students don't tend to be nearly as enthusiastic about this choice as the boys."

“It’s a childhood favorite, in fact. But I’m afraid you’ve mistaken my meaning.”

Here, she placed her hand over his which held the book, removing it and setting it on the desk beside them before offering his palm a soft squeeze, “You know, the love shared between Aeneas and Dido is infamous...”

Still holding fast to his hand, Portia dared to brush her fingers along his weskit, downward until she reached his breeches and ardently tugged him forward by their hem, “Passionate and lustful.”

The latter word rolled off her tongue like sweet honey.

[car9723-t]

A rough ideation for TGaMM S3 finale episode

Since I found that somebody shared what they envisioned for TGaMM's S3 finale, as well as I read S3 scripts myself, I decided to compose a rough form of outline I had in mind as a my own S3 finale.

As a result, here's a rough outline of mine to suggest. If you're interested in my own, here you go.

OUTLINE.

When the summer vacation comes, Ollie finds he has a full three months as an opportunity to engoodify the Ghost World. Since he was already enthusiastic to help ghosts enough to try doing what wasn’t supposed to be a Chairman's duty, he decided to invest heavily in it. At this point, since he could come back to his human body at least within a day, he couldn’t notice that he tends to suffer from the memory loss. While Molly supports his enthusiasm, she is aware of the fact that he had been obsessed with ruling the Ghost World, resulting in him spending more and more time there.

Ollie spent longer time than ever before in the Ghost World, trying to set the afterlife on the right track he envisioned. However, it worsened his memory loss since he spent too long time as a wraith, eventually forgotten his human life entirely. It also contributed to his problems with remembering details about the living world, causing him to visit there again after a long time - at this point, Scratch was the only one who regularly let him know what was going on in the living world.

When he returns to the living world, he fails to recognize anyone who is either his family or his friends. He also couldn't notice his shell either, just assuming that he needed assistance and tried to help him get better. That way, he returns to his home with his own shell, eventually encountering the welcoming party about his return (Ghost Friends - including Molly - were eying hard for his return, preparing a welcoming party in case of his return in order to ask him what he had done and threw one on double once they learned that he returns to the human world).

Not only he couldn’t remember the name Ollie, he had a gradually mounting panic attack when his family began asking him about his life and such. Then, by mistake, he entered his body again, triggering his memory of jis human life. Slowly and steadily, he finally recovered his human life, and he finally realized that he had lost all the memories about himself for months. He was told by his family and friends about everything.

Having realized that his leadership isn't sustainable anymore, Ollie decided to take action. While he was told to decide what he wanted - he can keep working as a Chairman if he really desires, his family and Molly said - he realized that he put other important things like friends, family, and his own life behind for others' sake - even as a Chairman of the Ghost World, him began troubled with human knowledge wasn’t a good sign. He still had his own life to live.

He had an emergency meeting with the Ghost Council and the Chairman Robe, discussing his successor. In the end, Ollie decided to let the sentimental robe itself become a Chairman. He found that the robe had developed its own vision about the ideal leadership, as well as a strong will to learn better about it from Ollie. Apparently, the robe learned a lot when it was looking for candidates for the Chairman and working with Ollie.

He decided to retire from his job, give his position to the robe, and work as a mentor/advisor to help it lead the Ghost World. He also promised that him and his friends would offer help when he could afford them. He eventually returns to his own life by doing so.

SELF-EVALUATION.

Honestly, it eventually became Ollie-heavy storyline. I guess I should have considered better about other important characters' roles when I was working on it. But, nothing is perfect with the first try - and I rushed an idea in order to compose it a written form before forgetting all of these details.

I see it could be refined and has a plenty of rooms for improvements. So, I'm open to other suggestions and insights aligned with the same topic. So, looking forward to see better ideas!

[tymime]

I'm very alarmed by how many people are dismissive of the lost media community, even going so far as to spread misinformation about them. I've seen them characterize lost media seekers as ignorant whiners and brats, and that they're wasting their efforts. Do these people have any idea how difficult it actually is to find this stuff? It can take years, if copies even exist. Don't they value art preservation?

You'd be astonished by how many shows that are barely twenty years old that have simply vanished, with no clear indication of whether or not the copyright holders kept a record of it. When fans try to contact the people involved in the show, they often refuse to answer emails. These aren't old, aging shows from fifty years ago, decaying in some film can. These are shows from as recent as the 2000s and 2010s.

There's been a toxic attitude going around big media companies for a couple decades now, treating their IPs (and their customers) as disposable, moving on to the next thing as soon as profits dry up. This is a big part of the reason media becomes lost in the first place. Old show not getting enough ratings? Need to make room for a new show? Just get rid of it! Now, some of these examples aren't lost media, admittedly- but they definitely could have been, if not for an on-the-ball internet pirate downloading and backing them up. There's a series from 2002 called Whatever Happened to... Robot Jones? which hasn't been on the air in about twenty years. The original audio track was missing for many years, and had to be pieced together from several sources, with the video elements coming from a foreign dub. There was a music track heard in an episode of SpongeBob called "Humpback Hop" with several minutes cut from it, unheard of for two decades, and even the composer had lost all of his copies of it. It seemed like even Nickelodeon didn't have it in their archives, because they rerecorded it for a DVD menu. It's a miracle somebody finally tracked it down. There's a series from 2007 called Out of Jimmy's Head, whose original English version is still half missing. Even though by all accounts it's a crappy show, I still want to see it. (update: This show has been found, thank goodness.) And even though I'm not a fan, there are dozens of 2010s Cartoon Network shows that were once on HBO Max, that are simply gone. They're not in reruns, they're not officially streaming. You have to resort to piracy to view them. I wouldn't wish this fate on anybody. The Willow series from 2022 was taken off Disney+ mere weeks after its debut, just because not enough people watched it. It's stuck in the middle of a storyline.

Nintendo has been notoriously bad about this. They don't want you to play any NES, SNES, GB, or N64 games that aren't the most iconic best-sellers. They take down ROM websites, even if most of the games there aren't first party or being sold in any way. The only way to legally play a game that isn't available on the Switch is to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a working console and cartridges. Most people can't afford to do that.

If it hadn't been for the efforts of unofficial programs like Ruffle and Flashpoint, thousands of flash games and cartoons would be unplayable and unwatchable.

Even if the cartoon is safe and sound locked away in some vault, instead of missing entirely, it still winds up unseen that way. The public has a right to see a show they used to be able to see and enjoyed, instead of it being unviewable for all eternity. "Oh, but they have a right to not let us see it! They own the rights to it, after all, and can do whatever they want!" some might say. What if WB went out of their way to destroy every DVD, Blu-ray, and video tape of Looney Tunes, and locked away all their copies? Would you feel the same way then? Would we not have a right to see them? Would you just roll over and take it, and let corporate overlords tell what you can or can't watch? Just shrug it off and say "Oh well, guess I'll never see it again"? How would it not irritate you? TV and movies aren't the same as some painting or statue where usually only one version of it exists in some museum or private collection. Media is meant to be distributed and seen worldwide, for everyone to enjoy in their homes. If they're stuck in some warehouse on some hard drive, they may as well not exist.

It extends out into other aspects of our lives- old buildings get torn down instead of getting restored, vintage interiors get torn out or covered up by something modern or ugly. There was a time when films and video tapes were routinely destroyed to make room for new ones, because nobody thought anybody would want to see them again. We need to get past this destructive pattern.

Am I grateful for streaming services and the content they make available? Of course I am. But as many have said before, they could take it all away, and a show can simply vanish, leaving fans to resort to piracy just to see it, if anyone even bothered to save it beforehand.

Being dismissive of these efforts is the sort of attitude that's part of the reason media gets lost in the first place.

[kazekothestrange]

Hi there! I'm sorry, but I was rather curious but I was wondering if you give some headcanons to the Sonic cast. My sister cherish Sonic, but she's rather shy to ask; if you have some ideas I would love to hear it! Sorry to trouble you, I just finished watching the Sonic 3 movie.

Hey, don't be sorry! I actually love sharing my thoughts so strap in.

Sonic definitely got more sentimental after the events of Sonic Prime. Not overly, but definitely noticeable.

Shadow sees a lot of Maria in Amy, and so he's ended up thinking of her as a sister. It's why he's so willing to go along with her going out of her way to take him out for social events.

Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow and Rouge are all really good with kids, but all for different reasons. Sonic because he talks to them on the same level as he would anyone else, with only a few small changes. Knuckles, because he comes across as the tough, reliable older brother figure. Shadow and Rouge, because children for some reason are just naturally drawn to them. Rouge finds it cute, Shadow would rather die than admit it to any of the others (especially Sonic) but he doesn't mind it. Doesn't make him any less confused about it though

Hedgehogs purring is a real thing in real life, and so I declare it to be a real thing in the Sonic verse too.

Sonic has been to and is going to therapy for traumatic experiences. It took Shadow some time to agree to go, but at the most recent point in the game timeline, he has also been to therapy.

Like Strawberry has said, Rouge, Knuckles, and Shadow are in a poly relationship. Rouge is the only common denominator here, the boys are fightiiinng

Tails is a savant. He's been an amazing pilot since the age of 4 and made an impressively long list of his own inventions by the age of 8. By the time he's 16, he's already established his own shop and registered multiple patents on small but impactful quality of life devices (made affordably).

Cream never sheds her elegant lady attitude. But she does gain a remarkable ability to intimidate if she has to. Of course, she's also a capable fighter when she gets older. But no way is she losing that class.

Rouge and Wave the Swallow are in low key close contact. They make it a point to slip away from life once a week and just spend the day sipping and spilling tea. Very few people actually know how close they are.

Sonic and Shadow semi-reglarly play PVP in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, and will spend hours just having at each other. Tails prefers Black Flag and fully immerses himself in the pirate captain role for fun.

Blaze is a metalhead, but never realised it was a thing. Silver isn't a big fan of metal and prefers more poppy tunes, but he listens to it with her anyway because he likes how much she likes it.

Knuckles composes his own rap lyrics, and that's how his OST came to be. Nobody said he was a poetic genius, he's just enjoying himself.

Big is the last person you want to stand between him and his goal. His resilience is second to none, and despite being so easygoing and generally good natured, if he has a specific goal in mind he will stop at nothing to get to it, no matter how difficult or simple said goal is. The guy followed his frog onto a heavily armed airship by himself to get him back and got out the other side unscathed. You do not want to be in Big's way.

Chili dogs are Sonic's ADHD fixation meal, and have been for most of his life. But in the rare event he gets tired of them and needs a break, he gravitates towards foods that are easy to take on the go. Various sandwiches, smoothies, fruit (especially apples and pears), etc.

Amy took up crochet as a hobby by accident. She crocheted a tiny sweater for Birdie when she noticed she was really feeling the winter chill, and realised in the process she found it really satisfying and relaxing.

Omega knows about the actions of his 'older brother' E-102 Gamma, and while he still views himself as the most powerful robot of the E-100 series, he does feel a small sense of inferiority towards and admiration of Gamma. He knows he isn't as noble as Gamma was. But he does hope (he's sentient so he can hope) that one day, when his 'mission' is over, he can grow a little closer to the 'ideal robot'.

Sonic still has and takes especially good care of the books he was thrown into in the short lived Storybook Series.

I hope you enjoyed a small fraction of my ramblings!