#but we traded some resources n stuck together

[arospecsyourblockdudes]

honestly i understand why the life series is Like That bcus of an emotionally harrowing experience i had on a minecraft PE/bedrock server hunger games

[melzula]

Could you write a Sokka x firebender reader that has the plot of the secret tunnel episode but instead of aang and katara getting stuck together it’s him and reader? :)

Don’t Let the Cave In Get You Down

a/n: got two requests for this sokka storyline and i was very excited to write it! i couldn’t find a way to seamlessly include the fire bending part of the request but i could definitely build on that in another piece. hope you enjoy <3

you met the Gaang when they were passing through a small trading village on the outskirts of the Earth Kingdom

they were low on supplies and in need of a shopping spree, so they stopped at your little food stand in search of fresh fruit and snacks for their travels

you seemed awfully young to have your own business, especially when compared to the other merchants, but you were kind and your prices were affordable

their shopping spree was cut short by the arrival of fire nation soldiers, but you quickly escorted them through the backstreets of the marketplace and helped them evade the soldiers

“That was a close call,” Aang breathed out in relief, “thanks for your help.”

“Those guys are jerks, I couldn’t live with myself if I had just let them capture you.”

“Who are you?” Katara asked in awe.

“My name is y/n, and I’ve been hiding out in this village for about three years now. I escaped from the Fire Nation when I was 12 and never looked back.”

“Wait a minute, Fire Nation?!” Sokka exclaimed before quickly pushing his sister and Aang behind him. Raising his boomerang in a threatening manor, he narrowed his eyes at you. “Is this some kind of trick?! Did you just lure us out here so you could capture Aang and get the reward for yourself?”

“Sokka, you’re being ridiculous!” Katara had scolded angrily, harshly pushing his boomerang away. “She said herself she came here to get away from the Fire Nation, I’m sure she’s just trying to make a better life for herself here and you’re not making that any easier for her by being a jerk!”

“I don’t trust her, Katara!”

You’re a little disheartened by the disdain in his voice when he speaks about you, and despite Katara vouching for you you can see that you’re out of place

“I’m sorry, I’ve made things awkward,” you apologized sheepishly, “I’ll leave you now.”

“Wait!” Aang called, stopping you from going. “If what you said is true then… then I think you should come with us.”

“Tell me you’re joking,” Sokka scoffed in disbelief

“If she’s from the Fire Nation then she must have knowledge about the ins and outs of that place. Maybe she can even help me find a fire bending master. We need her help, Sokka.”

Though he was reluctant and very distrusting of you, Sokka realized Aang was right, so he begrudgingly allowed the airbender to welcome you to their team

You agreed to help as much as you can, and the rest was history

From there on out you’re officially a member of Team Avatar, but that doesn’t mean Sokka becomes any more trusting of you

He always keeps a suspicious eye on you, never letting you help with tasks he deems too important to avoid having you “sabotage” the group

His lack of trust in you hurts, you can’t lie about that, but you continue to do what you can to aid the Avatar and his friends and earn their trust

Of course, this all changes when you get to the cave of two lovers

Unlike Sokka, you found Chong and his group of Nomads to be great fun. They’d braided your hair beautifully with flowers from the lake and performed wonderful songs, so despite your predicament you were in a cheerful mood

Being stuck in the cave had put a strain on your group’s mission to make it to Omashu, but you tried to remain hopeful and help as best as you can

Surprisingly, Sokka even puts you in charge of holding one of the torches

“I’m only giving this to you because I know you’re at least smart enough not to waste resources while we’re in here.”

It’s a start

And it’s a good thing he gave you that torch, because it comes in handy when you both end up getting separated from the rest of the group

“This is just great,” Sokka utters sarcastically after several failed attempts to dig through the rock and get back to the others.

“Come on, Sokka, lighten up. We have a torch and your map, I’m sure we’ll be able to figure something out,” you try to console. “What did Chong say earlier? ‘Don’t let the cave in get you down, Sokka.’”

He’s not amused by your singing

It’s a bit awkward being stuck with the boy who’s been so adamant that you don’t belong despite your best efforts to prove that you can be trusted

You don’t speak much and try to stay out of his way and follow his lead, but the tunnels keep changing and you keep getting lost and your torch is about to burn out, so things are beginning to seem hopeless

“Maybe we should try changing our strategy,” you offer only for Sokka to immediately dismiss you.

“Right, like I’m going to let you lead us through the cave. You’ll probably make us get lost on purpose.”

“You know, if you stopped being so judgmental for a second you’d probably realize that i want to get out of this cave just as much as you do!” You snap irritably, surprising Sokka. you’ve mostly stayed docile to try and keep the peace whenever Sokka accuses you of being untrustworthy, but at this point you’re finally starting to get fed up

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” he says softly, and this time you’re the one who’s surprised. You never thought he’d actually apologize to you, and it’s a nice feeling. “What do you suggest we do?”

“Well,” you start with a sigh, “maybe the story is right. Maybe if we trust in love, we’ll find our way out of here.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“Do you have any better ideas?”

You simply shrug, prompting Sokka to let out a heavy sigh. Your torch is going to run out soon, and his map isn’t doing anyone any favors. It seems you have no choice

“How exactly do we trust in love?”

“I’m not sure… the only love I know is the love I had from my parents, but I haven’t felt it in so long… I’m not sure I ever will again.”

“…What happened to them?”

“My parents were peasants with nothing but love to give each other. They were poor, but they were happy,” you explain with a faint smile. “My father was a fire bender, but he kept his gift hidden in fear he’d be forced to serve in the Fire Nation army. He didn’t want to leave me or my mother, but our home was attacked, and he had no choice but to bend to protect us. Our lives were saved, but he was taken away.”

Sokka hangs on to your every word, eyes glistening with unshed tears and sympathy. Your story is similar to his own, and he knows what it’s like to lose your family to the Fire Nation. He feels less disdain towards you now, more empathetic. He still isn’t 100% sure how to feel about you, but hearing your story makes you easier to understand now

“My mother knew I’d never be safe or happy if I stayed there, so she arranged for me to be smuggled out of the Fire Nation and brought to the trading village you first met me in. I haven’t seen or heard from her since, and I’m not even sure if she or my father are even alive.”

“I’m sorry,” Sokka utters solemnly. “Katara and I lost our mother to the Fire Nation, and we haven’t seen our father since he left to fight in the war. I know how you feel.”

“I don’t want to be Fire Nation, you know. None of this was a choice, and I understand why you don’t trust me but I’m not like them Sokka. Please believe me.”

“I’m sorry for always giving you such a hard time. It’s just… it’s hard to believe people from the Fire Nation can actually be good. But you’ve proven that you can be trusted over and over again, I was just too blind to see it.”

“Can we start over?” He asks with a sheepish smile, carefully sticking his hand out for you to shake. Instead, you push his hand away and throw your arms around him in a tight embrace.

The force of your hug knocks him back a bit, and though he’s unsure at first, he eventually returns your embrace by carefully wrapping his arms around your figure

The fire of your torch slowly begins to die, but neither of you seem to notice or care as you enjoy your moment together

You expect to be engulfed in darkness when the flame goes out, but instead you’re met with the beautiful shimmers of the crystals that line the roofs of the cave

“It’s so beautiful,” you murmur in awe, your eyes sparkling under the light

“Yeah,” your counterpart utters quietly, but he isn’t looking at the crystals

“Was she always this pretty?” Sokka wondered to himself

Together, you’re eventually able to follow the crystals and make your way out of the cave

And when you leave the cave, hands woven tightly together, you leave as two completely new people

You understand each other now, you trust each other

And your relationship will only continue to grow stronger from then on out

| atla tags: @sirkekselord @chronic-daydreamer @niktwazny303

[saturnsstufff]

The Empress (pt.I)

Hello! This is a C!Technoblade X reader, however its a tad bit of a AU mixed with the dream smp, and the Smp Earth. I had heavy inspiration from ClearMiller’s Animatic on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdGImEfG4Mk  (there is the link! its amazing I so I hightly recommend checking it out!)

I hope you enjoy! -Saturn

warnings: mentions blood

words: 1,317

pt.I pt.II 

   "Have you herd of the Antarctic Empire?"

   The soft voice had startled you a bit. To used to the clank and ring of your hammer bouncing off the anvil. You spared him a glance to show you were aware of his presence. The question hung in the air as your father slowly shuffled through the door. The limp in his step evident. You hummed in agreement, not taking your eyes off the anvil before you. Not wishing to burn yourself or ruin your work. The Empire was the largest and most well known. Many of the people that resided there were labeled as dangerous. To this day the rumors stood that the country was built upon bloodshed. There leader, the Emperor, was the one everyone feared the very most. The glowing blade in your hand weighed heavy, keeping you mindful as you stuck the heated metal. The sheer warmth radiating from your craft had sweat beads running down your forehead, causing stray hairs to cling to your face.

   "To be fair i believe everyone has nowadays" you hit the blade again, with a stasifying "Clink" causing sparks to fly off. You worked the metal with ease, almost as if was made of clay, bending it to where you pleased.

   The elder man's eyes flickered between her and the blade. The heat from the blade, and the flames from the the forge caused a warm atmosphere. Light dancing everywhere on the stone walls, Illuminating the your face as it contorted into a thought. "Why do you ask?" You inquired. Pausing your hits on the blade as to not miss hit or possibly hit a finger. You lifted your head with a sigh, wiping the sweat from your brow, facing your father.

   "The Generals have sent a request to every small village black smith." The man ran a aged hand over his beard, as he paused. Slowly sitting on a discarded stool. No longer able to stand long due to his pain. "They would like a fine blade. Handcrafted out of the best material we have access to" he cleared his throat. You could tell he was weary of informing you. "If you choose to offer a blade, you will be payed handsomely they so said, but on the condition that its hand delivered"

   ah yes, there's the catch.

   Your face contorted briefly, "hand delivered? Are they crazy? They live in the middle of a ice cube" you scoffed. Even if the idea of good pay interested you, Your father was respectfully definitely out of commission for work. After the raid that terrorized your small village, many of the men from your village were left injured, some beyond repair. Your father although luckily alive, was one of the ones left with permanent damage. "Why don't they ask there own smiths to craft them one" you placed the blade down fully, walking to a stool by your father, figuring this is a good enough time to take a break.

   He hummed amused "well word is they don't have the resources to make said weapons, sure iron maybe, but there looking for something much stronger.". Everyone knew Diamonds were the best material you could have, however you were not from Africa, so diamonds were not as lucky. You watched him, your father wouldn't have brought this up for no reason.

   "Right" you paused trying to think of a way to ask the meaning of this conversation, ultimately just choosing to be blunt. "Why bring this up?".

   Your father rubbed his hands together, a nervous habit he possessed. " (y/n) you have a gift. No matter what material your given you pour your heart and your strength into it. Your blades are nothing short of amazing". Pride filled your heart at his words. Praise from him meant the world to you. Where your mother praised your work daily. Even if she found your craft boy-ish, your fathers praise was rare. Only voicing it when you did something truly magnificent. "I was hoping you would craft a blade and deliver it. If not for your name, do it for mine. The money would really help us." His eyes were kinder, somewhat pleading.

   "You... want me to enter a blade...?" You worded it carefully. Thinking on what he said. He gave a simple nod as a response. "You don't seriously mean.." his face in that moment said it all. He wanted you to, you didn't have to. But it was obvious the nudge was present. "Do I have time to think about it?" Your father nodded again.

   "I'll show you the letter, your choice doesn't have to be now. However, since you are of age you can freely travel, so I thought maybe it would interest you. Since young girls seem to have a knack for adventure. Again, if you do not choose to I understand." He rested a steady hand on your shoulder for reassurance.

   The talk with your father had your mind restless for the next two weeks to come. After reviewing the letter, you were able to determine they would pay you to bring your crafted weapon. If your blade was made well enough they also would buy it off you for a large sum. You were torn. the money would greatly help your parents, not only that but, your village was near desolate. Depending on the sum given the money could go towards buildings and repairs. However, if you stayed you wouldn't have to leave your parents, and have to battle the climates to get your weapon there. after all that was the biggest problem you were facing. 

   Soon you made your mind up, you would craft a blade. you would craft the best blade they had ever laid their eyes on. You gathered your materials and what you deemed fit, Diamonds and Netherite. You had come across Netherite when trading for materials. The gentleman you bought them off said it was a strong material if used properly. However, he was never able to find the correct use for the strange material. Luckily a mistake you made ages ago with testing, turned out to be the correct mixture needed to make Netherite what it was claimed to be. For what you were aware no one used Netherite, for what you were going to use it for, you hoped that your new material would prove useful, and as strong as the man had claimed.

   At that you had pushed yourself and got to work. putting your literal blood, sweat, and occasional tears into this blade.

   The shear weeks trying to prefect this monster of a sword had definitely taken a toll. you were tired. Yet you still had to prep and ready yourself for your long aching trip to the empire. with the blade finished, it was a pure work of art at that. The blade itself was black, the glittering of purple and a pearlescent blue danced with the light when you moved it. The hilt was just as sturdy as the blade, the handle wasn't uncomfortable, wrapped in leather and ensured for the possible long term use. You were proud. 

   You put the sword into the sheath. carefully wrapping it up in a cloth to insure it will not be damaged. from then you moved to packing. you packed clothes, and heavy ones at that, then little other things you think you may need. you genuinely had no idea how long this trip would take. 

   After talking to a nearby harbor you were able to secure a ride to the empire, with the payment of labor. so when you were ready for your trip, you lovingly said your goodbyes to your neighbors, and your parents. Your father had a hard time saying goodbye, but he also knew you would make him so very proud. with everything now set in stone you were on your way to the Antarctic Empire.

[underatedcharactersunite]

The Iron Queen

Summary - The Iron Queen is a legend, a myth even. However, Ivar the Boneless wants to prove her existance. When he does, it's almost as if Fate brings them together, so the two of them can become legendary together....

Pairing - Ivar the Boneless x Female Reader 

WordCount - 2, 919 

Warnings - Angst, mentions of upcoming battles.  

For @youbloodymadgenius 1K Writing Challenge. Congratulations!                                                          »»————-　♔　————-««

Before the Iron Queen became to be, she was a legendary warrior Princess. She was a ruthless and tactful warrior in every sense of the word. There was no weapon she couldn't master, sword, shield, bow and arrow, axe or spear. She could use it all and use them well. In many minds, she was the perfect warrior, a combination of talent and intelligence. Y/N was loved among the warriors alike.

However, that all changed when Y/N became the Iron Queen of Mountmead. Unlike the other Kings, Y/N's Father final wish was to abolish their eldest law. From this day forth, until the end of time, whether the firstborn child is a son or daughter, they would be heir to the throne. Y/N's Father adapted the law to give his only daughter and child the throne.

This angered the surrounding Kings and Lords. Their ideologies were simple. a woman was not fit to rule. A woman was far too emotional to make rational decisions. They were unfit to lead armies and clueless in battle strategy, so the death of the King of Mountmead brought the potential to expand their lands despite the crowing of a new Queen. They had no respect or loyalty to her. They saw Y/N as a weak and passive woman, but they didn't realise how wrong they were.

Within the first several months of her coronation, Y/N and her army encountered six different battles. In every battle, Y/N was there leading her army to defeat the enemies that threatened her people. She refused to be seen as weak.

These battles created and enforced the Queen. She was to be cool and calculating, skilled and intellectual. Y/N made certain she surrounded herself with her closest and loyal advisors. Ser Favian was the head of her Queensguard. He'd also been the head of her Father's Kingsguard. A man who had been there from the day her Father was coronated. Secondly, there was Ser Conadus, head of her army and key battle Strategist. Ser Conadus was also her loyal confidant. After all, he'd been there for every major milestone in her life. There was no circumstance or situation Y/N couldn't speak to Ser Conadus about.

As Ferocious as Y/N was on the battlefield, she still maintained kindness in her heart. She often walked the streets, discussing the issues that were arising and how they could be solved. Y/N was able to provide reassurance to her people. Y/N made time in her day as frequently as possible to see people, to converse with traders. She kept a brave face for them all.

Hidden behind that brave face laid the devasting truth. Life as her people knew it was threatened. The surrounding Lords and Kings made a collective decision to bring their armies together to create an army of the thousands. While the Great Army of Mountmead was no easy defeat. Their numbers were no-where near as large. Y/N didn't know how to solve their issues. Repeatedly, she reached out to offer a truce to the other Lords and Kings, but it was no luck. They all desired Mountmead for themselves and they believed they were going to take it from the Iron Queen. They shared no resources and implemented laws in their Kingdoms. If any person was caught trading with the Iron Queen or any member of Mountmead, they were executed without question. This restricted the Iron Queen to land. No boats, to sail in search of allies. They were stuck. All of them in mortal danger.

Unbeknownst, to Y/N someone, had been looking for her. As fate would have it, the idea of a legendary warrior Princess turned Queen had become a legendary story. It had spread through many Kingdoms and lands with several different variations. Most believed these tales of the Iron Queen to be nothing more than that, tales.

Except one, Ivar the Boneless believed different. Ivar believed the Iron Queen, Y/N of Mountmead, existed and, he was determined to find her. In the beginning, Ivar had no idea where to begin his search, so he sent scouts to the North, South, East and West. When they returned, they came up empty. However, Ivar refused to give in. Ivar proceeded to continue to send his Scouts out each time, further and in different directions. Each time they came up without sight of the Iron Queen.

This continued until one trip the scouts returned to Kattegat with news of the discovery. His latest scouting mission had been a success. With this new information, Ivar knew hr needed to act quickly. Instructing the scouts to gather his brothers into the Great Hall, he sat down and waited for them to arrive. Ivar waited and waited for his brothers when they finally walked in.

"How do I always arrive before you?" Ivar questioned as all of his brothers took their seats.

"Because you decided to meet us here Ivar." Ubbe retorted as he paid attention to his youngest brother.

"Ivar, why have you gathered us here?" Bjorn questioned.

"Because I have found the Iron Queen."

"Your lying!" Sigurd yelled as Ivar smirked. Ivar didn't mind being underestimated. Sigurd was only jealous, he hadn't been able to do it.

"Why would I lie, Sigurd? My scouts have drawn a map to her Kingdom, and I wish to go visit her because she is in terrible danger?"

"Is she as beautiful as they say she is?" Hvitserk questioned. All of his brothers turned to look at him.

"Ivar informs us the Iron Queen is in danger, and that is the first question you have, Hvitserk." Sigurd responds as Hvitserk shrugs."

"A man has to know these things, Sigurd."

"Yes, the Iron Queen is more beautiful than she's described as. However, if someone doesn't help her, then no-one is going to see her beauty in person."

"Why is she in danger? Ubbe questioned as he poured a horn of mead, taking a large sip.

"The surrounding Lords and Kings do not respect her as Queen. When they're from, they believe women are unable to lead and participate in the battle. Although Y/N has been in more battles than most of the surrounding Kings and Lords."

"You say she's been in many battles, so why is she in danger?"

"Because Ubbe, the surrounding Lords and Kings have grouped to create one large army. According to the scouts, the Iron Queen has a decent sized army, but not one large enough to defeat them."

"What's in it for us?" Why should we help a stranger?"

"Isn't it obvious, Bjorn? We go to the Iron Queen, offer ourselves as an ally in exchange for the first selection of any the lands we conquer."

"That seems to be a fair trade. Whatever lands we take can be used as a new settlement and a base for further exploration. I say we go."

"Thank you Hvitserk. Anyone else?"

"I am coming with you," Sigurd responds to Ivar's surprise.

"I will come just to keep an eye on all three of you. Perhaps we should extend the offer to Harald and Halfdan. They could be useful to us."

"That is a good idea, Ubbe. What says you, Bjorn?"

"I shall stay here, make sure Kattegat remains running smoothly. If the God's desire us to meet, it shall be."

That night the sons of Ragnar began to create plans to set sail to Mountmead and the Iron Queen. They set sail with a small part of their army, with the plan that more men would follow days later. Help was coming to the Iron Queen and she didn't even know it.

                                           »»————-　♔　————-««

Y/n had been in meetings all morning, they'd already attempted to plan out their defence attacks, but there was always a weak spot in their armour. There was no use, they simply needed more men. Men they didn't have.

"My Queen, we will figure it out. They haven't beaten us yet." One of the small council commented as Y/N examined the map once more.

"What we need is a miracle. Unfortunately, they don't happen often and early enough" It was as if someone was listening to her desires as Ser Favian came bursting through the door.

"My Queen, men have arrived on the shore. They hold no banner or sail. They don't appear to be apart of any of the surrounding threats."

"Lord Pollack, will you continue to lead this meeting in my absence. Ser Conadus will you accompany me to the Thron, Ser Favian will you gather some of the Queensguard to watch the remaining men. Bring the leaders to the throne room."

"Yes, of course, My Queen." They nodded and bowed respectfully as Y/N already stepped away from the meeting with Ser Conadus flanked her as she feared the worst.

"Nicholas, I don't think I can deal with any further setbacks. We're already at war on land, we can't compete with threats from the ocean as well."

"Relax my dear. ;Perhaps this is a beneficial meeting. You need to keep calm, just because we're at war doesn't mean everyone's a threat. Remember, your lessons." As the large, solid oak doors opened, someone announced the Iron Queen as she raised her head high, removing any emotion in her mind and gaze.

Although Y/N's attention was already directed towards one of the men in front of her. All of the men had knelt except one."

"I told you to kneel." Ser Favian attempted to force the man onto his knees, but Y/N noticed the glimmer of the buckle her pace quickened.

"Ser Favian, can you not see the restraints on his legs . Since when did we treat our guests so poorly." Ser Favian backed away immediately kneeling.

"I'm sorry, forgive Ser Favian it was a simple misunderstanding." Noticing a chair in the corner, Y/N walked over and picked up the chair and brought it up towards the man, placing it behind him.

That's when Y/N caught the first proper glimpse of the man. The piercing blue eyes, the muscular arms, his smirk etched onto his face as he observed your expression scan all over him. You hadn't glanced at his brothers, Harald or Halfdan or Floki. Just him.

Ivar was just as mesmerised by her as she was him. Y/N was just as beautiful as his scouts had told him she was. She was both assertive and confident. Ivar wanted to know her and no-one was going to stop him from getting what he know desired the most.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, My Queen. My name is Ivar the Boneless, these are my brothers, as well as Harald Finehair, Halfdan the Black and Floki. We are here to offer our services." Ivar confidently took ahold of Y/N's hand without, hesitating brought her knuckles up and brushed his lips against them. Ivar did not miss the way her eyes widened in shock, momentarily before her composure regained.

"Y/N lowered her head as she stepped back towards the steps to her throne once she was seated, she called for everyone to raise as she once more looked towards Ivar the Boneless.

"You wish to offer your services to me, and the Kingdom of Mountmead, why?"

"I believe together we could be an unstoppable force. We have all heard of your battles and the current threat that you have surrounding you. My Queen, we have the numbers you need." Tuning to Ser Conadus, Y/N examined his gaze as she attempted to read his expression.

"What would you receive in return for your men?"

"First choice of any land that is gained in the result of war." Truth be told, Y/N was beginning to run out of strategic options and perhaps Ivar and the rest of them was her only hope.

"I accept your terms Ivar the Boneless. Ser Favian will see that the rest of the men are given a warm place to sleep. Ser Conadus, would you see that Ivar the Boneless and the rest of his party settle in well."

"Wait my Queen, I have a gift for you." One of Ivar's brothers, called someone forward as they laid a box onto the ground, standing Y/N walked down the stairs as two of Y/N's guard lifted the lid. In the box, it appeared to be a shield with bright colours painted on it.

"Thank you-"

"Hvitserk, my Queen." Smiling, Y/N could already tell that Hvitserk that was the most mischievous out of all of the brothers.

"Thank you Hvitserk." Once more, another brother stepped forward, this time he insisted on carrying the box towards the Iron Queen. Once the lid was lifted it, it revealed a strange looking instrument.

“I an teach you to play it, if you’d like my Queen.” 

“Thank you, that would be lovely-” 

“Sigurd, my Queen.” 

“Thank you, Sigurd.” 

“My Queen, I have one last gift for you. Unfortunately, it does not fit through the castle walls.” Ivar’s voice broke Y/N’s concentration and soon the two of them were accompanied by Ser Conadus and Floki. As Y/N continued to walk silently, Y/N kept pace with Ivar as the two appeared to be heading to the docks. 

“Your Grace, why are people so threatened by a woman?” Floki questioned as Y/N turned towards Floki. 

“In these parts, a woman is believed to be unable to rule. Women are unable to rule because they believe they are unable to think clearly or learn the ways of War. According to them, they shouldn’t have to fight to take my Kingdom, I should bow and give it to them,” 

“We can’t let that happened now can we. Don’t worry Iron Wueen, we will bring them to their knees.” The four of them stepped onto the docks, Y/N glanced around them, wondering what it could be. 

“Turn around my Queen.” Turning around, there was a boat. It was unlike any boat Y/N had seen before stepping closer, was her gift on the boat? 

“What do you think my Queen?” Ivar questioned as Y/N was still unsure what Ivar had given her. Then it dawned on her. 

“The boat, it’s mine. I couldn’t possibly except it.” 

“Why not? The other boat builders refuse to build you a boat so Floki build you a boat. It could be one of many perhaps, if you so desired.” 

“I wouldn’t know the first thing about sailing or running  a boat.” 

“Don’t worry. we can show you, your Grace/” Floki replied as the wind blew while the flag gushed in the wind. 

“Thank you, both of you. You have no idea how important and appreciated this is for me and my Kingdom.” 

“You are more than welcome. I believe this is a start to a beautiful relationship.” 

                                »»————-　♔　————-««

The next few days, were manic, as new voices gave new insight and strategies. Their culture was vastly different from Y/N’s, they’re war and battle strategies gave Y/N a unique way of seeing the up and coming battle. 

One thing that Y/N noticed immediately was the high intensity of the sons of Ragnar sibling rivalry, specifically between Ivar and Sigurd.  

Each time she began a discussion with either one of them, she could practically feel the glares at the back of her head. It only proved her point, they were always trying to compete with one another. 

One morning in particular, Y/N had broken her fast early so she could take a peaceful morning walk, before chaos ensured. 

What should have been a peaceful walk turned into Sigurd following her around discussing how terrible his younger brother was/ Y/N kept quiet while she listened to Sigurd go on about how vicious his brother was. According to Sigurd, Ivar was a monster who had no right to be in her company. Sigurd told her to listen to his words carefully.

Y/N had listened to his words closely, except she’d drawn a completely different conclusion. It was clear to Y/N that Ivar did have his fair share of problems, he was often angry and nearly always had a sombre attitude. Except Y/N was able to dig through the initial layer and realise how much more there was to him. 

While Y/N had appreciated Sigurd’s advice, she’d informed him that she could make her own judgement on Ivar and the rest of them. When her and Sigurd parted ways, he warned her once more. 

                                »»————-　♔　————-««

Later that night as Y.N headed to her chambers, tired from yet another day of back to back small council meetings and war strategy meetings. Y/N had grown tired and in desperate need of sleep. 

Y/N should have known that nothing was ever that simple as she was walking past Ivar’s room, she heard a commotion. Barging through the door, she became quickly aware that Ivar was one the floor in some form of distress.” 

“Are you okay?” 

“I don’t need your help!” Ivar snapped, however, the Iron Queen knelt onto the ground beside him.” 

“Okay, then I shall sit with you then.” 

“Wouldn’t you rather spend time with my brother, Sigurd” Y/N rolled her eyes sitting down on the floor, she stretched her legs so they were diagonally with each other. 

“I gather you never heard the end of the conversation. If you had you would have heard myself inform Sigurd that I am capable of making my own decisions. For sometime now Ivar you had my curiosity but now you have my attention” Ivar smirked, this conversation was about to get interesting. 

[tiffdawg]

The Light of Stars | Chapter Eleven: Disillusionment

Gif: @bestintheparsec​

The Light of Stars

Pairing: Din Djarin/ The Mandalorian x Reader (fem; no y/n)

Word Count: 5.5k

Rating: M | Warnings: the typical angst and a little smooching, mild language. No spoilers for season two!

Story Summary: In pursuit of the Child’s people, the mysterious Jedi, Din Djarin and his foundling find hope in a woman who shares the kid’s strange powers. Newly partnered with the Mandalorian, you are trained in the ways of the Force, but you’re no Jedi. You’re just trying to find your place in the galaxy.

A/N: Hi! It's been a while – much longer than I ever intended and for that I apologize. I want to say thank you to you all for reading my story and sticking with me. And to everyone who left comments on previous chapters, you have all my love for ever. I really do cherish each and everyone. You all inspire me to keep writing! Anyway, I'll stop rambling and let you read the latest installment of Jetii, Din, and Baby's (mis)adventures. This chapter is officially the beginning of the end!

Read on AO3

TLOS Masterlist | My Masterlist

… . …

Chapter Eleven: Disillusionment

The last few days were a blur as you cut across the galaxy at lightspeed. Time ceased to exist even as it passed you by, but it was uneventful in the best possible way as you spent what precious time you had left with the Mandalorian and his foundling quietly existing together.

You passed most of your time in the main cabin conversing with Mando. You always talked about your pasts. Never the future. But you considered yourself lucky to have that time with him. He spoke mostly of his youth with the Mandalorians and his early forays into bounty hunting, but occasionally he’d grace you with a story from his childhood. When he’d confessed that he hadn’t so much as said his parents' names aloud in decades but still found it within himself to share a treasured memory of them, you’d reached across the small space separating you to twine your fingers with his gloved ones as best you could. The words seemed to come a little easier after that. His life had been so full of sadness that you wondered if the last few weeks together had been an anomaly even with the chaos you’d brought into his life.

Down in the hull after tasteless meals of reconstituted food, you’d spent long hours reading texts from the Jedi holocron aloud to Mando while he disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled every blaster in his weapons locker twice-over. Other times he insisted on continuing your flying lessons but there wasn’t much to do as the ship sailed through hyperspace. During the infrequent fuel stops on lonely planets, you’d stretch your legs and find a quiet place to practice with the kid in consolation for long days spent trapped inside the ship.

That day, you’d landed on Mygeeto, a cold, frigid planet a few sectors from your final destination. Mando and the kid seemed unfazed by the icy winds, but you’d had to dig out your old parka just to walk to the closet cantina while the ship refueled. It was also a decently populated planet, big on mining and banking and a hub of trade. You were on the outskirts of a smaller spaceport, but it wasn’t somewhere you wanted to linger.

The docking bay was crowded with a steady rush of people coming and going earlier that morning. Now, when you stepped into the small, outdated docking bay ahead of the Mandalorian but behind the Child’s hovering carrier, it was deserted. Instantly, your eyes went to the fueling gear still hooked up to the Razor Crest. A quick glance around the bay told you the lone mechanic was nowhere to be seen. Most likely off working on one of the other starships. That meant the three of you were stuck on that icy, crystalline planet for at least a little while longer. 

That meant trouble.

“Mando–”

“I know,” he sighed. “I made them back at the cantina. They aren’t with the guild, but they’re definitely hunters.”

“Were you just hoping they wouldn’t follow us back to the ship?”

“I wanted to get you two back to the Crest.” He entered a code on his vambrace and canceled the ship’s security protocols. After the ramp lowered, he closed the baby’s carrier and sent it into the hull of the ship.

“There are six of them,” you said, raising a brow at him, “and they’re right behind us.”

“Not a problem, sweetheart.” He placed a hand on the blaster holstered at his hip. 

“Gods, you're cocky sometimes,” you retorted. Still, you extracted your lightsaber from your satchel before tossing the bag into the ship. It pained you to think that neither the baby nor Mando would be safe until that ex-Imp was taken care of for good. And even then, you worried about who else might know about the baby. You could only wish that wasn’t fated to be their only existence together. With his visor trained on you, his helmet tilted to the side. You shrugged as you took your place beside him.

“Don’t think I can handle it on my own?”

“I know you could, but you don’t have to,” you assured him. You glanced at him out of the corner of your eyes and found him watching you.

“I–”

Whatever he was going to say next was cut off by a noise coming from just beyond the entrance. Both of your heads snapped in that direction, alert and ready for a fight. 

When the first blaster shot rang out, Mando returned it with one of his own.

. 

“How many of them are there?” you shouted over the blast that rocked the Razor Crest. You’d mistakenly assumed you’d escaped after you’d fended off the six bounty hunters at the docking bay. The gunship fired back at Mando’s command.

“Down to two,” he answered as he hit a series of switches in rapid fire. He pulled the yoke and the ship took a nosedive through empty space. “Told you that spaceport was too big.”

“You didn’t say that.”

“I thought it.

Another hit set off one of the alarms. “Mando!” 

“We’re almost to the hyperlane. Once we hit lightspeed, they can’t track us. Just hold on!”

You sighed in relief at the familiar streaks of blue light of hyperspace. Mando’s seat swiveled to face you and the Child. “You alright?” he asked the kid. He chirped happily in response. “I figured.” He turned to you, elbows resting on his knees as he leaned forward in his chair. “How about you?” 

“I’m fine,” you assured him. You might’ve been a little rattled, but you’d seen worse. “We’re those the Moff’s men? How’d they track us to Mygeeto?”

“They didn’t.” A beat passed as you waited for him to explain. “They were already here. They’re amateurs. Gideon probably distributed fobs throughout the galaxy.” 

While you’d gotten a decent glimpse of it on Vrogas Vas, you were beginning to see the severity of his situation. The Empire might’ve fallen years ago, but this former Imp had not. He had the resources and the reach to find the Mandalorian and the Child. And you didn’t like the thought of him taking on the Moff alone. “Mando, can you do something for me?” 

“Anything,” he responded quickly.  

You hesitated, doubting he would think that in a moment. “Will you send a holo to your tribe before you leave for Nevarro.” He straightened up at that, ready to protest. “You’re going to need all of the help you can get.”

“I can’t ask them to put the covert at risk for me. Not again.”

“So you know they would come for you?”

“Yes,” he answered, voice straining around the word. 

“Do you think they hold what happened against you? Do you truly believe that any one of them regrets their choice?” He didn’t say anything, but you knew your assumption was right. And you knew his guilt was misplaced. They wouldn’t have welcomed him back, called him their brother, if that was the case. “You have to forgive yourself, Mando.” You unbuckled your safety restraints and kneeled before him. With a hand on the either curved cheek of his helmet, you forced him to look at you. You leveled him with a serious look, but he was unflinching, as still as ever. “Do you want to know what I think?”

“What?”

“They’re Mandalorians. They would want to fight with you. For you. How do you not see that?”

Wrapping his hands around your wrists, he pulled your hands away from his helmet. “I can’t do that for you.” 

“Can’t or won’t?” you snapped before you stood and left the cabin.

… . …

Drawing his eyes away from the streaks of light bending around the Razor Crest, Din found you still in your seat next to him and the Child carefully cradled to your chest. With matching expressions – eyes closed and lips slightly parted – you both slept peacefully. Din had half a mind to wake you and send you both to your room. Even that makeshift bunk had to be more comfortable than the contorted position you’d maneuvered yourself into in your chair. But as the baby moved in your grasp to snuggle further into you, tiny clawed hands gripping the front of your tunic even as he drooled on it, he hesitated to disturb the scene before him.

Somehow, in the span of a few weeks, Din’s entire universe had narrowed to the two of you. His foundling, of course, was already his primary focus in life. And then you showed up and without even meaning to, the three of you had become a family.

Din had a family.  

The realization struck him hard and fast, but quickly faded into something familiar. Something some part of him already knew because of course you were his family.

A soft smile pulled at the corner of Din’s mouth as the two of you dozed, bathed in blue starlight, until he realized that he wasn’t the only one who was going to miss you. The kid had grown fond of you, to say the absolute least. When he wasn’t toddling after Din or causing trouble, he was attached to your hip. But your days together were numbered.

He didn’t have time to dwell on that reality. He was suddenly pulled from deep within his own mind by the quiet beep of an incoming holo. With the flick of a single switch, Greef Karga’s figure, in miniature and cast in static blue light, appeared on the console.

Karga’s booming voice filled the silent cabin. “I’ve been trying to reach you for days, Mando.”

“I’ve been out of range.”

“While I’m sure your new quest has taken you to the furthest reaches of this galaxy, there are more pressing matters at hand here on Nevarro. Would you care to tell me why Moff Gideon, the man you supposedly killed, is amassing stormtroopers outside my city?” he asked pointedly. “Word is he’s looking for you.”

“I’m aware,” Din sighed. “I’ll be there in a few days. I have something I need to take care of first.”

“Something or someone?” Karga mused lowly with a deep chuckle. Din followed his line of sight. Next to him, you’d woken and leaned forward in your seat just enough for the holocam to pick up your image. You watched the guild leader with interest. “Who might this stunning creature be?”

“End of the week,” Din said curtly before switching off the holo.

“Who was that?” you asked. You spoke softly, mindful of the baby in your hold. Your tired gaze lingered on the spot where Karga’s figure stood a moment ago before drifting to Din. 

“No one.”

“Right,” you said with a gentle roll of your eyes. “I heard you mention Nevarro.”

“He’s an old associate.”

“A friend?” you supplied, brows lifting with the question.

“Sometimes.”

“Well, I imagine that means something coming from you.” There was a glint of humor in your eyes but faded into something more serious as you leveled him with a stern look. “Are you sure we shouldn’t go there first?” you asked, not for the first time. “You know I’m good in a fight.”

A small huff of a laugh escaped him. You could hold your own, of that he had no doubt. And the thought of having you with him for a few extra days was nothing short of tempting. Still, something told him that was how things were meant to happen. That was the original deal the two of you struck up, after all, and the course was already set. The Crest was less than a day out from the Lah’mu sector. It would be easier on his own heart to stick to it. Surprisingly, your argument from the day before had faded into the background. He’d come to expect more of a fight from you, but you’d rejoined him in the cockpit that morning as if nothing had happened.

He decided it was best not to prompt another argument. He stood and held out a hand to you. “It’s been a long day. You should go to bed.”

You placed your hand in his and let him pull you to your feet before you gently handed the still-sleeping baby to him. “You should too.”

 .

The kid didn’t so much as stir as Din placed him in his makeshift hammock above his cot. He started to remove his armor, stowing the Beskar for a few hours of much needed reprieve. Lost deep in his own tired mind, he didn’t hear you emerge from the ship’s small refresher.

“What’s that?”

 “What?”

“That.” He glanced over his shoulder at you just in time to see you gesturing toward the compartment.

“Exactly what it looks like.” That time he heard you move closer to him as you peered around his form.

“You’ve been sleeping here?” you asked incredulously. “I thought there was another bunkroom.”

“No,” Din answered flatly. He couldn’t see why that was an issue – especially at the late hour but the scowl on your face as you moved between him and the compartment told him that you expected a better explanation. “Technically there aren’t any bunkrooms on the Crest. Yours was extra carbonite storage for backlog. I converted it recently because the kid kept trying to crawl in here with me and there’s not exactly enough space for two. I wasn’t taking on any quarries so I figured it would work temporarily.”

“And you gave it to me?” 

“Yes.” 

“Why would you do that?” 

“It’s nothing,” he said, hoping to brush it off.

“Mando,” you sighed, sounding stuck somewhere between exasperation and gratitude. You pursed your lips as you looked back at the cot. “This the sorriest excuse for a bed I’ve ever seen. I’m not letting you sleep here.” 

“Where would you have me sleep?” he asked, not bothering to hide the amusement in his voice.

“In your bed,” you replied, crossing your arms over your chest. You could be so stubborn when you wanted. Almost as stubborn as him. 

“And you?” he asked.

“I’ll be there too.” There was a hint of a mischievous smile playing on your lips. 

“Last time–” 

Your voice dropped to a whisper, but it was enough to make him forget the rest of his sentence. “I miss having you in my bed.” 

A chill shot down his spine and settled low inside him as he watched you scale the ladder that led to your room and left him to follow. Just before you disappeared, you threw a playful insult back at him. “Di’kut.”

His chest deflated as a deep sigh fell from his lips. “Let me guess who taught you that,” he called after you, rolling his eyes at your receding figure. He sealed the small compartment and followed you up.

“You had your chance to teach me nice things in Mando’a,” you retorted. “Now I can insult you seven ways to Scarif!”

 “Great,” he muttered with a light laugh.

“To be fair,” you offered when he finally walked into your small bunkroom, “Paz called me an idiot too.”

Din froze at the threshold as a cold fear rushed over him. “He told you his name?” he hissed. 

“Yeah.” You said it almost lightly, but Din heard the slight edge undercutting your words. He knew you understood the significance of the act. He could see it in the way you teased your bottom lip between your teeth. “I didn’t ask. He just told me. He said it was okay,” you tried to clarify. “It’s not like I expect you–”

“Do you want to know?” he replied quickly despite not knowing if he was prepared to give it if you said yes. While there were a few select people who knew his name now, he had never shared it with anyone himself. If Vizsla could share his name with someone outside the covert, then so could he. Right?

“Of course I do. I want to know all of you,” you started slowly. You stepped closer to him, gently resting your hands on his last piece of armor. Your eyes followed the path of your fingers as you traced the mended edge of his cuirass. “But I only want what pieces of yourself you want to share with me. I would never ask.” 

“I know you wouldn’t. You never ask for anything.” 

“I asked you to come to bed with me,” you teased, trying to divert the conversation.

“No. You told me.” You smiled almost shyly and made to move away, but Din reached for your hands and held you in place. “Ask me for something. I’ll give it to you.” You eyed him for a long moment as you considered his request. He could see the thoughts racing in your mind. “Ask me for anything,” he repeated. 

“Anything?” 

“Yes.”

“I want you to promise me something.”

“A promise?” His brows furrowed behind the visor.

“Do you remember our last conversation that morning at the covert? Because I haven’t forgotten it.” Neither had Din. He nodded once and you squeezed his hands. “No matter what answers we find on Lah’mu, no matter where your journey takes you and your son next, no matter how many years or decades it’s been since we parted,” you took a deep breath as your voice wavered, “I want you to promise me that you will pursue a life that makes you happy. The both of you. Whatever that may be.” 

Din had no response to that. He’d given you permission to ask him for anything and for some godsforsaken reason you asked for his happiness. He was struck, hardly for the first time, by just how much good there was in you. That you could possibly care about him that way even amidst your own turmoil. He would’ve preferred you ask him to call his tribe members for help. “Sweetheart–” he tried to admonish.

“Promise me, you stubborn Mandalorian,” you demanded with a new fire in your eyes. “You said you would give me anything. That’s what I want. If I can’t— If I can’t be there with you, I at least want to know in my heart that wherever you are, you are happy.” When he didn’t say anything, you pleaded. “Please, Mando.” 

Lifting a hand to the back of your head, he drew you closer to him and gently pressed his helmet to your forehead, kissing you in the only way he could in that moment. “I promise,” Din swore even though that didn’t change the fact that there was only one way he ended up happy.

“Thank you,” you sighed as if he’d given you something you needed. Without parting, your fingers dipped beneath the edge of his cuirass. “May I?” He nodded against you and you pulled just enough to deactivate the magnetic hold. Others had tried to take his armor off in the past, usually by force, but with you it felt like a barrier. Something keeping him from what he really wanted. 

As Din laid in the too-small bunk with you, your words echoed in his mind. If I can’t be there with you, I at least want to know in my heart that wherever you are, you are happy. With every quiet moment that passed, each one somehow longer than the next, he seemed to move closer to you, and you to him, until you met somewhere in the middle. His forehead knocked against yours again and as your breath ghosted across his face, he fought his overwhelming desire to kiss you. Really kiss you. To show you just how much your care for him affected him. But he remembered what happened the last time you’d tried something like that. It ended with you crying into his chest as he held you through the long night. 

He asked anyway. “Can I kiss you?” he rasped.

“I thought you just did, Mandalorian,” you teased.

He rolled you over onto your back, caging you in as he leaned on his elbows to hover above you. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he rasped. 

Before you could offer some smart retort, he slotted his mouth over yours. Despite his eagerness, he felt clumsy and unpracticed. Considering he’d never kissed anyone before you, he absolutely was. You were the only one he’d ever wanted like this. Based on the breathy little noises you made for him, you didn’t seem to mind his inexperience.

He pressed the weight of his body into yours, pinning you beneath him, until there was no space between you. You were molded to him and him to you in a way that felt natural. It felt right. He was growing accustomed to it even as he knew he shouldn’t. But those moments with you, unmasked and exposed, were too enticing.

Din never said he was a good man.

… . …

In the light of an early morning, you ran through an open field surrounded by a forest of tall evergreens. Soft wild grass cushioned each stride as you sprinted toward the tree line, chasing the fresh, spicy scent. Behind you, someone pursued you at full speed. 

No. That wasn’t right.

You glanced over your shoulder only to find not one but two young children sprinting after you, squealing and smiling. Your heart practically burst at the sight of their unbridled joy and a laugh of your own bubbled past your lips. You slowed your pace, giving in to them easily, and two sets of arms wrapped around your legs. You knelt in the dewy grass, rewarding them with snug hugs and kisses on their chubby cheeks, and earning yourself another jubilant round of laughter from them both. 

Together, they begged you to chase them next, and unable to deny them anything, you readily agreed. You stood, shooing them off to get a head start. But they wouldn’t run away just yet. Not when they were too distracted by something behind you. Another pair of arms, only much stronger, wrapped around you.

The kids ran off, shouting catch us, dad! A low rumble reverberated through your back as the man behind you laughed at the children’s wild antics. Your eyes fell closed as you leaned into him, deciding you’d follow the children in a moment. Right then all you wanted was to savor his embrace. It felt like the closest thing to home you’d ever known.

You turned your head as if to look over your shoulder and a pair of lips met yours. Even after the kiss ended, you didn’t part. The feel of his smile hovering against your lips was almost as intoxicating as his kiss.

 “Good morning, Din,” you sighed.

.

You startled awake with a sharp inhale.

Disoriented and scared, you tried to make sense of what you’d just seen. That dream felt real. Too real. Considering the turn your life had taken in the past few weeks, you had no idea what it was. A remnant of your vision. An offering from the Force. Or just your imagination playing tricks on you. It seems like the closer you get to Lah’mu, the more the Force saw fit to taunt you with that other future.

Your eyes searched the pitch-black room for some sort of sign as to where you were, but you couldn’t see anything. Instead, you felt an arm around your waist, holding you securely.

Mando’s arm.

You were still on the Razor Crest, tucked away in your shared bunk that was too small for the both of you, and he was fast asleep behind you, warm and solid. You felt him shift behind you, lifting his head from his pillow to look down at you in the dark.

“Are you okay?” he asked hoarsely. Even in sleep that man missed nothing. Mando’s hold on you tightened, pulling you back against his chest.

“Yeah,” you assured him. “Just a dream.”

“Another nightmare?” 

“No. Not quite. Just...” You screwed your eyes shut and tried to banish the lingering images, or rather sensations, of that other man from your mind. Mando’s voice cut through your daze as he called your name, drawing you back into the present. “Just strange. It almost felt like another vision.”     

“Of your future on Lah’mu?” 

“I don’t think so.”

Din shifted closer. “Your other future?”

“Yes,” you offered meekly.

“What do you dream of? With him?” The question hurt and you said nothing for a long time. The more time you spent with Mando and the baby, the more certain you were that you’d made the right choice. A life on Lah’mu as a lonely Jedi master was more appealing than a future with a stranger you could never love. Not when your heart belonged to the man lying next to you. Seeing him amongst his people had only reinforced your conclusion that Mando was not the man in your vision. It was not the way. His way. But you supposed that didn’t matter and you were only making yourself upset for no reason by reminding yourself of the fact. You’d chosen your path. “You can tell me,” he prompted again.

You shook your head and craned your neck to face him even though he couldn’t see you. You were so close your noses brushed, but he made no move to part. “No, I don’t think I can.” 

A tension hung between you as you waited for his response. “The offer stands,” he finally replied.

“And I appreciate that.” But all you really wanted was to put that dream out of your mind and forget about it entirely. The man next to you provided the perfect distraction. 

You closed that last bit of space between you, letting your mouths meet in a slow, lingering kiss. His soft, slightly chapped lips matched with yours with aching tenderness. Just like that, with him, you felt safe from all the uncertainties your future held. You decided you could indulge in it just a little while longer. Continue what he’d started the night before.

“Good morning, Mando,” you sighed around a lazy smile when you finally parted.

“Good morning, cyar’ika.”

He sounded happier, and your grin pulled taut and you turned in his arms. Holding his face with your hands, your lips melded with his again. He didn’t start at your touch anymore. He sought it out. With a hand gripping your hip, he pressed you closer.

“I could stay right here,” you murmured your confession against his lips in between hungry kisses, “forever.”

“Fuck, so could I,” he admitted. You slipped your tongue into his mouth as his lips parted around his words, earning a broken, desperate moan from him. 

He let you roll him into his back, and you moved so that you were on top of him, a knee pressing into the thin mattress on either side of him. Your hungry mouths slotted together once more.

You longed to feel his skin against yours again and as his hands slid lower, you thought he was going to free you from your tunic. But then his hands traveled further, past the hemline, over your hips and just kept going until he squeezed the swell of your backside, fingers digging into your fabric covered flesh, and ground your hips down against him. Against something hard.

“Oh fuck,” you gasped into his mouth. He chuckled darkly against your cheek as he did it again. That had no right to feel that good. You’d had your suspicions, but knowing he wanted you like that was a whole new thrill. “Eager this morning?” you asked as you searched for breath.

“You started it,” he said low and teasing while nipping at your bottom lip.

“Let me kiss you while I can.” He stilled his movements beneath you. You’d meant it as a joke, but it hurt. You pulled away and rested your head against his chest, letting out a long, slow exhalation as that all-consuming melancholy that seeped into the stolen moment. “I shouldn’t have said anything.” 

“It’s fine,” he ground out. It wasn’t fine. You could hear it in his voice. Even as he moved you off of him with the gentlest touch, you felt the distance growing between you once more. He slipped out of the bunk and you listened to him search for his helmet in the dark, but you sensed him hesitate and he turned back to you, cupping your face between his hands and pressing his lips to yours. There was something about this kiss that felt different. There was a desperate sort of passion that sends adrenaline coursing through your veins. You return it with equal fervor, pouring all your love for him into that kiss. 

“What was that for?” you asked when he finally parted from you.

“I never know.”

“Know what?”

When he spoke next, his voice came to you filtered through the modulator. “I never know when it will be our last.”

The truth of his words tore through you, leaving you feeling cold as you packed your things and emptied the converted bunkroom of all traces of you.

.

After descending the Razor Crest’s ramp, your boots hit the soft grass first, sinking slightly into the black soil that covered the planet. A cool, misty air kissed your skin as you stepped away from the safety of the ship. Your eyes scanned the green valley, landing on the small settlement that dotted the landscape.

You felt Mando approach. He stopped a half step behind you, but his presence felt heavy, almost overwhelming, as you tried to focus. Still, you knew he’d wait for your call.

“She’s here,” you announced quietly, voice barely audible over the crashing waves. You peered back at him over your shoulder, finding his dark visor already trained on you. His helmet tilted slightly. Your heart swelled with affection at the familiar, inquisitive movement. You were well beyond chastising yourself for the sentiment, even if it hurt. “And I think she’s close.” You tore your eyes away from him, ignoring the way the words seemed to get stuck in your throat. Finding your former master had been your goal for years. Now, for the first time in nearly a decade, the two of you were on the same planet. Yet you felt no joy at that momentous fact.

You felt a steady hand rest between your shoulder blades. “I’m right behind you, cyar’ika. Lead the way.”

.

After a few hours of trekking along the base of the rolling hills at the direction of one talkative settler, you found a lone woman meditating in a grassy field. She faced away from you, but the lavender hair styled in a low chignon and dark flowing robes told you exactly who she was.

“Wait here,” you directed without ever taking your eyes off of her. A familiar hand wrapped around yours, stalling you. “It’ll be okay, Mando, but you have to let go.”

You took another step forward and your hand slipped out of his. When you stopped a few paces away, you hesitated. Even after all the years you’d spent searching for your former master, you never figured out what you wanted to say. 

Before you could so much as open your mouth, a flash of violet light cut across your vision. Reacting on instinct, you reached for your lightsaber, blocking the attack at the last moment.

Falling back a step, you grounded yourself before meeting her next strike. A clash of blue and purple plasma sputtered before you. Over the cross of your sabers, you saw her calculating amber eyes flick to the side as she lifted a hand. Daring a glance back, you saw Mando frozen in place, blaster drawn and ready to fire. 

The force behind your next attack sent Zarichi reeling. 

“You hurt them,” you said through gritted teeth in between parries, “and I’ll strike you down where you stand.”

“You don’t have it in you,” she scoffed.

“You don’t know what I’m capable of.”

“I taught you everything.” Her next drive, three strong blows you narrowly managed to counter, landed you flat on your back with her saber at your neck. The slightest move would’ve singed your skin. “And you’re out of practice, padawan.” 

Before she could so much disengage her lightsaber, she was thrown across the field by some unseen force. You watched her tumble to the ground in a heap before snapping your head to the kid. He stood next to his father, hand outstretched and eyes closed. “Damn,” you breathed.

Zarichi stood and dusted herself off, eyes locked on the baby at Mando’s side. “How curious,” she assed, with a hint of a laugh. Without another word, she set off back toward the settlement. Sighing, you fell back against the grass.

With the baby clutched to his chest and a hand on his hip, Mando appeared above you. “That’s your master?” He didn’t sound amused.

“What’d you expect?” you asked with a shrug. “She’s a Jedi.”

... . ...

Thank you for reading!

Forever Tags: @leo-moon @readsalot73 @frietiemeloen @huliabitch @jerusomeeno @benedrylcumbersnatch @b0n-chann @scapricciatello @liadamerondjarin @pedropasscals @paintballkid711 @mistermiraclee @cryptkeepersoul @honeyand-roses

The Light of Stars Tags: @roxypeanut @mrsparknuts @evidenceofzoe @holographic-carmen @wickedfrsgrl @buckysalefty @justabeautiful-letdown

[vansmaybeonthewall]

Hey. My lord I really need Cal Kestis in my life, so here is my request. Redaer is not jedi, but she's with the Mantis crew, maybe even before Cal. So she has this tension with Cal, not really knowing what he thinks about her, but she really likes him. So one day they go back to readers home planet, and there's some bad memories there. And that visit gets them together, confessing and all. Soooo angst and fluff. 😁 I hope this is okay.

Feelings and Memories

requested by: @badasseddy

PERFECTION, i love me some Cal Kestis.

Masterlist 

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Order 66. That one fateful day where most of the Jedi were massacred by their own army. The day that Y/N had to grow up in a matter of seconds. She was only 12, out with her parents in the market. She remembers seeing a Twi’lek Jedi General giving orders to her troops. The Republic fought hard to keep the planet from the Separatist’s grip and they were not about to lose it. It seemed to be going well.

Until Commander Vis received a message from the Emperor.

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“Come on Y/N, we have to pick up those flowers for Sydney. I promise we’ll come back for the ribbons later,” her mother compromised. 

Y/N was a rambunctious little girl and could hardly contain herself. Hearing that she would have to wait caused her to groan. 

“But mum, what if Henry runs out? The blue one sparkles, it SPARKLES! Everyone is going to buy one and I’ll be stuck with a pink one. And I know the blue one won’t be coming back for a while, not with the trade routes blocked.”

It had become a custom for the girls on Aargau to tie or braid ribbons into their hair. It had nothing to do with status or wealth, it was just plain fun. 

“Fine fine. You go over to Henry’s stand and then you meet me at the flower shop alright?” Y/N’s mother handed her the money and went off to finish her errand. It seemed to be a great day, Y/N got to spend time with her mother and she was going to get a new ribbon. 

Y/N finally understood why the girls at school talked about the new blue ribbon. It was soft like silk but shimmered like the stars were woven into it. It was so beautiful, Y/N’s mother had to understand why she needed to buy it now. 

Only, she wouldn’t get to.

The sound of blasters brought Y/N back to reality. She saw the Jedi deflecting the deadly beams that were coming from her own troops. It was only a matter of time before the shots became too overwhelming. The Jedi crumpled to the floor, signifying the last time the blue saber would be used for the good of the Republic.

It was time to run, it wasn’t safe anymore. Y/N knew something was wrong. Why would the clones just turn on their own General? What changed? Had the Separatists done something? What about the Jedi Order? With all these questions swirling in her mind, Y/N forgot about her mother.

Until she heard her mother’s pained voice calling for her. 

She ran in that direction but was stopped by someone. Someone who looked like a Padawan. 

“You have to leave, it isn’t safe here anymore.”

“But my mother is that way.”

The Padawan could see the fear in the young girl’s eyes. He wanted to help her, he really did, but the battle had only just begun. On the other hand, his Master had just died. Him being distracted by the different stalls in the market. He would be damned if he let anyone else die on his watch. 

“Okay, but we have to hurry. We don’t have much time before reinforcements arrive.” The Padawan dragged Y/N through the market, hiding from the clones that were still looking for him. Y/N noticed that the older boy now carried his Master’s lightsaber. 

“Y/N!”

The pair soon found Y/N’s mother, who lay hidden in the flower stall, blaster wound to the stomach.

“Mum!”

It was a sad sight for the Padawan. To see this young girl experience the war firsthand. He had seen it before, but the Council had always said to move on, that nothing else could be done. 

“Oh my darling Y/N, I’ve been looking for you. You’ve made me worried.”

Oh no, thought the Padawan. He knew that the mother did not have much time left with her daughter. 

“But mum-”

“Hush now dear. I have to be meeting your father soon. Now you listen closely, alright?

“O-okay.” Tears had started streaming down her face.

“My love you can’t stay here anymore. This may have been where we stayed, but it is no longer our home. Home is where you make it to be. And remember Y/N, I will always love you. I may not be with you like I should be, but I will be watching you alongside your father.”

“Are you always so wise?” Y/N asked, letting out a breathy laugh.

“Of course. Oh! I must be going, I see your father. See you soon darling.”

“Love you too mum.”

“I’m so sorry Y/N. But we have to go before they come back with more troops.” The Padawan broke the silence. 

“Right. Where are we going?”

“We have to get off this planet as soon as possible. Do you know of a safer place to stay? Until my ship comes back?”

“The forest, rarely anybody goes in there. But I’m not so sure anymore, your clones used to accompany some villagers to find resources. Everywhere else would be crawling with clones.”

“The forest it is then.”

The two set off, Y/N forced to leave her mother behind. They had safely reached the forest, staying off the main trails. But it wasn’t long until the Commander spotted his former partner. 

“Jedi!”

Two blades, one blue and one purple, were against a countless number of clones. Y/N was pushed to the ground and told to hide. There was nothing she could do but wait, wait for the Padawan to win or give up. The sounds of blaster fire ceased and Y/N soon found out why. 

The Padawan had lost. Hit twice, a shot to the chest and another to the shoulder. Y/N could only gasp, screaming would only allow them to be found faster. 

“No, no, no. Not you too. You have to be okay. Tell me you’re going to be okay.”

“You have to run.” He whispered.

“I’m sorry?”

“Run. Run far. Whoever was supposed to come for us is gone, I can feel it. But this war isn’t over, not for you.” The Padawan shifted, wincing in pain. He grabbed the two lightsabers, motioning for Y/N to take them.

“I-I can’t. Those belong to warriors, people who are brave and fight for others.”

“Which is why you should take them. I can see the fight in you, you’ll be a great warrior. These clones, whoever they are now, they don’t need a prize for killing us.”

Y/N silently agreed, taking the weapons from the boy. 

“Be strong. Trust in the force. You may not be like me, but it will guide you to the right place.” Y/N smiled through her tears, the boy deserving much more than this hero’s death. 

Y/N...

She took off running.

Y/N...

There must be ships that have yet to take off.

Y/N...

If only she could get there on time.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Y/N!”

She woke up with a gasp. Cere was standing above her, a concerned look on her face.

“Are you alright?”

“Fine Cere.” She didn’t feel like being questioned at the moment. Thankfully, Cere accepted the answer, telling her that breakfast ready.

Y/N quickly made her way towards the table, not wanting to keep the rest of them waiting. Especially Cal. She really didn’t know how he felt about her. One day she woke up and poof. He was there. And he was perfect.

Only he was a Jedi and she was Y/N. 

“So what do you think Y/N?” 

“Hmm?” She had gotten so lost in her thoughts, she missed the rest of the crew forming the plan.

“There is something on Aargau we need. It’s hidden in the forest, but we’re not sure where.” Cere explained.

Y/N’s heart dropped. 

“Aargau? What could possibly be there? And what about the empire?” She wanted to steer clear of the place, but it was highly unlikely.

“Something changed there. The force is guiding us there. Something is calling us there.”

“More like someone.” Cal added. He noticed the way she tensed up, but didn’t know how to bring it up. 

“Right. Excuse me, but I have to go pack then.” Y/N rushed back towards her room, shutting the door. 

Why couldn’t she have one good day?

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Aargau was different. People still milled about in the markets, but the atmosphere was dreadful. No laughter was heard, no children ran by. All the happiness was sucked out the day the clones turned.

Greez stayed on the ship while Cere went looking for more supplies. Cal and Y/N were to head into the forest. Although, Cal wanted to take a look in the market place to see what little trinkets he could find. 

“What exactly are we looking for?” Standing in the market place hurt. It saddened her to see what it had become, but she expected nothing more.

“Nothing specific. It’s still early so I figured we look around before heading into the forest.” Y/N nodded, following behind Cal.

Y/N 

“Nope, no. Not happening.” She muttered to herself.

Y/N

She turned towards the voice to find no one there. 

“Told you Y/N. Nothing’s there. You’re just imagining things.”

“Are you okay?”

Cal had noticed her trailing behind, which he thought nothing of until he heard her muttering to herself.

“Ye-Yeah. Perfectly fine. Nothing’s wrong.”

“If you’re sure.” He gave Y/N a concerned look before turning around again. 

Y/N

She swore she saw a glimpse of a Jedi turning the corner. She did the one thing that came naturally to her, she followed. Which she soon regretted. 

Schoolgirls were crowding around a bright and colourful stall. Upon walking closer, Y/N realized what they were. 

Ribbons.

“You have to leave, it isn’t safe here anymore.”

“Oh my darling Y/N, I’ve been looking for you. You’ve made me worried.”

“Be strong. Trust in the force. You may not be like me, but it will guide you to the right place.”

A hand on her shoulder brought her back to reality. She hadn’t realized that tears were streaming down her face. Cal now stood next to her with a worried look on his face

“Are you alright? What happened?” No response.

“Y/N?” He gently grabbed her other shoulder, pulling her towards him. Bad idea. 

His hand brushed against the ribbon woven into her hair, forcing him into the past. And he saw everything.

Order 66. The Jedi. The Padawan. Her mother. The lightsabers. Sacrifices. Everything the blue ribbon saw, he saw too.

And he understood.

He understood why Y/N was closed off, why she tensed up when home and Jedi were brought up. 

Instead of stopping in the middle of the market, Cal dragged her into an alley.

“I’m sorry.” Y/N apologized, she knew that the Echoes could be rough. 

“Why are you apologizing? I brought us here.”

“I know, but I also know that you need to find something in the forest. It’s not your fault.” As much as she would like to leave the planet, she knew that Cere would want her to help Cal. “And we need to get going. I know that the locals aren’t keen with newcomers hanging around.”

“Y/N-”

“Look Cal, you have questions about me and my life, but you also have a mission that you cannot give up on.”

“We can’t-”

“You are not stopping this mission for me, okay? The last time I stopped I got everyone else killed, so please, finish what we came for first.” Y/N pleaded, sharing much more information than she wanted to. With that she turned away, walking out from the alley and towards the forest. And Cal had no choice but to follow. 

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The forest had been a place of danger when Y/N was younger, but now it seemed much more sinister. Barely any light came through the leaves. The feeling of sadness and pain lingered, perhaps from that Padawan long ago. The Force was guiding Cal towards a fallen tree, the significance of it? He didn’t know.

But Y/N did.

“Run. Run far. Whoever was supposed to come for us is gone, I can feel it. But this war isn’t over, not for you.”

“Of course the Force would bring me back here. It just loves my pain.” Y/n whispered to herself, but Cal heard anyway. 

“Wait, isn’t this one of-”

“The memories you saw? Yes. But I don’t understand why-”

The lightsabers.

Before she met the Mantis crew, Y/N had come back and buried the lightsabers. She had no way of contacting another Jedi so she took it upon herself to create some sort of memorial. It was the least she could do.

“There, right at the trunk. There should be two lightsabers. Ask questions later.”

“Which is why you should take them. I can see the fight in you, you’ll be a great warrior.”

They were beautiful, being buried in the ground for years didn’t change that. 

“How did you know they were here?”

“I’m the one who put them here.”

“But why? Why didn’t you keep them?” He felt angry in a way. A Jedi’s weapon was important, it was their life. 

“Because I got him killed! He tried to protect me and he got killed. I-I couldn’t keep it. So I came back here to honour what he did. Because he didn’t deserve to die the way he did. I did what I could! I had a rough life too! I got my mother killed for a stupid ribbon and got a Jedi killed for my mother.” She unwove the ribbon from her hair, leaving it a mess. “This stupid ribbon caused my life to go to hell but I wear it for him. He still had a braid, he never had the chance to become a Master. So I took it upon myself to keep a piece of him alive somehow, even if it hurt me!”

She sunk to the floor with the ribbon in hand. It no longer sparkled or shined. The blue had become a dull grey. 

“So I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I put them there.” Her eyes were burning, tears spilling out. Her face had become flushed due to the yelling.

Cal approached her slowly, setting himself down next to her. And he took her into his arms. It was nice. Y/N had been alone most of her life. Of course she had Cere and Greez, but she couldn’t tell them this. They already had a mission, her life story would only put more on their plate. 

“You aren’t alone Y/N, you have me.” Cal could sense the inner conflict she had. “You’ll always have me.”

Y/N looked up at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes.

“I will? But what if-” He silenced her with a kiss. 

“Always.”

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The sun was setting, but the market was as crowded as ever.

Only Cal and Y/N walked together, their joined hands swinging between them.

“You know, you should get another ribbon. One that represents you.” Y/N had left her old one in the forest to symbolize her thanks to the Jedi Padawan. 

“I don’t know...”

“C’mon, it’ll be fun!” Cal pulled her towards the stall. The group of schoolgirls had died down, allowing the duo to maneuver easily.

The ribbons were just as beautiful. 

“Y/N? Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” She smiled because for the first time, she finally felt okay.

“Okay. Also I was thinking that a yellow or purple ribbon wo...”

Had he always looked this cute? He seemed so passionate about which ribbon was better. And that’s when she realized it.

She felt safer with him. She felt happy with him.

She felt home with him.

[tyongf-nct]

accidental fate {part 2} - jung jaehyun (1.7k)

The bell jingled merrily as you made your way into the bookstore, almost immediately finding Jaehyun sat at one of the tables with a laptop and a million books and pages spread before him. It was a little chaotic, definitely more unorganized than what you let your workspace look like, but it somehow only made him more charming. His bottom lip stuck out in a cute pout, concentration scrunching his brows up. You smiled to yourself, shaking your head at your thoughts but brushing off the fact that you were playing into so many cliches right now. They’re cliche for a reason, right?

You walked over to the chair across from him, only noticing you when you dropped your bag down loudly on the table.

“Y/n! You made it,” he smiled brightly, flashing his perfectly straight teeth. You nodded, grinning back as you noticed for the first time that he wasn’t wearing his usual uniform of apron decorated in nerdy space pins. He was actually dressed really nice, a white button up tucked into black jeans. It almost made you feel a little underdressed, with your coat being the only nice part of your outfit. Jaehyun seemed to pay your fashion choices no mind, though, as he immediately went into great detail on what he was working on, asking you for assistance on balancing chemical equations and proofreading his term paper. You agreed, trading your skills for his expertise on the vast resources available in the bookstore for you to use.

Despite his distracting looks and heart-fluttering smile, the two of you actually got a lot of work done. You supposed that’s what happened when you stuck two giant nerds together in a place surrounded by knowledge. In a way, it was a little disappointing, because despite only knowing Jaehyun for a short amount of time, you were falling for him, hard and fast, and you wanted things to progress further. You had never actually experienced this feeling before, with no time for relationships in the past amidst studying and working so hard. Plus, you had never thought of yourself as the “relationship” kind of girl. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but it just hadn’t been a priority in the past. 

But now, it was certainly a priority. 

The way he laughed at your stupid jokes, clapping his hands together frantically as his usually deep voice went up in pitch and eyes crinkled up made your body sing with dopamine. The way he ran his hands through his hair when he was frustrated or stuck on something; the way he took his bottom lip in between his teeth when he was thinking really hard. All of these minute details stuck out to you in the short time you had gotten to know him. When you would leave the bookstore, which had practically become your second home at this point, to your small and plain dorm, you craved the warmth of his smiles and the way your stomach would hurt from laughing so hard. You also had become a graphic novel enthusiast, thanks to him, binge-reading multiple series at once and hating yourself for dropping to that level of nerdiness now.

Later that evening, you were sitting alone on your bed in your dorm, roommate nowhere to be found. The fluorescent lighting buzzed in the silence, a sigh escaping you as the boredom took over. You had finished your last graphic novel and Jaehyun hadn’t texted you back. You reminded yourself that he probably did, in fact, have a life outside of the bookstore and you. A smile crossed your features as you thought back to earlier today, the heated topic of which planets were superior in terms of aesthetic interrupting your study session.

The buzz of your phone interrupted your thoughts, and you leaped across the room to grab it just as you had the previous night. Jaehyun’s contact name on the screen brought a wide grin to your face, heart skipping a beat at the memory of him. You opened the notification to see his text.

Jaehyun: you busy?

Your fingers worked fast to type a response, not caring about seeming desperate.

Y/n: nope! What’s up?

Jaehyun: come downstairs :)

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Y/n: huh?

Jaehyun: just do it!

Adrenaline whipped through you as you hurriedly put on some shoes and grabbed your coat, stuffing your phone in your pocket. You exited the dorms in a huff, taking the stairs instead of the elevator for speed, and flew out the front doors. Jaehyun was there, standing in the same clothes as before but with some added layers for the cold night air. He didn’t look one bit out of place compared to the other university students, his tall figure lit up by the bright moon. 

“What are you doing here?” You exclaim, surprise coating your voice. Jaehyun grins mischievously, holding an arm out for you to take.

“You’re going to have to trust me, okay?”

You eye him for a moment, narrowing your eyes in mock suspicion, but curiosity takes over quickly as you reach out to grab his arm. You realize that it’s the first time you’ve really touched him, and the butterflies swarm in your stomach.

About twenty minutes later, Jaehyun pulls the car the both of you were sat in to a hilltop in the small countryside on the outside of the city. You pestered him with questions the entire ride but he only smiled his stupid smile and told you to be patient. Finally, the car comes to a stop on the gravel, and Jaehyun makes his way out and over to you to hold open your door. You thank him with a dramatic bow, taking in your surroundings.

The moon wasn’t as bright out here, and the lack of light pollution made the grassy hilltop even more mysterious. A body of shimmering black water was at the other side of the hill, flowing smoothly below the two of you. The view was quite beautiful, especially so late at night, and you look over at Jaehyun’s face, barely visible in the night.

“Did you take me out here to kill me?” You joke, raising a quizzical brow. Jaehyun scoffs, a laugh escaping his lips before he grabs your hand. His skin is warm and soft, encasing your cold hand in the most perfect way. A woosh of adrenaline rushes through you, nervousness making you shiver.

“Not quite. Remember how I told you there was going to be a meteor shower, the first one in a long time? Well, that should be starting any minute now,” he grins. You gasp in excitement, looking up at the dark night sky. The universe looks completely clear, no clouds scattered in the sky to block your view of the meteors crashing into the atmosphere.

As if on cue, a small blaze of white light streaks across the sky, pulling another excited gasp from you. 

“Jaehyun, look! I saw one!” You point a finger frantically at the sky, tugging on his hand harshly. Jaehyun laughs out loud, looking in the direction as another quick streak flashes into view. You bounce a little on your toes, child-like excitement taking over as laughter bubbles out of you. Jaehyun holds your hand the whole time, the side of his body pressing against yours as wind chills you, the heat of his body bringing you warmth. 

“Good surprise?” He asks. You look over at him and smile widely, the now familiar feeling of dizziness at his face rushing through you. You nod softly, looking into his brown eyes, feeling happier than you’ve felt in a long time.

“Yes. Definitely.” You turn your body to face him, forgetting about the fascinating sky before you, and the smile fades from his face as a more serious one takes over. You’re about to ask what is wrong when he suddenly leans in to bring his lips to yours, kissing you softly. His lips are just as warm as the rest of him, pressing gently against yours as you feel a breath leave his nose. You relax into him, bringing your arms up around his neck slowly as you tilt your head to the side. The change in angle brings the kiss deeper, his face fitting perfectly against yours as his hands come up to rest on your waist softly.

He pulls back abruptly, ruining the sweet pleasure of the kiss. You almost whine in complaint, wanting the sensation to come back.

“I’m sorry, i just realized I probably should have asked first-”

“Jaehyun, it’s okay. I’m glad you didn’t ask,” you interrupt. You smile softly to try and reassure him, and a look of relief washes over his features. He sighs, smiling back down at you while still keeping you close. The two of you just stand there and look at each other for a moment, the silence of the night around you and the dim light of the sky illuminating his features.

“You know, meteor showers are nothing pretty, if you really think about it. Meteorites crashing into the Earth’s atmosphere on parallel trajectories at alarmingly high rates, burning up almost on impact which causes the bright flashes of light-”

“Jaehyun, what’s your point?”

He breathes out a laugh, taking a moment to compose himself.

“My point is, despite the fact that they’re kind of terrifying, meteor showers are actually really beautiful. They’re accidentally beautiful. They’re not meant to be a cool spectacle for humans to observe, yet by some stroke of fate, they ended up being just that. It’s kind of like how we met accidentally, and it’s turned into something beautiful,” he says.

Your heart flushes with affection, a feeling much more intense than the crush you’ve been developing washing over you. He looks into your eyes as a warm flush floods your cheeks, glee singing in your veins as you lift your head to meet his lips once more.

“I agree. It is accidentally beautiful,” you say against his lips, happiness and content flowing through you.

[margoshansons]

Jealously, Turning Saints: B. Blake

Bellamy Blake x Reader. Onesided!Jasper Jordan x Reader

Requested: For anon.  Hey!! Can I request a Bellamy Blake imagine?(taking place in the first two seasons) reader is really close friends with Jasper and everyone knows he has a crush on the reader, but she doesn’t believe it. Bellamy tries to throw hints that he likes reader too but reader is, again, oblivious. Then jasper does something sweet with reader and Bellamy snaps, starting a fight with jasper. Reader finally realizes everyone was right. Just some jealousy stuff, love your writing! Thank you🙈😊

Summary: Jasper takes Y/N to the field of butterflies, a fight breaks out as Bellamy confronts his feelings.

Warnings: Violence. Swearing

Notes: I am so happy I get to write for my husband! (jk, Bellamy is always Clarke’s, fight me). Also, this takes place right after ‘Murphy’s law’. Enjoy!

For the first time in a while, the camp was silent. Murphy’s theatrics had finally gotten him thrown out of camp, and Jasper was finally feeling back to normal. She sat up on the third floor, sharing what was left of the whiskey with her best friend, the two trading jokes and stories back and forth as the Camp grew darker beneath them.

“I’m really glad you’re okay” Y/N confided, staring into the gaze hidden by Jasper’s mop of black curls. 

“Me too” Jasper replied, a smile growing on his face. “I mean, I uh, I’m happy you’re okay too. Like just in general,”

She chuckled at his stuttering nerves, taking another pull from the nearly empty bottle, cringing as the alcohol burned down her throat. 

Jasper laughed at her reaction, “Too much for you?”

“Shut up” She playfully pushed his shoulder, careful not to irritate the tender wounds. 

“I’m really happy you’re down here” Jasper’s tone suddenly turned serious. “I mean, I’m not happy we ended up in lockup, but if I had to be stuck on Earth with someone, I’m glad it’s you.”

Warmth filled her chest at the compliment, a small smile flashing at her best friend. “I’m really happy you’re down here too.” She replied, snuggling closer to the thin kid, feeling his throat move up and down as he swallowed. 

They were pulled out of their reverie by a clanging on the hatch, a freckled face catching the two off guard. 

“Y/N” Bellamy called, jaw tightening at the sight of her and Jasper together, “I need your help with something.” He threw a dirty look toward Jasper, “Now.” 

His usually calm voice turned to a growl and Y/N stood up immediately, throwing an apologetic glance toward Jasper before following Bellamy down to the floor of the dropship. 

“Is everything okay?” Y/N asked, concern hiding any annoyance she felt about being separated from her best friend. Bellamy threw her a makeshift pack, his jaw still tight.

“We’re looking for water,” he informed her, “You’re one of the few who’ve been to the river, so we need you to navigate.”

Y/N arched a brow skeptically. “Why can’t you ask Clarke to do it? She’s been outside camp more times than I have.”

“Clarke’s not here.” Bellamy sighed, irritation practically radiating from him, “She and Finn left camp a few hours ago.”

Y/N nodded her head in understanding. 

“Besides,” Bellamy pulled her attention back to him, “I prefer your company to hers.”

His smile seemed out of place. She had never seen him smile at anyone except Octavia, and that was rare enough as it was. 

The two delinquents set out on their expedition, trail lit only by the flame from Bellamy’s torch, a flashlight hanging unlit from her pant loop.

“You know he’s in love with you right?” Bellamy interjected through the silence that hung between them.

“Who?” Y/N asked, her mind still reeling from the fact that she was with Bellamy Blake at night. In the woods.

Alone.

“Jasper” Bellamy spoke like it was supposed to be obvious. “He’s so bad at hiding it too.”

Y/N scoffed, throwing her attention back to the map she had swiped. “Jasper is not in love with me. We’re best friends nothing more.”

“Of all the traits I thought you had, being that dumb is not one of them.” Bellamy threw at her, a playful tone emanating from him.

“Yeah, well I caught on pretty quickly that being delusional is one of yours.” Y/N shot back, the witty banter sending butterflies erupting throughout her body. 

The laugh that escaped Bellamy’s mouth was almost as unusual as the smile that seemed to be permanently stuck on his face. Her chest constricted, wondering if she had taken things too far.

“You think I’m delusional huh?” He asked, facing her.

Y/N shrugged, “You’re the one that convinced twenty-four kids to take their wristbands off because you were worried about the Ark locking us back up.”

Bellamy bobbed his head almost as if he was agreeing with her. She shook her head, convincing herself that she must have imagined the gesture. Bellamy Blake did not agree with anyone, let alone a petty thief from agro station.

“That’s because they would.” His tone turned serious and the Bellamy she was familiar with returned, “You’re the one who’s delusional if you think they would actually pardon you when they come down. You’re nothing to them, they’ll just lock us up when they come back down.”

She shook her head, refusing to believe that ethic. Her mom was up there. Her dad was up there. She wasn’t nothing to them.

Y/N scoffed, pushing past him, “Look, just because Clarke is off enjoying herself with someone else doesn’t mean you can use me as your new punching bag.”

Bellamy grasped her bicep, pulling her gaze toward his own. “You think I’m upset because Clarke is off probably screwing Finn?”

Y/N shook under his heated gaze, breathing growing shallower, pulse rising. “The tone of your voice suggests otherwise, but...yeah.”

Bellamy scoffed, a small chuckle escaping him. “Maybe you are delusional after all.”

Their eyes met.

Conflict raged behind his.

Curiosity swirled in hers.

He bit his lip, gaze flickering toward the bottom half of her face. 

“Bellamy?” Y/N whispered, breath hitching.

“What?” The dark tone in his voice was back.

A beat.

Two beats.

She opened her mouth to say something, until--

“Did you hear that?”

Bellamy creased his face, “Hear what?”

Splash!

“That” She pulled her arm out of his grasp, rushing toward the sound of water against the ground until finally, they reached the coveted resource.

Another unusual smile crossed Bellamy’s face, eyes lighting up as he spoke, “Nice job Agro.” His hand rubbed her shoulder as he moved forward, using the canteen to gather more water. 

The walk back to camp was significantly less eventful, especially considering that neither of them wanted to talk about whatever that had been by the river. 

Y/N swallowed, gulping down her nerves at the thought of the electricity that had passed through her when Bellamy had grasped her arm, the butterflies that had emerged when his gaze was locked on her. 

Octavia ran toward her when they reached the camp, throwing herself into an embrace with both of them. “I’m so glad you two are okay.” 

Bellamy nodded refusing to say anything more, only throwing a grateful smile toward Y/N as he moved to go discuss things with Miller. 

Octavia had a smile written on her face. What was with the Blakes and smiling today?

“Did my brother just smile at you?” Octavia asked, a teasing look on her face. 

Y/N shook her head, rolling her eyes as a playful smile crossed her face. “It’s nothing like that I promise.”

Octavia still refused to give up her smile, Y/N furrowing her brow. 

“Octavia?” Y/N asked, nerves jumping up to her throat. “What’s going on?”

“Just follow me” The younger girl pressured, grasping her hand and pulling her through a grove of woods on the outskirts of the camp, both unaware of Bellamy’s concerned gaze at their backs.

“Wait here,” Octavia instructed, leaving the delinquent alone amongst the trees. 

“Octavia!” Y/N called out, still confused about what the younger girl wanted to show her. 

Her worn through boots crunched the earth below her as she spun around, gaze locked on the glowing trees above her, the night sky illuminating the grove before her. 

The trees began to move, and as the butterfly landed on her hand, she realized just how much the radiation had affected the animals that had once inhabited an Earth free of radioactivity. 

Her face broke into a toothy smile, chest bursting into laughter as more butterflies surrounded her. 

A twig snapping pulled her out of her awe, guard up as she reached for the knife tucked into her pants, ready to fight off any grounders that had suddenly appeared. 

Instead, the curly mane of Jasper Jordan peeked out beyond the glowing trees, his nervous smile growing wider as he grew closer to her. 

“It's pretty cool right?” Jasper commented, tugging on the sleeve of his red hoodie. “Octavia showed it to me after I recovered, and I knew I had to bring you here.”

Y/N bit her lip, the smile still tugging on her lips. 

“I love it.” She whispered, truly meaning those words. “It's one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

Jasper grew closer, his hand pushing a fallen strand of ponytail behind her ear. “It reminds me of you.”

Y/N’s stomach dropped.

She recalled Bellamy’s words from earlier. You know he’s in love with you.

Y/N swallowed her guilty unreciprocated feelings as she pushed Jasper’s hands away from her face, holding them gingerly in her palms. “We should head back to camp, they’ll be wondering where we are.”

Jasper nodded, refusing to let go of her hands until she acted herself, the firelight of Camp illuminating the guilty look written on her face. 

“Jordan!” Bellamy bellowed, striding toward the pair, his jaw tight with tension once again. 

“Oh, Hey Bellamy” Jasper spoke up in a perky tone, waving at the older kid. His greeting was rewarded with a fist to the jaw. 

Y/N’s mouth dropped open. “Bellamy!” She called.

“What the hell was that for?” Jasper asked, rubbing his skin where Bellamy’s hand had collided. 

Bellamy puffed his chest, “You know the rules, no heading outside of camp after dark.”

Jasper laughed uncontrollably, grasping his stomach to stabilize himself.”Oh, that’s rich coming from you Mr. ‘we need more water’. This camp just got new water a day ago!” He yelled, voice trembling in anger.

Y/N’s eyebrows creased as she stared at Bellamy. The whole thing was a ruse? Why the hell did he--

Maybe you are delusional after all.

She wanted to slap herself at how long it had taken her to figure it out. Instead, she watched the rest of the argument unfold. 

“This isn’t about me breaking the rules” Jasper continued, “This is about Y/N isn’t it?”

Bellamy’s jaw set itself, his hand growing into another fist.

“Jasper stop,” Y/N pleaded, not wanting to see her best friend get into another fight. 

“Newsflash asshole!” Jasper called out, arms open wide. “She’s her own person! You don’t own her!”

Skin collided with skin as Bellamy launched as Jasper, his strength overpowering anything Jasper may have gathered over the past few days. 

“Bellamy stop” Y/N tried to place herself between the two, hoping she could hold him back before he did any further damage. “Bellamy!” She was thrown back as a fist slapped her in the jaw. 

Bellamy’s fist.

Octavia caught the reeling girl. “Y/N are you okay?” 

Bellamy stared at the damage he had done, mouth dropping in shock. “Y/N I’m so sorry--”

“Don’t.” She snapped, malice lacing her voice. 

Jasper scrambled up, his gaze landing on his friend who stood there nursing her jaw. “Holy shit” He whispered.

“Y/N please” Bellamy moved forward, she pulled herself back.

Curious whispered erupted around them, the campers pointing toward the sky. Y/N lifted her eyes upward, the ache in her jaw forgotten as she stared at the incoming object entering Earth’s atmosphere.

The Ark was sending a ship to the ground.

I loved writing this so much! I hope I did Jasper justice, because I’m not used to writing him. It’s season 1 Jasper so I figured he’s a bit reckless.

Got a request? Send it in!

[devnicolee]

Assurance and Appreciation

A/N: Struggling with writer’s block on Chapter 9 so this is what came about instead. Sort of a sequel to A Seat on the Throne because Zarah isn’t the only one who needs some additional assurances and support every once in a while.  

Warning: Smut, NSFW (and my first time writing a blowjob which was really hard and it probably shows haha sorry in advance!) 

Masterlist

Word Count: 3,257

"I don’t understand what your hesitation is," Zarah called as she turned off their waterfall shower and started wringing her twists out in an old t-shirt. "Shuri and T’Challa are just trying to help. You decided to rejoin Wakanda, yes? This is what joining Wakanda means. You cannot have both collaboration and isolation. Are you regretting your decision or something?" She stepped out of their shower, smiling at him as he started to help her dry off in her soft, plush towels. She could have done it herself but she always appreciated the intimacy of their nighttime ritual, each helping the other prepare for bed. 

However, tonight’s ritual did not include its usual peaceful silence or lighthearted musings about the day’s events. No, tonight’s ritual was marked with discord, debate and confusion over her husband’s ambivalence, a state that clashed with his usual personality. Zarah always appreciated, that even in the infancy of his time as chief, M’Baku always held fast to his decisions. He did not rush into them; taking his time to deliberate thoughtfully, intentionally and prayerfully before committing himself or his people to a course of action. But when he ultimately reached a decision, he stuck with it and saw it through until it became clear a better option was available. Zarah trusted those decisions, would bet her life on them and rarely questioned them because he never gave her a reason to doubt his motives and intentions. 

Today, though, was a complete departure for her usually confident and stubborn king. Today, he was indecisive and unsure. Prior to this morning’s council meeting, her husband agreed to accept kimoyo beads to test among the Jabari and increase the connection between the mountain tribe and Greater Wakanda. Zarah would have even said he was excited about the prospect and opportunity. However, a tense council meeting later, he was straddling a giant fence of indecision, swaying back and forth between moving forward and preparing to tell T’Challa to throw away the plan entirely.

"Regretting, no. I just do not want vibranium to corrupt our people, it is not who we are. It is why our ancestors forged their own path in the first place. You know this, Zarah." 

She maneuvered around her giant-sized husband in their bathroom as she finished her evening skin care routine, noting the agitation in his tone and eyes as he spoke. 

"Yes, and our ancestors also refused to use Jabari wood for anything other than weapons at a time. But times are changing my love. You," she reached over and squeezed his hand that rested on their counter, "know this. I love tradition, I love our traditions. But tradition are just one way of doing things until another way comes along. Neither is better than the other, it is merely different. You are allowed to create new traditions for this tribe. It is not only your right as Chief, it is your duty when you know those traditions people desperately seek to hold onto are limiting our progress."

She strolled out of their bathroom after pulling on a pair of panties and an old sweater to sit on her side of their bed. "And we are not even talking about a lot. Just something small to see how we like it, if it improves our well-being, see how we like connecting to the low landers," she listed, reviewing the proposal she helped craft to him again.

"Kimoyo beads are as low tech as the Panthers can get. She and I spent a lot of time on that proposal before she sent it to you and you agreed," Zarah emphasized pointedly. She worked with Shuri and T’Challa for weeks to determine what type of technology would best suit the Jabari’s beliefs and lifestyle. She was maintaining a calm facade but underneath, tides of frustration and anxiety at her husband’s indecision were rising. While she knew all of his doubts were focused on the Panthers, in questioning his support to their plan, he was also questioning her judgement and counsel.

She pulled her shea butter out of her nightstand and lathered her legs as she spoke. As she continued, M’Baku was no longer listening. He was completely entranced by the thickness of her thighs and the softness and glow of her skin. 

She coughed loudly, breaking him out of his trance. "Are you listening to me husband?" 

He laughed loudly, "Apologies little one, you just look beautiful tonight." He winked at her, the desire that always sparkled behind his mocha eyes now a full inferno.

She smiled and rolled her eyes, "According to you, I look beautiful every night so flattery will not get you out of this conversation," she joking chastised him. "But thank you. You are free to ravish me after we finish this discussion."

He let out a disgruntled bark, causing her to shake her head and laugh at his antics. Accepting defeat of his plan to trade this conversation for a symphony of her moans and screams, he walked over to her.

"Even if you do not trust the Panthers and I do not understand why you wouldn’t at this point… y-you should at least trust your chieftess. I would never lead our people astray," she mumbled as he sat down next to her. 

"It is not that I do not trust your counsel or the Panthers. You know that is not it, you are a genius and I know you would not have proposed it without intense deliberation. I am just not sure it is the right course of action for our people."

"You trust T’Challa to share this country’s resources with the world yes? You trust that he is right when he believes our resources will benefit others’ lives?" She intertwined her fingers with his and stroked his exposed bicep as they sat. 

"Yes, it is his right as king." 

"But you don’t trust him enough to know that for us? To benefit the lives of actual Wakandans? We have isolated ourselves for too long, so much so that even in our new partnership, we are continuing to choose isolation. We are still not truly willing to dive in and try. I say it all the time: we are both Wakandans and Jabari… There is room for both. There must be or we are lost. T’Challa is flawed yes. But he has a pure heart, just as you do. He wants to work with us, he is excited to work with us and find ways to be more inclusive of our needs. If he believes this is the correct course, we can at least meet him halfway. And if we do not like it, we turn back and work together to forge a different one." She kissed the side of his head and scouted further up the bed to get situated to sleep. "Besides, we do not have to give him an answer tonight. Just sleep and pray on it and decide with a fresh perspective tomorrow."

She could not see the small nod he gave before he stood and walked over to his side to join her, climbing in bed and draping a heavy arm across her waist. Under the sheets, his hand gripped and kneaded her exposed thigh over and over again. Usually, it would have Zarah flipping onto her back and begging for more but even she could tell his movements were void of sexual tension or motives. This was merely the physical representation of his restlessness, his anxiety - two things that were rare in his usual powerful and assured personality. She soon realized he had no intention of sleeping, not with their conversation still tumbling through his overactive mind. 

Zarah shifted to her back, his hand never leaving her thigh, recognizing in his eyes that there was indeed more to the story than he let on. 

"Husband…" 

"Hmm?"

"What is this really about? You are not this worked up over technology as simple and inconsequential as kimoyo beads. What is really wrong?" 

"Your father and Elder Asante. After the council meeting, they said I was destroying the Jabari." 

Zarah rolled her eyes and shifted to sit up. She finally understood. She was not debating her husband, she was debating the Council. She was arguing with her father and the other elders who planted seeds of doubt in her husband every time the Panthers were mentioned; the elders who guilted and shamed him for breaking traditions and building his own vision for the tribe. 

She gestured for M’Baku to sit on his side of the bed. Zarah loved any excuse to climb into his lap and over time, all difficult or intimate conversations in their relationship were done in that position. 

She swung her leg across his hips and rested on top of him. She held his head in her hands, his beard tickling the palms of her hands. "You have been telling me to ignore my parents and their opinions for years."

"But you do not," he shot back, rubbing patterns into her thigh. 

"Yes, because I actually do care about their opinions. You have never cared about what the Council thought of you. Why does their opinion bother you so today?"

"Because what if I am?" 

"What if you are what?"

"Destroying the Jabari? Half of the Council has hated me since I rejoined. I have not been able to do anything right since. They second guess and question every decision I have made regarding the Panthers. Maybe I did make the wrong decision? Maybe I am overcomplicating our people’s lives… changing too much. I thought I was bringing people together, but it seems I have just caused too much division."

"You could be destroying the Jabari. I certainly do not think you are, and I do not think you truly believe that either. I see the pressure you are under, the pressure you put on yourself. Chief is a great responsibility and the weight of all of it falls squarely on you. I have my days of doubt as chieftess so I can only imagine how those moments feel as chief. But do you know what I do when I have those moments?" she asked. 

"Hmm?" 

"I remember what a handsome chieftain told me one day in our throne room when I worried that I would too destroy our people and embarrass him as chieftess." 

M’Baku chuckled, the memory of that day floating to the top of his mind. "What did this handsome chieftain tell you eh?" 

"He told me to hold tight to him because moments of doubt were part of the job. How you see the light at the end of those tunnels is by leaning on this," she gestured between them, "Leaning on each other for support and counsel."

She held his head firmly in her hands. "And he asked me to remember what I told him the day he became chief. He spoke of how he did not believe me on his Challenge Day. But I meant it that day all those years ago and have believed it every day since. History will look down on you as one of our greatest chiefs. One that took risks and brought his people into a new light, redirected our energy to a purpose beyond ourselves. My father will never like the decisions you make and so may be the case for the entire Council. But you have the purest heart of them all. As long as you are guided by that, you should not doubt your choices. You and your decisions are guided by Hanuman and he chose you. That is all you need."

"And you? You think I am doing the right thing?"

"Yes, I have never been afraid to tell you when I disagree. But I do not. While your intentions remain as pure as your heart, I will follow your lead through fire, rain or snow. You asked for this tribe to trust you, to follow you. We chose to do so because you have earned it. You proved yourself worthy of the title, the responsibility, and the respect long ago. And you have not let us down since. Do not let my father or anyone else have you questioning yourself. Understand?"

"Yes. Thank you," he pulled her in to kiss her deeply. "I will let T’Challa and Shuri know we want to test the beads. No more changing this decision. This is the answer. This is the path. It will be good for all of us." 

"I think so too," she whispered, kissing his neck. Her hands journeyed up his bare chest to his shoulders. "You know what else I think?" 

"Hmm" he hummed as he enjoyed her ministrations, noticing the slight grind in her hips against his manhood. 

"I think our chief could relax. You have been so busy, running yourself ragged worried about this tribe and our people. I have not done enough to show you how appreciated you are," she said in a sultry tone. Her hands made quick work of pulling her sweater over her head, breasts free and exposed for her husband. Her kisses ventured further south, down his chest as she got off his lap to rest on her knees beside him. 

"I cannot show you how much I appreciate you with all these clothes on my love," she whispered, prompting him to shed his clothes on his lower half and free his hardening length from its cage. 

Zarah’s mouth watered slightly at the sight. While M’Baku typically spent a great deal of time worshipping her body during sex, it was certainly reciprocated. Zarah found immense pleasure in both receiving and giving. And so she poured her being into pleasuring M’Baku as he did with her always. Her small hand wrapped around him, pumping him slightly as she looked at him. "Can I take care of you my king?" 

He simply nodded, words failing him at the sight of his queen, bare and on her knees for him. 

Zarah took half of him into her mouth, rolling her tongue over his tip and tasting his pre-cum, her hand pumping the base of him. She moaned into his cock, savoring the taste of him, the vibrations causing a small moan to escape his lips. 

Zarah released him from her mouth with a soft pop, her spit leaving strings between her lips and his manhood. She used her hand to spread the wetness around his member before she took him into her mouth again. 

After a few minutes of massaging and teasing the sensitive spots she knew elicited the greatest response from the love of her life, she took a deep breath before taking him as far as she could into her throat. She breathed through her nose as she tried to accommodate him. Her eyes watered and she struggled to breathe as he hit the back of her throat but then she heard him, his moans and breathless outpourings of praise.

"Za… fuck. You take me so well," he breathed. His hand found its way to her panties, sliding them to the side so his fingers could find her love bud. He knew her body like a musician knows their instrument, understanding the right amount of pressure and strokes needed to alleviate this experience for both of them: to give him the melody of her moans and groans that he had been craving to hear all day and provide her with a reward for her efforts. He was not shocked to find her already gushing, knowing that pleasuring him turned her on endlessly, and knew she would be aching to be touched. 

"You were made for me, usana," M’Baku moaned as he rubbed circles on her clit with his thumb while a skilled finger started pumping into her. 

"M’Ba - fuck, that feels good," she panted, his manhood falling from the warmth of her mouth as she reacted to the surprise of his fingers entering her. 

She enveloped him again, setting a steady rhythm to help him reach his climax as she bobbed up and down on his dick. She worked as fast as she could, desiring nothing more than to feel him release into the back of her throat, feel the tension and frustration leave his body. 

He was in a state of bliss as she made a mess on his lap, taking him as deep as her body would allow. The vibrations from her moans caused his hips to buck into her lips over and over, his free hand tangled in her twists. 

"Fuck… just like that. I’m almost there Za," he moaned. She felt him twitch and after a few short pumps, he released down her throat. All the while, his steady work to bring her equal pleasure never faltered, his fingers continued doing the work of Hanuman to bring her the euphoria of her orgasm. 

She swallowed and released his member from her mouth in time to let out a string of cries and curse words as he applied more pressure to her sensitive bud and her own orgasm reached its peak. 

She cried out as her body shook with the weight of her orgasm, his fingers continuing their mission through her release. She barely had time to recover and catch her breath from such an intense session before he grabbed her and pulled her in for a deep, rough kiss. His hands explored her thick backside, gripping and squeezing her ass. 

"Suck," he demanded, presenting his fingers, coated in her nectar to her lips. She took no time to oblige, willing to do any and everything he asked of her. She let his hand fall from her mouth after sucking his fingers clean and kissed him again. She tossed him a playful smile before starting to slide off the bed to get a warm towel and clean them both up. 

A rough hand pulled her back as she started to walk toward the bathroom. 

"Where do you think you are going little one? I am not done with you yet." 

She smiled up at him, "You can never get enough, can you?" From the animalistic look in his eyes, Zarah knew all those early meetings and plans she had for tomorrow would need to be rescheduled for another day. When he looked at her like this, she was lucky if she could physically get out of bed the next morning.

"Of you? Never."

She nodded, climbing back on the bed, "How do you want me, my king? Tonight is all about you." 

He did not need time to contemplate, the answer on the tip of his tongue before she finished the sentence. "On all fours how I like it," he commanded. 

Her king had spoken and she would do as he commanded. She moved quickly, rolling over to her stomach and assuming the position and deep arch he adored: ass up, face and chest pressed into their bed. 

She gasped and turned her face deeper into the bed, clutching the sheets as he pushed into her without warning. She would never get used to the feeling, the high she got from his dick stretching her to capacity as he entered her. He was her drug and she was an addict, willing to risk it all to get her fix over and over again. She moaned and begged for more as his hips started a relentless pace, pounding into her from behind. Her eyes fluttered closed from the pleasure he provided as the clock struck midnight. 

The night may have been ending for everyone else. But for M’Baku and Zarah? They had rounds to go before they slept. 

****

Tags: @destinio1 @muse-of-mbaku @jellybean531 @dawva @afrolatinpami

[slushrottweiler]

Not Safe for W*rk - Prompto x Ignisx x Reader

Lime Promnis x reader fic.

Ignis is stuck in meetings all day. Prompto and Reader decide they need to torment him...

So they spam his phone with sexy photos until he loses it. Smutty phone calls ensue.

Ao3

Full fic below

The phone buzzed softly in Ignis’ pocket as he listened to another minister detail their latest trade agreement with Altissia. Ever the dutiful advisor, he resisted the urge to peek down at the screen, and instead focused harder on the meeting before him. Someone had to; and judging by the far away look in Noctis’ eyes, Ignis was certain his king’s attention had long ago wandered off. His phone buzzed a second time, then a third in quick succession. Ignis couldn’t help but smile. The King had important meetings and cabinet sessions all day today, which meant that Ignis was also in for a long one; much to his partners’ dismay. You had pouted adorably last night at his announcement, complaining aloud that ‘Noct will never learn if you keep babying him’. Ever the sunshine in your lives, Prompto had sprung onto the cushions beside you, wrapping you in a snuggle and proclaiming he would take you a whirlwind adventure the likes of which the kingdom of Lucis had never seen. Your faux-sulking had evaporated instantly, grinning madly as you and Prompto planned your date. Prompto had promised to send Iggy photos throughout the day, but Ignis had simply shaken his head at his ridiculous lovers. That hadn’t stopped Prom however, from damn near spamming his phone with picture after picture of their shenanigans. He had received at least seven pictures before noon, and more had kept pouring in as the day progressed. Not that Ignis was really complaining. Even if the photos weren’t of the two people he loved most in the world, Prompto truly had a gift, and each picture was better than the last. He’d already saved his few favourites, and knew he was going to have to do a culling soon as more and more of his phone’s memory was taken up by Prom’s pictures. As the meeting drew to a close, Ignis collected his notes as Noctis awoke from his stupor to thank the ministers for their reports. Only once he had everything organised did he pull his cell from his pocket and swipe to unlock the screen. Sure enough, there were three new picture messages – all from Prom. A small smile spread over Ignis’ face as he tapped the first file. A stunning landscape filled the screen, a gleaming waterfall surrounded by lush emerald foliage. Prom had used just the right angle to catch the light, throwing a mist of rainbows over the spray at the waterfall’s end. The whole thing looked stunning and bright, very much like the photographer himself. As he thumbed across to the next image, Noctis appeared beside him and peered over his shoulder at the phone.

“More pics from Prom? Oh… that one’s good.” the young king said and Ignis couldn’t help but agree. You were standing hip deep in the water, still in your street clothes and completely soaked. Ignis wouldn’t have put it past you to have jumped in without a care, and likely pressuring your boyfriend to join you with a coy smile and a wink. Prompto had caught you just as you were emerging from the water, so droplets trailed down your exposed skin and caught the light. Your eyes were closed as you pushed back your damp hair, turned two shades darker than its normal h/c. The waterfall roared in the background, just out of focus, and leant you a powerful air. Ignis could almost feel the spray of the water on his face, the sun’s heat on his skin.

“Prom has talent. But I think I like this one better.” Ignis murmured as he flicked to the next picture. Both you and Prom grinned back at him, frozen in the sun. Prom had obviously been trying to take a selfie, his hair still wet and falling in his face, but it appeared you had snuck up behind him and glomped onto his shoulders. The shutter had snapped just as a startled Prompto turned to grin at you, the framing slightly off-tilter so only your faces were in stark focus. You peered right at the camera, laughter making your eyes sparkle. It didn’t have the polish of the previous pictures, nothing fancy or special in the composition; but Ignis immediately knew he’d be saving this one. “The three of you are gross.” Noct groaned and shoved lightly at his friend. “I hate that sappy stuff.” Ignis just chuckled as he slid his phone away. “I shall make a note to tell your wife that, next time she wants to sneak off with you for some alone time.” Ignis kept his face neutral as the King of Lucis shot him a petulant glare.

“Tch. You wouldn’t dare.”

“Wouldn't I?” Ignis quirked an eyebrow.

“ Y/N is a bad influence on you.” Noctis grumbled, earning a snort from his advisor as Ignis led him to his next meeting. More photos rolled in as the day progressed, interspersed with the occasional text message. Pictures of his lovers hanging from trees, posing ridiculously around the marketplace, and generally running wild. Dramatic scenic photos were coupled with casual snaps of you eating a snow cone or browsing through stores. Ignis nearly laughed out loud when he chanced a peek at his phone while walking the dignitaries from Duscae to the meeting hall. A giddy Prompto had a blush-pink chocobo chick sitting atop his head, fluffed up and fast asleep. The expression of awe and excitement on the blonde’s face was priceless, and Ignis switched Prom's caller ID image to that pic as soon as he was able. It was much later that evening and Ignis' work was barely winding down. He sat beside Noctis in his fourth council meeting of the day, and even he was wearing though his attention span. The councillor before him spoke about grain harvests and the rising costs of fertiliser like it was the most exciting thing since sliced bread. And though food resources was obviously important, Ignis couldn’t match the woman’s enthusiasm. Sighing quietly, Ignis adjusted his glasses as he attempted to subtly stretch his legs under the table. His phone had buzzed three or four times since the meeting had begun, and he felt the damned thing go off a fifth time as he settled back into his seat. The last photo he had replied to had been a couple of hours ago, just as the sun was setting. You and Prompto had finished their meanderings and had returned home, apparently to watch movies and eat snacks for dinner. Ignis clearly remembered the enormous bowl of popcorn he had seen in your lap as you had curled up beside your younger boyfriend, afternoon light and the glow from the television throwing a myriad of colours over you both.

Prompto had taken the selfie from a high angle to fit you both in. Sprawled across Ignis’ couch, you had both ditched your shoes and changed into more comfortable clothes. Prompto’s hair was fluffy and unstyled, like he’d just come from a shower, and the purple in his eyes seemed more vivid as he grinned cheekily up at the camera. You had been caught unaware, with your legs thrown over the arm of the couch and popcorn halfway to your lips. You had scrunched up your nose, sticking your tongue out at the shutterbug’s antics. Knowing his lovers as well as he did, Ignis hadn’t expected any more messages that evening. He had assumed you would both be glued to whatever show you had put on, and not likely to emerge until he arrived home to shuffle you both to bed. So why was his phone still going off?

Even on silent, Noct could hear the phone vibrating against the cushioned chair. He raised one regal eyebrow at Ignis, shooting him a look that said  trouble back home ? Giving a subtle shake of his head, Ignis tried to turn back to the meeting, only for another buzz to sound.

Noct rested his hand in his chin. Smug eyes flicked down to his pocket and back.  Gonna answer that Specs?

Exhaling slowly through his nose, Ignis adjusted his glasses as he attempted to casually slip his phone from his pocket and check the screen under the table. After a quick scan to check that all the other councillors were distracted; Ignis tapped the home button and a dim blue light blinked on in his lap. The default blue lock screen was filled with notifications, and he flicked off the calendar notes and a work email to see he had received eight SMS’ from Prompto, a further three picture messages and one picture message from you.

That made his eyebrows knit together in confusion. You rarely sent picture messages when you knew Prompto was on a binge, knowing he’d have received all of the blonde’s favourites already. To make things quick, he flicked open Prompto’s text thread. There were two new pictures of you watching TV. Your rapped attention was glued to the screen, one showing a shocked face and another with a giggly grin splitting your face. A few messages followed, all written in Prompto’s usual rapid fire texting style.

  Isn’t our GF pretty? Look at her little nose

  Y/N says your silence better be agreement…

  I’m telling Y/N you don’t think she’s pretty. She’s gonna be so heartbroken </3 My Perdy GF Now!

There is a break of about an hour or so, before the texts had started reappearing. The following messages had only been sent about half an hour ago.

  Come on! Work must be over by now

  Iggy

  Iggy

  Iggy

  IGNISSSS!

  IGGGGGGGGGYYYYYY PAY ATTENTION TO US!

The last few messages made Ignis feel that you had joined in on the texting, the two tossing the phone back and forth as you sent rapid fire messages over the next few minutes. Underneath was a picture of the two of you pouting melodramatically. Prompto was tracing a fake tear down his cheek. But it was the messages below that made him nervous.

  Oh no, you must be so busy Ig. Guess we’ll just have to entertain ourselves. Whatever shall we do with this big, empty, soundproofed apartment.

Ignis looked up from his phone, trying to push down the feeling of curiousity and anticipation as he carefully navigated to your message. He was still trying to maintain the impression that he was paying attention to this meeting, so he nodded along before glancing down quickly at the image his girlfriend had sent.

And slamming his phone against his own thigh, eyes growing wide in shock. His gaze flicked over to Noctis who was throwing a quizzical look between him and his concealed phone. Carefully, Ignis swapped his phone to his other side, away from Noct and his potentially bored sight. Once he was sure none of the other people in the office could accidently see his screen, he pried his screen away from his thigh to see the photo he had been sent. And the sight sent tingles down his spine.

You was laying across the couch, completely naked but for Prompto’s dark studded vest. Her arms were arranged languidly around your head, all smooth skin tangled up in your mussed up hair. Prom’s vest was carefully draped to conceal just the every edge of your nipples, tantalising. Your eyes challenged him to look; dared him to follow the line of your throat down, down along the valley between the curve of your breasts and the dip of your belly button and lower still. Those mile long legs were arranged just right to hide your sex from his gaze, and Ignis could almost feel the creamy softness of your skin beneath his palms. Only a side lamp and the television lit the shot, casting cheeky shadows to match the devilish smirk on your lips. Prompto had obviously taken the photo, and Ignis could see his bare knee causing the couch cushion to dip on the very edge of the frame.

Underneath was the simple caption.

  Do we have your attention now?

By the Six, yes they had his attention. Ignis wasn’t sure how long he had been staring at his phone. Shaking his head to clear it, Ignis tried to tune back into his surroundings, sending back one short message to his partners before pointedly placing the cell screen up on the table before him.

  Behave you two

Not even a minute later, his phone buzzed with the response. He didn’t need to open the message. The notification lit his screen for a brief moment, and being hyper-aware of it now, Ignis had read it as it flashed up.

  Fine

He could hear the pout. Gods, if he was honest he could still see that photo; all of your bare skin and sly smile, the implication of Prompto hovering over you. That vest of his revealing more than it was hiding, the wearing of it just a little possessive. Like they had marked each other in his absence. Like they were inviting him to add his own claim…

“Advisor Scientia?” a voice broke through his distraction and Ignis jolted in his seat. Clearing his throat, Ignis adjusted his glasses to give himself a moment to regain his composure before turning back to the minister. From the shuffling and looks on the surrounding attendants, his King included, they were likely waiting for him to call the meeting to an end.

Ignis brought the council session to a close with a few short words and a polite bow. He got a few odd looks from his colleagues as they slowly trickled from the room and he took a moment to painstakingly collate his notes and take a sip from his water glass. When his phone buzzed again, he froze.

The screen flashed, Prompto (1) Media Message.

Carefully, as though his phone may erupt in his grip, Ignis picked up the device and opened the message. And promptly choked on his own breath.

“Is Prom still teasing you with photos?” Noct asked playfully. Ignis whipped around just in time to see his king and close friend reaching out to take a peek at the phone in his hand. He instantly jerked the cell back, pressing the screen to his chest as his eyes grew wide. Noctis withdrew his hand, confused at his advisor’s reaction. A beat passed between them. Then a second.

A knowing smile spread over Noctis’ face, as the young ruler of Lucis parted his mouth to tease his advisor.

“There is a short break before our last item of the day. I must collect some papers from my office, if you’ll excuse me Your Majesty.” Ignis interrupted as he scooped up his things and hurried from the room.

“Say hi to Prom and Y/N for me.” Noctis chuckled response followed him out.

Once he turned the corner to a mostly empty hallway, Ignis chanced a look at his phone again, and had to bite his tongue to silence the groan that attempted to crawl up his throat.

Prompto has sent another photo of you laying on the couch, but this one was … more.

It was mostly a close up of their girlfriend’s face, shot from the side from waist up. Only the blue-pink light from the television lit your body, shadows thrown across your torso as your back bowed into a long arch, head thrown back as you moaned. Your eyes were shut, lips parted as though caught in a cry of agonised pleasure.

Ignis could clearly see Prompto’s arm laid along the line of your chest with his palm pressed to your sternum, holding you down… holding you in place as you writhed. How Prom had managed to take the photo, Ignis could only guess. Some delayed shutter function or something. Regardless, it was obvious from the angle of his arm and the debauched tension painted across your face what Prompto was doing just out of frame. He had written a message to go with the photo, just in case there was any doubt.

  She tastes so good Iggy

Ignis swore viciously under his breath. He needed to get to his office. Now.

It was a good twenty minutes before he managed it however. Getting caught by Cor just outside his office had led to the older Kingsguard firing a million questions at him, and in his distracted state, Ignis could not think of an adequate reason to skirt past the man and rush on. He was itching to shoot past the man for the privacy of his own office, the tension only rising as he felt him phone receive more messages. Once he had finally managed to extract himself from that conversation, Ignis tried to remain outwardly calm as he slipped into his office and shut the door. Leaning back against the wood, he pulled out his phone.

Three (3) new messages

With more patience than he honestly felt, Ignis placed his papers on his desk and unlocked his phone.

  Red or Blue?

  Too Late! I chose Blue

The tables had apparently turned at home and Ignis didn’t bother to stifle his groan at the latest photos his lovers had sent. You had taken this photo. It didn’t have the polish of Prompto’s photography, but that did nothing to damage the utter sin captured in the image.

Prompto was on his knees in their bedroom, his golden blonde hair a mess from your fist as you pressed his mouth further onto your blue strap-on. The gunslinger looked like sex personified, his face utterly blissed out as he deepthroated the toy you wore. His lips glistened with saliva, kiss swollen and bruised pink as he pressed his nose into the curls of your sex. Tears leaked from the corners of his eyes, those intense violet eyes blown wide with need.

“Fuck,” Ignis hissed through his teeth as he hit call. Leaning heavily on his desk, he pressed the phone to his ear as he removed his glasses with precise actions, placing the lenses unfolded on his desk. The cool wood beneath his palm grounded him until his call was finally answered.

“Hey handsome, still at work?” came the crooned greeting through the speaker, and his grip tightened around the phone.

“You two will be the death of me Kitten.”

You laughed, this breathy sound that caught Ignis by the throat. He heard a muffled whimper through the line as he lowered himself into his chair. A shuffling of sheets and a sharp gasp followed and he groaned again.

“Is that Iggy?” Prompto’s voice was distant and rough in a way it only got when he’d had his mouth fucked. More muffled shifting sounded and he heard you murmur softly to your partner.

“Yeah sunshine. I think we got him all worked up…” your voice trailed off, and the wet sound of kissing made Ignis snarl. It lasted a beat or two, and ended with Prompto’s whine seeming closer than before. You must be holding the phone close to your joined lips.

“Do you want another pic handsome?” the teasing lilt to your question seemed directed as much at Prompto than at Ignis.

“I’m lucky to have a job. Anyone could have seen.” Ignis growled into the microphone as he loosened his tie, undoing the top button of his shirt

“You like it when we tease.” you retorted. “Sunshine here liked it too. Don’t you Prom?” He heard a stuttered moan, and Prompto quietly ask for “ Faster, please I need more.”

“No.” The order snapped out of him before Ignis could stop it. He heard you laugh again, and from the distance of Prompto’s whine, Ignis could guess that you had sat back up away from him.

You hummed, and a shocked gasp turned strangled. “Hear that Prom, Iggy wont let me. He wants to call the shots.”

“Fuck that!” he heard Prompto cry out. “He’s not even here. Fuck baby, ride me harder.”

“No.” Ignis repeated, and he swore his words alone caused you to moan.

“What should I do to him then handsome?” you asked and Ignis felt his cock twitch within his slacks. He leaned forward to rest his elbow on his desk, shutting his eyes as he listened to his lovers through the phone. When he spoke again, his voice had dropped lower with lust.

“Describe it to me first.” he ordered.

Another moan and a strangled gasp. “Prom’s all spread out on your bed, god his skin looks good against your sheets. He’s on his back and that sweet blush of his is spreading down his throat the more I talk. God our boy is so hot. So pretty and needy all spread out beneath me. He likes knowing I’m talking to you, likes knowing you know how hot he is. Are you jerking off to us handsome?” you broke off with a gasp, your voice trembled slightly as you picked back up again. “Fuck his cock just twitched inside me. He loved the idea of you getting off to me riding his hard cock.”

Ignis groaned in time with Prompto, and he palmed his own cock through his slacks. A quick glance at his desk clock showed he still had time before his next meeting, and the door was still closed and the hall quiet. Wet kisses echoed from his lovers through the phone.

“Put me on speaker.” he grunted as he freed his cock. All their teasing and tension had Ignis rock hard as he gently freed himself. Carefully he wrapped his fist around the heat of his shaft, smearing a bead of precum as he went.

“Baby please!” Prompto whined. Their voices sounded different, a bit tinnier now that they were on speaker. But they were both clearer, and he heard fabric shift as he imagined Prompto clutched desperately at the sheets and your thighs.

“Ride him real slow kitten.” Ignis ordered, “rock your hips back and forward, just go nice and slow.”

You hummed again, pleased. Prompto’s whimpers were growing louder, closer to a snarl now.

“Fuck you Iggy! Oh holy fucking Six Y/N!” Words tumbled out of Prompto in a near constant stream, curses mixed in with moans and pleas as Ignis guided you to slowly ride his cock. He could hear the gunslinger's breath catch when you  bottomed out, and those little hitches in your breath when you ground against him just right. When he let you speed up slightly, he began pumping his cock faster, in time with the soft slap of flesh he could hear.

“We can hear you touching yourself handsome. Can you hear him Prom? Hear how much you turn him on?” Pleasure dripped of your voice and both men groaned at your words. Ignis leaned back in his chair, head tipped back as he added a slight twist to his movements. His own moan of pleasure blended with his lovers.

“Speed up.” he groaned and the sounded of flesh slapping against damp flesh grew louder. Your gasps were all but drowned out by Prompto’s babble.

“Yes! Holy shit yes yes! Love you, love you both. Holy Fuck!” Prompto’s words grew more unintelligible, and Ignis’ hand clenched tighter on his own cock as he swallowed hard. You was moaning too now, your sharp little gasps of pleasure a heady staccato.

Ignis chuckled at his lover’s words. “Does she feel good sunshine? Is she wet and tight around you?” he murmured down the phone, just to hear Prompto whine.

“God yes, she feels so good. You feel so good baby.” Prompto rambled.

“Touch your breasts kitten. Sit up and pinch your nipples as you ride our sunshine.”

Your moan was like a drug; and it pumped through his blood and made him dizzy with it. Ignis growled, hips jerking up to meet his hand’s movements. His lover’s voices and the sound of their sex was heady, and he could hear them getting lost in the act. When your voice rose an octave, Ignis could tell what Prompto was doing.

“Stop rubbing her clit or I’ll make her slow down.” he growled the order and both his lover’s whimpered.

“I’m… I’m too,” Prompto gasped, “ gonna…”

A wicked grin spread over Ignis’ face, alone in his office. As his toes curled within his shoes, he gripped his cock tightly at the base, taking deep breaths through his nose to calm himself as he said. “Y/N, slow down. Don’t let him cum.”

A bark of breathless laughter sounded, along with a pleading wail.

“No, no baby don’t Oh Fuck!”

“Nuhuhuh, you heard him sunshine.” you teased, obviously enjoying yourself. Prompto’s pleas trailed off into moans and Ignis chuckled darkly.

“It was your idea to send those pictures, wasn’t it sunshine?” Ignis crooned low and smooth. Prompto’s lack of reply was answer enough, and Ignis chuckled darkly as he began to slowly stroke his cock again. “I should have Y/N leave you like this. Since you like to tease.”

“Don’t god, Y/N please fuck I need you.”

“I don’t know sunshine,” she replied, mischief making your voice light. Ignis heard messy, open-mouthed kisses trail up Prompto’s body, growing louder as they reached his head and the phone. “Maybe if you ask Iggy nicely.”

“Please!” Prompto begging was easily one of Ignis’ favourite sounded, and his pulse leapt as he began to stroke himself again. “God please Iggy, let her ride me, please please please…” his words trailed off, mixed in amongst the sound of smacking lips and gasps for breath. He was on the edge, Ignis could see it as clearly as if it were laid out before him. Prompto’s freckles standing out starkly against his blush, lips parted and eyes screwed shut, you pinning his arms above his head with that sly smile.

“... no.” Ignis growled.

And he heard Prompto snap.

The line crackled with movement, and you yelled. For a second Ignis was worried, scared he’d pushed too far or that either of them were hurt. But then he heard your gasp turned to a long, low moan. Sounds of fast, angry sex echoed through the phone to Ignis and without his explicit consent, his own hand sped up to match them.  

“Mine turn now baby…” Prompto’s voice was deeper and more dominant that it had been moments ago. A dark laugh sounded when you damn near shrieked in pleasure, and a tumble of curses fell from your lips.

“Like that baby? Like it when I fuck you good and hard?” Ignis could barely make out the words Prompto was saying. He knew that, when their lover got dominant like this, he would press himself as close as possible, body flush with theirs and his head buried in their neck, or forehead pressed hard against theirs. The image alone made Ignis pump himself harder.

“Six she’s so pretty Iggy. She takes my cock so good.” Ignis was surprised to hear Prompto even address him. A tingle ran through him at the acknowledgement.

“I can hear you fucking your own fist Iggy. Are you imagining its you deep inside our girl? Or do you want me to fuck you while you fuck her?” you gasped at that, and Prompto growled. Ignis had clenched his eyes so tight he was seeing stars behind his eyelids. His phone was warm and sticky pressed against his ear, but Ignis didn't  care as he listened on.

“I want to watch… watch you fuck him while I ride his face.” The words from you were a shock. You usually wasn’t as verbal when things got this far, and your words were clipped as Prompto drove the air from your lungs. Ignis clenched his jaw to stop the loud moan that almost escaped him.

Less words came through the line as his lovers grew close. Prompto’s rambling made less sense, strings of yes and various curses were interspersed with both of their names. Your gasps of pleasure grew louder and needier, and Ignis wasn’t far behind. Ignis tried to string the garbled phrases together as he pumped his cock hard, desperate to join his lovers in their bliss.

A broken cry of “close” came from you, and Ignis growled back. “Same.”

Prompto simply chuckled at them both and the sounds of sex sped up. Ignis could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his head, a rising pulse that matched Prompto and you as you all both neared your climax.

When he heard Prompto’s breath catch, Ignis managed one last command. “Cum for me my loves.”

It was the sound of their joint orgasm, your higher keen and Prompto’s choked moan that drove Ignis over the edge. With his own shocked gasp, he came hard into his own hand, the names of his lovers on his lips.

For a long minute there was nothing but their collective heavy breathing. Sheets shifted and the quiet smack of a kiss dropped on a shoulder brought a smile to Ignis’ lips. Carefully, he plucked some tissues from the box in his desk drawers and cleaned himself up.

“Are you both ok?” he asked once he felt he could speak again.

At first he only got a low hum of affirmation from his lovers. He could hear them murmuring, likely asking each other the same question. After a few more beats, Prompto’s sex-roughened voice crackled through the speaker.

“Remind me to tease you more often Ig. That was… wow.” You snorted out a laugh in the background. Smiling to himself, Ignis held his cell against his ear with his shoulder as he righted his clothes.

“Please don’t. My career won’t survive.” Ignis couldn’t make himself sound stern, his body too relaxed from his orgasm.

“Noct would never fire you. Perks of being friends with the boss-man.” You chimed in.

“Lets not test that, shall we.”

You simply hummed in reply. Ignis understood how you felt. He wanted nothing more than to curl up beside those two and drift away. A knock on his office door make him jump, breaking the sleepy haze that was settling over him. He was at work damn it. He must have made some kind of noise, because Prompto giggled on the other end of the line.

“I have to go love.” he explained.

“Duty calls.” Prompto chuckled. “We love you Iggy.” You made a soft sound of agreement.

Just as he was going to respond, Noctis poked his head in. Seeing his advisor on the phone, the king simply raised an eyebrow and tapped at his wrist with a smirk. Time's up.

“Love you too.” Ignis replied before reluctantly ending the call. Without preamble, he skirted around his desk; collecting his coat and glasses as he went. Noctis gave him a rueful look.

“So, no budget meeting this evening?” Noctis stepped aside as Ignis moved to join him in the hallway.

“I think it can wait until tomorrow. I think we both have people waiting for us.” Ignis replied. Noct bid him goodnight and hurried off to his private ward, likely to join his wife for the evening. As Ignis watched him go, his phone buzzed in his grip. He opened the message as he made his way out of the castle and headed home.

His partners were curled up in his bed, both looking debauched and satisfied. Hickeys and love bites littered their throats and shoulders, as you lay with your head resting on Prompto’s chest. Your hair was a disaster, sprawled out over his shoulder and the pillows beneath them. Prom had fared no better, sweat making his blonde locks stick to his forehead. Your eyes were closed, though you had a knowing smile on your face. Prompto’s free arm wrapped securely around your shoulder, and he gazed out of the camera with a lazy grin. Beneath was a small caption.

  We love you babe.

Without thinking, Ignis quickly tapped out his reply and hit send.

  Be home soon. Love you both

[pixelburied]

Icarus (Sonia x f!MC)

Summary: A rewrite of Chapter 5 when Sonia and MC (Kayla) were stranded on an island.

Rating: General, some swearing

A/N: I have a different MC for my Rye fics to avoid confusion. Mostly for me lol. In my head, Lee and Kayla are v different people. Hmu if you wanna know more.

When she was young, her mentor always warned her - “In this business, you gotta know when to quit, kid. Get too close to the sun and-"

Kayla Dizon wasn’t afraid to get too close. She wasn’t scared of a few burns – a necessary price to pay for her ambition.

Besides, she had spent years mastering the game and she always knew exactly when to quit.

“Kayla, if you play too fast and loose with our marks, you’re going to get hurt.” Rye may act cool but he’d always been an anxious kid, worrying about her at every turn.

But he had no reason to worry. Every mark, every target - perfect hit. She knew how to use what she had to her advantage, learned every trick to making trades under the table, over the table – sometimes, on the table.

She’d throw in the key to her hotel room like another bargaining chip.

But never the key to her heart.

“What happens if you fall in love?”

“You’re not going soft on me like Rye, are you, Eris?”

Eris shrugged and took a swig of her drink.

“Don’t worry, Huang. I always know when to quit.”

Get too close to the sun and you fall to your death.

---

Death.

Kayla was sure this was it. As the water closed in on her, she felt herself drift off until all she could see was darkness.

“So you’re awake.”

Kayla bolted upright, coughing up saltwater. She looked over to Sonia, sitting by a fire, the flames casting a soft glow on her face.

Beautiful woman. Unfortunate employment.

“You really wanted to get me alone huh?” Kayla smirked as she caught Sonia’s lips twitch into the tiniest hint of a smile.

God, she has pretty lips.

“This really isn’t the time for jokes, Kayla.”

“How can I resist when I’ve got a captive audience?” She stumbled towards the fire, warming herself next to Sonia. “As the only other living soul on this island, I’m pretty sure you’re stuck with me.”

Another smile. This one a little wider than the last.

Kayla felt something stir inside her before she shook her head and turned her attention back to the fire.

“Speaking of which, how did I survive that storm? I know I went overboard, and then… nothing.”

Silence except for the soft crackling of the fire. Tendrils of smoke floated softly towards the night sky.

“Sonia?”

“Fine! You wanna know what happened? You went over the side like an idiot, and I… I couldn’t just let you drown.”

Sonia met her eyes, burning bright with anger, fear… and something else Kayla couldn’t quite place.

She almost reached out to put a hand on her shoulder but thought better and gave her a nod instead.

“Thank you.”

Sonia looked away and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, giving Kayla a clear look at her hand.

For such a glamorous woman, her hand told a different story. Even a few feet apart, Kayla could tell it was calloused and tired – covered in a few cuts and bruises. She knew it was the hand of a woman who had to fight for everything she had, a woman much like her.

“What?” Sonia caught her staring and Kayla silently reprimanded herself for letting down her guard.

She shrugged and gestured towards the fire. “SOS signal?”

“Yeah. My people will be looking for us, but they won’t know which island we’re on.” Thanks to you, Sonia didn’t need to add but Kayla knew she was thinking it.

Hopefully, throwing Ansel’s radio off the boat bought her enough time to escape. But she couldn’t do that in this godforsaken island. And she definitely couldn’t leave Sonia here alone, not after she’d saved her life.

They decided to scour the place for resources, but after trudging through the thicket covering the small island and walking around in circles, they found themselves back where they started.

“Great! Just great!” Sonia groaned in frustration before something on the beach caught her eye.

“Is that our…”

“It’s our speedboat!”

In her excitement, Sonia threw her hands around her enemy before she realized what she’d done and pulled back, her cheeks burning red.

She’s even prettier when she’s blushing, Kayla thought to herself.

“This doesn’t mean we’re…”

“Of course.”

“We’re only working together to get off this-“

“Definitely.”

Too bad.

They fixed the boat in silence, Sonia’s hands occasionally brushing against hers as they passed tools back and forth. Perhaps it was merely shadows from the moonlight or her mind playing tricks - an aftermath of almost dying - but Kayla swore she saw Sonia watching her with a smile for a moment.

When they had finished, they slowly rowed their boat towards the mainland.

The ocean was calm and still. The starry night reflected against the water made it look like they were sailing across the universe.

“I can’t say this is how I expected my night to go. Beautiful sky, beautiful girl-“

“Don’t get used to it.” Sonia glared at her but Kayla could tell she was fighting back a smile.

“When we get back to the mainland, I’m taking you straight to Ansel.”

Kayla rolled her eyes. “Do you always have to ruin the moment?”

“Look on the bright side – at least I no longer have a gun to your head.”

“Pretty low standard for being nice.”

Sonia huffed at an amused Kayla.

This is fun.

“I know you’ll just tell me to shut up, but I’m curious – why do you hate thieves so much?”

A dark shadow passed over Sonia’s features and for a second, Kayla was sure she’d overstepped.

“You don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable-“ If Rye could hear her sounding like a goddamn therapist, he’d-

“My sister, she-“ Haltingly, Sonia told her about her sister and the thief who took everything from her. She kept her eyes out to sea and Kayla watched as her grip on the oars tightened with every word.

“Sonia, I’m sorry.“

“Don’t feed me your fake sympathies.”

“They’re not fake.” Kayla pulled herself up and stared straight into Sonia’s eyes. “Thieves can have honor, too.”

Sonia’s eyes softened for a beat before she put on a scowl again. “A thief is a thief, Dizon”

They rowed the rest of the way in silence, admiring the twinkling of the lights in the sky. At one point, Sonia splashed her oar against the water, covering Kayla in cold droplets. She responded in kind, starting a playful war between them.

Sonia had just started to visibly relax when the mainland shore came to sight.

“Finally! It’s a miracle we didn’t kill each other.” Kayla laughed and jumped off the boat as soon as they hit shallow water.

“True. We should be commended for our self-restraint.” Sonia pushed herself off the side but stumbled on the way down and Kayla caught her in her arms.

“You okay?” She steadied Sonia as she tried to find her footing.

“Yeah, I-“ A breath away, Kayla could see golden flecks in Sonia’s brown eyes, pulling her in.

Kayla, if you get too close to the sun-

A beam of light startled them apart. Her crew busted out of the van, poised for a fight. Sonia immediately stepped back and bristled.

“Oh, you’re good. Getting my defenses down so you can ambush me.” Sonia shot her a deadly glare.

“No, Sonia, I-“

“Kayla, are you okay? Did she hurt you?” Eris’ worried shouts carried across the beach as she and the rest of their crew moved in on their location.

“Everyone, back off!” Kayla took a step in front of Sonia. “She saved my life.”

“By taking you at gun point?”

She gave them a quick explanation before instructing a hasty retreat back to the van.

Kayla gave Sonia one last glance before climbing in. She was standing still on the beach, staring back at her with what looked like sympathy.

Enemy or not, Kayla was sure of one thing – even after a heinous night, Sonia was still a sight to behold, seeming to glow in an otherwise dark shore.

“You coming in, Kayla?”

You gotta know when to quit, kid. Icarus died and for what? One glorious day near the sun.

“Yeah.”

Kayla knew the myth all too well, always thought Icarus to be an idiot.

But after tonight, she wasn’t so sure anymore.

[writesandramblings]

The Captain’s Secret - p.6

“Out of Bounds”

A/N: Sorry for the delay! The first part of this turned out to be harder to work through than I expected, so I had to rewrite it from scratch four times. Luckily, I have a lot of content pre-written, so future installments shouldn’t take so long.

@frontier001 - Thank you! It's been implemented. Apologies, I don't know a lot about posting on this site. A slightly less snarky admonishment would have been appreciated... I can’t control the things I don’t know about using tumblr, as I’m still learning it. But thank you for reading! Hope you enjoy this installment!

@coffeewolf - I think the hardest thing about writing alone is trying to be as smart a room full of writers, who can bounce ideas off each other and think out all the possibilities by virtue of their many perspectives. But I’ll always try to address any gaps and compensate when I can!

Full Chapter List << 5 - Observable Phenomena 7 - Bites the Hand that Feeds >>

The more Lorca learned about Peter Bhandary, the less he liked the man. Bhandary was, in Lorca's estimation, a veritable parasite whose chief aim seemed to be assisting the galaxy's wealthy and powerful with the acquisition of more wealth and power so that he himself could reap the fringe benefits of their lifestyle. When he wasn't brokering convoluted, lucrative deals to line his own pockets, that was.

Bhandary had first attracted Starfleet's attention when he was contracted by a manufacturer to advise on a labor dispute and his solution contributed to the death of sixteen workers who had been attempting to unionize. Yet rather than this being any sort of professional setback, it instead boosted Bhandary's profile in certain circles because the union had been quelled.

On another occasion, Bhandary had chained together a deal between five disparate parties, but when one of the five reneged, he had found himself in a sticky situation with the other four and leveraged his Federation citizenship to get out of it, tying up Starfleet resources in the process.

The only positive to be found Starfleet's files was the fact that, owing to Bhandary's rather conspicuous activities, there was enough visual and voiceprint data to fabricate a transmission with. (As much as Lorca hated to repeat himself so soon after having just tricked the Dartarans with a faked transmission, it was the quickest, easiest, and most reliable way to get at their real targets.)

But as Lalana provided details of Bhandary's history with the Dartarans to Lorca and Benford in the conference room, the most infuriating thing was that Lorca rather got the impression she liked Bhandary.

Benford sat across the table from Lalana, watching her carefully, while Lorca stood near the window and listened as Lalana enthusiastically recounted how Bhandary had secured mineral converters for the Dartarans by trading a biofuel refinement process to some Rigelians. "He convinced the Rigelians to part with not one but two converters!" she said excitedly, as if this were an amazing accomplishment. "One for each of Margeh and T'rond'n’s processing centers."

It wasn't jealousy, Lorca decided, it was disappointment. Over the past two days, Lalana had expressed such an abundance of joy and excitement about being onboard the Triton, it was annoyingly humbling to learn this was simply the level of enthusiasm with which she approached everything in life and not indicative of a particular affection for her rescuers.

"Right, well, I think we have what we need. What do you think, commander?"

Benford was having a blast with their guest. "I dunno, I'd like to hear some more." He had picked up on Lorca's growing annoyance and, as usual, was happily taking the opportunity to enjoy himself at his captain's expense.

"Commander Benford, we just need to craft one plausible communication with the Dartarans, we don't need his entire life story."

"At least let's make sure we know everything that happened during his visit. You never know what Margeh and T'rond'n might ask us!" Benford had also picked up on the relentless one-and-two pattern with which Lalana referred to her former captors.

"Certainly I don't mind telling you everything," said Lalana. "I do want to make sure you have what you need, captain. You never know what you need until it's too late."

As usual, hearing something that might have come out of a fortune cookie placated Lorca on some unconscious level. "Continue," he said, watching the stars. Lalana launched into a brief anecdote T'rond'n had told Bhandary about a Hyrellian mouse infestation in one of the processing plants.

Lorca half-listened while going over the next few planned steps in his head. Sneak onto the Dartaran estate, install the data siphon, intercept their communications, get out of Dartaran space...

Lalana said something that pulled Lorca's attention back into sharp focus and his whipped around. "What?"

"He came to me after Margeh and T'rond'n went to bed. It was very interesting, seeing a human unclothed..."

"Stop."

Lalana obligingly shut up. She looked at Lorca and Benford, seemingly oblivious as to what had made them both so uncomfortable.

Lorca swallowed. "They weren't there, were they? Margeh and T'rond'n."

"No, they had gone to bed. It was just Peter and myself."

"And did you tell Margeh and T'rond'n? Afterwards?"

"Of course not! I was not speaking, if you recall. And I do not think Peter would have wanted them to know. It would have been—"

"If Margeh and T'rond'n didn't know about it, then we don't need to hear about it, either. It won't come up in conversation."

Lalana's hands were rotating contentedly. "Oh, that is an excellent point! Of course they wouldn't know. Very well, in the morning..."

Benford rolled his eyes and shot Lorca a look of relief. Thank goodness that was a bridge they hadn't had to cross. Lorca sent an "I know, right?" look at Benford in reply and turned back to the window, rubbing his temples in exasperation.

Before long, Lalana was done recounting the sum total of her knowledge regarding Bhandary, Margeh, and T'rond'n, and Lorca and Benford began bandying about ideas on what to tell the Dartarans to get them to lower their guard and play along. At some point during this process, Lalana draped herself sideways across her chair so only her back and tail were visible. It was not the most conducive position to engaging in conversation, and Lorca and Benford soon got lost in their own conversational tangent and forgot about her.

"... All right, sounds like we have ourselves a plan."

"I'll have Russo set up the filter and prerender as much audio as he can."

"Make sure he references real kelbonite interference. We want it to look authentic. Have everyone ready to go at 1500 hours."

Benford offered a jaunty salute and exited the conference room.

Lorca looked down at Lalana. Her face was turned towards the floor and her legs dangled off the side of the chair, while her tail curled around her and stuck up at an angle, swaying ever so gently as if touched by some illusory breeze. "Sorry we kept you."

She did not answer.

"Lalana?"

Again, nothing. Lorca leaned over the chair. He tried again, louder. "Lalana." Finally he crouched down for a closer look.

It might be some sort of medical emergency, but it seemed like she was sleeping. Her eyes were open because she had no eyelids, but the black dots of her pupils had disappeared, turning her eyes solid green. The effect was unnerving. He wondered if he should try her rouse her physically.

While he pondered this, her tail drifted towards his nose. He closed his eyes instinctively as it brushed up past his forehead and landed on his head on a downstroke. He felt thousands of tiny little tendrils gently weave through his hair to his scalp. It wasn't completely unpleasant, sort of like a squirmy massage, but a very strange sensation all the same.

He cracked one eye open. She was looking at him, pupils back in her eyes.

Lorca roughly brushed her tail away and stood up. "Stop that," he said angrily. "I'm not Peter Bhandary." He spat the name with every ounce of ire he had been biting back.

"I did not think you were," she said, sounding contrite enough to make Lorca feel slightly guilty for snapping at her. "I am sorry. I just miss living hair so much. I know human hair is not alive, but it is attached to something living, so it is much preferable to the hides in Margeh and T'rond'n's house. They were... no comfort. And I know it does nothing for humans, so, I apologize. It was selfish of me."

"Right, well..." Lorca went back to the window and checked his hair in the reflection. It was a little mussed and unkempt. He ran his fingers through the spot to fix it.

Lalana joined him a moment later. "I can fix that for you. I am sorry for the trouble."

"I'll manage." He patted the spot back down and decided it looked decent enough. "What do you mean it 'does nothing for us?'"

"When Peter was talking to me, he was so upset, I tried to lallen him to make him feel better, but... it did not work. He cried."

Lorca's confusion could not be adequately put into words. She had done what? And it made Bhandary cry? He looked at her dubiously. "Are you sure you did it right?"

"Well, of course! But humans only have hair on their head and it isn't alive..."

Humans did not, strictly speaking, only have hair on their heads. Not that Lorca wanted to presume anything about someone else's personal grooming habits. "What exactly did you do with Peter Bhandary?"

"Lallen. Lallen is... you touch someone and your hairs go together. And then, you feel their feeling and they feel yours, because of the way the hair moves. And if someone is feeling bad, you liliann to make them feel better. What do humans do for other humans when they feel bad?"

"Any number of things," said Lorca. "Flowers or chocolate, say something nice, give them a hug."

Lalana quirked her head to the side. "What is a 'hug?'"

It was odd watching something as familiar as a curious turn of the head coupled with a question as basic as defining one of the most innate expressions of human kindness and familiarity. "You sort of put your arms around the other person."

Lalana looked at her hands. "Lului have very short arms so that would not work for us."

"I suppose not. So you... lallened him?"

"But it did not work and he went back to bed. I wish lului could cry. Then at least I could have shared that with him. Such a sad man..."

That was the last adjective Lorca had ever expected to hear in a description of Bhandary, but everyone had their foibles. He still didn't see the same redemptive qualities in the man Lalana seemed to, but at least he knew Bhandary had some sort of weakness besides his obvious moral shortcomings.

It was also a relief to know he and Benford had been wrong in their earlier assumption. For a lot of reasons.

Lorca gave a small snort of laughter at the mental picture of Peter Bhandary wandering around the Dartarans' house naked in the middle of the night crying. "Right, well, we should probably get you sat down with a tactical officer to go over the Dartarans' compound."

"Oh," said Lalana, sounding disappointed. "You do not want me to show it to you directly in person?"

Lorca thought about that. Lalana knew the place top the bottom and would be an invaluable resource on the ground in a pinch, but she also remained a somewhat unknown quantity. He had to trust that her interest in stopping the hunting of her people was sincere. Besides, they'd gone over so many details every which way with Lalana, and she'd been vivid, thorough, and consistent, all classic signs of honesty. Either she was the galaxy's greatest secret agent or exactly what she appeared to be. He had to think a spy sent to embarrass Starfleet would have had more prep on human mannerisms. Lalana had obvious deficits in that area. "You want to go with us? I didn't think you would."

"Are you going?"

Lorca took a deep breath. It was a conversation he was yet to have with Commander Benford, but no matter what Benford said, his mind was already made up. "Yes."

"Then I will go, too. I owe you my life. If there is a way, I will repay that. And until I do, I will at least endeavor to be helpful."

Benford disagreed, of course, but that was his job. "There's no reason for you to be the one personally going on this mission." They were in the ready room, but there was no tossing of the ball this time. The conversation was too serious.

"There's every reason for it, starting with the fact it's unsanctioned."

"Wait, you said Admiral Hatchet signed off..."

"Not officially. Officially, we're on leave, and they don't know what we're doing. Unofficially, they are aware and they do not agree with it."

Benford frowned. "Well, that does sound more like you. And Starfleet Command. But, captain, if you get discovered down there?"

"Then so be it. I'm the one dragged us out here. Look at it in reverse. Say I let you go, and you get caught. Now that's both our careers down the drain. Better we contain the damage, so if it goes sideways, at least one of us gets to keep a Starfleet career. You can even say you tried to stop me. No one will blame you for failing to do that."

Benford exhaled noisily through his lips. "Hard to argue with that."

"And yet, you did."

"What can I say. I'm just honored you're looking out for my career, captain."

Lorca grinned. "I wouldn't get too cozy in the captain's chair, Jack. I fully intend on coming back for it. You're just keeping it warm."

Benford grinned right back. "Seeing as you never sit in it, what do you care how warm it is?"

Lorca quirked an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes mock judgment. "If I don't come back and find that chair the perfect temperature for my ass—better yet, burning. I want that chair so hot, you can cook an egg on it."

Benford picked up his padd and pretended to add an item to his to-do list. "Have Billingsley install thermonuclear cookers on captain's seat. She's still mad at you. I can't promise she won't do it."

The joking dropped away. "Still?" said Lorca, somewhat concerned. "I thought you gave her my peace offering."

"Give the woman more than a day, captain," replied Benford. "Better yet, take her with you. She'll feel important. Say it's recognition for how good she is at her job, that you wanted the best possible engineer with you."

"Hm. That's not a bad idea."

"I am full of 'not bad' ideas," boasted Benford.

"All right, where are we on the transmission prep..."

Lorca and his chosen few assembled in the shuttle bay. The team consisted of himself, Security Chief Morita, Lt. Russo, Billingsley, Carver, and Lalana. They were dressed in civilian clothes of varying style, except for Lalana, who was wearing nothing at all.

Lorca had chosen a sharp dark grey jacket for himself, unadorned but well-cut, over a linen-white shirt and lighter grey slacks. Morita looked no less imposing than usual in a dark green kaftan and black leggings, while Billingsley had opted for a brown leather jacket, scarf, and jeans, and Carver was wearing some sort of dingy old maintenance or flight suit that might have been grey, blue, black, brown, or even purple when it was new. Impossible to say. Russo, the only other man present, had opted for a black t-shirt and slacks. Lorca wondered if he was being intentionally unobtrusive. If so, good.

"All right, everyone, you know the mission, you know the stakes, and if anyone wants off, now's the time, because the minute we're out of visual range, ship communications are terminated. Any questions?"

Not a one, even from Lalana, which was a welcome surprise. Lorca signaled and they marched onto the shuttle.

Carver had them smoothly underway a minute later and the Triton disappeared from view without fanfare. They were on their own.

Lorca opened his pack. "Fortune cookies," he announced, tossing one to Russo and then Morita. "For luck."

"Thank you," said Lalana.

He brought the last two up to Carver and Billingsley in front. "Thank you, sir," said Carver, flashing him a genuine smile, but Billingsley just glowered slightly as she took hers and put it on the console.

"Open it," said Lorca, cracking his. "That's an order."

Carver had already opened hers. "Have old memories and young hopes," she read aloud.

"Take the chance while you still have the choice," recited Russo. It certainly applied.

Billingsley opened hers and stared at it.

"Well, don't leave us in suspense," chided Lorca. Billingsley winced. Lorca reached over her and took the fortune from her hands. "'The future belongs to those who follow their dreams.' What, too sentimental?" He handed it back. Billingsley sort of stared at it and the two halves of her cookie, wondering if she was obligated to keep the paper and eat the cookie, or if opening the thing had been enough.

Morita had gotten "Your sweetheart may be too sweet for words, but not for arguments."

"Captain, what does mine say?" asked Lalana.

Lorca took the paper from her. "The good thing about repeating past mistakes is knowing when to cringe."

"Cringe?"

Lorca wondered how to explain it.

"Be embarrassed," supplied Russo.

"And yours?" Lalana asked.

Lorca didn't have to reread it. "Patience is the key to joy."

"That one is true!" said Lalana excitedly. "If you do not have patience, how can you endure the times which are unhappy to reach the happy ones?"

Lorca sat back down next to Lalana, closed his eyes, and let her yammer at the others for a while. Carver and Morita even reciprocated with questions, Carver's about lului, and Morita on the subject of minor tactical details regarding the Dartaran compound and the Dartarans themselves. It was a decent way to pass the time. They ran into a single Dartaran patrol, who accepted their authentication codes as a private delivery service (codes that had been in the Triton's databanks from an incident with the service two weeks earlier) and let them pass.

"Captain, we're in visual range."

Lorca joined Carver and Billingsley at the front of the shuttle, leaning over their seats.

Tederek VI was small for a gas giant, but its vibrant mix of red and orange was very striking. It looked sort of like a smaller but more visually intense Jupiter. A few small craft were moving about its seventeen moons, six of which were inhabited, and there were also two small space stations.

Carver pointed at a small yellow rock. "That's the one. Moon number eight."

The eighth moon was not as large as some of the others, but at almost a million kilometers of surface area, it was still impressive.

Lalana brushed past Lorca and stood almost directly beneath him, stretching up and gripping her arms against the console so she could see as well.

"We're being scanned," announced Billingsley.

"Type?"

"Radiation, cursory bio, low-level cargo sweep."

They waited a moment. Nothing further happened, except Lalana's tail brushed against Lorca's leg as she balanced herself.

"Nice thing about Dartarans," said Carver amiably, "they really don't like to stick their nose in other people's business."

"Meaning?" said Lorca.

"They're not asking us for any ident or course information. Looks like as long as we're not carrying anything dangerous or heading to one of the stations, they really don't care." She sounded very pleased.

They neared the moon enough to make out various features. Though light yellow at a distance, shades of brown and green emerged on approach, as well as various geographic features: craters filled in with trees, forests across most of the surface, an old river of dust that had been preserved post-terraforming for some reason.

"Scanning for structures," said Billingsley.

"Keep it narrow, we don't want to trip any alarms," warned Lorca.

Billingsley wanted to retort but bit her tongue. "I've detected an energy signal consistent with the barrier." The barrier in this case was a large, reinforced fence surrounding Margeh and T'rond'n's estate that kept their game from bleeding out onto other estates.

"Anyplace we can set down, Carver?"

"Um," said Carver, throwing variables into the computer, which rendered the suggestions into a visual overlay.

Lorca scanned the options. "There." He leaned forward and pointed at a spot between two hills. "Low and easy. Don't let them know we're coming." Carver plotted a respectably meandering course.

"Captain, I'm reading life signs," said Billingsley.

Lorca began to wonder if Billingsley was being intentionally obtuse. "It is an inhabited planet," he pointed out. "I'd be more surprised if you weren't."

If he weren't the captain, Billingsley would have smacked him, and even though he was, she was sorely tempted. "Sir," she hissed, and forced her console's display over the navigational one.

When she said she was reading life signs, she had not been lying. While there were scattered signals across the moon's surface, within the barrier of Margeh and T'rond'n's estate, there were more life signs than anywhere else. The display was lit up with them. The estate was crawling with life in such density it wasn't possible to ascertain what most of the life signs were.

Lorca looked down at Lalana. "When you said Margeh and T'rond'n liked to bring back live game from their hunts, how often do they do that?"

"Every time. Breeding pairs when they can."

"And how long have they been doing that?"

"Mm, for many years since before I joined them."

Well, thought Lorca. This just got more and more interesting.

Part 7

[aicelab]

DropShipping as an ideal concept for founders with broken biographies

In our society, the principle that you must function as smoothly as possible as a human being if you want to pursue a successful career applies to a large extent. But what about the countless people whose biographies clearly deviate from the ideal, who have been left behind and can no longer be connected? Do these people basically have to forego a career as independent entrepreneurs? We say “No” and show you how DropShipping can work even under adverse conditions.

What is an unbroken biography anyway?

Are you wondering about the expression of a broken biography? Then we should briefly look together at what is meant by this in today’s society. This is because, in general, there are quite strict rules in place regarding the expectations placed on a “normal” curriculum vitae. An unbroken biography is one in which the various stages of life have been completed smoothly and undisturbed.

Imagine, for example, a person who, after finishing school, went on to study or training without losing any time, who then started his first employment at the earliest possible date, who was able to make a career in one or more companies, and who finally reached retirement age and retirement in good shape. Such biographies are often accompanied by early family formation, active leisure activities, a generally healthy lifestyle and a certain degree of commitment to the community.

In a word: The unbroken biography is a model curriculum vitae.

The Broken Biography

At this point, we do not want to concern ourselves with the question of how often such an exemplary biography is merely staged externally. In any case, this article is about people who are far from having such a curriculum vitae.

We want to talk with and about those who have already failed at school or early stages of education, who have already ruined themselves economically, who can only participate in regular working life to a limited extent due to mental illnesses, who have been unemployed for so long that they can almost no longer imagine a regular job, or who, due to other circumstances, have lived far away from the labour market for a long time and would now like to return to it.

For all these people, the DropShipping business model offers an outstanding opportunity to gain a foothold within the framework of professional independence, and we would like to report on this in the following.

DropShipping: an unusual concept that works

When it comes to the question of why the DropShipping trading model is so particularly suitable for people with broken biographies, one quickly encounters a striking similarity. The business concept, like the rather odd paths of the people concerned, is something astonishing. What makes DropShipping so extraordinary?

First of all, there is the fact that in this form of self-employment we are dealing with very low barriers to entry. DropShippers, for example, require almost no capital to launch your business model. Without having to buy even a single product in advance, you can start immediately with your own web shop. Everything you needed, you can get today very cheap or even for free. In addition, no specific training or qualification is required to start your personal success story as an independent online retailer.

DropShipping is also particularly relaxed and fair when it comes to personal creditworthiness. Anyone who starts a classic trading company on the Internet needs rental contracts for office and warehouse space. And it is precisely these that require a certain degree of creditworthiness. Who suffers from a chronically bad Schufa, has here from the outset very miserable maps to convince a potential landlord that he will pay the resulting rent punctually. But if you start as a DropShipper, you can do this from a small corner in your own apartment and don’t even need the goodwill of others.

The chance for people with broken biographies – DropShipping

People with broken biographies may find it difficult to get used to regular and normal working hours. Maybe you’ll use the day for other commitments. Maybe they’re having trouble concentrating for hours on end. Or it is easier for you to turn night into day and work when everyone else is asleep. For the DropShipper these are no unsolvable problems. He divides his already manageable working hours freely and decides alone when he wants to work and when not. In this way, a very individual setup with a lot of personal freedom and great design freedom is created.

And last but not least, many people with the described characteristics benefit from the fact that in the case of DropShipping they almost do not have to maintain direct and personal contacts to other people. Anyone who has fallen out of the socially prescribed framework early on, or who has had to struggle with considerable problems in the course of their lives, may find it difficult to meet other people in a carefree and free manner. DropShippers can largely limit themselves to maintaining professional contacts via email. Many fears and anxieties disappear from the outset and make it considerably easier for the people concerned to start their own business.

So we see: In terms of capital requirements, creditworthiness, working hours and contact with other people, the unusual DropShipping concept offers invaluable benefits to people with broken biographies. Let’s take a closer look at some of these biographies together in order to deepen our knowledge in this direction.

School drop-outs and drop-outs from vocational training: falling out of line early on

A not exactly optimal parental home, short-term crises during puberty, bad luck with school and teachers or other problems of children and young people are often enough to throw a young life off track. And once you’ve lost touch with the others, it’s extremely difficult to catch up on your own. Anyone who, as a result of such events and developments, lacks a school-leaving qualification or training has had a very difficult time on the labour market. Often there is only one career left as an unskilled worker or as an unemployed person.

When setting up your own drop shipping company, nobody asks for qualifications or professional qualifications. Here it depends only on the personal will to succeed. Everything else doesn’t matter.

Failed and stranded: As self-employed not a blank page

Many people have already gone on an excursion into the world of self-employment and had to experience their own failure there. Subsequently, these people are often not only highly indebted, but also despondent, disillusioned and discouraged. They have above-average qualifications and can draw on experience of self-employment. But it is not easy for you to take the courage to start a new company again. In addition, they hardly have the financial means for a founding act at their disposal.

With DropShipping, a restart is possible even if you have already been shipwrecked with your own company. The distribution between opportunities and risks is optimal. Special capital is not needed and a bad credit rating is not an obstacle in this case.

Mental patients: Outside all standards and regulations

This development could well be characteristic of our society: The number of mentally ill people is constantly increasing and the risk of being affected yourself is constantly increasing. Whether depression, borderline, burnout or anxiety: psychological problems can occur in many ways and almost always throw those affected off course. And even if it is possible to control the disease over time with the help of professional treatment: The professional situation remains very difficult even in the aftermath. In addition, professional conditions before the outbreak of the disease were often a decisive reason for this.

DropShipping allows a particularly gentle re-entry and enables the entrepreneur to largely determine for himself what he can expect of himself and what resources he wants to contribute.

Long-term unemployed: Without perspective on the siding

Today’s labour market and working conditions in our society are associated with a high risk of becoming unemployed. And anyone who has developed from an unemployed person to a long-term unemployed person will find it increasingly difficult to return to an orderly working life. The affected person gets into a discouraging vicious circle. On the one hand, he loses his inner confidence and courage. On the other hand, it is moving further and further away from the labour market and is losing access to working people.

DropShipping also ensures equal opportunities in this situation and makes it possible for affected people to find their way back to a regular working life.

For a long time without a job: The difficult re-entry

There are many situations in life that can lead us to lose our professional continuity and suddenly get stuck in the situation of not having done regular work for a long time. This is the case, for example, of people who have taken care of their children over a long period of time, who have been seriously ill or who may have committed crimes at a critical stage and subsequently served a prison sentence. In all these cases it is more than difficult to return to work.

Drop shipping also offers good career opportunities for people who were already firmly convinced that there were no more opportunities for them. The DropShipper is not asked by anyone what he has actually worked on in recent years. With this form of independence he can create a new start and leave his past behind him.

As you can see, you don’t have to have an exemplary biography to be successful with DropShipping. Instead, the most important thing here is to make wise use of one’s own opportunities. In our guidebook “Making smart money online.” learn more about this topic.

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source https://dropit.studio/business/dropshipping-as-an-ideal-concept-for-founders-with-broken-biographies/

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