#cassia response

[windy-trickster]

Wow that mental imagery really does calm me down, I'm not surprised that you ended up making LoFi! Keep doing what you're doing, because your music is sublime. I hope your day has been good so far, Cassia!

-> The seadweller seems to get all flustered and blushy at your words, gently cupping her face in her hands. Awww! How cute! "⤥ O-Oh! You're too kind!! T-Thank you so much... I-I hope your enjoy your night as well! ⤣"

[teapopp]

Can I ask you questions about your OCs ?

omg idk when this sent i dont get notifs for these but 🎉🎉 yeah :D anything u wanna know I'm willing to answer 💥

Ive got OCs from Pokemon, Ninjago and Blue Lock that I've shared here ^^ But the main focus is the pokemon ones ofc🌸🌸

[really-fanny-longbottom]

a big question

summary: the inner circle is faced with an important question from reader.

warnings: none, just endless fluff

words: 2.5k

cassian glanced up when he heard you step into the room, and he gave you a big smile "there she is!"

rhysand looked up too, his eyes lighting up with warmth as he saw you.

you stopped in the center of the room, making a little and shy twirl as you showed your family your new dress.

mor looked over and immediately exclaimed "oh my god, you look so cute!"

amren didn't even look up, but you could hear the smile in her voice as she chimed in "she certainly does."

azriel remained quiet, sending only a genuine smile as his response.

you could feel your cheeks turning pink from all the attention you were receiving.

"thank you," you said, smiling as you walked towards the group and sat down on the floor next to the coffee table.

cassian set down his glass of wine and watched you as you settled. 

he leaned down and ruffled your hair, giving you a cheeky grin. "you do look cute as hell," he said.

"i think i'm going to wear this dress for my thirteen birthday, what do you think, brother?" you asked, even though it was a silly question, you always valued their opinions.

cassian stopped messing with your hair and considered you for a moment. he tilted his head and studied you, his eyes flickering over your dress.

"i think you could wear a paper sack and still look beautiful," he said with a playful smile.

rhysand, who was sitting in the lounge chair behind you, rolled his eyes at his comment. 

"don't listen to him," he said, his tone serious. "you look lovely. just be careful, people will start paying attention to how grown up you are."

at his response, a hint of mischief took its place in your eyes. turning back to face your other brother, you made sure to give him the most amusing smile. 

"you mean, like boys, dear brother?"

rhysand sighed and leaned back into the chair, crossing one leg over the other.

"exactly like boys," he said, giving you a half-smile, "it'll start with the boys noticing how sweet and pretty you are, then they'll start asking you out, and then all of a sudden you're sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night just to meet one of them."

cassian snorted and elbowed rhys, making the high lord chuckle.

you feigned a sign of relief "i'm glad you know that's exactly what's going to happen, brother." and with that, you turned around, back to the table where you retreated a slice of chocolate cake.

rhys laughed and shook his head, his violet eyes glimmering with amusement. "i know you far too well, little star," he said affectionately.

cassian chimed in, "you're going to be having boy drama and heartbreaks before we know it."

"so, does that mean that i'm allowed to date?" you crawl over to the other couch where you leaned your back against it, so this way, you had a view of your two brothers and the rest of your family. 

rhys raised an eyebrow at your question and looked over at cassian and morrigan, who suddenly found their glasses of wine very interesting. 

a feline smile made its way in amren's face, the ancient one never taking her eyes out of her book.

azriel leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest, amusement in his eyes at the sight of rhys reaction — oh, he was going to love this.

your brother stayed quiet for a moment. he didn't want to think about you growing up and start dating. he wished he had a superpower where he could keep you this young forever, but he knew that the time would eventually come.

not wanting you to see him being overprotective, he was quick to replace his frown for a smile "absolutely not. let's not forget you are only twelve, darling sister. you're going to have to wait a few more years for that."

cassian, who had gotten up to refill his glass of wine, took a seat next to you on the couch you were leaning against. "rhys is right, little star. you're still a baby."

you, sat up straight, looking at cassian outraged "a baby?!"

cassian chuckled and poked your nose lightly, a mischievous grin coming to his face, "yes, a baby."

rhys smirked and nodded "he's right, y/n. you're always going to be our little baby, regardless of how much you grow."

"excuse me?" you look at your brother, not believing what he was actually saying. 

in the need for an ally, you turned to the most unpredictable person, "amren, back me up in here, please."

amren glanced up from the book in her hands and looked at you amused.

for a split second, hope invaded you, making you believe that she would agree with you, but as always, the tiny ancient one surprised you.

"i have to agree with the boys here," she said with a smile, "you'll always be the baby."

one of your eyes twisted in disbelief, "you've got to be kidding me."

pulling a laugh from the shadowsinger, he found himself enjoying the conversation and took a seat on the couch in front of you.

cassian's large hand returned to your hair and ruffled it a little more, "don't worry, baby sister. you're still adorable."

rhysand smirked, and his eyes were filled with affection when he looked directly at you, "indeed and that's not changing anytime soon."

smacking cassian's hand away from your hair, you decide to give another try, "az, a little help, please?"

his smile grew and his eyes softened, "don't give me that look, y/n" he mentioned, referring to your puppies eyes that you always used when you wanted to get your way.

"ugh, traitor" you murmured with a roll of your eyes. feeling defeated, you turned to your last hope, "hi, mor." you tell her with the sweetest smile.

"hi, little star." she returned with amusement in her eyes, knowing very well what you were doing.

"we're best friends, right?" you say, making everyone in the room laugh, and with a nod from the blond, you proceed, "so, what's your opinion?"

morrigan chuckled and grabbed her glass of wine from the small coffee table, "sorry, sweetheart. you're the baby."

"i am not! i'll be thirteen in two weeks. you guys are ridiculous." you cross your arms over your chest.

the group chuckled at your persistence with rhys being the first to speak "ah, yes. thirteen, the age where you became a fully grown adult."

cassian bend slightly over and dropped an arm around your shoulders, making your eyes lock with his, "give up, little star. in our eyes, you'll always be the baby."

you get up from the floor and put your hands on your hips, "seriously? it's not my fault if you guys are almost as old as pryhtian."

you leaned over the table and grabbed another slice of chocolate cake before sitting on the couch this time and crossed your legs.

when you were about to take the first bite, your heart almost jumped out of your chest when cassian took the plate from you.

you gasped but didn't have the time to protest.

"hey, watch it, little star" his smile turned playful when he saw the desperation on your face for your cake.

rhysand chuckled, enjoying the entertainment you and cassian were providing, "oh, and we're not old, okay? we're just well-seasoned."

a big laugh erupted from you, making you forget your precious cake for a few seconds, "well-seasoned," several giggles came from you, "that's a good one, rhys."

rhysand chuckled and shook his head. "hey, watch the attitude, darling sister. i'm the high lord, remember."

cassian teased, "yeah, show some respect, baby sister."

you huffed in annoyance, "oh, this is just getting pathetic."

rhysand and cassian exchanged grins, loving how easy it's to get under your skin.

"careful, y/n. we might end up grounding you." rhysand said.

you took your plate from cassian's hand and started eating your cake "please, i'm an angel." you said with a mouth full of chocolate.

morrigan barked out a laugh, nearly spilling her wine. "an angel, really?"

amren smiled, never taking her eyes off her book. "oh, you clearly have no idea of how much of a mischievous little creature you can be."

you looked away with a big smile on your face when you replied "i don't know what you're talking about."

rhysand chuckled and leaned forward, supporting his arms on his thighs and looking directly at you, "oh, i think you know exactly what we're talking about."

rhys extended his arm and tried to poke your side, but you swat his hand before he could, pulling a smile from him.

"anyways," you interrupted the group's laughter, "back to the important question."

"and what question is that, sweetheart?" mor asked you, clearly amused with the show you were putting on.

you cleared your throat, sitting up straighter and pushing your hair behind your shoulder.

your family laughed at your gesture.

"when can i date?" you asked.

the room went silent for a moment, and then chaos ensued.

“when you're thirty.” cassian replied.

“forty.” morrigan said playful.

“fity.” rhysand added.

"you guys are impossible. amren, make them stop" you protested.

amren, who had discharged her book, too intrigued in the conversation to keep reading, looked at you with a hint of tenderness in her eyes.

everyone knew she had a weak spot for you, even if she would never admit such a thing.

"how about we compromise?" she said amused, "when you're twenty?"

"what? but that's in six years!"

another round of laughter filled the living room. the family was having the best afternoon due to someone being too persistent and stubborn.

"that's the point, little star." morrigan said before taking a sip of her wine.

rhysand stood up and occupied the place next to you on the couch. he brought you into a side hug, tucking you on his left side. 

you took the opportunity to lay your head on his shoulder. 

still with a smile on his face but a more serious tone, he told you, "you're still very young, darling. and as your family, it's our obligation to make sure you're safe when that happens."

you tilted your head up to meet the violet eyes of your big brother "you only say that because it's me. i have no doubt that you guys did unholy things when you were teenagers."

the group exchanged knowing glances at your comment.

rhysand chuckled, "unholy things? darling, we were absolutely innocent during our youth."

you barked out a laugh, "yeah, right."

rhys laughed and shook his head, "alright, you do have a point there."

cassian raised his hands in surrender, "guilty as charged."

mor smirked and let out a laugh. "oh, we definitely engaged in some. . .sinful activities when we were teenagers."

you shake your hand in feigned disappointment. you turned your eyes to the shadowsinger, "azriel, care to join the circle of shame?"

the male smiled slightly, "i'm afraid i'll have to plead guilty as well" he finished with a shrug of his shoulders.

mor and cassian smiled at azriel's admission, clearly entertained by the male's answer.

"i knew it." you said as you tried to reach for cassian's wine glass.

cassian was quick to swat your hand at the same time rhys grabbed your wrist gently.

"don't even think about it, little star."

"wha-" you looked at every member of your family frustrated "i can't date, i can't drink. what can i do?"

your family laughed at your frustration, it was amusing to them how easily you get riled up.

azriel intervened, "there's plenty you can do while you wait a few more years to start dating."

cassian added, "yeah, like studying and training."

your head turned immediately to cassian at mention of training.

"training? oh, no, no, no, no more training. i am not waking up at six in the morning ever again."

cassian chuckled and ruffled your hair again. "oh, come on now. you know training is important."

rhysand smiled and tried to help, "i remember some of your first training lessons. it wasn't that bad."

"not that bad?!" you said a little too loud, "azriel kicked my ass! like literally!"

azriel, chuckled at your statement, "hey, i always held back with you," he protested.

cassian and mor giggled, no doubt remembering that day.

rhysand smirked, "yeah, even azriel knows not to go too hard on the baby."

at the mention of the word 'baby' again, you rolled your eyes. 

"you guys are ridiculous."

cassian let out a loud gasp, feigning offense, "ridiculous? how dare you insult our amazing judgment and parenting skills?"

rhys chuckled, amused at your choice of words, "oh, we’re simply looking out for your best interests, little star. it’s our job to protect you and make sure of your well-being."

you shot daggers at the shadowsinger, who still had a smile on his lips, "you hear that, azriel? no pushing me off the rooftop because i was being annoying" you quoted with your hands. 

azriel chuckled, his tone teasing, "hey, you were practically begging for it, y/n."

cassian snickered and nodded, clearly enjoying this.

rhysand smiled and said, "ah, yes. don't test the limits, darling. azriel has his own ways of dealing with your attitude."

"yeah, no shit."

several protests were heard out loud.

"language."

"watch your mouth, young lady."

"oh, look who's getting bold."

"manners."

your family chuckled, amused by your antics. something they always liked — it kept them on their toes.

you just shrugged your shoulders "i heard you guys saying things a lot worse then that."

a second round of protests gained form.

"what?"

"we would never do that."

"i think you're imagining things."

"absolutely not."

you giggled at their responses, filling the room with your laughter. it was impossible for your family not to follow. 

with your head still on your brother's shoulder, you gave one last try. "so, when i'm twenty?"

rhysand and cassian exchanged looks, letting their protective side showing a little while they contemplated your question.

your eyes traveled between a pair of violet eyes and brown ones. 

upon seeing your brothers gaze, you couldn't help the surge to roll your eyes — again.

"ugh, stop being like that," you said as you hit them both in their legs gently, "just give me an answer."

cassian nodded his head, a silent agreement made between the two of them.

rhys's eyes turn to you, only to see you already looking at him with your sweet and innocent doe eyes.

seriously, how was he supposed to say 'no' to you when you looked at him like that?

a defeated sigh revealed his answer even before speaking it, "fine. you can start dating when you're twenty."

a big smile appeared on your lips, "hell yeah!"

the room was filled with laughter and smiles, you really had all of them wrapped around your little finger.

"but not before that!" cassian cut in, giving you a stern look, "you're going to have to wait until you're twenty and that's it."

your smile spread and you patted him on the arm slightly, "that's okay, brother. i can wait."

much to your brothers dismay, you ended up having your first boyfriend at the age of sixteen. 

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*if you asked to be tagged and you weren't, it's because I couldn't find your blog.

the beautiful dividers belong to @cafekitsune

[thelov3lybookworm]

Figuratively Dying

Summary: the night before their wedding, Cassian is losing his mind.

•○●⛦●○•

A/n: a tiny lil fluffy drabble to let you all know im coming back w my fics now that many of u are done with exams hehe 🤭

Cassian was dying.

Figuratively, he was dying.

Literally, he was very much alive, if his restlessness was any indication.

Every few moments, his wings would twitch, nervousness and anticipation slowly trickling into his bloodstream, making it impossible to sit still.

"Sit down brother. Time is not going to pass quicker if you burn a hole in the floor."

Cassian snarled in response, eyes flitting over to meet star flecked ones of Rhysand, who exposed his palms in a placating motion. "I’m just saying. Instead of tiring yourself out and making us dizzy, why don’t you sit down and have a drink?"

Azriel snorted in response. "Do you really think he cares about your opinion right now?"

Cassia reigned in a snarl, instead turning to stare out the open doors of the balcony, his mind again contemplating knocking out his brothers just so he could go to meet his love.

Cassian was being held captive.

It was downright cruel, if he said so himself. Mor had come up with the stupid rule. That he was to stay away from his soon to be wife for a whole day before their wedding.

Why, Cassian couldn’t understand. But here he was, being forced to comply.

"Cass-"

"I swear on the dark waters of the cauldron Rhys, if you don’t shut you big mouth now, I am going to fucking knock you out."

"I’m just-"

Thump.

Wide hazel eyes flew to Cassian’s, alarmed, as Rhys lost consciousness.

Cassian stared back, hand burning from the blow he had dealt, and finally, Azriel gestured at him. "Go. I am not stopping you."

"Fucking finally." Cassian mumbled as he stalked out into the open night, his wings stretching to catch the wind in their leathery grip, and then let them carry him away.

The clear air penetrated his lungs, expanding them to their full might, and washed all his nervousness for the day after away. Everything was going to go well. He was sure of it.

But he was so tired. He missed her so much.

It didn’t take long until he was hovering over the balcony that led to the room he shared with his lover, Y/n.

Slowly, so slow that a snail would have laughed at him, Cassian let himself land, eyes already searching for her without permission.

"Sunshine?"

Silence. Heavy, pregnant silence.

And then- "Cass?"

The puff of air turned white in front of his face, and steeling himself, he stepped forward.

There she stood, in nothing but a silk nightgown, staring at him with wide eyes. "What- what are you doing here?"

He said nothing, giving himself a moment to admire the angel that had blessed him by just even looking in his direction.

"Cass?"

He stepped forward, his wings folding of their own accord the closer he got to her. Y/n simply stared at him, perplexed, and refused to move even when he reached out to her. Which he was happy about as he grabbed her in his arms, releasing a breath of relief.

"Oh I missed you, sunshine."

"Is that why you are here? You do know Mor will have your head if-"

"Mor can shut the fuck up. The fact that she does not have an angel of a wife to cuddle with does not mean I should stay away from mine."

He could hear her blood rushing to her face, and sure enough, when he pulled back from mumbling into her neck, she refused to meet his eyes.

"Cass-"

"Yes, sunshine?"

She rolled her eyes at his teasing smirk, finally leaning into his embrace. "I missed you too."

Cassian hummed, walking her back until they had reached the bed. Then he picked her up, her thighs wrapping around his waist, and crawled onto the plush material of the mattress. "Good night."

She yelped as he dropped all his weight onto her, and even though Cassian knew she liked it, he could not help but wonder if he should have been gentler. "Are you staying here?"

He scoffed. "Of course I am. Where else would I stay?"

"Mor-"

"Shh. I love you." He mumbled, pressing his face into her chest.

He could feel her vibrating laughter, and it made him smile too, knowing he was the reason.

"Good night. I love you." She muttered, reaching her fingers out to caress the back of his head softly. "I can’t wait for tomorrow."

"Me neither."

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Cassian Taglist: @moonlwghts @samslittlespoon @nickishadow139

[artistinquestion]

The Empress of Rome

Part Six

Emperor Geta x OC

Warnings: none.

Word Count: 1.8k

Summary: husband and wife reunite and fawn over their newborn children.

Author's Note: Here it is, what would be the final part of my Empress of Rome series. I managed to finish this up today after visiting with family. That being said I am willing to write either a sequel or prequel to this series, but I would like to see the actual movie before writing anything further for Emperor Geta. if you have any questions about this series or anything you want to see about this series in the future please feel free to send me asks for anything you want to know about my ocs! Thank you so much for enjoying my writing and for giving me support!

Resting in her bed now, the empress waited anxiously for her children to be returned to her, hoping to the gods she still had two children after this. She didn't know what she would do if only the boy was spared.

Biting anxiously at her nails, Cassia didn't have to wait long before the doors to her chambers opened. Her heart stopped when Julia only returned with one baby in her arms, but the empress was quickly relieved when she saw a servant following after her carrying the other. Tears flooded Cassia’s eyes as she saw the two bundles being held in the same room, smiles on the servant and Julia's faces. Cassia instantly held out her arms towards her babies, having waited seemingly forever for this moment.

Julia placed the first baby into Cassia’s arms, a healthy, beautiful girl. She cooed softly, unable to contain her joy at finally holding her daughter. The second baby, a boy, was placed into the empress's arms, and she gasped, overcome with emotion.

"My darlings." Cassia whispered shakily, almost unbelieving as she held her life in her arms.

Twins.

A boy and a girl.

"Oh thank the gods!" She sobbed out, holding both babes close to her chest as tears of joy and relief streamed down her face. As the empress held her twins close a sense of peace washed over her, the long months of worrying now having been washed away, replaced by the overwhelming joy and relief she felt in that moment.

Whispering soft words of love to the two babes in her arms, thanking the gods that both were alive and well, that Geta had given both of them life. The empress had her children, both of them.

Cassia was hesitant when the midwives came over to collect the two babes, promising to return them to their mother after cleaning and swaddling them both. The new mother watching as the servants helped assist the midwives, the physician giving both babes another look over to assure their health.

As the two infants were tended to, Cassia leaned back in her bed, exhausted but also filled with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. The servants attention was then directed towards their empress, another servant having come from the hallway to speak to them before leaving, turning their attention towards the tired woman of power.

"We will help clean you up now, Augusta. The emperor wishes to see you," a servant informed her as they came to her bedside, helping her sit upright. Cassia nodded in response before letting the servants carefully help her into a fresh robe, her old one soaked from sweat blood from her labor. As they helped her onto unsteady feet, she leaned on them for support feeling a mix of pain and euphoria from giving birth.

The others quickly changed the bedding before allowing the empress to recline back once more on the bed. One tending to her hair to make it somewhat presentable, to appear as if there was no struggle during labor and that the empress remained radiant.

As the servants finished their tasks of tidying up the room, the midwives also finished with the babies coming to return them into their mother’s arms. To which Cassia greatly accepted, the empress practically beaming as she held both children in her arms once again.

Looking down at the two, Cassia began to take in the small differences between the two. Their daughter having a small patch of golden orange curls atop her head, whilst the boy had curls a shade lighter, a mix between Geta and Cassia’s hair colors. Neither babe’s eyes had opened yet, both just as exhausted as their mother was delivering them.

The sound of the doors to her chambers opening, briefly took the empress’s attention away from her little ones in her arms. The empress lifting her head to see who had entered, her eyes landing on her husband as he entered her chambers. The servants, midwives, and physician alike all bowed their heads as the emperor entered the room. But luckily for them the emperor had no intentions on giving them his attention.

The emperor made his way over to his wife’s bedside, his dark eyes trailing from his children in her arms to his wife’s face.

“You did well, my love. Our children are healthy and beautiful” Geta commented, his hand going to gently caress the head of the baby held closest to him.

Cassia smiles softly “thank you, husband.” She says with a sigh, her gaze falling to the two infants sleeping in her arms. “Would you like to hold your heir, your grace?” She asked, gently angling their infant son in her right arm.

Geta seemed to be in thought for a moment as he gazed down at their children. His eyes flicking between the two, as if trying to discern which was which.

“I think I’d like to hold my firstborn once more, if my lady doesn’t mind” Geta spoke, his hand still caressing their daughter’s head. Cassia’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, shocked that her husband wants to hold their daughter as opposed to his heir.

“But ofcourse,” she replied, watching as her husband gently took their daughter from her left arm. His hands which had harmed, maimed, and killed many a man were now so careful when holding their baby girl in his grasp, angling her in his arms so she was comfortably nestled.

Her husband had surprised her that day, giving their daughter life when they didn’t know for sure a son would follow. Now he held their daughter as if she were one of the most important things in the world. It was odd to see a man like Geta so soft with an infant all bundled in his arms. It was a sight that Cassia had to admire while it lasted, cradling their son in her arms.

“You gave our daughter life, for that I am thankful, husband” Cassia commented, gently rocking their son in her arms.

Geta’s eyes looked up from their daughter, looking his wife in her eyes before returning his attentions to the babe. “I could never allow harm to come to either of our children. Especially not after your struggle to carry them and bring them into this world.” He responded, his voice full of empathy and admiration that Cassia was not aware he was capable of.

Giving a soft hum in acknowledgment, the empress looked from her husband and daughter back down to their son in her arms. “I would gladly suffer it again,” she replied, her finger trailing down her son’s soft cheek, smiling as he smiled in his sleep. Truly this was all worth it to her, every pain and every discomfort, for in the end she had two beautiful children.

“She is perfect.” Geta suddenly stated, his eyes locked on the face of their daughter as if entranced by her beauty and innocence. Cassia looked up at her husband, smiling at his words before looking down at the babe in her arms.

“They both are,” she stated in return.

Julia couldn’t help but watch with a sense of pride and joy as she watched the exchange between her son and his children, his love for his daughter evident. The couple sitting in silence as they both admired their newborn children, both finding happiness in their new roles as parents.

“You did well, my love. Rome will be in good hands with these two” the emperor spoke up once again, finally looking up from the baby girl and looking over to his wife again. The two sharing a silent understanding as they switched babes in their arms, the girl coming to rest in Cassia’s embrace while the emperor finally held his heir once again.

“They certainly will be loved, how could they not?” Cassia stated, smiling as she saw their daughter starting to open her eyes from being moved from her parent’s arms. She had her father’s eyes, the empress thought. Their daughter the spitting image of Geta from the hair to the eyes. She only hoped she didn’t inherit his personality as well.

“We could not have asked for a more perfect pair, or a more perfect heir” Geta stated as he held his son proudly in his arms a smile on his face, a smile of pride not as soft as the smile he wore when holding their daughter.

This was his son.

His heir.

Though the emperor was absolutely in love with their daughter from the moment he held her in his arms, his son would be his pride. The one he would shape into a future ruler of Rome. But a daughter he could spoil, let her grow without the weight of ruling weighing her down as she grew. Both of course he would love with all his heart, but his love for his children would be different.

“You are happy with them, husband?” Cassia asked, looking over to the cruel man she knew as her husband, having softened by the birth of his children.

“I am overjoyed, my love. To think the gods decided to gift us with two, it is truly a blessing” the emperor responded as he held their son closer, the warm weight against his chest. His hand moved gently, shifting the weight of their son to one arm as his hand coming up to stroke the side of his wife’s face, fingers tilting her jaw so she was looking up at him.

“Thank you, my love. I cannot express how grateful I am to you for this gift you have given me” he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

Cassia smiled up at her husband, her hand coming up to grasp his wrist, kissing his hand in response before he leaned down and captured her lips with his own. The babies gurgling in their arms as their parents shared a rare, intimate moment.

As they parted, Geta looked around the room towards a pair of servants, gesturing for them to come and take the children from his and Cassia’s embrace.

“And now, my love, I believe you have earned some long awaited rest” Geta stated as he passed his son safely into the servants arms. The other servant coming and taking the girl from the empress’s arms.

Cassia sighed, though the idea of parting from her children made tugged at her heartstrings, she knew her husband was right, and she was more than ready to give in to her exhaustion.

“I believe you are right, husband.” She replied, beginning to settle back into the comfort of her bed for the first time in days now.

Geta turned to his wife once more, this time taking her face in both his hands, looking her in the eyes before he kissed her lips again. Cassia greatly accepting her husband’s affections before he would part from her again, leaving her to her rest.

[sinful-lanterns]

Also congrats on 1k!

Fun fact: Our sense of smell is responsible for about 80% of what we taste!

So Cassia and Cabernet make even MORE sense together!

🥀-anon

I just imagine Cassia getting drunk off the way you smell, and Cabernet getting drunk off the way you taste. Both women are giving you sultry, bedroom eyes the moment you walk into the room, looking so cute and naive, so blissfully unaware of how attractive you smell to the both of them as they both are drooling to themselves, imagining all the ways they could “enjoy” you in the privacy of their own bedroom…

I think it’d be interesting if Cassia and Cabernet had a little rivalry with one another. Like, Cabernet getting all possessive with her meal and not wanting to share your beautiful soul, while Cassia doesn’t want your soul taken by Cabernet because she doesn’t want your lovely scent to change.

Both women are at each other’s throats for a chance to devour you in their own way. One with their nose, the other with their mouth. In the middle of it all, you’re just some naive, helpless woman who is unaware of these two women lusting over you, but things will certainly change when one of them makes the first move…

As possessive as these two can be, it’d be quite interesting to see them negotiate and eventually “share” you for both their pleasures. I mean, what good is having such a delectable treat, if you can’t share it with others? 😋

[asphodelles]

yeah sure rogue trader make cassia straight haha good one that’s so funny hahaha i haven’t seen that one before never once in my life have i fallen victim to the straight woman character who appeals to girl likers pigeon trap before hahahahahaha sure sure yeah flirt twice with her as a girl illicit a flushed response flirt twice with heinrix as a girl and trigger the A Spark achievement sure yeah ok sure that’s totally fine yeah

[cawyden-gaming]

Christopher Tester (Heinrix VA) voice acting a part of my fanfiction Immortalium.

It is a scene that isn’t posted yet that follows the game event in act 4 where the Rogue Trader can disappear again on a companion quest (spoiler for the companion below and in the video).

While sadly not in the game, I think we can imagine the emotions Heinrix must be going through at this moment:

He is angry with himself, that he wasn't able to prevent this from happening, angry with whoever is responsible for the Rogue Trader to disappear

He is emotionally hurt and in great pain as he just lost the woman (again), that he fell in love with

The sheer helplessness that he can't do anything to help her come back

There are moments where he clinges on hope and where he tries to keep control over his emotions, to distance himself from the pain like he always does

He is remorseful over things he said and did that hurt her, and the missed opportunities to make it right (this is specific for my fanfic)

The voiced scene is Heinrix trying to write a letter to his beloved Rogue Trader, even if his words might never reach her. While writing, he voices his thoughts about the whole ordeal.

I hope you enjoy Christophers very emotional performance as much as I did:

The whole text (as I mentioned, this is while he is trying to write a letter):

“Dear… no.”

“Lord Captain...”

“I... I lost you.”

“And now we are dragged against our will along the unpredictable currents of the warp, unable to steer a path of our own, to break away into realspace once again, a plaything of volatile forces. But we shouldn't even be here, it wasn't planned and the usual protocols and rituals were not done. What were you and Lady Cassia doing in the sanctum? Why was no one else informed? What were you hiding? Would you have told me if things had been different between us?”

“No. No! Right on this ship, right under my nose ... what am I not seeing?”

“Gone. How many hours have I spent in front of this accursed painting, looking for a sign, a trace, wondering if something would drag me through it like it did with you? Granting me relief by uniting me with you or a slow death of agony in the horrors of the warp.”

“Nothing. Despite everything I tried, everything I did, all the investigations, interrogations...can you believe that I even asked Idira for help, to listen to the voices in the warp against my better knowledge and judgement, still leaving me with nothing that brings me closer to you, to help you return.”

“What good is the authority of my position, years of experience that refined my skills and abilities, all my collected knowledge, even my sorcery, if it can't help me protect or save the one who matters most to me?”

“Trap after trap after trap we went through - with open eyes. Even the one I knew was coming. Whatever happened now, took me by complete surprise. It shouldn't have.”

“I can't sleep and I am too tired to think clearly anymore. I am at a loss.”

“No. Focus, van Calox. I won't give up - there must be an explanation, a solution, a better way than just waiting for another miracle to happen. I have to do something, anything to bring you back. It can't end like this.”

“Every day can be the last … I learned this lesson far too well – why didn't I act like it? Letting valuable time run through my fingers as if we had eternity to spend. As if there was for sure a tomorrow to tell you what I need you to know, to make things right, to get another chance to hold you, to be with you.”

“I only ever wanted to protect you. I failed. Again. Trying to keep you safe but all I accomplished was to push you away and to hurt your feelings in the process. I was blinded by revenge against the Xenos, for all the pain and suffering they had inflicted upon us. By my concern and fear it could happen again. If I had done things differently maybe... but now it's too late.”

“Hope. How often is it used as a tool, perverted in a cruel attempt to increase the pain of suffering? I have seen it countless times. Did it myself. And yet, it is all I have left. I hope for your safe return. For another chance for both of us, one I would dare not waste again.”

“Commoragh. We returned, against all odds. Maybe we were just pawns in a game of gods. I like to believe the Emperor watched over us in this forsaken place. I hope he still watches over you and helps you return once more, wherever you are. Because I, apparently, can't.”

“Please come back to me.”

[sngchngs]

Day 6

Curses

De aged

For Yin Yu Appreciation Week

Sorry this is late!

_____________________

Yin Yu is sure he is dreaming. He blinks, once, twice then pinches his arm.

No. Not a dream. Xie Lian is a child. Hua Chengzhu is a child.

The two were walking arm in arm along one of the walkways that lined the lake that Paradise Manor dwelled alongside. Yin Yu had needed Hua Chengzhu's input on a time sensitive request so he had approached them, offered the usual greetings to the pair, then with a poof they were enveloped in smoke that smelled strongly of incense.

When the smoke cleared where two adult men stood were now two children.

Xie Lian raised his arm to observe his little fingers when he wriggled them. “Oh, dear.” He sighed. His voice had the higher pitch of a child's. Ruoye snaked its way out of the now too many folds of robes enveloping them and tilted an end of itself inquisitively towards Xie Lian who smiled in confusion at the silk. “San Lang?” He asked his husband, turning towards him.

When he came face to face with child Hua Cheng, Yin Yu observed Xie Lian go through a myriad of emotions: surprise, confusion, concern, elation, affection, adoration; love.

“This one is fine, Gege.” Hua Cheng replied to the unasked question.

Xie Lian stumbled over his loose robes and held Hua Cheng's face between his hands. “San Lang in this form is always adorable!” He cooed.

“Gege as a child is the cutest,” Hua Cheng corrected.

Yin Yu coughed lightly to get the attention of the two. Xie Lian seemed surprised that they had an audience, while Hua Cheng glared at the interruption.

Yin Yu had to admit, the effect was not as frightening as Hua Cheng’s adult version.

He cleared his throat. “This is unexpected,” he deadpanned. “Chengzhu, Taizi Dianxia, is this one correct in assuming that despite your size your minds are still your own?”

Xie Lian smiled and Hua Cheng rolled his eye, “Obviously.”

“While I can't speak for San Lang,” Xie Lian said. “My mind has not reverted to that of a child's.” Ignoring Hua Cheng’s whined “Gege” Xie Lian continued, deep in thought. “I returned two days ago after going on a short trip collecting scraps, and while most of my finds were delightful little treasures, none of them would be considered unique. And neither could I say that I came across anything untoward or unusual during my travels.”

“Before you turned, well, small, you were both covered in a cloud of smoke smelling strongly of incense,” Yin Yu offered. “Something that smells of orchids and cassia.”

Hua Cheng unfolded his arms with a look of realisation. He took one of Xie Lian’s hands in his. “There was something usual that Gege brought back with him,” he said. “That strange little incense burner. We used it last night when we went to sleep.”

“Of course!” Xie Lian exclaimed. “What did the nice old lady tell me, again? ‘When you burn incense in this censer you will dream childish dreams filled with laughter and fun’. She wasn't malicious so I let my guard down.” He said apologetically.

Yin Yu immediately offered his services to track her down.

“Taizi Dianxia, Chengzhu, please allow this one to find her, to find out if there is a way to reverse what has been done to you and Chengzhu.” He cupped his hands in front of himself and bowed.

Xie Lian acquiesced and told Yin Yu of the village from where he received the incense burner. As he turned away from them, Yin Yu overheard Hua Cheng whisper to Xie Lian, “This is a rare opportunity for me Gege, and I plan to take full advantage.” Xie Lian giggled in response.

Yin Yu couldn't get away quick enough.

His journey to the village called Whispering Pines was uneventful.

He found the old lady, a bent backed, sleepy eyed, wrinkly skinned, twisted fingered old thing, who, as His Highness described, was easy to let your guard down while around her. When he told her of what had transpired her eyes widened.

“Oh dear!” she exclaimed. “Now that won't do! The censer was only meant to make them children in their dream worlds. But if that pleasant young man was a god, that might explain why dream became reality.”

“Are you saying that His Highness did this, by accident?” Yin Yu frowned.

The old lady nodded. “The censer reacts to the sleepers' childish desires, and usually manifests them into dreams. For normal, mundane people that is. He must have desired, so strongly in his subconscious, to be a child with his husband in the waking world, that the censer consumed some of his power to make it a reality.”

“Hn,” Yin Yu allowed a small sigh to escape, relieved that it was nothing untoward, or malicious. “Do you know how long this will last?”

The old lady tapped her chin thoughtfully with a gnarled finger. “I do not,” she said slowly. “As this has never happened before, I can only guess that, so long as they don't use the censer, the effects should fade over time.” She held up a crooked finger, hand shaking. “As long as they stop using it,” she warned.

Yin Yu bought her a bowl of congee as thanks before journeying back to Ghost City with the news.

When he arrived at Paradise Manor looking for Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, some servants pointed him to the eastern garden. Speaking through their giggles and too wide smiles they informed him that “Chengzhu and his beloved husband have had the most delightful time playing together. You shall find them at the swing, my lord.”

Sure enough childish laughter could be heard as Yin Yu reached the garden. Cries of “Higher! Higher, San Lang!” made its way across the grounds. He followed the noise to see two children at play.

The one dressed richly in red and black was standing behind a swing upon which sat the source of all the laughter. The young prince of Xianle garbed in only the finest of clothing, in shades of pinks, creams and golds, held on tightly to the ropes of the swing while the one behind him pushed him even higher.

It was a sweet sight. And Yin Yu wanted to observe from the shadows while the children played. But the job came first. He approached with heavy footfalls to announce his approach.

Xie Lian spotted him first when he was at the highest point of his swing. With a cry of “Yin Yu is back!” He pushed himself from the seat, launching himself into the air laughing in delight as he did so. Yin Yu involuntarily took a step forward, arms raised to catch the child as gravity took effect and Xie Lian fell back to earth.

With feet firmly on the ground once more, Xie Lian thanked Yin Yu for catching him while he straightened his rumpled clothing.

“Well?” Hua Chengzhu asked brusquely as he approached crossing his small arms.

Yin Yu bowed and gave his report. When he was finished Xie Lian sighed in relief. "Well, that's good,” he said. “Though it has been very fun playing with San Lang these past few days.” He sighed whimsically. “I'll almost be sad when it's all over.”

“Don't be, Gege,” Hua Cheng reassured him. “We know how it works now, so if we wish to indulge ourselves similarly in the future we can.”

“Yes,” Yin Yu offered dryly, “the servants seemed to enjoy themselves immensely at Chengzhu and His Highness’s expense.”

Hua Cheng narrowed his eye at Yin Yu. “You are dismissed Waning Moon Officer,” he said curtly.

Yin Yu bowed again at the pair taking his leave. He wondered how long it would take for them to revert to their adult selves. It has already been eight days since they turned, after all.

Two days later he got his answer when he nearly walked in on the pair during their love making, their very adult moans making him about face and walk very quickly back the way he had come.

Three days after that Yin Yu had childish dreams. He was climbing trees, and swimming, and learning Martial Arts, and eating yummy foods. He was laughing and smiling. He could smell incense burning.

When he woke up the following morning the first thing he saw was the censer on the table in the middle of his room. It was shaped like a strange beast, with big ears like an elephant, antlers like a deer, a face like a stoat, and legs tucked under it like a cat.

He had thought that it was safely tucked away in storage. He sighed, got dressed for the day then put the censer back into storage. Only Chengzhu could sneak into his room without alerting him.

He hoped he didn't change into a child like Chengzhu and His Highness did.

Yin Yu's wish was denied however, when with a poof of sound and smoke he found himself looking up at Hua Chengzhu's suddenly taller figure. He raised his arms and found that he was practically swimming in his clothes. He lowered them and sighed. “Oh dear,” he said with a higher pitched voice, echoing Xie Lian’s words. He noticed Hua Cheng’s unsurprised, satisfied, smile. “Chengzhu, did you feed the censer spiritual powers with the intention of turning me into a child? If I may ask, to what purpose?”

“Oh, there's no purpose,” came the reply. “Not really. It may have been suggested to me by someone who was curious to see you as a child. And I obliged. That is all.”

“Oh.”

This was going to be a long ten days for Yin Yu.

[tsunami-of-tears]

Switch

Cassian x Reader

A/N: I’m not entirely sure what crevice of my brain this came from, but I was in a mood and craving a sub!Batboy

Word Count: <800

Warnings: 18+ only, smut, pwp, sub!Cassian, pet names: baby 

Thrilled to finally have a night alone with you, Cassian leaves a trail of light kisses along your jawline, anticipating what is to come.

“Hey Y/N,” he whispers, “I was thinking we could switch it up tonight.”

You pull back from your mate’s touch to look into his eyes. Biting your lip, you ask, “What do you mean?” 

Cassian’s lips brush against your neck as he responds, “I thought maybe you could take control tonight. Only if you want to.”

There was no denying you had fantasized about this very situation. You always fell into the same roles in the bedroom, with Cassian being the dominant one and taking care of you. There was a small part of you that wanted to return the favour, on occasion, but your nerves stopped you from making the first move.

You break into a smile and you raise your brows at Cassian. “Are you sure, baby?”

“Oh, I’m very sure. Have your way with me.” Cassian can smell your arousal growing at his words. Before he can pull you in for a kiss, you place both hands on his broad chest, halting his movements. 

“Uh-uh. I’m in charge. Strip, and lie down on the bed.”

Cassian obeys and you watch hungrily as your mate removes the last of his clothes before laying on his back.

Being mindful of his wings, you straddle Cassian’s waist. You slowly peel off your shirt, revealing the red lingerie underneath. Cassian groans and bucks his hips, reaching to touch your breasts. You grab him by both wrists and push his hands up over his head.

“No touching unless I say,” you order.

Cassian’s eyes look you up and down, and he nods eagerly, “Yes, Y/N.”

You lean forward to leave soft, wet kisses down the column of his throat, stopping at his collarbone where you graze his tattooed skin gently with your teeth. Cassian shudders in response. You keep working your mouth, licking and sucking the sensitive skin as your hand trails down his chest. 

You move to kneel between his legs, stroking along his abdomen, further down until you reach where he wants your touch the most.

You skip over his length, your fingers leaving taunting strokes along his thighs. Cassian whimpers, bucking his hips again.

“Such a tease,” Cassian grunts. 

“You asked for this, remember?” You look at Cassian innocently as your hand wraps around his throbbing cock. You pump it a few times before letting go completely.

Cassian curses at the loss of your touch. 

You slowly work your mouth down his torso, licking and kissing until you reach his hips. You drag your tongue up his length, letting it circle around the tip a few times before taking him in your mouth. 

Cassian closes his eyes in pleasure and his lips part as he moans your name. 

You move your head up and down, taking more of his cock with each thrust.  

You add a hand, gripping him firmly as you suck in your cheeks. 

Cassian’s breath hitches, his abs clenching as he grips the sheets beneath him. You know he’s close, so you remove his length from your mouth and rise to straddle him in reverse. 

Cassian’s whines quickly turn to moans as you pull your panties to the side and sheath his cock inside you. 

You grab his hands, placing them on your hips and you lean forward, using his thighs for leverage as you rock your hips back and forth. You start slow, but as Cassian’s fingers dig into your flesh you pick up your pace. In this position, you can feel his cock hitting all the right places. It’s not long before your breathing quickens and your walls start to clench. 

As pleasure builds and coils in your core, Cassian lets out a deep, guttural groan. His grip on your hips tightens, sure to leave marks, as he climaxes inside you. 

His desperate thrusts are enough to send you over the edge, your whole body quivering as you come down from your high. 

You let out an elated sigh as you lift yourself off of Cassian, to lie beside him. He wraps an arm around you, pulling you close to his chest. The room is silent aside from your heavy pants as you both regain your breath. 

“I can’t believe you were hiding this side from me,” Cassian says. 

“Was that okay, baby?” you ask, concern lacing your voice. 

Cassian plants a gentle kiss on your forehead. “That was incredible. We are definitely doing that again.”

Part Two

[windy-trickster]

Yeah I get that, completely understandable! Working creatively from a place of familiarity can be really comforting. But I think even if you don't end up uploading them anywhere you should keep experimenting when you feel like it! It doesn't have to be "good" or "finished", just tinkering with sounds and styles for creativity's own sake! Obviously don't force yourself to work on something you don't want to with no inspiration, but if you've wanted to branch out before it might be worth a shot?

"⤥ Oh don't worry about me... I'm always up for experimenting, seeing what I can dream up and hopefully make into something I can push out into the world. ⤣" "⤥ I guess I'm just a little self-conscious, you know...? Sometimes a little anxiety gets the better of me and I hide some stuff. I-I know I shouldn't let that happen, that all of the music I make for my enjoyment and the enjoyment of others... ⤣" "⤥ Thank you for your kind words, stranger. It's... It's rare I get to hear those... ⤣" -> There was something about that last comment, "It's rare I get to hear those", were Cassia almost sounded like she was getting emotional. It was hard to tell if this was a good or bad thing.

[gingerfan24]

Hi, for the OTP question meme if you like to answer: 1, 14, 15, 25 and 28.

Thank you

1.) Who is the most affectionate?

Probably Ana though she often expresses this through harmless acts of physical teasing (Small headbutts, nose boops, playing with hair, shoulder bumps etc). Heinrix doesn’t often initiate such teasing himself but does tend to return the favor in kind.

14.) Who kisses the hardest?

Definitely Heinrix. When Ana kissed him for the first time during her Magnae Accessio it was a very spur of the moment decision and at first when he froze up she was afraid she had messed up and just made things more awkward so his response, kissing her like a starving man eating food for the first time in a while, just kind of caused her to blue screen for a moment.

15.) Who wakes up first?

Ana thought she was an early riser until Heinrix came into her life. It seems that no matter what time she gets up and gets to the bridge he’s always there at his usual spot roughly an hour or so beforehand. She has commented on this to him more than once.

25.) Who needs more assurance?

Again, probably Heinrix. Though mostly just to ensure that she’s safe (or not pulling shenanigans without good reason).

28.) What do they do when they’re away from each other?

Work mostly. They both have extensive duties related to their respective jobs. Ana spends most of her time brokering trade deals, going over reports, acquisitions and contracts etc while Heinrix is likely going through reports received from his many spies throughout her protectorate. As far as non-work time apart goes Ana might hang out with some of the female members of the crew, read or exercise (this includes both physical and psychic exercises). Heinrix doesn’t seem to have many friends outside of Ana and maybe Cassia so he likely spends his free time reading or doing similar exercises as above.

[eliotquillon]

my new and improved witherward book 3 pitch is the buddy cop movie from hell between eliot and fowler in the otherworld. i will not be taking notes!

how have i never noticed that fowler gets fucking ARRESTED at the end of witherward LMAOO

[milkywaygg]

The Cosmas REVAMP Chapter 10

“Cassia, can we talk?”, Gonzo asked as he climbed into bed, watching his wife finish brushing her teeth in the adjacent bathroom. She paused for a moment to gurgle and spit her mouthwash out, before turning towards her husband.

“About?”

“About this situation. I think you might be going a bit overboard.”, Gonzo commented, moving aside so his wife could lie down.

“Gonzo, there’s nothing to talk about. My decision is final. Nora needs to leave by the time she’s 18,000. No exceptions. She can go live under an overpass for all I care.”

“Dear, that’s not what I meant.”, Gonzo sighed, “But are you really sure kicking Linnie out is a good idea? Especially when it’s going to be hard for him to get a job, at least until this child is born.”

“Well of course I don’t expect him to move out right then and there.”, Cassia explained, “I just think it’s high time he started being more responsible, especially if he intends on keeping this child.”

“You know it’s not Linnie’s fault, right? You keep talking to him and acting like he asked Nora to take advantage of him.”, Gonzo sighed, getting aggravated at his wife’s attitude, “The only one at fault here is Nora. The rest of us couldn’t have possibly saw what she was going to do coming.”

“Well, I don’t think any of that would’ve happened if Daisy didn’t just dart off the way she did on prom night.”

“Cassia, it’s not Daisy’s job to babysit her brother. She’s allowed to have a life away from him and hang out with others besides him.”

“So you think she shouldn’t have to watch out for him? Protect him like a good woman should?”

“No. I’m saying that none of this is anyone’s fault besides Nora. She’s the one who decided to drag him to a bar, she’s the one that decided to get into his pants, and she’s the only one not taking any accountability for what happened. I don’t think even she and Linnie had talked ever since we had that conversation.” Gonzo explained, “I know how much you love Linnie but you’ve got to understand, he’s not a baby anymore. He needs to learn to take care of himself, but it’s also important to realize that none of this is his fault.”

“I-I know..Gonzo”, Cassia sighed, “I’m sorry. I know I wasn’t thinking the night Linnie told us he was pregnant. I just can’t help but worry.”

“I know, but he needs our support more than ever. At the end of the day, he’s still our son, and this baby he’s having is going to be our first grandchild. Even if the circumstances are less than ideal, isn’t it a little exciting? We’re finally going to be grandparents!”

“Yea, I guess so. Just wish it wouldn’t have been this early.”, Cassia muttered, getting up and floating towards their dresser, “Are we ok on groceries?”

“Well, probably if I can just make meals and turn them into leftovers. Why?’

“Because I think it would be a good idea if you would take Linnie to get some baby supplies while I’m at work, if he’s not puking or sick to his stomach of course.”

“But didn’t you want him to provide for the baby himself.”

“Yes, but it probably wouldn’t hurt to help him out until he gets on his feet.”, Cassia said, “And I’m thinking once Nora moves out, he can turn the guest room she’s been hogging into a nursery for the baby until Linnie is able to find a place of his own.”

“Well, the problem is getting Nora out. I know what she did was wrong but I’m not sure if I feel right about kicking her out with no job.”

“Ha! After the shit she pulled, she can rot in hell for all I care. She stopped gaining my sympathy the moment she dragged him to that bar.”

“She’s still that child’s mother…”

“That’s too damn bad. Baby is probably better without her anyways.”

Gonzo sighed as Cassia turned off the light and lied back down, turning her back away from her husband as she closed her eyes. 

“Oh, and I guess tell Daisy she’s ungrounded in the morning. I’ll find a way to formally apologize to her after work.”

The next morning, Linnie jumped as he heard a loud cheer and YES! coming from outside his room. Daisy came in, dancing as she walked in, ignoring her brother’s weird looks as she dug through her closet for something to wear, setting on a lime green and yellow striped sweater, black boot-cut jeans with a flower belt, and white boots underneath.

“Where are you headed off to? I thought you were supposed to be grounded?” Linnie asked, as Daisy danced towards her dresser to brush her lime-green hair and to put on her flower clip-on earrings.

“Dad just told me I’m ungrounded, so I’m off to the mall for my friends to find an outfit for the graduation party this weekend. Are you going?”, Daisy asked, turning to face Linnie, who was wearing a velvet, tan suit jacket under a white turtleneck sweater, black pants, and tan heeled boots, “Aren’t you hot underneath all of that? What’s the occasion?”

“Well, do you remember me telling you about that daycare I applied to? I got called in for an interview!”, Linnie cheered, smiling slightly as he applied his foundation, “They said they were super impressed with my resume.”

“Well good for you. It’s nice to know at least the baby has one parent who’s making an effort.”, Daisy said, “Don’t suppose you happen to know when Nora’s leaving right?”

“Think mama said when she was 18,000”

“Yea but I’m asking, do you know when her birthday is?”

“Not really. I’ve never really thought to ask. Why?”

“Dad wanted me to ask so we could start planning.”, Daisy said, “Plus to be quite frank, I’m ready for that skank to be gone.”

“Now who the fuck are you calling skank?”, a loud, rough, female voice boomed just outside their door. Nora stood in the frame, wearing dark blue sweats, as she invited herself in the room, getting face to face with Daisy. “I’m still a guest, you know.”

“Not anymore when you turn 18,000 on…”

“None of your damn business, that’s when!”, Nora snapped, before looking at Linnie, who watching the scene unravel with horror. “Are you going to do something to defend the mother of your child or are you just going to sit there like the hoe you are-”

SMACK

All of the sudden, Nora’s eye began to swell as it reminded Linnie more and more of a blueberry. Squaring up her shoulders and raising her fists, Nora took a few more swings at Daisy, who dodged and blocked most of them; both girls ignoring Linnie’s pleas to stop. After a couple more swings, Nora took her wand out from her pocket and stuck it at Daisy, the star tip glowing violently. 

“Nora, no! Stop!”, Linnie yelled, launching himself from his seat in hopes to defend her sister. However, in the blink of an eye, Linnie watched as Daisy dropped to her knees, and her head and replaced by one of those “golden retrievers” that he had heard about in the human world.

“What’s going on here?”, Gonzo asked, before dropping the spatula he was cooking with, watching Daisy pant like a dog on her hands and knees, Nora wearing a rather arrogant smirk on her face, and Linnie looking white as a ghost. Putting two and two together, Linnie saw a hidden rage in his father that he hadn’t seen in a long time.

“You…”, he looked right at Nora, “You better get the hell out of this house, right now.”

“Make me,.” old ma-”

POOF!

All of the sudden, Nora was nowhere to be found. In place, a tiny, cyan fly buzzed around the room, with no sense of direction. Gonzo stomped inside the room and cracked open the room, swatting Nora with his wand until she flew out. He then took his wand and turned Daisy back to normal, who dropped down in confusion, wonder what happened.

“Are you ok?”, Gonzo asked, picking Daisy up.

“Uhh..yeah…w-what happened.”

“It’s ok, I’ll explain everything when your mom gets up. Is your head hurting?”

“A little..but I can take an Advil.”

“Are you going to be ok by yourself?”

“Yea Dad, I’m fine.”, Daisy said brushing herself up, “Uhhh why is the window open?”

“Don’t worry about that. You just go do what you were going to do. I’ll explain things later.”, Gonzo said, as Daisy left the room to get some Advil from the bathroom.

“What did you mean by yourself? Where are you going?”, Linnie asked. Gonzo smiled softly.

“Well, your mom had asked me to take you baby supply shopping.”, Gonzo replied, looking at Linnie’s outfit, “Are you cold, son? What’s with all the layers?”

“I’ve got my interview today, remember? At the daycare?”

“Right well…my offer still stands afterwards. Plus I think it would be good for us to talk about plans and everything that just happened. Do you need a ride?”

[2nd2ndalto]

seeking solace in a bottle (and possibly a friend)

--

I had too many ideas for my holiday fic exchange, so I ended up writing two. This one is for @stressedanime . (I don't think it meets your wish list requirements, but hopefully you enjoy it anyway.)

The man who enters is familiar, someone Will’s seen around campus, maybe. Most people in New Rome are at least passingly familiar. He can’t remember the guy’s name, though, and he thinks he should. Nick, maybe? Will honestly doesn’t remember much right now. Which was kind of the plan when he came in here.

--

Will’s not really sure why he’s here, apart from the fact that he couldn’t bear to be alone in his apartment any longer, and this little bar on Via Cassia stays open later than all the others in New Rome.

The only thing he is sure of right now is that he doesn’t want to be sober. He’s been making a half-hearted attempt to nurse the rum & Cokes he’s been drinking since eight, but the fact remains that eight o’clock was five hours ago, and Will’s always been a lightweight.

The bartender approaches with a look that’s equal parts wry and sympathetic. “Sure you want another one?”

Will just nods. What else is he supposed to do? What comes next, when you’ve just abandoned what you always thought was your entire life’s purpose?

The door to the bar opens. Will glances towards it, reflexive. Even though each time he does, it’s with the accompanying dread that it’ll be someone he knows.

The man who enters is familiar, someone Will’s seen around campus, maybe. Most people in New Rome are at least passingly familiar. He can’t remember the guy’s name, though, and he thinks he should. Nick, maybe? Will honestly doesn’t remember much right now. Which was kind of the plan when he came in here.

A moment later, the dark-haired man heaves himself to a barstool a couple of spots down from Will. They make eye contact for a fleeting second when Will glances over, a quick nod.

“Hey, di Angelo,” the bartender greets the other man. “What can I get you?”

The answer is too low for Will to make out, but he remembers the name now. Di Angelo. Nico. They’ve had at least one class together. Something in first year. One of those tiered theatre-style lecture halls in the oldest buildings on campus. Something forgettable like intro sociology, maybe. Will has vague memories of a leather jacket and messy dark hair a few rows down from where he sat. Someone quiet, thoughtful. Didn’t speak up much.

Will stares into his drink long enough that his eyes unfocus and he starts to feel a little dizzy. It’s just a little too warm in here, and that combined with the dim lighting (and okay, the alcohol) is making him sleepy. Maybe it’s time to call it a night.

“Hey,” says a voice, and Will looks up blearily to see Nico di Angelo standing right next to him. It takes Will a second too long to focus on his face. But when he does focus – wow. The guy is really fucking pretty. Big dark eyes standing out in a pale face. And his mouth. Will very suddenly wants to trace the line of those lips, wants to see those eyes flutter closed and –

Oh shit the guy said something. Will thinks he makes a questioning noise in response. He’s not really sure.

Nico’s lips twitch, amused.

Will is mesmerized.

“You dropped your jacket,” Nico says. His voice is low and a little rough.

“Oh. Thanks,” Will says stupidly, accepting the garment.

A hint of a smile, and then Nico heads back to his seat.

Will watches him until Nico turns, quirking an eyebrow.

“You should move over here,” Will says, deciding he’s too drunk to be coy about it. He attempts to pat the stool next to him. Misses.

That half-smile again. Tired, maybe, but curious.

“Yeah? Why should I move over there?” Nico asks.

Will’s not a great judge of… anything at the moment. But he thinks Nico might be a little drunk too. Probably not as drunk as Will is. But Will’s definitely an above-the-curve drunk at the moment. So it’s a high bar.

“Because,” Will says, making a concerted effort not to slur, “I’m a little drunk, and if I try to come sit next to you,” he points waveringly at the stool beside Nico, “it’s gonna be awkward. I don’t know if I can stand right now.”

“Hmm,” Nico says, thoughtful. His eyes flick over Will’s face. After a long moment, he stands, taking the few steps over to the stool beside Will.

“Damn it,” Will realizes aloud as his words float back to him in pieces. “I was planning on not telling you how drunk I am.”

Nico’s laugh is low and soft. It makes Will want to lean in closer, ask him to do it again. He wants to feel it on his skin.

“No offense, but you weren’t doing a great job hiding it,” Nico says. “Maybe time to switch to water?”

“Yeah. You’re probably right.” Will pushes the rest of his drink over to Nico, being extra careful not to spill it all over his lap. That definitely wouldn’t help him in his current quest to appear flirty and suave.

Nico waves down the bartender and asks for a glass of water. He passes it over to Will when it arrives, and Will takes several large gulps.

“Your name’s Will, right?” Nico asks.

“Yeah.” Will blinks at him, managing to focus on the wave of dark hair falling over his forehead, his stubbled jaw. His brain is working slower than usual, and it feels as if it’s only able to process Nico in bits and pieces. But the bits and pieces are stunning. Tattoos peeking out at one wrist and at his collar. The mouthwatering contrast of his pale throat against his dark shirt. “We had a class together. Right?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Nico drops Will’s gaze, eyes dipping to his own drink. (Gods, his eyelashes are gorgeous, a gentle brush against pale cheekbones.) “But – I actually remember you from the student health centre.”

Will stares at Nico. He sways a little. Then a little more. Nico reaches out to steady him, his smile growing.

“Right!” Will says. His brain’s running a little slow right now, okay? “You had – you came in for all those vaccines!”

Nico nods. “Yeah, that was me. I um – I managed to miss most of my childhood vaccines. And like, all the – modern ones.” He looks awkward now.

“I remember now,” Will says, softer. “You were the one with the –”

Nico wrinkles his nose. “Yeah, seventy years in the Lotus Hotel.”

Will does remember, now that Nico’s reminded him. It had been a run-off-your-feet kind of a day at the health centre, Will’s part-time job. Each patient had blurred into the next. Nico would have stuck with Will anyway, because of the bizarre story of his past. But that’s not the only reason he remembers, he realizes now.

“Your hair was longer,” Will blurts out, just as Nico opens his mouth to speak. “You – you had a ponytail. And – an eyebrow piercing.” Will reaches out unthinkingly and manages to brush his fingers over Nico’s eyebrow without jabbing him in the eye. He can’t tell if Nico is impressed by this, per se, but he does go a little pink.

“Yeah. You have a good memory,” Nico says, soft.

Yeah, because you were hot, Will manages not to say out loud.

Nico looks down, turns his drink in his hands. He has beautiful hands, too, Will realizes. Slender, pale fingers, a silver skull ring on the middle finger of his left hand.

“I was kind of hoping I’d see you at the health centre the next time I came in, actually,” Nico says, raising his eyes to Will again, then keeping them there, soft. Almost defiant. “But when I came back for my second round of shots, you weren’t working.”

“Oh,” Will says, utterly disappointed in his past self. “I – I um –”

Nico glances down again, clears his throat. “My sister. Bianca – have you met her?”

Will pictures a woman with Nico’s delicate features, his mesmerizing quiet. His long lashes and pale skin. Female, but just as breathtaking. He’s pretty sure he’d remember someone like that. “I don’t think so,” he says.

Will’s not sobering up, exactly, but this conversation – and the beautiful creature across from him, of course – is proving to be an excellent distraction from his own miseries. He’s very glad he came in here tonight.

Nico’s lips quirk. ��She should have gotten all her vaccines, too. We both missed them. But she joined Diana’s Hunters, right after we got to Camp Jupiter, when we were kids. Apparently that gives you a pass.”

Will nods in understanding. “Being an immortal teenager has its perks.”

Nico rolls his eyes. “Apparently.” He looks fond, though.

“Do you see your sister often?” Will asks. There’s a sudden, intense desire to know everything about the man next to him. Keep him here, keep him talking. It’s a welcome distraction of course, but there’s also a weird feeling that they should already know each other. And that doesn’t make sense – Nico grew up in New Rome, and Will’s only been here since he started attending college.

“Yeah, we manage to meet up a few times a year, when she gets a break from hunting down monsters.” Nico huffs out a laugh. “I was so fucking jealous of that magical bow and arrow when I was a kid.”

Will grins. “Those girls are pretty cool. They’ve got that whole – otherworldly feminist aesthetic going on. You’ve got the cool black sword, though,” he adds, gesturing at Nico. And then looking closer and realizing there’s no sword in sight.

But Nico just smiles, so maybe Will’s not making a complete fool of himself. Either that, or Nico gets off on that sort of thing. Will decides he’s fine either way.

“You do have a good memory,” Nico says.

It’s a tiny little compliment, but it makes Will’s heart swell in a completely stupid way. They gaze at each other for a moment, Will wracking his brain to think of what clever thing he might be able to say to keep Nico talking.

Nico’s watching WIll carefully, like he’s looking for something he can’t quite grasp, But like he wants to. And maybe it should make Will nervous, but it just feels warm. Comforting, almost.

“I haven’t seen you in here before,” Nico says.

“No, I think this is only the second time I’ve been here.” Will clears his throat. “Do you come here – often?”

Nico’s face breaks into a slow smile. Breathtaking.

Will laughs. “I didn’t exactly mean for that to sound like a line.”

Nico quirks an eyebrow. “Exactly?”

“Well.” Will shrugs, grinning. He manages to hold Nico’s gaze until Nico looks away.

There’s still a smile playing around Nico’s lips as his gaze drops to the polished wooden bartop. “My apartment is just down the street,” he says. “I come in here to study a lot.”

Will nods. “It’s a nice little place. Cozy.”

Nico makes a sound of agreement. “It’s a good change of scenery,” he says.

Will runs a thumb down the side of his water glass, drawing a line through the condensation. “I actually came in here because I was – trying not to run into anyone I knew,” he admits. “I um. I dropped out of med school. Today.”

It feels like the floor is falling out from under him as he says the words out loud for the first time. And he’s not completely sure why he’s telling Nico this. But it feels right.

“Really? Today?”

“Yup. That’s why I’m –” Will gestures to himself, “not so sober.”

“Well, shit,” Nico says.

Will looks up to see Nico surveying him with sympathy.

“It’s a good thing,” Will assures him. “I’ve – it’s been coming for a long time. I just finally got up the nerve to do it.” He stares down at the bar top for a long moment, swallows hard. Nico’s hand suddenly appears in his field of vision, gently removing Will’s empty water glass and replacing it with a new one.

“Sounds like it was a tough decision,” Nico says, soft.

Will nods. He is not going to cry in front of a complete stranger. Probably. Will blinks hard. Nico’s hand appears again, this time a gentle squeeze to Will’s wrist before retreating.

“Speaking as an almost-complete stranger, I’m proud of you,” Nico says.

Will lets out a wet laugh, looks up to a warm, gentle gaze. “Thanks,” he whispers.

And then, somehow, he starts telling Nico everything. What it was like growing up at Camp Half Blood. Learning to save his friends’ lives as a literal child. The way he’d sob half the night in his cabin sometimes, desperately homesick. How, just as he started to feel like he was getting his footing at Camp, he lost Michael, and Lee, and so many others. The way so much responsibility fell to him, and he just took it. Because what else was he supposed to do?

The way everyone just assumed he’d be a doctor someday, and the way Will just accepted it, too. The way it never really felt right, and how very long it’s taken to make sense of that.

And Nico, an almost-complete stranger, listens. And seems to care, to understand.

When Will’s throat is dry from talking more than he has in months, Nico shares, too. He fills in all the blanks Will’s wondered about – his childhood at Camp Jupiter and the years before, at the Lotus. Losing his mother. Losing his memories. Being raised by his sister – the only one in the world who knew him – and then having her leave, too.

Nico’s brow is furrowed, and he’s twisting the ring on his finger. “I felt like it wasn’t even fair for me to complain about it, you know? I still had my sister, she was just – off with her new friends. So many other kids at Camp had had their siblings actually die. Well – like you did.” His eyes flit to Will’s for a second, hesitant.

Will can’t help the impulse to touch, to offer comfort. It’s kind of in his DNA, after all. He reaches a hand out, laying it over Nico’s. “You’re still allowed to be sad even though bad things happen to other people too,” Will says, gentle.

Nico nods, his gaze on their hands. He seems to take a moment to collect himself, then turns his hand to hold Will’s back, a gentle squeeze. Nico’s hands are smaller than Will’s, a bit cooler. It’s an awfully nice fit, Will can’t help but think. Comfortable.

Maybe Nico feels it too, because he keeps talking, now with his hand in Will’s, punctuating with the occasional squeeze or stroke of his thumb. He talks about struggling to accept himself – his parentage and his sexuality. Being forced to come out before he was ready, and then losing Jason Grace, the first friend who Nico felt had really accepted him without question.

“I was supposed to meet up with them tonight,” Nico says. He finished his drink at least half an hour ago, and he hasn’t ordered another. “My friends – the ones who were closest to Jason. We meet every year on the anniversary of his death, to remember him. And I know it’s good for me to go. But I just…” Nico shrugs. “I’m not always good. With people. So I blew them off and came here instead.”

“And you ended up having to listen to my sob story all night,” Will says. A little regret seeps in as the effects of the alcohol start to fade and he realizes just exactly how much he’s talked Nico’s ear off.

Nico shakes his head.“No. I’m glad. That I ran into you.” He looks up, shy, but solemn.

“Me too,” Will says, soft. They gaze at each other for a long moment, something warm fizzing between them, their hands still joined. Will’s sure Nico’s gaze darts to his mouth.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything else?” the bartender asks. “Last call.”

Will binks, startled out of the little bubble they’d been sinking into.

“A shot of nectar?” Nico says.

The bartender nods.

“Make it two,” Will says. It should stave off any impending hangover. It’ll sober him up a little faster, too. He’s spent the last hour certain in the knowledge that he wants to kiss this guy he just happened to run into at a bar on one of the worst nights of his life. And he thinks he’d like to be sober for that.

They’re the only two left in the bar, and as they step back out onto the street, Will hears the door locking behind them.

“Where do you live?” Nico asks. His face is bathed in the golden light still shining from the bar. It catches on his hair, the shine in his dark eyes.

“Oh, I’m – across town,” Will says. “It’s okay, though. It’s a nice night for a walk.”

Nico nods, his gaze flicking over Will’s face. “It is.”

Now that they’re both standing, Will has the opportunity to appreciate the height difference between the two of them. He likes it. A lot. Nico is several inches shorter, delicate everywhere Will can see. Slight shoulders, narrow waist. Will wants to scoop him up in his arms and carry him… somewhere. Somewhere softer and more private.

There’s a beat of silence in which Will struggles to tame the butterflies in his stomach enough to make some kind of a move.

“Walk me home?” Nico asks with a small smile.

Will grins, a trickle of relief. “Yeah. Okay.”

Nico’s apartment is only half a block away, and the walk is over far too quickly. They pause again at the steps to the building.

Will is not exactly bad at flirting, but at points like this, where it feels as if the pressure’s on and he just needs to do something – well. These aren’t his smoothest moments.

They’re standing close. He thinks Nico opens his mouth to say something. Will can only think of a single thing he wants.

“I’d really like to kiss you,” Will says in a rush. After all, the worst Nico can say is no. And the past few hours aside, Will’s already having a terrible day. Getting rejected by this beautiful boy won’t really make it that much worse.

But Nico looks up, a slow, shy smile. “Okay.”

As first kisses go, Will would put it in his top three, definitely. It’s soft, and sweet, and when they both sway closer for a second attempt, Will takes a half-step in, and Nico’s hands rise to Will’s arms, a light grip that sends heat sparking across Will’s skin.

Nico pulls back first, just enough to speak. “Do you wanna come up?” His breath rushes over Will’s lips. There’s only one possible answer.

It’s anything but soft and sweet when Nico finally fumbles open the door of the apartment. They reach for each other immediately, falling against the inside of the door, Will pinning Nico to the solid wood with a soft thump. Nico’s hands are everywhere – cradling Will’s face, and then smoothing down his arms, tracing the shape of him, gripping his waist. Twisting into the belt loops of his jeans and pulling him closer.

Will’s mouth is everywhere, licking and sucking at Nico’s plush lips, then mouthing messily at the angle of his jaw, working at Nico’s neck until Nico moans.

Will decides in that moment that he doesn’t ever want to let his mouth part from Nico’s sweet skin, and he covers every exposed inch with kisses, Nico’s pale throat and the hollow of his collarbone, the line of his jaw and the soft skin under his ear until Nico’s gasping, tilting his head back against the door, fingers clutching at the waistband of Will’s pants.

“I – I don’t usually do this. If that matters,” Nico gasps.

It doesn’t, but – “me either,” Will manages between kisses. And it’s true, but he can’t imagine this night ending any other way, like it was promised from the beginning. From the moment he stepped into the bar tonight, or maybe earlier, maybe always. That’s probably a stupid thing to think, but Will’s brain isn’t exactly in top form right now.

He loses still more brain power as Nico yanks Will’s shirt up, presses cool fingers to his stomach, smooths over his waist. Nico’s hands rise higher, caressing Will’s chest, over the flutter of his heart.

Nico’s touch is impatient but startlingly gentle, like Will’s something precious. It brings a swirl of emotions that Will definitely isn’t going to unpack right this second. Especially when he feels Nico’s fingers fumbling for his belt, then his fly. Will thinks Nico’s hands are shaking. He thinks his might be, too. This, stupidly, feels far more monumental than a random hookup probably should.

Will clumsily kisses his way back to Nico’s beautiful lips just as Nico shoves a hand into Will’s boxers, gets a good grip and squeezes. Will whines into Nico’s mouth and Nico kisses it away, hot and wet and persistent, his tongue sliding against Will’s.

“I want you in my mouth. Is that okay?” Nico gasps.

Will can only nod, then make an absolutely stupid sound as Nico drops to his knees.

He thinks Nico mutters, “fuck, you’re big,” but then he’s not thinking much of anything, because Nico’s mouth is hot and wet and he’s sucking and stroking and pressing closer like he’s never wanted anything more in his life.

Nico doesn’t have roommates, does he? Hopefully not, because Nico doesn’t warn Will to be quieter – and Will is being loud frankly. Nico is, too, making the most obscene wet noises as he sucks and mouths at Will’s cock, little whines that zip heat through Will’s veins.

Will’s hands settle lightly on Nico’s head. Gods, his hair is soft, and the way it slips between Will’s fingers sends a fresh wave of heat crashing over him. He tightens his fingers, just a tentative grasp, but Nico moans around him, his rhythm stuttering. Nico’s hand flies up, closing over Will’s and squeezing, encouraging. Will holds tighter, eliciting another beautiful moan, Nico’s mouth working over him, everywhere.

Everything is fuzzy and heat and beautiful little bursts of sound coming from both of them, wet noises, sighs and moans. Will’s so lost in it, his world narrowed down to Nico’s hands and Nico’s mouth and the pleasure pulsing through his body, incandescent.

He’s so close now, his hips beginning to jerk unevenly as he fights to stay still. He needs something more than his fingers in Nico’s hair to keep him upright, and he falls heavily against the door with one hand above Nico’s head.

Nico stills a little, the motion of his hand slowing. He’s breathing hard, carefully trying to take Will deeper. Will’s body floods with heat, not to mention appreciation, and he tries very hard to stay still, his own breath coming in sharp little gasps.

Will’s sure he hits the back of Nico’s throat. Nico makes a choking sound, but doesn’t stop, doesn’t loosen his grip, swallowing again and stroking, stroking. Will focuses all of his strength on not letting his knees buckle. He’s shaking everywhere, teetering on the edge.

“Nico –” It’s the only warning Will manages before he’s pulsing, spilling into Nico’s throat. “Sorry –” he gasps, but Nico just hums, shakes his head, swallows again and again until Will whimpers, loosening his grip on Nico’s hair.

Will drops to his knees then, cradling Nico’s face, kissing him hard, licking his own taste out of Nico’s mouth until Nico moans with it. One handed, Will hikes his jeans back up. They’re both still wearing shoes for gods’ sake, but, careful as he can, he lowers Nico onto the thick, expensive-looking runner in the front hall. Nico goes down easily with a little whine, tugging Will on top of him and bucking up against Will’s thigh when he presses it between Nico’s legs.

Will desperately wants to make a good impression here, but the truth is he’s so wild to get at Nico’s bare skin that he’s not sure he does a great job, grinding into Nico where he’s so hard against Will’s thigh, mouthing at his collarbones while he shoves a hand under Nico’s shirt, probably leaving stubble burn and maybe a hickey or two behind. Nico doesn’t seem to mind, anyway, arching and gasping and clutching at Will’s shoulders.

Will moves lower, wet, clumsy kisses down Nico’s body, simultaneously fumbling with the fastenings on Nico’s jeans. He shoves jeans and underwear halfway down Nico’s thighs. Will finds himself very much hoping there’ll be a next time, when he can get them both undressed properly. When they can take their time.

For now, Will takes a brief moment to admire everything he’s uncovered before diving in, nuzzling into the crease of Nico’s thigh, against his balls, pressing quick kisses up Nico’s dick until he sucks the head into his mouth. Nico keens, hips shifting, restless.

Will licks everywhere, ensuring everything is nice and slick before adding his hand, too, firm slow strokes that make Nico let out a long moan. Will tries, then, to do what Nico did for him – because it was really fucking hot – tries to steady his breathing, take Nico as far in as he can, mouth and throat working.

But he comes up spluttering and gagging, eyes watering.

Nico props himself up on an elbow, brow furrowed. “Shit, sorry –”

“My fault,” Will gasps. “I was trying to impress you.”

And Nico’s expression falls into something so fond that Will nearly dives right back in to give it another try.

“I was already impressed, sunshine,” Nico says. His chest is rising and falling rapidly, lips swollen from their kissing. He levers himself up a little further, strokes Will’s face. “You were doing great. I don’t need anything special.”

You deserve everything, Will wants to say, but that’s far too intense a thing to say to this guy who he’s only known for a few hours, so he lowers his head again and gets back to work. He must be doing okay anyway, because before long he’s got Nico panting and making these intoxicating little thrusts with his hips and a second later Nico cries out, the sound echoing through the little apartment. Will loosens the grasp of his hand, sucks Nico gently through the aftershocks until he groans, collapsing back onto the floor.

“Fuck,” Nico breathes.

Will’s in complete agreement, collapsed against Nico’s thigh, breathing him in, floating back down. One of Nico’s hands fumbles to Will’s head, stroking through his hair, careful.

There’s quiet for a few blissful minutes, the slam of a door somewhere down the hallway.

The apartment is dark, but there’s enough light filtering from between half-cracked blinds for Will to make sense of his surroundings. It’s a cozy little space, old like most of the buildings in New Rome, and it’s cluttered with bookcases and papers, photos and trinkets. All the little bits of Nico that Will thinks he’d like to learn, eventually. There’s a dark sword lying across the coffee table, and it catches a line of soft light shining from the window.

Nico clears his throat. “I’m sober enough to take you home. If you want. But you’re welcome to stay. I – have a bed. It’s a lot more comfortable than the floor.”

When Will lifts his head enough to see Nico’s face, there’s a quiet fire in his eyes, something sure and simmering.

“Are you okay with me staying?” Will asks. He thinks he could probably sleep right here, face pressed to the crease of Nico’s thigh, feet from the apartment door. Mostly, he’s not quite ready for this evening to end.

“Yeah,” Nico smiles.

They prepare for bed together. And maybe it’s just the lingering effects of the alcohol, but Will keeps double-taking at how normal this all feels: Nico hanging Will’s jacket for him and giving him a quick tour of the apartment. Showing Will to the bathroom, and digging out a spare toothbrush. Idle, silly conversation as they prepare to climb into bed together. Nico’s in flannel pajama pants now, Will in his boxers and t-shirt.

There’s a little flutter of nerves as they climb into bed, but only because Will’s not quite sure what happens now. They settle on their sides, facing each other. Pale moonlight catches the shine of Nico’s hair.

“I’m glad I went to the bar tonight,” Nico whispers. He keeps saying these little things, low and earnest, that make Will’s heart throb in his chest, make his throat tight. Will’s probably reading too much into it, though. It wouldn’t be the first time. And besides, it’s been a long, emotional day.

“Me too,” he manages, and Nico smiles at him in the dark.

Will reaches a hand across the small space between them and Nico takes it, automatic.

“Full disclosure,” Will says, “I’m a bit of a cuddler.”

Nico’s smile becomes something warmer and fonder. “I’d be up for some cuddling.”

They shuffle towards the middle of the bed, feeling each other out, finally settling against each other curled like commas, Will with an arm snug around Nico’s waist.

This is so far from how Will expected this day to end. It's pretty damn far from anything he ever thought his life would look like, in fact: med school drop out, no concrete plans for what to do next, curled up in bed (and possibly half in love) with a guy he met a couple of hours ago.

But he presses his nose into Nico’s hair, and Nico sighs and settles against him, and for the first time in so long, Will doesn't feel like he's on the wrong path.

Notes:

1. Thank you to @anything-thats-rock-and-roll for the beta! 2. Title is from the Indigo Girls' Closer to Fine 3. I've been waiting for an opportunity to use the "unvaccinated Nico di Angelo" tag :)

[tinycoded360]

Sterling Household-Acorns

The Borrowfield family huddled in the cozy confines of their wall. Milton's voice was low but animated as he outlined the afternoon's mission to his attentive brood.

“We will be gathering acorns for Emma," Milton said, his brow furrowed in determination. "She was kind to share her knowledge and supplies with us. Now, we repay her generosity."

"Remember, we move together, and we watch out for one another," Cassia added, her maternal eyes scanning each of her children, from the responsible Agnes to the wide-eyed Finn. The siblings nodded, understanding their task's importance and its dangers.

As they ventured into the backyard, the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. 

Milton led the way, spear at the ready, his sharp eyes scanning for threats. Cassia mirrored his vigilance on the flank, her own weapon poised. Acorns lay scattered across the grass like treasures waiting to be claimed, their brown shells gleaming in the soft light. To the Borrowfields, these were not mere seeds but sustenance, the size of small melons that promised nourishment.

"Look, there's a cluster over there!" Pippin whispered eagerly, pointing towards a bounty beneath an oak’s sprawling roots.

"Quietly now," Milton reminded him, even as he shared his son's excitement.

Agnes and Lila moved gracefully, their small hands working deftly to gather the acorns. They synchronized their efforts when they rolled the heavy nuts one by one toward the bag. Finn, his little legs struggling to keep up, pushed with all his might, his face screwed up in determination.

"Good job, Finn!" Lila encouraged, her gentle voice bolstering her brother's spirits.

"Into the bag, carefully now," Cassia directed as she helped hoist an acorn over the rim. The big bag slowly swelled with their foraged goods.

A shadow passed overhead, a bird on the hunt, and Milton tensed, spear lifted. The children froze, but the danger passed, the creature unaware of the tiny family below.

"Let's get these back to Emma," Milton said, satisfied with their haul. Together, they hoisted the hefty bag, shoulders touching, each bearing the weight.

When they arrived at Emma's portion of the wall leading into the basement, Cassie tugged on a string hanging down from a wooden panel. Emma had created this to trigger a doorbell-like system, announcing any friendly arrivals.

"Who is it?" came the muffled voice from the other side, feigning ignorance despite knowing full well who would visit at this hour.

"It's us, Emma," Lila chimed, unable to contain her excitement.

The panel slid open, revealing Emma's smiling face. "My, my, what have we here?" she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling as they fell upon the bulging bag.

"We've brought you acorns, Emma," Pippin said proudly, puffing out his chest a little as he spoke.

"Such a treat! And such fine company," Emma beamed, stepping aside to allow them entry into her cozy abode.

"Thank you, dear friends," Emma continued, her hands clasping over her heart. "Your visits mean more to me than any feast."

Milton set the bag down with a soft thud. "We couldn't forget you, Emma. Not when you've guided us through so much."

Emma wasted no time preparing to work; her movements were practiced and sure. She cracked the acorns with a well-worn stone, deft fingers prying open the shells to reveal the tender meat within. A small fire crackled in a makeshift hearth, carefully enclosed by stones scavenged from the basement area. As Emma stirred a dollop of honey into a tiny iron pan, the Borrowfields' eyes widened at the sight of the golden syrup melting over the heat.

"Just a touch of sweetness." She tossed the acorn meats into the pan, and they sizzled as they met the honey. The cozy space began to fill with the comforting aroma of nuts roasting.

Lila's nose, twitching at the delicious smell, tugged at her father's shirt. "Papa," she said, gleaming of mischief in her eye, "what do you think about getting more acorns? We could have honey-roasted nuts for days!"

Finn, ever the shadow of his sister's ambition, nodded vigorously. "Yes, please! Let’s go now!" His tiny voice was full of yearning for another adventure.

Milton glanced down at his children, his expression softening with affection even as he shook his head. "No, Lila, Finn. We've gathered plenty today," he replied, his voice firm yet gentle.

Cassia came to stand beside her husband, laying a hand on each child's head. "It's too risky to go out again, especially alone.”

Not satisfied with this answer, the two youngest children waited until the adults were lost in conversation, and Emma was absorbed in her culinary craft.

"Come on," Lila whispered, her voice barely a flutter as she tugged at Finn's sleeve. His wide-eyed nod betrayed his eagerness as they slipped away.

The backyard was a wild realm of towering grass blades and looming flowers, and the setting sun cast long shadows across the terrain.

"Look, Lila!" Finn exclaimed in a whisper, pointing towards a particularly plump acorn nestled at the base of a dandelion.

"Careful, Finn," Lila cautioned, but her warning was tinged with pride at her brother's keen eye.

Their collection grew, and each acorn was carefully selected and placed into the pouch. 

Whiskers, with her sleek coat and piercing eyes, had spotted the tiny intruders in her domain. Her tail twitched with predatory interest, her gaze fixed on Lila and Finn as if they were nothing more than mice to be toyed with.

"Run!" Lila shouted, her voice breaking the spell of silence as fear surged through her veins.

Finn's hand clenched around hers, his little legs pumping furiously as they dashed for the safety of the wall. Whiskers pounced forward, her movements graceful and lethal—a striking contrast to the panic-stricken scramble of the Borrowfield siblings.

"Quickly, Finn!" Lila urged, her breath coming in sharp gasps. She could feel the cat's presence closing in, a whisper of danger on the breeze.

"Almost there!" Finn cried, his determination burning bright despite his trembling limbs.

Lila dared a look back, her heart thundering against her chest as Whiskers leapt, her claws extending in anticipation of the catch.

They darted toward the house, their minuscule legs pumping furiously as Whiskers gained on them. The cat's paw swiped out, missing Finn by mere inches.

Panic surged through Lila's tiny form as she darted with Finn in tow, darting between the blades. Whiskers was upon them in moments, her paw batting at the siblings with a casual cruelty that sent them tumbling across the ground. The cat's claws snagged Lila's dress, ripping it as they made their desperate bid for freedom.

"Stay behind me!" Lila gasped, pushing Finn down into a small hollow beneath a fallen leaf. But Whiskers was relentless, her playful mauling a terrifying ordeal for the Borrower children. With each swipe of her massive paw, Finn wailed, his tears mingling with the dirt on his face.

Lila, driven by a fierce protective instinct, swung her tiny arm, aiming futile blows at the cat's unyielding sides. Her efforts were fruitless; to Whiskers, she was nothing but a mouse, a plaything to be subdued and toyed with. The cat's paw came down hard, pinning Lila to the earth. Terror seized her heart as Whiskers leaned in, her fangs piercing Lila's leg. A sharp cry escaped her lips as she grappled with the agony and fear that she might be eaten.

"Please, no," Lila screamed, her leg on fire. She could see Finn, tears streaming down his face, rooted to the spot by fear.

"Whiskers! No! Bad cat!" The thunderous command came from above as Sterling, the giant human, stormed into view. His massive hand scooped up Whiskers, lifting her away from the Borrowfield children with ease.

"Drop it," he ordered sternly, and Whiskers complied, releasing Lila as if she were nothing but a plaything. Sterling held the cat in his arms, his gaze locked on the tiny figures below. Concern etched deep lines on his forehead, his eyes betraying the struggle within.

"Go on, scoot," he murmured, giving the children time to escape. Lila, her leg bleeding, clutched Finn close and hobbled away as fast as their little legs would carry them.

Sterling watched from the corner of his eye, noting the trail of crimson drops left by the tiny girl. His heart clenched, and for a moment, the urge to intervene, to scoop them up and offer aid, nearly overtook him. He had become aware of the tiny people living in his home about a week ago. He had chosen to ignore them, hoping they would be comfortable enough to make themselves known to him one day. He didn’t want to scare them off by trying to capture them.

Taking advantage of the moment, Lila grabbed Finn's hand, pulling him to his feet. They stumbled towards the crack in the wall, their escape a mixture of pain and determination. Lila felt the weight of the giant's gaze upon them, but he did not move.

As the siblings slipped into the safety of the wall, Sterling straightened up and returned to his home with his cat.

In the safety of the wall, Lira held her little brother close.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."

Finn hiccuped. "The adventure wasn't fun," he mumbled into her shoulder. “At least the giant didn’t get us; I don’t even think he saw us!”

Lila bit her lip, glancing at her brother. He didn't need to know the truth — that the giant's eyes had met theirs. It would be her secret; she didn’t want to cause her family to move.

Before they could rise, Milton and Cassia were upon them. Arms enveloped the small, shaken bodies, lifting them into a warm embrace.

"Never again," Cassia muttered, her voice a mix of anger and desperation. "You must understand, never again."

"Sorry, Mama," Finn mumbled, burying his face into her shoulder.

"Sorry," echoed Lila, the single word encapsulating the weight of her regret.

Her father put a hand on her shoulder. His expression was stern, but his eyes were kind. "You disobeyed us and put yourself and your brother in danger. You won't be going on more adventures for a long time, young lady."

Lila nodded, blinking back tears. "I understand."

"But we're just glad you made it back to us." Her father hugged her, and Lila buried her face in his shoulder, relief and guilt warring inside her.

She winced as Milton scooped her up, his eyes quickly assessing the crimson stain spreading down her leg. Cradling her close, he whispered reassurances meant more for himself than for her. "You'll be alright, my brave little girl."

They retreated further into the safety of Emma's dwelling.

Lila winced as Emma dabbed at the bite mark on her leg with a damp cloth, sterilizing the wound.

"There, there," Emma said gently.

Agnes gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You were so brave, Lila. We're proud of you for protecting Finn like that."

Lila managed a watery smile. Her sister always knew the right thing to say.

At last, Emma finished bandaging their injuries. "All done. Now, let's get you some of those acorn nuts. Food will help take your mind off the pain, and Milton brought back some willow bark from his last trip. I can make a poultice to help with swelling and relieve discomfort."

Milton held Lila snugly against his chest, her tiny form cradled by his sturdy arms. She savored the sweetness of the acorn nut in her mouth, the rich taste momentarily distracting her from the throbbing in her leg. Milton kissed the top of her head, his voice barely above a whisper. "Next time I'm out, I'll bring back some pain medicine for you," he promised, stroking her hair.

On Cassia's lap, Finn burrowed closer, his small body seeking the solace of his mother's warmth. Her fingers traced soothing circles on his back, lulling him into a state of calm after the day's harrowing events. His eyes fluttered closed, the earlier tears replaced by the drooping lids.

Across the room, Agnes and Pippin engaged in lively conversation with Emma, their voices bubbling with laughter and punctuated by the crunch of the acorn nuts. They spoke of trivial things.

Lila's sniffles broke through the contented hum of conversation. Milton pulled her even closer.

"Everything's going to be alright," he reassured her.

Chapter 3