#dios mio they move. miracle

[reinabeestudio]

Now what the hell is going on here: part 2 electric boogaloo

[yellowcry]

This ride goes where?

At first, Luisa thought that she hallucinated. But, under Mirabel's skin was a weak, barely audible pulse. But, just upon getting out, she stumbled into Abuelo.

For @miracles-and-butterflies Based on "Pedro ruins lives au"

TW: Suicide, Abuse.

No, no, oh Dios Mio!

Luisa's lungs could've just blown out from terror. Her heart could beat fast enough for both her and Mirabel 

Her younger sister lay on the floor, not moving for a single centimeter. Quiet and still. Luisa's guts twitched upon the sight. The blood dripped down her neck, painting a soft carpet under her body. Luisa felt like throwing up. The room was breathless, quieter than void. Luisa's sight jumped upon the note on the table next to the door. She didn't read it through, her mind went wild just from the idea. A heavy realization that didn't even need a note from the bedside table to be understood.

Luisa's body moved without her will, kneeling next to a tiny girl. A crippling fear twisted her guts, pushing her mind deeper and deeper into the storming water, drowning her under the waves of horrifying sorrow.

"Tic"

At first, Luisa thought that she hallucinated. But, under Mirabel's skin was a weak, barely audible pulse. A last thread to her life that hadn't ripped off. A shaking breath escaped Luisa's lips. Mirabel was alive. Her sister hadn't died. There was a chance to save her. Luisa would make it up, she would do everything. She wouldn't let Mirabel out of her sight, she would heal every wound on her heart, make sure that her sister knew how important she was. 

What was she supposed to do? 'Run to the hospital' — her mind realized, pushing her up of bare adrenaline, she was strong and pretty tall. She could make it in time. Luisa picked Mirabel up carefully, not daring to touch the cut. 

Just upon getting out, she stumbled into Abuelo.

Her grandfather rubbed his buttoned shirt, annoyed by such a sudden meeting. "Luisa, what are you—" His voice was cut off as he looked up, seeing who was in Luisa's arms. For a brief moment, there was an utter terror in his wrinkly face as his eyes slid upon the blood on Mirabel's neck. "What happened?" He breathed out in terror, his teeth bared, and protruded brown eyes shifted to Luisa's face.

"She... She..." Her voice stumbled, the words died in her throat. Luisa hugged Mirabel closer. She didn't want this, if only she spent more time with her baby sister, maybe nothing of this would've happened. She let Mirabel out and now she was at the brink of death.

She winced as Abuelo grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the staircase in a tight grip. It would be easy for her to break out, but the terror made her knees buckle. Mirabel was bleeding out in her arms, and Abuelo was shaking with anger. Usually, it meant...

Oh... God... no, no... 

"Abuelo, please!" Luisa yelled, tearing her vocal cord, begging for him to listen. She stumbled, being thrown into his room. "She's alive! She's still..." A slap on her face made her wince, breathing stopped for a bit. 

Abuelo was mad. And Luisa knew it. He was often mad with her, way more often than when he wasn't. But this time it was even worse. Maybe even worse than when Tía and Tío had run away with their sons. His heavy breathing rang across the room. The loud sound of his boots alone was enough to scare Luisa. She knew the pain that would follow. A bursting agony while he hit her again and again.

"She's alive! A- Abuelo, Mirabel hasn't died yet!" She wanted him to listen, he had to let her out, allow her to make things right. He didn't react, too consumed by his own despair over losing yet another family member.

In a rough movement, Abuelo grabbed Mirabel out of her arms, dropping her on the ground. A motionless body tumbled, grasping the dust onto the embroidered clothes. "Take her name out of her mouth!" Abuelo hissed, tightening the rope around her wrists. Luisa felt her breathing getting heavy. She gasped frantically, in a desperate attempt to get enough air to speak. 

"She's alive!" Why couldn't he listen to her? Luisa wanted to help, she wanted to save her sister and make things right.

Abuelo didn't flinch, too angry to pay attention to her words. He raised Luisa's sleeve, movement so bad that one of the threads fell off. "It's your fault!" He shouted, gripping her arm painfully, his nails dug into Luisa's bruised skin. "What is wrong with you?! How could you do this to her?"

"I haven't done anything!" That was exactly where she was guilty. If only she was a better sister nothing if this would've happened. 

A book, a huge encyclopedia slammed against her skin. Luisa gasped in pain. It wasn't something unusual, but it didn't make it less painful. The blood rushed to the wound, forming a red spot on the fading bruises. Her chest rose, as she struggled in a desperate attempt to break free from the rope. "She needs to get to hospital!" Luisa's voice hitched, pain from another blow spread through her arms. "Please, get her to the hospital! Do whatever you want with me later" 

Luisa didn't care how strongly Abuelo would punish her. He was right in one thing, it was her fault and she deserved it. But right now it was about Mirabel's life. Luisa would be glad to beat herself to half-death later if it meant saving her hermanita. 

Abuelo did not seem to listen, leading to another hit. "Stop speaking! You're the reason she's dead!" Luisa couldn't argue with this. But she needed to help Mirabel. "Why would she do something like this if it wasn't for you?"

Luisa breathed out in horror. "I don't know?" Another yelp escaped her lips from a hit. Her locals tensed, fighting against this agony that crawled across her limbs. Tears welled up in her eyes. She wasn't sure if it was from pain or from Mirabel's situation.

Pedro's nostrils widened. "She was so ashamed of having such a failure as her sister that she preferred to be dead!" Luisa didn't argue on that. Whatever the reason, she knew that she was guilty. Pedro blinked to hold back the tears that threatened to get out.

 "Get her to the hospital, please!" Was her only concern. She didn't want to lose any more time. 

"Don't talk to me! If it wasn't for you, Mirabel would still be alive!" Luisa's muscles tensed in terror of his words. Her neck cracked, staying still.

"I'm sorry!" She felt like she was suffocating. The book pushed her deeper and deeper with every second. She didn't mean to hurt Mirabel, she wanted for everyone to be safe more than anything. 

"If it was up to me, I would put you in a metal bull. Your favorite Greeks have one, right?"

Her exhaling stopped for a brief second. A metallic bull. One of the horrifying ways of execution in Ancient Greece. Luisa pulled her legs closer trembling in horror. She always knew that Abuelo didn't like her, but now he confirmed that he would gladly put her to the most painful death possible. Even Pedro himself looked shocked for a moment. A brief realization that it was a bit too far among the rage he felt. But it didn't stop him.

Her heart felt like it was squeezed, crushed inside her ribs. Her voice cracked, pressed down by screaming.

The blows climbed from her arms up to her shoulders. Sometimes they lay upon other bruises, sometimes her clear skin was affected too. Abuelo's anger boiled inside of him, making it impossible to speak through his walls. Luisa had no problem with the fact that Pedro blamed her. She blamed herself too, for not being a good sister. She didn't protect Mirabel. But she wanted to fix it. Lord, just give her another chance. She would do anything for Mirabel, make it so her hermanita wouldn't be so ashamed of her.

And she kept begging, trying to get another chance. Luisa couldn't stand the idea of losing Mirabel. 

It took so long, before Abuelo calmed down a little, allowing Luisa to get out. She gasped, rubbing off the blood from her shoulders. It was painful as hell. Nothing new if Luisa was honest. It wasn't important right now. She needed to get Mirabel to the hospital.

Luisa carefully picked up her baby sister, gently squeezing her pale from blood loss wrist. She will be fine... Luisa will fix it. 

There was no pulse this time.

[gamerbearmira]

A little something for the Baby Mirabel au

It was morning the day after Antonio's gift ceremony and fifth birthday to be more precise. No one was awake but one person was sturing the person who usually wakes everyone else for the day: Mirabel.

Even before her eyes open Mirabel is immediately filled with the sensation of.... Offness. Not wrong but not normal either 'I feel weird' is the first thought that crosses her mind followed quickly by 'I need to get up'. As soon as her eyes open the offness intensifies 'Why is everything so big?' she looks around confused not yet trying to get up after a moment of this she shakes her head 'I don't have time for this I need to get up wake everyone and save the miracle.' only when she tried to get up she finds that she.... Can't? What!? Why can't she get up? And who is whimpering? And why is she so hungry right now? And kinda wet and cold? All of these things combined together creates a powerful feeling of panic, fear and slight anger now the whimpers have turned to small cries and she swears she can hear Casita knocking on a door and said door open a little. she tries to move but again can't the more she wiggles around the more agitated she gets and the more agitated she gets the louder the cries before too long they become big wails she faintly hears the sound of the door from earlier opening more and the sounds of rushing feet.

Her door crashes open and rushing in is her Mami followed quickly by her papi 'Mami Papi Help I can't move and I'm hungry and wet and cold and someone's crying' Mirabel tries to say to her parents but no words were truly heard just the sounds of babbling and crying much to mirabels confusion. Her mother falters at the door her father right behind her "Oh dios mio...." Her mami put her hands over her mouth 'What!? What is it?! Mami?' Mirabel once again tries to ask but again only babbling mixed with crying was heard which just made Mirabel more confused. She watches Her mother through squinty tear filled (oh she was the one crying) eyes she watches her lower her hands from her mouth slowly and then quickly shake her head and take a deep breath moving forward as she did so coming right to the edge of the bed and before Mirabel knows it she's in her mother's arms.... How is she? "Mirabel! My baby oh my baby! Mamis here it's ok!"

Before mirabel can wrap her mind around the fact that's she's fitting comfortably in her mother's arms she's finds herself being rocked and being pressed firmly against her mothers front being cradled like.... Well like a baby. "Oh Mirabel don't cry mariposa it's ok we'll figure out what happened." Her mother is trying to sound soothing but Mirabel recognizes the panic in her voice ''figure out what happened?' Did something happen? what happened?!' she begins to walk to the door allowing Mirabel to get a glimpse of herself for the first time that day as her mother walks past her vanity and oh..... Oh that's not good.

Because resting comfortably in her mother's arms is a version of herself she only recognizes through photos. Photos taken years ago, almost about 15 years ago give or take a few months. Yes in her mother's arms was a baby version of her 'Mierda' is the only thought in Mirabels head.

That's all for now hope you like it.

PLEASEEE???? I LOVE THIS SO MUCH…she Fr started freaking out and I don’t blame her 😭 I would freak tf out too, she had no way of knowing what was going going, no warning, so heads up, NOTHING. And then her parents come in and look slightly freaked out?? And then she sees her reflection??? Surprised she didn’t start crying again, cause the miracle took her back to square one 💀💀

Mirabel after seeing her reflection:

[just-my-fandom]

Crash and Burn (Camilo Madrigal x Teenager! Reader)

Summary; Reader gets caught in the Casita crumbling and Camilo worries for her safety, putting himself at risk.

Warnings; Emotional Pepa, minor fighting, injuries.

Tagged: @afluffyboi @bandshirts-andbooks @cloudysskies @erinisrighthere @alexloveskili

A/N: This is just a small snippet to get the hang of writing for Encanto, but please please PLEASE send requests for any of the characters! I’m loving this!

“The miracle is dying because of you!”

A rough rumble leads your eyes to look up at the Casita in alarm. The cracks in the walls were worse. The tiles crumbled to the floor around you.

“No no- It’s falling-!” Pepas voice yelled out, alerted. Then, the house began to tumble. From your spot opposite of the once arguing family, you watch as Camilo immediately began to move towards you.

Unlike his family, you had no powers to protect yourself. It seemed the house had other plans, because as soon as Camilo stepped forward, the tiles underneath his feet lift, rolling him back and nearly into a wall,

“Everyone get out!! Now!” Felixs shout startles you to finally move your legs, gasping as you foot catches on a moving tile, dropping to your hands and knees with a hiss of pain.

“Y/N!” You hear Pepas shriek for you, looking up in time for Camilo to shove off the wall, Felix and Pepa both beginning to shout for their son,

“Camilo!” Pepa calls, desperately, Camilo exhaling breathlessly as he slides across a knocked over table, “Camilo stop!! Be careful!”

The boy slides to his knees in front of you, hands grasping your arms to tug you- hard- against his front, your arms wrapping around him to duck into his chest, feeling debris begin to rain above you as the house gave out.

You hear scraping as Pepa continued to scream, eyes barely opening to see that Casita had shielded you and Camilo with pieces of wood, your gasp sharp as the house finally collapsed, Camilos arms tightening around you in alarm.

Silence, and you slowly lift your head to flinch as the wood dropped onto the ashed floor, dust covering you as you glance up at Camilo, who worriedly raised his hands to your face to wipe said dust from your cheeks,

“Mijo!” Pepas call alerts you both to look over, the woman skidding in front of your knelt figures to raise a hand each to yours and Camilos faces, her hand overtop of Camilos, “Are either of you hurt?”

“No,” You murmur, shifting to stand when feeling a tug at your ankle, looking back to see a large piece of debris had landed on your left leg, your brows pinching at the sudden pain that shot through,

“Dios mio- Felix!” Pepa shouts over her shoulder, both her husband and brother in law, Agustin, running up to see your position. Both men lift at the debris, your hand immediately grasping your ankle that began to throb

“Julieta,” Pepa raises her head in search for her sister as Camilo slipped a hand to your back, holding you upwards, “Julieta!”

“Easy, mi vida,” Camilos hand slides to your arm, the oldest sister of the two moving in front of you, hands faltering when realizing- none of them had their powers now that Casita was gone- she wouldn’t be able to heal you.

“Let me wrap this,” Julieta murmurs, propping your foot at her knee as she easily pulls a wrap of bandages from her dress, your wince visible to the mother as she tightly out the wrap at the bruised skin.

“Camilo, what were you thinking?” Camilo looks up at Pepas sudden scold, his brows pinched,

“She was in danger,” He exhales, “She could’ve been hurt, she was hurt!”

“Casita was protecting her,” Pepa rushes, watching as Camilo then stood, taking your hands to raise you to your feet, his hand then shifting to your hip as you lifted your injured foot.

“Mama, I can’t argue about this,” Camilo barely glances at his mother, before his hand raises to your face, tucking hair from your forehead before smearing more dust from under your eye,

His whisper is soft as he shifts an arm to your back, the other reaching behind your legs to lift you up, your arms wrapping at his shoulders as Agustin lead him to sit you towards Abuela at what used to be the front of the house.

By the next day, La Casa de Madrigal had been rebuilt and the family had regained their powers. Abuela and Mirabel had made up, both needing a sit down with one another. Bruno had came back home, everything seemed to be coming back to normal.

You lift your foot to rub the swollen spot from your spot on the kitchen counter, Julieta moving towards you and Camilo with an arepa in her hand, smiling as she held it out for you to take.

“Gracias, Julieta,” You smile back, taking a bite out of the healing food before lifting your foot out, wiggling your shoe so Camilo got the hint to unwrap the bandage, the healing shown to work as your foot was no longer red or bruised.

Julieta hums in satisfaction, twisting to face her daughter as Isabella asks for help, Camilo setting the bandage to the side to step between your legs, his hands at your hips,

“Why’d you do that?” Your question causes his brows to furrow, curls shifting as his head tilts. Your hands raise to his shoulders, sliding to knot your fingers in said curls, “You risked yourself for me. Pepa was right, Casita was protecting me,”

“But what if Casita hadn’t?” Camilo shoots back, your eyes casting downwards so his thumb lifted to your chin, tilting you to gaze at him, “I have my gift for a reason. It’s not necessarily good in some parts, but I’ll always try to protect you, mi amor,”

You smile, sliding your hands to the front of his face, bringing him closer to you so your lips touched, his hand falling back down to your thigh with a giddy smile,

“I love you,”

“I love you, more,”

[kimmyluvg]

Treat You Better Pt. 3

Summary: Your abusive boyfriend or your best friend who is secretly in love with you? It’s hard… But you know that Camilo can treat you better.

Now this is where the song that inspired this mini series can slip into.

Just remember that I don’t own the song. Shawn Mendes owns, ‘Treat You Better’.

Warnings: abuse, Camilo being mad, swearing, angst and fluff. And I forgot to mention this, blood.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Emilia Valdez… The girl that managed to stop Andrés… How? Well…

Emilia is the eldest daughter of the Valdez Familia and is the next to inherit the family business. She has a brother, Andrés, who she thinks is annoying but kind enough. But how… How did her kind brother hurt an important girl like you?

“Emi, go and fetch your brother at Y/N’s house. That boy has been very much in love with her.” Señora Valdez, Maria, said as Emilia nodded. “Ah… I really hope that Andrés would marry a lovely girl like her!” Señor Valdez, Hector, said as Emilia smiled.. But what she don’t know is what lies inside of that house that made her so angry…

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

On her way to your house, she bumped into Camilo Madrigal, who just dropped you off to your house. “Hola Camilo, have you seen Andrés around?” Emilia asked Camilo. She can see that Camilo was upset when he heard her brother’s name, but he shakes his head the walked away. Emilia thought it was odd, “That’s odd. He said that he’s spending time with Y/N at her place.” Emilia said as Camilo turned around with wide eyes. He approached Emilia, “He said what…?” Camilo said making Emilia a bit terrified. “Spending at Y/N’s place?” Emilia said as Camilo cursed under his breath.

“Emi, call for Luisa and Isabela.. Tell them that Y/N’s in danger.” Camilo said as he ran towards your house. Emilia’s eyes widen, “What?” She said but Camilo shouted for her to do it. And so she did. Once she arrived at Casita and told everyone there about what Camilo said. Eyes widen around the Madrigals’ eyes, “Show us.” Alma said as Emilia nodded. All went out to your house and burst through the door, only to find Camilo fighting Andrés, keeping him away from unconscious you. Emilia placed her hands on her mouth as Luisa carefully carried you and the dads stop the fight.

Later, the noise from your house made the townsfolk see what is going on. Only to find the two boys, Camilo and Andrés outside of your house but you were nowhere to be found. It turns out that Julieta kept you in Casita to heal. Camilo glared at Andrés, who just scoffed at him. “Andrés Dela Cruz Valdez!! What is going on here?!” Maria came to the scene and saw her son with bloody knuckles and blood on his clothes, “Dios mio! What happened to my baby?!” Maria said as Hector started to scold Camilo. Until Dolores stepped in, “Señor and Señora, please do not scold my brother. For your son have caused this commotion.” Dolores said as she pulled Camilo to her back, defending him. “My boy is simply preventing Andrés hurting Y/N anymore.” Pepa said as a small rain cloud appeared on her head. “Andrés is hurting Y/N? Nonsense! Andrés is a sweet boy.” Maria said as Camilo then stood out of the women in his life to face her, “If Andrés is a sweet boy, then he wouldn’t have knocked Y/N unconscious!” Camilo said making everyone froze.

That was the big secret… Andrés Valdez is abusing Y/N because of his sick jealousy of Y/N talking to males. His parents didn’t know that their son was like this and hoped the best for you. Speaking of you, laying on Camilo’s bed… Still unconscious for the next 2 days. Camilo couldn’t sleep much, and constantly worried if you wouldn’t wake up. The family is also worried that you won’t wake up.

And by some miracle, you did. Julieta was the first one to know that your awake because she was cleaning your wounds and when she is cleanjng your wound on your hand, she saw your fingers move. She looked at your face and saw that your eyes are slowly open, “Y/N, do you hear me?” Julieta said as your eyes turned to Julieta’s face, “Señora Julieta?” You said as a smile plastered on her face with relief, “Yes, Y/N.” She said.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Julieta then filled you in with the details and the day you got knocked out. “I-I should’ve told all of you about it.. I’m so scared of him.. I-“ You said but Julieta shushed you, “It’s not your fault, corázon.. You were scared… Scared that he might hurt you… But you’re alright now… You have us.” Julieta said as Dolores knocked on the door. She enters and smiles, “I heard you’re awake, Y/N.” Dolores said as she entered the room. Then you just realized that you are in Camilo’s room. “Where’s Camilo?” You said as the two women in front of you look at each other, “He’s doing community service.” Dolores said as you sigh and took a bite of an arepa.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

A few hours later, you were back to your healthy self. But the only problem was that you haven’t ended things with Andrés and you have to face him head on. You got down to the stairs and saw the Madrigals and the Valdez family at the center. Dolores looked up and smiles before tapping Alma’s shoulder. Alma then looked up and saw you, “Y/N! Good to see your back.” Alma said as you walked over to them. A soft smile paste on your face. Then Camilo came in front of you, “You looked much more like yourself now… I like it.” Camilo said as you gave a big smile, “Thanks.” You said as a hand was placed on your shoulder, it was Andrés’.

You turned to him, “Look… Y/N… I’m so sorry that I did those things to you..” He said as he pulled his hand away then placed it inside of his pockets. “I.. I want to start over again… Please? Por favor?” Andrés said that made you speechless… “Y/N, you can forget about Andrés and stay with me..” Camilo then said, gently holding your hand. Now this made you stunned. You wanted a new life and relationship but here you are… Choosing to start over with Andrés in a new relationship or to be with your true love?

You were speechless and you don’t know what to do. “I won't lie to you… I know he's just not right for you…” You heard Camilo sing as you turned your head to him. Andrés can feel his anger again but still best to control it. “And you can tell me if I'm off but I see it on your face when you say that ‘he's the one that you want.’” Camilo sings as The families tried to make sense of what is happening. “And you're spending all your time in this wrong situation.. And anytime you want it to stop..” Camilo sings as he pulled you into a warm hug. “I know I can treat you better than he can, and any girl like you deserves a gentleman..” You heard him as memories of Andrés’ wrongdoings flood into your mind. “Tell me why are we wasting time on all your wasted crying, when you should be with me instead? I know I can treat you better… Better than he can.” Camilo sings as he broke the hug. Then out of nowhere, Andrés pulled you into his arms, “Please give me a second chance, Y/N. Baby please?” Andrés said as he caressed his fingers on your cheek. Isabela saw this as an act of assault but she was held back by Mirabel, who shook her head. Emilia was also seeing this as a bad sign, but she backed away… Only to be ready to hold her brother back. “I'll stop time for you… The second you say you'd like me to.” Camilo then sings again, getting your attention to his, “I just wanna give you the loving that you're missing… Baby, just to wake up with you. Would be everything I need, and this could be so different, tell me what you want to do..” Camilo said as you try to get out of Andrés’ grip. “'Cause I know I can treat you better than he can and any girl like you deserves a gentleman…Tell me why are we wasting time on all your wasted crying when you should be with me instead? I know I can treat you better… Better than he can.” Andrés then stole Camilo’s lines as you break free of his grip.

It was all coming down to your decision… And it’s a hard one.. “Give me a sign.. Take my hand, we'll be fine.. Promise I won't let you down..” Camilo sings as he held out his hand, offering you to take it. You stare into his eyes, “Just know that you don't have to do this alone.. Promise I'll never let you down..” Camilo sings his last words for you. You felt a tear falling down your cheek as you took Camilo’s hand, “Cami.. I.. Want to build a new future with you and your familia…” You said as Camilo’s smile got brighter and brighter by word. He engulfed you in a hug. “That’s it, Andrés… You lost Y/N… And you lost our trust… I’m sorry but you’re moving away to your abuelo’s. That way, you will learn your lesson.” Hector said as Andrés sighs in defeat. “Well… I tried..” Was the last thing Andrés said before leaving.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

These days, you have never been happier. You found out that Camilo is also in love with you and the Madrigals offered you to live in Casita now. You also got the most wonderful relationship with the best shapeshifter in town, and a kiss? Oh, that haven’t happened… Not yet, at least…

Camilo invited you to the tree on the hillside where you both carved your initials on it with a heart. You agreed and went there, only to find a very romantic picnic, prepared by your loving boyfriend. You were overwhelmed by the candle lights and setting, “Cami… It’s beautiful…” You said as your boyfriend chuckled. He lead you to sit down, “Romantic, isn’t it?” He said in a deep voice that you now love, “It is.. How did you get time to set this up?” You asked him as he shrugged, “Being the only son who is just old enough to date, have some perks to it.” He made a joke that you chuckled about.

You both continued to have littke conversations when Camilo just swiftly cleans your bottom corner lip because you have a crumb on it. You blushed and looked away, “You don’t know how special you are to me, mi vida…” Camilo said cupping your cheeks, making you turn to him and stare into his eyes. He didn’t know how but he found himself leaning, “Y/N, can I kiss you?” Camilo asked and without hesitation, you made the first move. He felt your lips on his as he placed a hand on your hip. Your hands rests on his chest as the kiss deepens…

You were very happy now that Camilo is treating you better than the other…

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Fluff and comfort go vroom…

And also, Camilo’s Interlude!!

Tagslist: @dai-tsukki-desu @itsmesmileyface @camilos-mivida @it-is-up-to-you @tigreost @spoiled-ramen @sweetaeyoung

[brave329]

Mirabel clutched her grandmothers arm, as the older woman help Mirabel. What happened? What did the Miracle do, why did it do this to her youngest? She was so kind, so sweet, she didn’t deserve this!

“Every…everything h-hurts Abuela…” Mirabel sobbed, tears pour down her face. She winced, newly sprouted wings fluttering slightly as she did.

Alma help Mirabel closer. There was blood. Too much blood for someone so small. “I know…I know mija we’re going to get…” Alma’s voice cracked as she choked, closing her eyes so she wouldn’t pass out from the scene in front of her. “Get you some of your mama’s healing food.”

As if on cue, a sobbing Julieta fell to ground, at least 8 arepas in her arms as she put one into Mirabel’s mouth. The small girl did her best to chew and swallow. Mirabel stopped bleeding, and her new appendages were now moving a bit involuntarily, her 6 arms clutching Alma ina tight hug, though it wasn’t tight enough to hurt her.

“Oh dios mio!” Alma hugged Mirabel back, rocking her. She could hear the townsfolk talking before the other family members pushed them back out of Casita, the house helping. Suddenly Mirabel relaxed, her arms falling to her side and wings falling limp. Alma panicked she she pulled the girl away and looked at her.

She was asleep. Alma sighed as she picked Mirabel up, still crying as she walked to her room. Mirabel would sleep on her bed tonight. Just to be safe. She didn’t need anything happening to the girl, not after tonight.

@gamerbearmira

[hyperfixation-writings]

Encanto concept fic, fix it fic

not pairing specific, but pre-movie (bc basically rewriting the past bc nobody should have family trauma, starting with abuela)

the reader is at the age of the triplets and it's set a couple years before Bruno disappears into the walls, only Camilo and Isabela having been born yet

***

Reader comes to the Encanto alone, marvels at the gifts of the madrigal family (obviously), quickly integrates into the community

after some months there's a celebration at the madrigal house (triplet birthday?)

but while the entire town celebrates, there's an earthquake which accidently knocks over the miracle candle...

... right into your hands. And the candle burns brighter than ever, much to the confusion of everyone. There are gasps around and as you look up, there's the conflicted gaze of Alma, who doesn't understand what it means because this was the miracle that was for her family, and her family alone?

So she struggles with the situation, meanwhile there are whispers in the background, and Reader gets self-concious and places it back but the harm has been done

Then, a hushed "Dios mio!" as people look up at the casita, and see a new brightly lit outline of a possible door, the doorknob waiting to be touched to manifest into a physical door.

The Madrigals are simply too stunned to speak but the town quickly decide that it's your right to be there and get your own miracle.

Neither Alma nor the triplets make a move to stop you, so you touch the handle and open the door that has now your name engraved in it.

Your gift... is about the arts? Maybe being extraordinarily blessed in producing arts: crafting statues, painting pictures and people, writing poems, maybe even giving speeches. it simply seems to always hit the mark when you produce it, but it's a gift that doesn't seem to have the same use like the madrigal kids' ones (they're war kids, so all their powers could be used in a fight or a war against the enemy: seeing into the future, healing their own troops and changing the weather to make it harder for them to attack)

So when all is said and done nobody knows how to deal with it, and you just go home, and decide not to loiter in the Madrigal's home.

There's a small riot in the community, too, after the incident. Some people demand to have access to the Miracle candle as well, and after long discussions and weeks of nerve-wracking nights, Alma opens the doors to her home again and lets everyone try and get a gift. Nobody else is blessed, no new door appears, no sudden magic happens, and Alma is secretly relieved, having to deal with only one new person in her house that is decidedly not family, but who is at least friendly enough.

Obviously the situation needs addressing, so over the course of the story you have the Reader interacting with the kids, understanding them, even befriending them.

Even Alma warms up the the Reader.

One summer evening you're telling another night story to the kids (at this point just isabela and camilo) about love and hardships.

It's an old story that your mother used to tell before she died. The story is titled Dos Oroguitas, and is about a couple who is meant to be together, but encounter hardships and keep fighting for their love. In the end they have to decide between fighting an evil witch that is specifically hunting the couple down, or running til the end of their lives, always in fear of being found again. They know the risks, but together they fight the witch, and a spell hits them. They have a split second, looking at each other, bittersweet smile painting their lips, reliving their lives together, how they met, happy memories, watching their kids grow older, all while holding onto their loved one's hand for their life.

Their love for another protects them from the fatal blow that was intended, and instead transforms them into Dos Oroguitas; stunned at the failed spell the witch can get killed by another person. The kids, teenagers and young adults actually, have a hard time dealing with the new reality, and carefully try to keep the two caterpillars - their parents - alive. One day they cocoon and the kids know they will have to let go of them, and when two beautiful butterflies erupt, they tearfully say their goodbyes to their parents. Almost in synchronism, the two butterflies sit down on both cheeks of the kids, lazily beating their colourful wings softly against them before moving onto the next kid, giving them hope that somewhere deep down their parents' love for them has survived. So they let them go and watch them fly away into the sunset together.

As the Madrigal kids listen to your story intently, they calm down but don't get sleepy like they usually do, and instead watch you with big eyes, moved by the story.

Something you hadn't noticed was the Madrigal elder, who had slipped into the children's room when she had coincidentally picked up on the name of your story, and a compulsion had led her to listen your night time story.

A barely muffled sob escapes Abuela, and you startle from your own trance while telling the story, only to soften your gaze as you take in the constant stream of tears on the woman's face.

Somehow you wrangle the two kids to sleep, and you notice Abuela seems a lot softer around you.

That night Abuela asks you to join her for a drink, and she explains her reaction to the story - how her husband had always called her his Oroguita, and how the story just seemed to hit very close to home with the war, and fleeing.

You talk about your time before the Encanto, and how your mother used to tell you this story, and that she used to be a great storyteller, too. You tell her of the couple that had inspired the Oroguita story, and through more intense talk, you actually figure out that Alma and Pedro are the couple that inspired your mother to come up with the story.

After a long night of talking, Alma finally softly welcomes you to the family and her home, but you part ways since you still don't live at the casita.

Back at your house you go through your mother's old diaries and find some entries that give hints that your mother used to be friends with Pedro before he left town to be with the woman he fell in love with.

You give Alma the diaries, certain that these stories would mean more to her than they would ever mean to you. She seems reluctant at first, doesn't want to intrude on a dead person's life and secrets that she will have undoubtedly put down in those books. To convince her you read a passage about Pedro, and how he used to make the fishermen of his hometown laugh and play pranks on them.

Abuela tears up at the story, never having heard of it before but remembering some details about the love of her life that she thought were long forgotten.

In the end she reads through all of the entries. She grows quieter during those weeks but emerges more loving and caring for her family, mourning for her lost lover but cherishing her family more than she ever.

She gets more defensive about her children's powers, openly picks fights with the villagers if they talk badly about Bruno, or if the moan about bad weather and how Pepa "can't seem to control herself".

She slows down Julieta, who has been cooking until late at night for the next day, always worried she doesn't make enough food for all the possible injuries.

She makes her kids, and their kids, understand that nothing will ever change how much she loves them, even if they produce bad prophesies (she looks at Bruno), bad weather (looks at Pepa), doesn't heal paper cut of one of the kids (looks at Julieta) or has a gift that doesn't seem as powerful or useful to the community (looks at the Reader).

She puts her family first, finally.

[twstgabrielle]

EngIta Week 2022

Day 8: Horror

Warning: Blood, Gore, Unsettling monsters, Time loops, Language, Temporary Character Death.

~~~~~

Why?

Why did it have to end this way?

It was a question that Feliciano had been asking himself for quite sometime. A question that always remained answer less. But then again, did he expect anything less than that? To forever be in the dark when it came to his questions? Feliciano sat against the wall, the silence deafening as he took a breather. His arm was throbbing from the deep cut he'd received earlier. He should have been paying more attention to his surroundings, should have known better than to let his guard down. He'd learned too many times what the consequences were when he wasn't paying attention or using his head. Pressing the wound Feliciano tried to keep the pained hiss in, not wanting to make any noise. Noise was bad, noise made things more difficult. Noise was what got him and his friends killed in brutal and inhumane ways. And he refused to put them in that position.

Not again.

Feeling the thick warm blood soak his hand made him shiver with slight disgust but he didn't remove it. He had to get the bleeding to stop, he couldn't be bleeding. Blood was a sure fire way to get himself caught and that was absolutely not an option. After a few seconds of applying pressure he deemed it okay for the time being. With cautious and quiet movements he slowly pushed himself up from the floor. His military boots made a small creak against the old floorboards, the creak seemingly extremely loud in the silence. Feli stiffened, freezing in place and barely breathing.

'Shit.'

The Italian nation strained his ears, listening for any noises. Silence greeted him, the unnerving tension making his heart pound in his chest. He wished that his heart didn't beat so loudly, terrified that it'd give away his position. For a few agonizing moments he stood there, stiff as a board and not daring to move. After several minutes of nothing but pure silence Feli slowly inched his way towards the corner. After a brief moment of gathering courage he slowly peeked his head over the edge........

The Italian about sagged with relief when the sight of the empty corridor greeted him. So it hadn't heard. That in itself was a miracle and it was a miracle that he wouldn't dare waste. Not hesitating Feli quickly and quietly made his way down the corridor not daring to slow down. If he did that would leave him wide open. It seemed to go on forever until he finally made it to the end of the corridor. The sight of the stairs greeted him voided of all life. It made his skin itch, his entire being growing anxious. He needed to find his friends and fast. The longer he went without seeing them the more uneasy he felt. Having them out of his sight made it easier for them to be picked off one by one. As the nation made his way down the stairs to go look for his friends, a sudden loud crashing echoed throughout the house. Feli froze his gut dropping with terror. He didn't hesitate already knowing that whatever made that noise had most likely attracted its attention. Racing down the stairs he practically flew towards the area where the crash was heard.

Finally reaching the area where it'd come from he quickly began to try the doors turning them to see if they were open. He felt his palms break out into a sweat with each resistance he was met with. Cursing he continued onwards desperately praying that he'd find the right room.

'Please mio Dio, please just let me get to them first!'

Feliciano begged hoping that someone was listening to his pleas. Grabbing another handle he turned it and felt it give way. The Italian nation about burst into tears as he pushed open the door harshly. A cabinet had been knocked over and underneath pinned like an insect on a dissection table was.....

"Arthur-!!!"

The younger nation gasped. Arthur's head snapped up at the gasp, his eyes pained and on edge as he finally caught sight of Feliciano. The older nation seemed to relax somewhat, now knowing that it wasn't an enemy that had entered the room.

"Feliciano......"

Arthur breathed relief coloring his voice. Feliciano bent down next to him, his hands hovering frantically as he tried to figure out what to do. Arthur's entire lower half of his body was pinned down by the antique cabinet. Broken glass and a growing puddle of crimson was staining the floor. His forest green military uniform was slowly becoming crimson as well, painting his waist like a bundle of flower petals.

"Oh God....! Arthur just hang on I'll get you out from under there!"

Feli said his voice shaking slightly as he tried to get himself to calm down. With shaking hands he went to try and haul the heavy cabinet from Arthur. The Englishman let out a pained cry as the cabinet moved, making the Italian freeze at the sound.

"I'm so sorry I know it hurts but it'll be over soon I promise just hang on-"

Feliciano started to say when he caught the sound of the wooden floorboards from the corridor creak lightly. Feli and Arthur went deathly still, their eyes widening in fear. Feliciano felt his hands begin to shake, his mouth going dry. Arthur while in immense pain didn't dare make any noise, looking somewhat pale. The two remained still listening. To their horror more creaking floorboards sounded out, slowly making their way towards the corridor they were in.

It was here.

It was looking for them.

Feliciano panicked went to go and try to remove the cabinet again, desperate to get Arthur from underneath it and get them the hell out of there. As he went to try and heave it a pale bloodied hand gripped his uniform sleeve.

"Feliciano you.....you need to go. You....you can't be here......it's too late for me. The cabinet it.....it crushed my legs and the.....the glass......."

Arthur wheezed softly blood staining the corner of his mouth. Yet his expression held nothing but fear for Feli, as well as a seriousness that made the Italian feel sick.

"No....no Arthur please don't make me do this don't make me leave you....!"

Feli begged shaking his head. Arthur gave him a pained but stern look.

"You have to. If you get caught that's the end of it. Please just leave, save yourself and the others."

Arthur said his voice demanding yet pleading. Feliciano felt his throat tighten and his eyes burn with tears. He knew that Arthur was right, if he was caught then none of them would be able to leave this wretched place. But even with the logic being presented to him he couldn't help but want to save Arthur. Couldn't bare the thought of leaving him to die.

But in the end he had no choice.

With a choked, muffled sob Feliciano gave Arthur one last look. His amber eyes full of sorrow, regrets and unspoken apologies. Arthur just gave him a small smile, his own eyes misty.

"I'm so sorry Arthur. Next time, I swear it next time I'll keep you safe."

The Italian swore his voice thick. Arthur gave him a tired nod, before letting his head fall back onto the floor. The crimson pool of blood was larger now, staining the rug and floor. Feliciano felt his heart sink as the cold reality hit him. Even if he'd managed to get Arthur from under the cabinet, the older nation would still die. Bleeding out from his wounds full of broken glass. Fighting back the rush of tears Feli got up from the floor and went to leave the room to try and fix this awful fate. When the sounds of the creaking floorboards stopped right in front of their door. Arthur sucked in a sharp breath having heard it as well. His expression was alarmed, conveying a silent message to Feli.

Hide. Now.

Feliciano didn't hesitate, quickly going to hide. A nearby closet sat in the corner of the room. Opening the door as quickly and quietly as he could Feli gave Arthur one last devasted and broken look before finally getting into the closet. He'd made it just in time as the sound of the door being slammed open filled the room. Feliciano watched through the crack of the door, fear flooding through his veins. It was here. He watched as it made its way towards Arthur, its large soulless black eyes burning into the dying nation. Arthur let out little wet huffs of air, his lungs and throat filling with blood. Yet he was glaring at it, his green eyes dark like a toxic plant. Filled with nothing but hatred and pure defiance.

"Fucking bastard....! Go to hell.....!"

Arthur spat out, putting every ounce of hatred and disgust he could into the sentence. It stared at him unblinking before it moved. With horrifyingly quick movements it grabbed the cabinet and hurled it off of Arthur. With large thin hands it grabbed the English nation, making him scream in pain before with a ruthless motion slammed the man into the floor. Arthur's body hit the floor with a sickening spat, his pained scream cut short. Feliciano bit his fist to stop the scream that threatened to break out. Hot silent tears flew down his cheeks as he was forced to watch the gruesome display. It picked Arthur back up again and slammed him down again, another splat filling the room. Only now the sounds of brittle bones breaking joined the awful sympathy.

Splat. Crunch.

Splat. Crunch.

Splat. Crunch.

Over and over again it continued to slam Arthur's body into the floor until it finally deemed it necessary to stop. It held Arthur's corpse up, the once living breathing body now nothing more than a bloody lump of flesh, hair, bones and blood. It then dropped him onto the floor, before making its way out of the room. Feliciano sat in the closet shaking and feeling nauseous listening to the fading footsteps of their enemy. After a few minutes of nothing but silence Feli finally crawled out of the closet. Now seeing the full view of the carnage that painted the room Feli let out a small agonized wail. Blood stained the walls and floor, making the room smell of death and copper. Arthur was on the floor, his corpse bent and broken. His eyes once bright and full of fury now stared into nothing, no longer seeing the world. Feli crawled towards him, his hand reaching out for him. Grasping the cold limb Feli let out another heart wrenching wail, his tears flowing fast and furious. Pressing a kiss to Arthur's hand Feli grieved.

Why.....?

Why did this always happen.....?

Why did everyone he love have to die...?

Why couldn't it just let them go, hadn't they suffered enough?

Why? Why? Why? Why?

Feliciano didn't know.

~~~~~

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

It was always the first thing Arthur heard whenever he'd awaken. The sounds of an ancient grandfather clock, ticking away. It was a sick joke in Arthur's opinion. To make him hear a clock yet forcing him and others through the same thing every time.

Tick.

Tock.

Always forced to enter that God forsaken place, forced to pretend that he had no clue what was going on. Forced to watch the same people he cared about and loved die in gruesome and grotesque ways. Sometimes even ending up in the same position as them. It was madness, it was cruel. Yet he was powerless to stop it. He had no control over any of it, all he could do was desperately hope and pray that he could help save the lives of his fellow nations. How many times has it been? How many times has he reset this timeline in a desperate attempt to save those around him and to help Feli?

How many times has he seen them all die?

Alfred, Matthew, Francis, Yao, Ivan, Ludwig, Kiku, Gilbert.

All of them he'd seen die countless times. All of them he'd failed to save and protect. Their blood stained his hands. And he wasn't the only one who suffered. No Feliciano was also one who suffered like him. The Italian nation, whose smile was like sunshine and happiness had seen the horrors he had. Remembered each and every death like him. Was consumed by the same guilt and devastation as he was. Perhaps that was why they'd gotten so close. Two broken and tortured souls who were forced to endure madness at the hands of a insane and twisted monster. He could still remember the last loop. The pain he'd felt when the cabinet fell on him. The feeling of the glass cutting and tearing him open in the middle. He remembered the destroyed look Feli had when he'd failed to help him escape, forced to hide. He remembered the agony of hitting the floor by that monster, the pain of his body that had already been fallen apart become nothing more than a bag of broken bones and glass. He was lucky he'd died from the impact. He didn't think he'd be able to go on if he'd been forced to live through it. Forced to stay alive as he was smashed into the ground like a toy.

Arthur shivered shaking the phantom pain away. He couldn't be shaken up now, he had to remain in control. He had to keep his head. Yet despite telling himself this he couldn't stop the horrific feeling that hit him when he saw the mansion in front of him.

"England-San are you alright? You look as if you seen a ghost."

Kiku's soft voice made him recover. Green eyes met with dark brown ones. Trying to offer a small smile Arthur shook his head.

"Sorry was just thinking about Flying Mint Bunny being at home all alone. I think I'd forgotten to feed her today."

Arthur said the lie falling smoothly off of his tongue. Kiku gave the British nation a searching look. Arthur felt his skin itch a bit at the focused gaze. After a moment longer of staring Kiku finally looked away.

"That does sound rather upsetting. Then we should finish this exploration that America-San wants to do so you can return home swiftly."

The Japanese nation said. Arthur felt his stomach sink at the words, a bitter taste filling his mouth. He hadn't been home in God only knew how long. He almost forgot what it looked like. Instead he just gave a small nod and dropped the subject. The group finally made their way into the mansion, making the English nation want to scream.

How many more times would he be forced to do this?

How many more times will he be forced to die, to be forced to watch the others die?

Arthur had no clue.

~~~~~

It was funny how such awful things could bring people together. After so many loops and seeing so much death, it'd been almost natural for Feliciano and Arthur to end up clinging to each other. Two nations who knew too much about the cursed place that caused so much suffering. It was another loop when the two had finally actually spoken about their situation and somewhat acknowledged their relationship. The duo and the rest of their friends had barely managed to escape from the thing that was hunting them for its sadistic pleasure. The other nations were asleep, the only ones who were awake were Feli and Arthur. The Italian nation was leaning against the bed, staring blankly at the walls. The English nation was sitting beside him, quiet as a grave.

"Why?"

Feli muttered, his voice soft and hallow. Arthur turned to look at him, his gaze questioning.

"Why are we doing this.....? Why when all we ever do is die. I've seen so many things, seen all of our friends die gruesome and disturbing deaths. I've died in so many ways, felt so much pain only to repeat it over and over again....."

The Italian said his voice starting to shake slightly as he thought of it. It wasn't fair, being in the position he was in. It wasn't fair that horrid thing was after him, that it had killed all of his friends. He could still see all the blood, could still hear all the bones breaking. Feliciano hadn't realized that he was shaking until he felt a pair of arms wrap around him gently.

"I don't know. I don't know why we're the ones who are in this position, I don't know why we're forced to watch our loved ones die. I don't know why we've been forced to go through so much pain and grief. But what I do know is that no matter what happens, we still got each other. No matter how many times we've got to loop and start over, we'll always have each other. And that for me at least is enough to keep me going."

Arthur's voice said, sincere and comforting. Feliciano felt his throat tighten as he fought his tears. He couldn't cry now, not when everyone else was asleep and could possibly hear him. So instead he just clung to Arthur like a lifeline, refusing to let him go. The older nation tightened his embrace, rubbing soothing circles into the younger nation's back. Feliciano didn't know why this was happening but he knew one thing.

As long as he had Arthur around, he'd keep holding on. Even if it ate away at his sanity and hope he'd hold on and fight. He had to not just for his sake.

But for Arthur's as well.

~~~~~

'No.'

'No, no, no. Please not him I can't do this without him.'

Arthur thought staring in horror and disbelief at the sight before him. There crumpled up on the cellar floor was Feliciano. The Italian nation was bleeding, his once lively eyes now dull and lifeless. The flag that he had with him and used for self defense was now through his abdomen, the wood having been splintered and made into a makeshift spear of sorts. It was clear that whatever had done it hadn't been the thing. It would've torn him apart and then killed them itself. That was the deal that kept them here after all.

If Feliciano was caught before he could get everyone out of the mansion they'd all die permanently. But if he got all of them out they'd be let go. It was a sick and twisted game of cat and mouse, forcing him and the other nation to go through time over and over again. Which meant that whoever had killed him had been a fellow nation. The thought made Arthur's heart freeze in fear as he realized that it was one of those loops. It didn't happen often but on occasion the pressure and trauma of the situation was too much and a nation would snap. Going completely unhinged and insane. The Englishman quickly looked around trying to figure out if the one who had killed Feli was still in the cellar with him. It didn't take long before his question was answered. He barely had time to process before the sudden feeling of a sharp object piercing his body took him down. With a soundless scream of pain he collapsed onto the cold stone floor, blood pooling into his mouth.

'Vital area......I'm going to bleed out......'

He thought choking on his own blood. His vision began to blur and he could vaguely make out the shape of another person. Though who it was would remain a mystery to him. Turning his blurry gaze to the side of him he took in Feli's face one last time, his hand weakly reaching out to him.

'See you in the next loop love.....wait for me please......'

With that last thought Arthur faded.

~~~~~

He was so tired.

He was so tired of all of this.

Feliciano stared at the ground, barely taking in the chaos going on around him. Arthur was on the ground, the thin nation cradling the head of Matthew in his lap. The large Canadian nation had been crushed by the weight of a piano. The top that was always open having crushed his skull and upper body. Blood stained his long wavy blonde hair and his pale face. His eyes were half open, a look of death forever stuck in his gaze. Arthur was sobbing over the dead nation, his agonizing wails breaking Feliciano's heart in a way he had never experienced. Beside the Englishman was Alfred and Francis, the two men grieving as well. The American was desperately trying to wake his twin, only to have his pleas fall on deaf ears. Francis was holding onto Arthur to try and calm him down but it was obvious that he too was just as broken.

"Matthew, my sweet boy please answer me.....oh God Matthew....."

Arthur's voice crocked, his tone full of grief. It was the type of grief that only a parent could feel and hearing that devastated tone come from Arthur made Feliciano want to cry with him.

'Why? Why? What the fuck have we done to deserve all of this? What the fuck did we do to deserve such a harsh punishment?'

The Italian's thoughts screamed in rage and agony. It wasn't fair, it wasn't fair that Arthur had to suffer such a cruel fate. That he had to suffer the loss of his children in different loops over and over again.

'This is madness......I've got to stop this. Even if it kills me I'll stop this sadistic game. For Arthur, mi tereso.'

~~~~~

Run.

That was all he could do.

Feliciano ran through the corridor, his lungs burning from how much he'd been running. But he couldn't stop, not now. Not when he was so close to getting to where he needed to go. Panting harshly Feli sprinted onwards, clutching the red book in his hands. Behind him that thing was chasing him down. Its large eyes, voidless and demonic focused in on him. But the nation refused to stop, refused to get caught. Not when he was so close.

Not when he and his friends freedom was finally within reach.

Feliciano flung himself around a nearby corner, barely managing to avoid the grasp of the monster pursuing him. Looking around he desperately searched for the place he needed to be.

'Where is it??? Where the hell is it?????'

He screamed mentally becoming desperate. He couldn't lose, he just couldn't. Losing meant that he had failed, losing meant that he and his friends lives would be forfeited. Losing meant Arthur would die. That alone was enough to make him determined to see this through until the very end.

"FELI-!!! UP HERE!!!"

A loud familiar voice called out to him. Head snapping towards the voice he caught sight of the familiar frame of his best friend. Ludwig was waving him towards him, the German holding onto his gun and prepared to shoot should the thing get close. Feliciano practically flung himself into the muscular body and with little hesitation Ludwig practically flung them up the stairs. A large metal door sat at the top of them. Arthur and Kiku were waiting by the door reaching out for them.

"Feli! Ludwig! Hurry!"

Arthur cried out. Kiku pulled out his sword his eyes full of terror.

"Behind you!"

Kiku shouted. Feliciano turned his head and barely managed to not scream as he caught sight of the monster climbing up behind them and catching up fast. Ludwig swore and took aim shooting his gun straight into one of its eyes. It screeched in pain and fury but it was enough to let Feliciano and Ludwig escape. Arthur held open the door while Kiku grabbed onto Feliciano and Ludwig and yanked them through the doorway. As soon as their bodies hit the floor of the safe room Arthur slammed the door shut the lock clicking into place. The sounds of the thing's body hitting the steel door boomed throughout the room before it loud screams of fury filled the air. The room was quiet as the listened to it scratch at the door unable to get through it. After a moment or two the other side fell silent. The group of countries stared at the door, stunned and holding their breath.

They'd done it.

They'd beat it.

They could finally go back home.

With cautious and hesitant steps the nations made their way towards the second door that was in the safe room. Behind this door was their ticket to the outside world. Feli felt his heart race with emotion. Turning his eyes towards Arthur he reached out and pulled him into a tight hug.

"We did it.......Arthuro we're going home......!"

The Italian said choked up and shaking. The Englishman clung onto him as well his own body trembling as well.

"Yes Feli......we can finally go home....."

Arthur breathed happiness and relief making him dizzy. The two pulled away from each other, yet still held each other's hand. Exchanging small yet shy smiles the two made their way to the second door. Behind them stood all of their friends, safe and alive.

Alfred, Matthew, Francis, Yao, Ivan, Ludwig, Kiku and Gilbert.

They were alive and okay and that was the best thing Feli and Arthur had ever received. Reaching for the door Feliciano turned the knob and opened it. Giving a small squeeze to Arthur's hand, the Italian led him into the doorway and into the light with their friends close behind.

~~~~~

Bright.

It was so bright.

Feliciano let out a small groan pulling the blankets over his head to block out the sunshine. Movement came from the other side of the bed making him peek from underneath. There greeting him was the sight of his husband Arthur. The English nation let out a small yawn before turning his tired gaze towards Feli.

"Good morning love."

Arthur said his voice gruff and full of sleepiness. Feliciano let out a small hum before sitting up and giving his husband a kiss.

"Buongiorno amore mio."

Feli chimed back making Arthur smile at him. The two sat in bed together content and enjoying each other's presence. Feli was running his fingers through Arthur's hair before he suddenly broke the silence.

"I had the strangest dream last night."

The Italian said making his husband look at him in curiosity.

"Oh? Do you remember what it was about?"

The Englishman asked. The younger nation went to tell his husband before a look of confusion crossed his expression.

"I.....I don't remember."

He said confused by his sudden memory loss of his dream. Arthur gave his husband a small look before placing butterfly kisses on his cheek.

"Well whatever it was about, it was only a dream. Now let's get up so we can get breakfast started. I'll even make you your favorite coffee brew."

The older nation said his voice soft and fond. The younger nation smiled lovingly at him, already getting out of bed to join his husband in the kitchen. Arthur was right, even if Feliciano can't remember the dream it was only just that. A dream and dreams weren't real. As the couple made their way out of their shared bedroom, an old red book sat neatly in an old box, long forgotten and devoided of anything inside other than blank pages that had turned yellow from age.

Somewhere far in the distant the sound of an ancient grandfather clock ticked away.

Tick.

Tock.

*Finally the last prompt for EngIta week!!! I decided to go with the very thing that got me into this ship in the first place, Hetaoni. It's an fan made horror game that's based off an old RPG game that has the same premise. It was because of RPG horror games that I'd actually discovered Hetaoni and let me tell y'all it was an experience shshdhd. While I was writing this I was inspired by other RPG horror games such as Corpse Party and The Witch's House. RPG horror is surprisingly unnerving and hella scary and I tried my best to make this as unsettling as possible without it getting completely off track. I just hope that I was able to do it correctly lol. Anyways thank y'all so much for reading my fics for EngIta week, I had so much fun while doing this and I hope y'all had just as much fun as I did!!! Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!! And here's the final prompt @engitaweek2022!!! Thank you for letting me submit my writing!!!!*

[jotaveiga]

It was the first time after 6 months that the miracle happened. Liara finally managed to gather them in the same room. It hadn't been easy to find them, then convince them to step inside the old repaired Normandy.

There was some contentment for the reunion but there was an underlaing of sorrow, pain, regret. Understandably so.

Kaidan was the most bitter out of everyone, he kept his arms crossed tightly over his chest until there was enough silence for him to speak.

"Are you going to tell us why we had to leave our missions to come here of all places?" Liara was about to start explaining but Wrex started to threaten Kaidan for being rude, Vega was also intrigued and threw a "yeah, why?", Cross conversation resumed and the room fell into chaos.

Liara called a couple of times trying to emmulate her but to no avail. She looked desperate at the console in front of her and pressed the button.

"Will you stop that?!" Shivers run up and down spines, tears welled up and the silence was as crushing as the void of space itself. Her voice resonated loud and clear.

"I apoligize Commander, but I must insist." Joker immediatly raised to his feet as EDI spoke.

The hologram of Jane Shepard rose in the middle of the room.

"Dios mio!" Vega's wisper was louder than he intended but it described perfectly the mood.

"Are we ready?" The soft metalic voice came through and Shepard took a deep breath before nodding.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Liara hugged herself, already antecipating the message that was to come, she heard it first when she retrieved Shepard's omnitool from Earth.

"So, you know I am really great at this...sharing feelings and stuff... Phew...well, let's do this then. EDI thinks it will help my anxiety wich most of you don't really know about, so I guess I'll start with you EDI." The Commander's chuckle brought a knot to the hearts of those watching and hearing attently.

"No Commander, this is meant for the crew."

"And what the fuck are you? You are part of this crew and part of this family..." Jane rubbed her forehead "...jeez I'm lame. Well, I'll start with you and that's final." EDI chuckled in her silky tone.

" EDI, you can be a pain in the ass, not literally fortunatly, but a pain nonthless, but you are also my friend. You learned how to be caring, you are the best with Joker, that asshole got really lucky for having such a babe swooning over him." Joker laughed and a couple of people followed suit.

"I am lucky to have you as a crew member and as a friend EDI" Shepard flashed her the most genuine smile and EDI thanked her. "Who next?" She scrambled trough a piece of paper of all things. "Joker than. You've been with me since the very beginning man, you are my brother and I love you but honestly, sometimes you are hella annoying." Jane burst into laughter and Joker, the now Joker followed while tears rushed down his cheeks, but he didn't care. He had been trough hell with her and always brought her back except the only two times that really mattered. "Don't beat yourself up" the man looked up at her hologram and felt as if she could read his mind "without you, I would've died a long time ago and we all know that, I hope you can find a new purpose." The seriousness returned to the room.

"Liara, I know we had a complicated start but I came to see you as one of the best friends a person could have. I know you know your worth but just to reinforce it, you are an amazing, intelligent being and I really want you to take care of my ship collection because no one else out of these morons could do it." Again chuckles echoed troughout, but the mood was somber, for each name, Shepard seemed to shrink a little.

"Tali, you are the most fun and bubbly person I've had the pleasure to know, you are so young and so determined, and I if I am alive after this, I'll go to your planet and I will elege you as Queen of the Quarians" Tali sobbed inside her mask as Vega put one arm around her shoulders.

"Wrex, old man, I've been thinking about it alot and I decided that it would be cool to spend my retirement raising a baby Krogan, so I'll take up on that offer of yours. Thank you for the headbutts, you know I needed them" Jane winked and Wrex only let out a soft "squishy human" but he loved her, and everybody knew it. What a feat, to have the admiration and love of two Krogans.

"In the matter of adoption, Grunt, you are my son, and stop dennying it! You know I love you and I want you to be the strongest most perfect Krogan that ever lived, I am very proud of you", Grunt slammed a fist on the wall next to him, but nobody felt it as a threat, it was pain for the loss of what he also considered as his mother.

Shepard sniffled ever so slightly while going trough her list.

"Jack, you are a mean ass bitch and I love you for it, and when this is all done, I need to learn how to dance and you got some really sick moves so, if your up for it, hit me up" Jack chuckled from the corner "finnaly you admit you can't dance" a couple of others laughed with her.

"Vega, are you still sore from all the pull ups you couldn't do?" Jane snorted a laugh "well, you better not push yourself to hard man, we need you opperational, you are one of the best soldiers we have and I am glad I have you on my team, pendejo" Vega smiled brightly but the saddness in his eyes seeped out.

"Kaidan...I...well, I don't think we've ever seen eye to eye, but I know the admiration you had for me, at least until I disappointed you, and I never want to do that again, but I will, so, I need you to look up to yourself and not to others because otherwise you'll never live to the amazing potencial you have, don't be held down, I...I am sorry for what you have been trough because of me" there was no jokes or chuckles, Jane knew every single person on her crew and she knew how to address every one of them individually. Kaidan took a step forward almost as if he wanted to touch the hologram, after all, he still loved her.

Her mood shifted as she skimmed the paper in her hand.

"EDI, I think that's enough for now, I'll do the rest later." It hurt him to know who the rest was, but he understood, like he always did.

"Commander we are almost done"

"What's even the point? Maybe they're all dead, maybe I failled and ended up destroying the few things I have ever loved..." The exasperarion in her voice could be heard but no recognized because Commander Shepard was the one who pulled people up.

"Commander..." EDI's mettalic voice was conforting and reassuring.

"I know, I am sorry EDI, I just... Well... Garrus." Everybody in the room turned to the Turian partially covered by shadow. He hadn't talked since the war, since he left Shepard on the ramp of the Normandy, no one had heard him again. He shifted the weight of his body from one leg to the other until Jane started.

"I swear to God, if you are somewhere out there callibrating stuff, I'll find you and headbutt the hell out of you!" She tried to chuckled but the sound died before it was even born.

"Listen, never blame yourself for my decisions, we both know I am to stubborn. But I do want you to credit yourself. For everything you have done for me. For all the times you had my six, for all the times you helped me see reason, for saving me from the very first moment I've met you." Her voice wavered and the sobs from both Tali and Liara could be heard in the seconds of silence.

"I love you big guy. I have for a really long time and my only regret is that I should have told you sooner, so we had more time." The trembling on her tone crushed the hearts of those present. Garrus walked towards the console and stood face to face with her hologram.

"I know you will be the best Primarch the Turian ever had because you learned from me" she chuckled between tears. "And I know that someday we'll see eachother again, until than, please take care of this band of misfits we call family because they cant' take care of themselfs." The air grew thicker.

"There is no Shepard without Vakarian. I love you Garrus." For the first time since he last saw her he spoke and his voice sounded foreign, hoarse and scratchy and it pained him like tousands of needles to say those words but he didn't care, he could die for all he cared, he just wanted her in his arms again.

"I love you too".

They watched as her figure slumped to a chair behind her as her palms covered her face. After a solid minute, Jane straightened her back and wiped her cheeks leaning one arm on her knee and looking dead on. "Imagine how embarissing this shit would be if I am still alive?" And with that, the swosh of a door could be heard from behind them.

[3cf]

Favorite Season Finale So Far - The End 5.22

There are moments I love so much and it really is a great finale for both the loop and Coulson's illness storylines.

This post is basically just a bunch of favorite moments thrown out there...

I don't love Coulson dying but I do love the Coulson's illness arc, that he has time for goodbyes and that he died a Coulson way. Injecting him another miracle substance, well he is not so fond of the idea. He did temporary lost some free will last time it happened. He is a leader, and the leader of his own life, making hard calls is what he does. Sacrifices he makes some all the time. Sacrificing his life he made it several time. So him being able to sacrifice his life in order to save the world one more time his such a Coulson death, and here he basically sacrified his life  two times (Ghost Rider & Serum), even more Coulson.

All the YoYo scenes. She simply is so moving and strong though quite desperate and lonely. She is true to herself, as always, honest, determined, brave, empathic, willing to make sacrifices and has stong opinions. I just think she is amazing during the whole episode, I really appreciate that she got to talk to Coulson and got his support even if she already knew it. My favorite is the scene where she reanimates him as it represents her in this situation so well, to her it is a hard choice, but a sacrifice she is willing to do to save the world, a sacrifice Coulson agrees to do, but this doesn't ease the pain of seeing him like this, of losing him. Though she says "What have I done? Forgive me. Dios mio Perdona me por todo lo que hecho" she has really not change her mind on the matter but the pain and fear of seeing Coulson dying is simply so overwhelming and hard that she can't bear it in this moment.

We get to see Mother courage Polly and her scared but brave Robin. (I just really love the Hintons)

Deke's moment is short, but I love it and I kind of been waiting for one like this. He gets to express both his desire to see the world and his fear of dying before, and the fact that he is lonely and still hasn't find his place. He even has his moment to shine, giving good advice to Daisy. (Also lonely, lost and wanting to be love Deke got a little appreciation express to him, can't hurt.)

The hurtful but important Philinda scene about Coulson's death.

"I've made it clear how I feel" "I'm just having a hard enough time leaving you behind" Philinda expressing their feelings to each other.

Also I love that scene so much: "I'm aware that we rolled the dice with Coulson, and I still believe that we need him for this but I will admit that I let my emotions get the best of me. I thought that Coulson was the only one who could keep us all on the same page. You would say that's proof that I can't do the job, that I shouldn't lead. Well, I agree. The truth is I can't hold the team together. But he can. Coulson wants me to call the shots in his absence. Well, that's my decision. Mack should call the shots. He has the biggest heart. I mean, physically, but also, you know... You are our moral center. And look, I never want to stop... being a soldier. He's a general we can all rally behind. Everyone who thinks I'm a 100% right about this, raise your hand." "Couldn't have said it better myself"

We get to see SHIELD taking care of helping directly the 'civilians' and not just fighting the enemy (it is brief but I like it)

The whole Daisy & Coulson exchange in the quinjet I love it so much too.

"I am becoming a hero" "You ARE one. The minute that you enlisted, you became one. We all did. Look around. You're surrounded by them. Anyone who signs up for this, to lose  friends or limbs or your mind or your life in protection of humanity." The Coulson style speech to Gravitonium Talbot she nails because she believes so much in what Coulson does and it became her own fight and life. Daisy has truly embraces Coulson's legacy. She truly makes it hers but in her own way, respecting who she is (the whole wanting to be a soldier for example). Though she thinks she is far from ready she has just come so far, far more then she realizes. Her once the lost orphan hacker, her once the lost rogue quake, has found and knows herself now.

The confrontation with 'Gavitonium Talbot' simply looks sooooo cool.

The main storyline is all about getting out of the loop and the changing point in time can really be felt.

Fitz's death is definitely not a favorite part but it did got a good scene and I'm totally in bord with the no word heard for the announce to Jemma choice they've made. His death is not that much address afterward in the episode but more the fact that there is another Fitz (which is a pity but is probably due to lack of time) so I do appreciate that there is at least the scene with his suitcase where we can see his monkey statue, the Academy FitzSimmons photo and his 'Night Night pistol'. I also appreciate that they used the knife that both Fitz & Deke have and Jemma look of determination to first address the whole finding cryo Fitz.

Coulson speech and the team’s reactions felt so true, moving and it’s a good way to say goodbye and to have a bit of closure.

"I've lived a life surrounded by heroes. None bigger than all of you. Since the day you joined, same as anyone in the line of duty. Heroes. Because you... Because we sign up to lose each other. To get cose to good people and have them taken away." (Daisy’s speech to Talbot vibs)

"I never forget those we've lost"

"No. With respect sir, you're wrong. We don't move on. We hold that place in our heart,we close it off, we lock the door, we visit from time to time, but we don't move on. Even after we say goodbye."

"Here's to us. Who's like us? Damn few."

The goodbye hugs.

Daisy & Coulson's goodbye in particular. "Basically just says I'm proud of you" and the ‘I love you’s is a simple but perfect exchange for their mentor/protege father/daughter relationship.

No Melinda & Coulson goodbye just yet. More like beach time for just a lillte bit.

I absolutely love the ending: the hula doll in the cockpit, the team leaving with new director Mack and Philinda on the beach holding hands. I even feel like Fitz is being included as to me Mack's look and smile to Jemma after "Where to first?"  referes to the project of saving the one Fitz they still can.

[bedbellyandbeyond]

Christmas

(Story Post; ART AT END)

Christmas day, Köbi convinced Sydryn that they should visit Aoife and Reid. Aoife had gifted the dragon a batch of homemade pink cupcakes at work the week before so it was only fair to return the favour. They showed up to the apartment with gifts and wine, and they gathered in the living room for merriment. Syd didn't personally enjoy the idea of Christmas: too many people, too much noise, too much gingerbread. But in Aoife's apartment, it was just the five of them (Aoife, Reid, Samara, Syd and Köbi), they weren't a rowdy bunch, and no one had thought to get gingerbread. “Nathan sent you a gift,” Aoife was saying to Reid, placing a gift bag in his lap. “You should open it.”

Reid blinked and then focused on Aoife before looking down at the present in his lap. “Oh. Aye.” He straightened up in the chair and took the tissue paper out, rooting around. “Card first, right? Did he send one... Here we are.” Aoife sighed and sat back in her chair. Samara came around from the kitchen and handed her girlfriend a mug of hot chocolate with a kiss on the crown of her head. “Oh, look at that...” Reid said holding up the card. “It's got the twins on it in little red and green onesies. Um... Their names...” “Probably inside the card if you can't remember,” Samara suggested. “Right...” He opened the card. “‘Wishing you a relaxing holiday and a quick recovery. It's the season of miracles and I couldn't have had mine without you. Merry Christmas, Dr. Gardi, and a Happy New Year! Love Nathan, Dax, Grace and Gabriel’.” “There you go. That's really sweet of him,” Aoife said. “It is...” Reid said, placing the car back in its envelope and leaving it on the coffee table. “I still feel bad that I missed the birth.” “Wish I had,” Sydryn admitted. “You've never had to calm and sedate a labouring werewolf...” “I guess so...” Reid sighed. “Syd. Did you get my gift?” “Yes.” “And?” “I put it in my hoard.” “On display?” “Yes. It's with the other dragon statuettes I own.” “Nice. Is it the biggest one?” “No. Eat a cookie Reid.” Reid leaned forward and took one from the plate. “Samara, these are amazing.” “I already told you, Aoife made them,” Samara groaned. “Oh. Sorry...” Reid looked down and started nibbling at his cookie. “You can't just get mad at him for not remembering...” Köbi interjected. “It's part of the dissociation.” “It's okay, Köbi,” Reid said. “Samara has every right to be upset.” Samara frowned. “No. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be condescending...” “Reid's getting better,” Sydryn said. “You should only have to put up with it for a short while longer, hopefully. And you don't even live here, so technically the one who should be complaining is Aoife.” “I'm a nurse. I'm just doing my job,” Aoife said. “You say that like we're not even roommates,” Reid complained. “We hardly are. You haven't been home in months,” Aoife said. “I paid my share though.” “You did.” “Well, you say it like we're not even friends.” “We are, but now I have to see you 24/7. If I don't treat you as a patient, I might go mad too, and end up like you.” “I didn't go mad, I had a breakthrough,” Reid countered. “Well, you can't even tell us what the breakthrough is, so...” “I can! I um...” Reid tried to think hard. “...That's not really a nice way to talk to your patient. Learn some bedside manner.” Aoife sighed. “Do we want to watch a movie or something?” “I should head out...” Sydryn said, getting up from the couch. “Reid's doing well. I came to drop off gifts and check on him.” “You don't want to stay for dinner?” Köbi asked. “Not really, no.” “What if I want to stay for dinner?” “You can find your own way home.” Aoife crossed her arms. “Syd, you gotta stay for dinner. It's Christmas.” “You act like that means something to me.” “You brought gifts, didn't you? It must mean something to you.” “I brought gifts because I knew I'd be receiving gifts and I didn't want the guilt.” The dragon put their hands on their hips. “Köbi, you can stay. I have other places to visit so I'll pick you up after...” “Oh, okay. Thanks, Syd.” Köbi smiled. “Where are you off to?” “I have to go visit Camilo and Rheni. I have news for them.” “Not bad news. You can't deliver bad news on Christmas.” “It's just news. How they receive the information is up to them.” “Okay...” Köbi got up to see them out. “Drive safe. Yeah?” “Oh, Syd. Hold on.” Aoife grabbed some cookies and went to the kitchen for a baggie before heading back. “Give these to Camilo and Rheni. And, um, before he says anything, yes, I did tell Camilo you'd sit in on his pregnancy group.” “Are you mad?” Sydryn said, lowering their voice as Samara wasn't supposed to be privy to the knowledge of their pregnancy. “I'm not going to a pregnancy group. My condition is private.” “I only told him you could be beneficial as a doctor,” Aoife said. “You know how worried pregnant people can be. They'll spread home remedies and false information.” “Thank you for letting me know so I can tell Camilo myself that you were mistaken and I will not be attending.” “Syd. You should go.” “In what way would that benefit me?” Sydryn asked. “You’ll be able to learn to care,” Aoife said. “And I’ll stop nagging you about it.” Sydryn clenched their jaw. “I don’t want to.” “If you don’t, I’ll make you take Reid. He can live with you. His hair’s basically pink now. He’ll fit in. Köbi can be his nurse.” “Absolutely not.” “Then go to the group. Think about it. Sleep on it.” Sydryn groaned and just pulled on their coat. “You're a bully.” “If I have to be. Happy Christmas.” Sydryn rolled their eyes and just left.

A quick text to Camilo placed him at Fay's house as the dragon expected. He hadn't yet arranged for Rheni to move back in with him and while they were getting along, Camilo still didn't feel like he could forgive so easily. Sydryn supported Camilo's decision so long as he had the necessary support at home to help him navigate the world as a pregnant man. With Marcita around, it helped a lot. Pulling up, Sydryn immediately noticed a big bundled coat sitting out on the porch. When they approached, it became clear that the figure was Fay and he didn’t look too comfortable. Frowning, Sydryn feeling safe enough in this rural forested area, blew a flame into their palm and wrapped it into a ball, offering it to Fay. The merman took the ball of flame hesitantly, but it floated an inch off his fingers and only warmed, not burned. “Thanks…” “What are you doing out here?” the dragon asked. “Escaping Christmas…” “Ah.” “I don’t do Christmas. I don’t like Christmas. I’m not Christian. My religion is the sea and I’m barely practicing that…” “I’m not fond of it either. Christmas that is,” Sydryn stated. “Yeah. I assume it’s the people?” “Precisely.” “Dari’s not even a practicing Christian.” “It’s these North Americans… They’ve made it part of their culture, whether everyone likes it or not.” “I wish I’d banned TV as soon as Arianne was old enough to understand. Right now, it’s the only way any of them would’ve learned about Christmas, other than from Dari.” “Mm… Yes, perhaps that would’ve worked.” “I assume you’re here on business?” Fay suggested. “I came to speak to Camilo, yes.” “Well, good luck in there.” “Fay, you can’t stay out here. You’re not a cold-water fish.” “I know. Give me a bit more time.” “Alright.” Sydryn headed inside. Immediately commercial Christmas music blared throughout the house and there were lights and decorations everywhere. Siv was the first to appear and weaved between the dragon’s legs to hide behind them, but at the same time Arianne jumped into the hall and pointed right at him. “I see you!” she yelled. “You can’t hide!” “No!” Siv yelled. “Can’t see me!” “I can! You have to help me find Otter!” she yelled back. “Nooo!” Siv yelled again. Sydryn just moved on, removing their coat and boots and walking into the living room. The living room had a live white fir in the corner and stockings hanging over the fireplace as well as snacks on the table. A big garbage bag full of used wrapping paper and opened toy packaging was beside the tree and various toys, clothes and candy were strewn across the floor. Among it, Milo was sitting playing with Katia who looked to have received a new stuffed dolphin for Christmas. Not seeing who he was looking for, Sydryn moved into the kitchen. Dari was in the kitchen mashing potatoes with Zoe strapped to his back. He heard Sydryn come in. “Fay, I need your help with the—Oh, Jesus Christ! Syd!” Dari nearly jumped when he looked back. “Don't scare me... When did you get here?” “Just now,” Sydryn said. “I'm looking for Camilo.” “Upstairs with Rheni I think,” Dari reported. “You haven't seen my husband, have you? I can’t do this without him.” “Porch.” “Of course...” Dari sighed. “I don't know why he has to be such a scrooge. We agreed we'd do Christmas a long time ago.” “I bet that was before your numbers tripled.” “Still. He can't just mope about. I need help.” “I'm sure he'll be back in shortly,” Sydryn stated. “I only gave him a two minute flame.” “A what?” “Don't worry about it.” Syd headed towards the stairs. “Merry Christmas.” “Merry Christmas!” Upstairs, Sydryn found the light on in a room down the hall and figured it was their destination. As they drew near, they could hear chuckling and wet noises from the room with its door slightly ajar. They shivered in disgust and just reached out to knock without looking. “Hello?” “Ah, dios mio!” Camilo was heard startled. “Rheni, stop! Come in.” “I don’t think I want to,” the dragon hypothesised. “Syd?” Camilo came to the door, pulling a shirt down over his stomach which had purple kiss marks all over it. “Hey! You came over fast.” “You seem light spirited,” Sydryn observed. “Well, uh... Es Navidad,” he said blushing. Rheni appeared behind him, passing a hand over Camilo's back. “Hey, Syd! What's up dude?” I'm sorry this took so long, but I've had a lot of work to do in Gardi's wake, and your issue wasn't of high urgency. Anyway, I have your results for you,” they stated. Camilo blinked then looked at Rheni. “Wait... So is the baby Rheni's?” “I never doubted that he was the one to impregnate you,” Sydryn said. “It's the process that I find more interesting. But technically, no the child isn't Rheni's.” “What?” Rheni said, his arms dropping to his sides. “I'm not the father?” “You two don't seem to be listening. Go sit down,” Sydryn said. Camilo went back into the room and sat down on the bed. Rheni sat next to him but didn't touch him. “Good. Now...” Sydryn pulled out their rose-coloured work tablet. “I analysed the sample that you collected from Arrhenius. As I suspected, when performing sexual acts, Rheni's body is capable of producing human DNA completely different from the DNA in the cells that make up Rheni's body. Instead of simple slime gametes like your first pregnancy which were incompatible with Camilo's egg, human male gametes are produced with human DNA which successfully impregnated you with a human child.” “So, I am the father?” Rheni asked. “Well, the thing is, your body had to get the human DNA from somewhere,” Sydryn stated. “Your body is learning from it's environment. It wouldn't just create human DNA from nowhere. It would need to replicate DNA it has access too. But it has access to every human around you: Camilo, Marcita, Dari, etc. But we have record of their DNA and—” “You do?” Camilo interrupted. “Yes, of course,” Sydryn said. “Have to make sure the humans really are human. Also if you were wondering, you're very much human, Camilo.” “I mean, I figured.” “Anyway, the gametes provided to me did not match any of those records of those around you. But...” Sydryn turned over the tablet and showed them a picture. “It does match his.” The pair blinked and stared at the picture. It was an ID portrait of a young man with black hair, a soft face with a defined jaw. “Who's that?” Camilo asked. “That's missing person Michael Zhao,” Sydryn said. “He was attending post secondary school in BC when he was reported missing seven years ago.” They continued to stare at the picture then Rheni moved a hand up to his own face and touched his cheek. “...Is that...Is that me?” “It would be very difficult to conclude otherwise,” Sydryn said. “He is the father of Camilo's baby.” Camilo covered his mouth and tears started rolling down his face. “Oh god, Camilo...” Rheni started rubbing his back. “Are you okay?” “Am I okay?” Camilo sobbed. He pointed to the picture. “It's you!” He sniffled and wiped his eyes. “We found you!” Rheni started nodding quickly, tears coming to his eyes as well. “It is... I know it is...”

[peachfyzzy]

devil!diavolo x reader x god!dio my kind of woman

heres something different for you guys! This should have two or three partish? 

enjoy!

From the moment he saw you, he knew he wanted you. Oh, how your big doe eyes danced around his demonic form in disgust. You were petrified of him. More than anything you had ever seen or witnessed, you were mortified by him. The way his wings sprung from his shoulder blades, revealing bat like veins and indents. His face gave the slightest hints of his former heavenly like glow. His hair framed his face and the beginnings of his back elegantly. His face was hardened with intent. With hard work. His green eyes burned with the deepest fires of hell and his lips curled into a smile that was just a bit too wide. 

Yet, he was beautiful.

He was the most disgusting, yet most enticing being you had ever seen. This is what he loved about you. Instead of running away in innate fear, you stayed. Your eyes darted along the lines of him that were once angelic. You analyzed every part of him, almost resisting the urge to call out for him to step forward. But before you could even think of it, you always woke up. Your heart would be racing a mile a minute and your body would be drenched in sweat. He was a creature of your nightmares. And nothing real.

You told yourself that. 

And yet, despite this false affirmation to yourself, you always felt eyes on you. Those burning green eyes bore into you every second of the day and night. He felt like you were made for him, so he should be able to look over you as he pleased. He stayed below the Earth’s crust, however. He couldn’t risk letting you see his form in your reality.

No, not yet.

So he waited. He waited for the perfect opportunity. One where you’d be down on your knees, crying for some sort of miracle from your ‘Savior’ and then he would show himself. He could be anything or anyone you wanted. The feeling of being stared at from him made him invade your dreams, and the vessel he took seemed to be pleasing enough. He would swoop you off your feet and promise you anything you wanted or needed. 

The perfect little human, all for him to ruin and desecrate. 

What was your God doing? His creator made him in his image. He knew of him and all of him. So why was he sending something so beautiful within his arms reach? Was it some sort of trap? A bait meant to banish him once again? He didn’t have the slightest idea. 

He began to wonder. Were you an undercover angel? Someone meant to report back to him about just how far you could push him? All of his doubts were cast away once he heard his name leaving your lips, barely above a whisper. “Diavolo.” You spoke, your heart close to your chest. You stared deep into the darkness of the corners of your room. How did you know where he was? Diavolo couldn’t resist showing himself. His name sounded so sweet within your lips. Like all of the death and destruction marking the pathes behind him never existed, and only those sweet words defined him. With a wave of his hand, you could see him.

He was just as you’d imagined him in your dreams, foreboding and beautiful. You subconsciously moved back further onto the bed. It had taken months to prepare yourself for this mission. One you knew you were born with. You were never a devout Christian, but the feeling of Diavolo’s eyes in the back of your head made you seek answers, ones that came to you from the other higher power. The ying to Diavolo’s yang. The confident glint in your eyes told him that you were not going to ask him for riches or success. “Leave this house. I’ve felt your piercing gaze for far too long. It’s not welcomed here.” Diavolo simply chuckled, walking forward and crouching a bit to meet your gaze. 

“I am welcomed nowhere but Hell. I bring cleansing fire wherever I go, and yet you seem so brazen against my advances. I know you are scared. Give in to those carnal fears, mio amore. Strike me as you wish and run. I want to see the human in you.” Your stomach lurched at his proclamation of love. He was the king of sin and desire, truly. 

“I was warned you would appear this way to me.” 

“By who? Your foolish creator?” His face seemed to twist at your words, finally. 

“He came to me in a dream. Just as you did. He told me about how those weren’t just dreams, but the forthcoming of something awful.” Diavolo played with a strand of your hair, his face relaxing once more. 

“And you call this awful? I have never heard of him warning such a human of my advances. You are more special than I thought.” Suddenly, you couldn’t move. Your body felt like lead, and your thoughts moved at a sluggish pace. Had you failed? You looked up at Diavolo, who had no doubt been expecting this. In your peripheral vision, you saw a bright, blinding light. One familiar yet so...uncomfortable. Not the light of the first inklings of dawn, but the buzzing light of an interrogation room. 

Nothing felt right.

You knew working alongside forces you didn’t quite understand wouldn’t do you any good, but where could you turn? No one but Dio could help you now. You called upon him once you suspected something horrible was stalking your every move. How many hours had you spent in front of that statue in the church, clasping your hands together and praying for some sort of miracle? 

Enough for him to realize, it seemed. 

Diavolo’s wicked hands outstretched and enveloped your tiny body, keeping you tight to his body. “Are you scared now, little one?” He knew you couldn’t nod or shake your head, but the look in your eyes told him all he needed to know. “You could have everything alongside me. I will give you time to consider my offer, but I hope my reputation precedes me. I will take you by force if needed.” 

With that, the spell placed upon your body broke.

[wftc141]

Blackwatch Chapter 1: We Are Blackwatch

In 2014, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) formed a covert black ops unit, bringing together members from the shadows with a certain set of skills, all curated from the best with the best. They operate in countries that revolves in reconnaissance, rescue, counter-terrorism and assassinations. If they are compromised, NATO was not involved. They do not exist, they do not have records. They are ghosts. They are Blackwatch.

5:06 AM, Local Time

Ukraine

April, 2017

Elsewhere far towards the yet to be risen sun, the War of Donbass continued to rage on in the distance. The gunfire and the roars shut out the outside world between the Russian army and the Ukraine forces. Footsteps and war cries rattled the village as a rocket obliterated a chunk of a house.

Dust, debris and glass powdered as a group of armed and masked(with the exception of certain members) operatives evade and escape from an army of Kadyrovtsy soldiers and Pro-Russian rebels, peppering after them with their rifles. Their mission was to rescue missing CIA agent Clint Goddard who was captured by Chechen forces and set to be executed. But when the captors have Pro-Russian rebels on their contacts list, what do they do? Now they were on the run, desperately making their way for the helicopter evac a few blocks away.

Gabriel Reyes, ex-Delta Force and the front man, turned around and fired automatic bursts with his 10 inch barreled HK416 fitted with an Eotech sight, a tactical foregrip, an AN/PEQ-15 ATPIAL and a suppressor while the team ran past him. His signature skull balaclava topped with a black hood glared at the rebels, designed to strike fear into their hearts, thus earning his nickname, Reaper. Doesn't seem to be working so far.

He stopped shooting and retreated, catching up with Amélie Lacroix, the team's sniper and second in command. Apart from the others, she was armed with a HK417 with custom attachments consisting of a RIS foregrip, a suppressor, a Harris bipod and a laser designator. As one of the most deadliest snipers from France, Amélie was known for her sharpshooting skills and her combined use of hand-to-hand combat and ballet dancing. Therefore, the others knew her as Widowmaker. Shortly, Reaper's earpiece from his comms radio brightened alive.

"Ghost Rider to Shadow 1, get your asses moving. I'm running out of fumes here and I'm getting shot at, over!"

"We're on the move right now! Stand by, over!" Reaper replied while hopping over uneven terrain.

Making their way down a hill through a blasted hole on a wide fence, American country-man Jesse McCree turned around and burst rounds with his AR-15 5.56/223 Carbine attached with a Crimson Trace lasergrip and ACOG scope against their pursuers. Everybody was quick to call him a cowboy based on his thick beard, ragged hair and the cowboy hat whenever he wasn't on the field. The Japanese Genji Shimada was also beside him, doing the same thing with his TDI Kriss Vector SBR .45 ACP attached with an extended mag, Trijicon SRS sight and an Osprey suppressor. He also had a hood over his balaclava.

Another operator assisting them was the newest member in Blackwatch. Keenan Cortell, AKA. Marvel, straight out of the US Air Force bringing in his experiences as a fighter jet pilot. Unlike everybody else, he only carried an automatic Glock 18, firing rapid bursts. He always preferred a pistol over an assault rifle but if he had to choose, his first pick would be his custom UMP-45. After taking down a group of rebels, another wave of them clambered after them, forcing the three to fall back.

"This mission was supposed to be clean and quiet!" McCree yelled while sliding down the rocky but short hill.

"How would it be if we're in the middle of a goddamn war-zone?!" Marvel retorted, following him.

While the rest of the team ran through the wide dry area, Irish operative Moira O'Deorain carried Goddard by his shoulders. Even though he went through some beating sessions, he was still able to walk on two feet. Ex-Delta Force operative, Nicolas Beltrán or Nico for short fought back against the rebels trying to flank their east using his camo AK-12 with Eotech sights, AFG grip along with the Mexican, Sombra. Nobody knew her identity when she joined, not even the FBI. Her beanie covered her purple highlighted hair with sunglasses. Her custom silver blue MP7A1 attached with a suppressor, vertical foregrip and an Eotech sight was able to pick off a row of rebels charging after them.

"It would be better if you guys lent me a gun." Goddard croaked.

"Sorry sir but you're our mission and we can't risk you getting killed." Moira said.

The operatives caught up and they formed a line, fighting back against the pursuing rebels far from their distance while Moira brought Goddard to the front. After what felt like forever, their pilot in a PZL-Świdnik Mi-2 arrived and landed in front of the team. The rotors hovered, blowing away the remaining grass on its landing zone.

"Ghost Rider to Shadow 1, we're here. Get your asses in. I don't wanna stay long."

"Copy, Ghost Rider."

As the rest of the team provided covering fire, Moria quickly placed Goddard into the helicopter. Once he was strapped in, Moira stepped near the doors and called after the team.

"Objective secure, everybody in the helicopter now!"

Genji and Marvel were the first to jump in while the rest continued to shoot back. One by one, the team jumped in while taking shots. Now it was Nico and Sombra's turn to get in. As Sombra removed her clip while backing towards the helicopter, Nico's gaze fell upon to his west where he saw one of the rebels crouched and aiming something pointy at them. It didn't take long for him to realize what it was.

"RPG!" He shouted.

Wasting no time, Nico pushed Sombra out of the way just in the nick of time. As Sombra fell to the ground, Nico was unfortunately standing on the radius of the missile seconds away near him. As soon as it landed, an ear-crunching thwoom erupted and smoke formed the area. The explosion damaged the helicopter, which almost had it tilting to its right with its rotors grazing the ground. As the smoke cleared out and the team got back to their senses, Sombra who had covered herself from the blast looked up and found Nico on the ground but he wasn't responsive.

"Nico?" Sombra called. He didn't move or cough, prompting her to get up and check on him. "Dios mios, Nico!"

When she got to him, it wasn't a pretty sight. Sombra almost felt something forced up her throat. Nico's body has almost turned into a limbless statue with both of his legs and left arm missing, as well as burns all over his chest and face. A puddle of blood formed underneath him, soaking the dry grass. His eyes were shut tightly as if something dug inside it.

"N-Nico's down! I repeat! Nico's down!" Sombra yelled.

Everybody gasped silently and gave each other glances except Reaper. He jumped out of the helicopter while bullets continued to rain after them. He went up towards Sombra and helped her pull Nico to the helicopter while the rest of the team provided covering fire. Moira got out as well armed with a spare HK416, managing to take out a pair of rebels closing in.

Once Reaper and Sombra got in with Nico's body, Moira stopped firing and hopped back in. The helicopter began to lift from the hot-zone and Marvel shut the slide. The rebels continued to shoot at them but the ceased shooting proved that the rebel's efforts were fruitless.

As the helicopter flew out of sight from the village, Reaper bent down near Nico's body and pulled his mask off along with hood, revealing his brown goatee. He began to apply CPR while Goddard and Moira came to assist with cleaning up and bandaging the missing limbs with the provided first aid. Blood was now forming on the surface, slowly sliding downwards.

"Come on, Nico! Wake up!" Reaper begged as he pressed his chest repeatedly.

There was no response. No cough or a faint feeling of a breath. Reaper didn't want to believe it. He kept on pressing his chest while the team waited for a miracle. Moira was the only person who knew an injury like this wasn't bound to be healed.

"Nico, don't you fucking die!" Reaper growled, raising his voice progressly.

He continued to press his chest to the point where it was starting to get pointless. Goddard and the team couldn't do anything but watch as Reaper slammed his hands on Nico's almost limbless body while throwing his entire energy on him. Eventually, Reaper stopped while heavily panting. His hands were covered with Nico's blood and went limp onto the surface. The fact that they were together in the Delta Force added further injury to his pain, like a bullet to the heart.

"Goddamn you, Nico," he whimpered as the wine red blood reached the end of the door slide, dripping off the gap. "Goddamn you."

(1 Year Later)

Even being awake, the alarm clock continued to beep without even stopping. Reaper was already up, sitting on the side of his bed while staring down at the floor. Only dressed in worn sweatpants with his old dog tags, the rest of his body was not so pure. There were multiple healed wounds on his body, a healed gunshot wound on the waist with an exit and another on his right shoulder. There were several more on his back, including some healed burns. His right arm also had a healed burn wound. As the alarm beeped mindlessly, Reaper sighed, fed up and turned off the alarm clock.

8:23 AM, Local Time

Rome, Italy

Embassy of the United States

May, 2018

Blackwatch was never assigned any stations but the associates from NATO were kind enough to lend in the Embassy of the United States in Rome as the team's station. The Embassy was big enough for Blackwatch to fit in their own quarters and their operation centers for their missions, similar to the CIA and the DSS. Reaper parked his rented Fiat at the nearest parking garage and got out, dressed in all black rolled up shirt and pants with a NATO ID badge, because Blackwatch isn't an official unit. He didn't have time for breakfast since he wasn't much of an eater.

Reaper had to meet up with Widowmaker as the two have a debrief with Major Salvatore of NATO. After getting checked by guards and processed, Reaper picked up the FNG at the front entrance as ordered yesterday and made their way down the hallway, going into an elevator. While in the elevator, Reaper briefly glanced at the FNG. He was a black guy with a temple fade haircut and a beard. He looked like any average soldier: standard build and six feet tall. He also wore a navy blue t-shirt with tan pants and carried a backpack.

Before he went to the meeting, Reaper took the black guy to Blackwatch's quarters. When the two entered the room, the team who were inside stopped what they were doing once Reaper stepped inside. All of the members were in their casual clothes.

Genji was leaning at the corner, wearing a grey sweatshirt with the hood completely shading half of his face alongside black jeans. Marvel had a grey polo shirt and a cap topped with Ray Bans. McCree had his signature cowboy hat with a brown leather jacket over a blue tucked in shirt and tan pants.

Sombra's appearance has made some drastic changes for the past year. Although her shaved side hasn't grown back, her remaining hair was shorter and red highlights replaced her original colour as well as her clothes, shifting into a burgundy raglan tee and black skinny jeans. Other than Reaper, she had a NATO ID badge on her belt. Moira had her usual black shirt with a purple waistcoat. Their pilot, Tamara "Fio" LaPaglia, stood next to Sombra in a green open short sleeve shirt with a white t-shirt underneath. Born with a Brazilian descent, Fio shared similar experiences with Marvel as a US Marine pilot with the exception of a fighter jet.

"Who's this guy, Reaper?" Sombra asked, pointing at the black guy.

"This is...the FNG," Reaper answered. He didn't sound enthusiastic. "Sorry, didn't really catch your name."

"Raymundo Owens. But you can call me Ray."

The team were surprised about the news since nothing bad happened after the death of a former member but nonetheless, none of them had a problem with the news. However, Sombra didn't seem to like the new guy. Its like questioning a nobody in a top secret covert unit sent to replace a previously deceased member. Reaper also noticed that Widowmaker wasn't anywhere to be seen.

"Where's Lacroix?" He asked.

"Already waiting for you at the meeting." Sombra replied, ignoring Ray as much as possible.

"Alright, while I'm at the meeting, you guys make Ray feel at home," Reaper then turned to Ray. "And you...don't cause any trouble while I'm gone."

He replied with a nod. Shortly, Reaper was out of the room and the door swung shut. There was nothing but silence surrounding the room as the team stared at Ray. The silence was eventually broken once McCree got up from the cases he was sitting on and approached Ray. His index finger was tapping intensely on his upper thigh as if he really wanted a cigar.

"Well, I suppose we make ya feel comfortable," he held out his hand. "I'm McCree, Jesse McCree."

Ray shook his hand back. "Nice to meet you."

He seemed warm enough. McCree then let go of his hand.

"So, which branch you from?" He asked.

"Army, 75th Rangers. You?" Ray replied.

"Marines, Force Recon. Those were the days, partner."

McCree then turned around and planned to introduce the team. He first gestured towards Moira.

"This is Moira, ex-Irish Army Ranger Wing. She's our field medic but if you're a bad guy who just got shot or just piss her off in general, she'll murder you slowly and painfully."

Moria warmly smiled and waved like it was a normal thing. After a moment of awkward silence, McCree then pointed towards Fio.

"This is Fio, our pilot. When it comes to any sort of aircraft, she'll fly 'em."

Fio simply smiled and nodded at him, prompting him to do the same. McCree then pointed to Sombra.

"Over there is Sombra, NSA's top cyber security agent and hacker. Her past is a mystery and that's why the NSA want her. She's wicked smart and asks no questions. Ask her to break into Elon Musk's servers, she'll get it done in no time." When Ray looked at her, Sombra avoided eye contact. McCree wasn't surprised at all. "Oh, don't worry about it. She's not so into new guys. She'll soften up eventually."

McCree turned towards Marvel where he was staring at Ray.

"That's Marvel, fresh out of the US Air Force. He's a pro with a fighter jet and he can take on just anybody with his hands. Trust me when I say you'll only last three seconds on the mat."

"Hey." Marvel uttered without waving.

Ray nodded. McCree eventually got to the last part, pointing at the hooded guy.

"And last and not least, Genji Shimada, our other hand-to-hand expert. Actually kicked Marvel's ass a buncha times."

"Once, actually!"

McCree ignored his comment and continued.

"Genji's a former Japanese officer from the Special Assault Team. Had a great record of locking up many bad crooks, especially one of the most ruthless Yakuza clans of Tokyo."

Genji just showed him a peace sign without a word.

"Widowmaker's our leader's second in command but she's currently in a meeting with the boss. You might get to meet her later. I'm gonna assume it's gonna be 'bout our next mission so don't get too comfy. But other than that...welcome to Blackwatch."

McCree patted Ray on the shoulder with a smile before walking away, leaving Ray alone. As everybody else got back to whatever they were doing, Ray stood there, figuring out how to get used to being in a special black ops unit. It was quite hard, especially for new guys like him.

As soon as Reaper and Widowmaker entered the briefing room, they were greeted by Major Salvatore, serving NATO for twenty years, sitting at the middle of the room with a desk containing folders along with two chairs. A pair of guards were also stationed at the corners. As the two sat down, they noticed the two folders conveniently placed for them.

"We have a situation in Zambia," Salvatore stated. "Two days ago, a squad of peacekeepers from the United Nations were captured and publicly executed during their routine patrol by a local militia group. We caught the word when a group of villagers came to one of our nearest bases in Zambia with the decapitated heads of the peacekeepers."

Reaper opened up the folder and picked up a file, showing four seperate pictures of men with blue berets. Underneath were some bullet points and additional notes with one of them by the name of 'Ejner Lütken' highlighted for whatever reason. Maybe he was the leader. Either way, Reaper had some divisive opinions on the decision.

"Obviously it was a stupid call to send in a four man team unarmed into a bad neighborhood." He said, leaning back on his chair.

"They were only ordered to observe and possibly maintain order there." Widowmaker added.

"She's right, Reyes," Salvatore said. "Zambia is still a war-zone and the UN were trying to maintain the peace by using their hearts and minds, not automatic weapons."

Reaper scoffed. "I've seen the work the UN does and with all due respect, this shit ain't working at all. It's just making the situation worse. I hardly believe they're even brave enough to handle this or even give a rat's ass about it."

Salvatore wasn't fazed by his comment but he just handed Reaper another folder. "Either way, this is a Blackwatch operation, Reyes. We've identified the militia who executed those peacekeepers."

Reaper flipped over the folder and took out the paper with a blurry photograph of a black man with braids and sunglasses, standing beside a couple of armed men in shemagh scarves.

"Your target is Arno Macaba. Younger brother of former warlord, Dede Macaba who was killed by the Namibian Defence Force five years earlier. Arno is trying to finish what his brother started by taking full control of South Africa. They had control of both Zambia and Namibia earlier but ever since the death of Dede, Namibia is in the government's hands which leaves Zambia, the only hole left for Arno to fill. The NSA has managed to pinpoint his location at a large camp which is 3 miles away from the village where the UN peacekeepers were killed. Airstrikes are a no go because the NSA has also found out that the militia are using the villagers for labor and we can't risk casualties or worse, have the CNN snoop around on NATO's activities. Which is why we need you and your team on the ground to eliminate him. Keep the mission as quiet as possible. We can't afford any traces leading to NATO. The C130 will be wheels up at 10. Good luck."

After that, words were exchanged and the two left the room. They went down the corridor towards the elevator where they passed a man carrying some files. It was dead silent on their way back.

"Heard about the new teammate." Widowmaker said, breaking the silence.

"You okay with that?" Reaper asked.

"Oui. You think I don't like newcomers?"

"I do, actually. Hell, I don't even want any more members on the team."

Widowmaker chuckled for a moment. The two both stopped after arriving at the elevator. "There's nothing wrong with having a new member on the team, Gabe. You didn't say anything when Marvel first arrived."

Everything went silent again as they stood together. The elevator sign above changed numbers.

"Considering what happened back in Ukraine, it shouldn't be a big deal with the new guy on the team."

Reaper sighed, silently admitting she had a point but he was still concerned.

"Lets just hope the kid won't screw up the mission and get himself or all of us killed."

The elevator arrived just as he finished and they were silent again for the rest of the trip back to the quarters.

10:20 AM, Local Time

Flying over Africa's Airspace

Prior to the boarding of the C130, everybody swapped into their compatible clothes to blend in the dark. Their weapons, each different, were also packed in containers for the mission. Marvel and Fio piloted the aircraft as part of their skills. Shortly, the aircraft went for the sky and made an estimated time of a twelve hour trip to Zambia.

Two hours has passed during the flight and everybody has been minding their own business. As the aircraft rumbled and shook lightly on the sky, Ray looked around where the team were. Sombra and Genji were resting, McCree had earphones on while napping, probably listening to some country music by the looks of him and Widowmaker was writing something on a notepad. Moira was reading a book titled "The Human Anatomy" which seemed to unsettle Ray but he pretended as if it wasn't a big deal. Sighing underneath his breath, Ray looked at the ring on his finger. A small smile slowly grew across his face.

"You're married?"

Ray looked up and noticed Reaper standing above him. He laid his finger off the ring.

"I am, sir."

Reaper nodded and handed him a small container. Ray looked at it in confusion before looking back at the leader.

"Leave the ring in the C130 once we get out," Reaper said. "We don't let our enemy know what we have in life for them to use against us…"

Ray's eyes slowly descended down to the surface of his ring. He had a point there.

"Plus you make us look bad. We're still single." Reaper added.

That comment was enough to make Ray chuckle, brightening the tension a little bit. After taking the container from Reaper, he left him to himself and Ray pulled the ring off his finger, placing it into the container. Just as he removed it, Ray seemed to feel a sense of guilt and pity. Maybe he never had taken the ring off for a while. Could be.

10:43 PM, Local Time

Zambia, Africa

Militia Camp

After arriving in Zambia, the team made another half hour ride towards the marked camp with the supplied helicopter. Fio landed them a few miles away from the camp before taking off. Apart from the other villages where it was pitch black, the camp was decently lit well enough to expose their presence. Prior to their mission, they all suited up in plate carriers although Marvel and Widowmaker had chest rigs and Kevlar under their clothes, ballistic helmets with night vision goggles, bandanas and ski masks except Marvel and Widowmaker and go bags.

First impressions of the camp: easy but looks don't fool anyone. The voices coming from the camp seem to give away more than just a group of useless goons. Shouts and wails can be heard from a distance. It was also surrounded by a line of fence which doesn't look professionally set up. Everybody else was fully armed.

While the rest of the team are moving to the camp, Sombra and Moira stayed back to keep watch in case any reinforcements arrive with Sombra using her personal tri rotor drone controlled by a tablet. The drone hovered above the camp where it was dark for anybody on the ground to see.

"Mini drone's activated." Sombra said on the comm.

The rest of the team moved through one part of the fence at the side of the entrance which was torn open where Reaper suddenly raised a hand, prompting the team to freeze. In front of them was a guard in a tank top with a chest rig standing in an isolated area. Smoke was visible in front of him.

"Genji, take him out." Reaper whispered, gesturing towards the guard.

Just as ordered, Genji moved forward while the team snuck behind the huts, consuming themselves in the shadows. The guard remained unaware of the green visor lighting up the shadows behind him. As the guard continued smoking, Genji slung his suppressed HK416C rifle. Once he was close enough, Genji went for the strike. He kicked the guard's calf, sending him on one knee and wrapped his elbow around his neck. Genji pulled him away from the open and towards the dark while he held onto his neck tightly. Once he stopped struggling, Genji slowly placed him aside and finished him off with a suppressed P229 Elite.

"Clear." He said with elusiveness within his tongue.

The team advanced from the shadows and towards the opening where light was with their weapons raised.

"Shadow 2," Reaper ordered. "Take the overwatch position and prepare to provide cover once we capture our objective. Shadow 5, provide cover for Shadow 2. Shadow 3 and 7, take the east side of the camp. Shadow 8, with me. Engage all hostiles with discretion and silence. Now let's move."

Everybody moved out once Reaper made a hand signal to confirm his command. Eventually, the team dispersed without looking back. Reaper and Ray made their way to the center of the camp where activity was more active. There were several posts with loudspeakers positioned around the camp and if they were to be activated...

While the team moved on, Widowmaker advanced towards the area of makeshift huts. She side glanced the huts around her for a brief moment before moving past a guard sitting on a pile of crates while sharpening his machete. He had just saw her walk past him once he looked up. He let out a shout and grabbed his rifle, calling after her. Before he could move towards her, he loosened his grip on the rifle and slumped onto the ground, face first. Blood began to form from the surface of his face. Genji appeared from the shadows, aiming his HK416C to his body.

Widowmaker unsurprisingly paid little attention to the scene and continued to make her way towards one of the towers nearby. Genji simply went off and dispersed into the shadows. Widowmaker climbed onto the top of the tower and the first thing she noticed in front of her was a guard on a chair asleep. His rifle was also on the floor. Widowmaker slung her rifle away and took out a fibre wire attached to her belt.

Slowly walking up to the guard, she quickly wrapped the wire around his neck once she reached a suitable distance. The surprise attack was enough to jolt the unsuspecting guard awake, causing him to writhe around and make choking noises helplessly. Her strength was intense, having dug into the skin of the neck with the wire. He tried to reach for the wire holding him back, only to pull himself off the chair, giving Widowmaker an even deeper choke. Shortly, he began to relax and his hands went limp. She dragged his body to the corner and unwrapped the wire off his neck.

Widowmaker raised her suppressed HK417 with the safety off. She looked through her Leupold Mark 4 scope, revealing a much proper view of the camp. She adjusted her scope, focusing her sights on the other tower placed across the camp. Two guards, both awake and on duty. Without skipping a beat, she picked off the guard behind the one watching. He suddenly turned but he too was taken out, joining his partner's fate. Thankfully, none of them fell off the tower. Soft smoke escaped the hole of the suppressor, disappearing into the sky. There was still enough bullets in the mag.

"This is Shadow 2, hostiles on the towers have been taken care of, over." She said, tapping into her earpiece.

After the notification, Widowmaker caught sight of Reaper and Ray below. She held her gaze at them, watching behind their backs.

"Shadow 1 and 8, drone's picking up three heat signatures in a hut, fifteen steps from your position. Possible location of the HVT, over." Sombra said.

"Copy. Moving to that location, out." Reaper replied.

As Ray and Reaper walked down between the huts, they noticed a figure a couple of steps away from them. They approached him closer and they find a guard in a shemagh scarf and a teal striped polo shirt smoking while leaning against a pile of weapon crates with his back facing the duo. Reaper slung his LWRC M6A1 carbine over his shoulder and took out a knife from his sleeve as he slowly approached the guard. Ray followed him and hid behind the crates he was on.

Once the time was right, Reaper grabbed the guard's shoulder and pulled him onto the crate's surface. He plunged the knife into the guard's torso rapidly before dragging his body off the crate. Blood was left behind on the surface. Just then, Ray caught another guard walk out of a hut near them. He had just discovered the absence of the guard when Ray aimed his SIG 516 at him. He opened suppressed rapid rounds, bringing the unsuspecting guard down with bullets in the torso. Reaper stood up from the body and noticed the dead guard Ray shot before equipping his rifle and continuing to move. While the two searched for the hut, Ray froze on the spot after looking at something shocking.

Through a wide gap from the huts, there was an open field heavily lit as if it was important. There were guards with rifles supervising with kegs of water placed around the area. Ray stared at the villagers digging something up at the middle of the field. He counted more than a dozen children, five slender and frail elders and almost half of the women. Even worse, he discovered a pair of them pregnant. Ray remained fixated on the field, having that urge to save the villagers. His hand on the foregrip tightened and his finger on the verge of slipping on the trigger. Suddenly, he felt a hand slap his shoulder and spun him, directly towards Reaper.

"Hey, we're not here for them. Macaba's our mission. Let's move."

They continued moving although Ray was still focused on the villager's suffering. Shortly, they found the hut with their target, evident by the flag attached to the front door. The two stacked up next to the door, holding their rifles tightly. They were able to hear muffled voices from the room. Reaper tapped on his earpiece, exchanging communication.

"This is Shadow 1. Me and Shadow 8 are preparing to breach on possible HVT location, out." He said.

Reaper made a hand signal, indicating breach and Ray nodded. The two got their rifles ready and Reaper turned the doorknob open. They went in, aiming their rifles. There were three men standing by the desk with their backs on them and the man in the middle had the same dreads from the picture but with a floral shirt and worn cargo pants. In front of them were some pictures attached on a board. That was definitely their target, Macaba.

One of the guards wearing a dirty sweatshirt under a Kevlar vest had just looked behind his shoulder to discover some uninvited intruders and said something in his own language to Macaba. The other guard also caught them once he let out some noise. However, they weren't quick enough once Ray and Reaper dispatched them instantly. Ray fired suppressed bursts at the guard with Kevlar to his nose and mouth while Reaper fired rounds at the other guard to the forehead.

Both of Macaba's guards fell to the ground with blood sloshing from their heads onto the wooden floor along with their rifles. Just as they took care of them, Macaba had fast reflexes to grab a M1911 from the desk. Ray had just noticed Macaba aim his pistol, directly at Reaper's line of sight.

"Look out!"

Ray swiftly stepped in front of Reaper just as Macaba pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Ray's left chest, stinging him hard. The loud gunshot rang across the entire room and possibly the majority of the camp. As he fell to the ground, Reaper caught the chance and shot Macaba, hitting him in the upper arm. Macaba let out a shriek and pressed his gun to the bicep before trying to retaliate by aiming back while leaving his arm to soak in blood. Reaper quickly finished him off with the 5.56 bullets sawing into his chest. As he slammed onto the desk, his pistol went off at the same time, hitting the wall. Reaper approached his body and shot at what once was the would-be warlord further with a suppressed Glock 17, staining the desk and the photographs with blood.

Confirming he was taken out, Reaper slipped his pistol back into his waist holster and ran up towards the new guy on the ground. That bastard's crazy, he thought. He bent down near Ray who was feeling for the spot where the bullet hit him. Surprisingly, he was fine.

"I'm good, sir." Ray assured. "Round only caught the plate."

Reaper silently sighed with relief. "Then get the fuck up. We gotta move now. Everyone sure as hell heard that shot by now."

Reaper held out his arm, prompting Ray to grab him by the forearm. After getting Ray up, he handed him his SIG 516. As Ray ejected the mag in exchange for a new one, he took point with Reaper following. They opened the door and prepared to hit back with anything the militia's got. Through Widowmaker's scope, all of the guards have begun to take their duties even serious and ran around, searching for the gunshot while the villagers stood in confusion.

"Chicos, you got hostiles moving towards your location, over." Sombra warned from the comm.

"Copy we're exfiling now. HVT has been neutralised." Reaper replied.

Widowmaker moved her focus onto Reaper and Ray. They stopped and took cover behind some rusty sedans as several guards approached their position. Widowmaker shifted her scope and aimed at the guards firing at the intruders. With immense accuracy, she managed to take out the group trying to waste them. Meanwhile, McCree and Marvel made their advance to the east entrance with McCree leading the escape. Suddenly, the two get a warning from Sombra.

"Shadow 3, you got three incoming hostiles approaching from the left corner."

Just as she said so, two guards ran past the left corner of the hut in front of them, just noticing the two. Before they could react, McCree mowed them down like cheese with his modified M4A1. However, the last one wasn't present. Marvel left a signal, prompting McCree to stand by while holding his rifle high. He hid behind the corner and slightly raised his suppressed FN Five Seven, the only weapon he brought with him. He moved a few feet back to make sure his shadow didn't give away his position. The guard's shadow below him got closer and once he appeared from the corner, Marvel shot a round at his foot, causing the guard to shriek and lose balance. Marvel shot his head as he fell forwards. Once the guards were dispatched, the two took a brief breather as if they ran a mile.

"Thanks for the heads up, Shadow 4!" McCree said.

There was a sudden pause. "Not a single thanks for my Azúcar?"

"That thing's got a name?"

"It's the only reason you two are still alive."

McCree turned towards Marvel, only to receive a glance from him. Marvel slightly waved a hand from his hip.

"It's kind of a cool name." He commented.

Meanwhile, Widowmaker continued to cover for Reaper and Ray, taking out guards trying to approach them with their rifles. At this point, most of the guards were aware that one of their tower guards aren't doing their job. Which was why Genji remained in the shadows, taking care of guards trying to reach the tower. After emptying the rest of the mag on the guards, Widowmaker ejected the mag with a tap on the mag release. As the empty clip bounced on the wood, she reattached a new clip from her pouch and retracted the port.

She regained her sight through her scope, noticing the villagers spinning around in confusion. Some of the guards were rushing towards them and mouthing orders at them while raising their rifles, scaring them back into the digging point.

"Shadow 3 and 7 are out." McCree notified on the radio.

Elsewhere, Ray and Reaper arrive at the eastern entrance but stop at the very spot. They crouched and positioned their rifles behind them, aiming across the area.

"Shadow 2 and 5," Reaper said. "Me and Shadow 8 have reached the east entrance. We'll provide covering fire for your escape. Get outta there now."

"Copy, Shadow 2 out." Widowmaker replied.

Widowmaker lowered her rifle and climbed down the ladder, landing back on the surface where Genji was waiting. As they head towards the east entrance, Widowmaker took point while Genji covered their rear. He still remained a stranger with that ski mask under his helmet. Shortly, a group of guards armed with rifles appeared in front of them and opened fire. Widowmaker hid behind a parked pickup truck while Genji disappeared into the shadows. As they continued to fire at them, Widowmaker picked off a flashbang grenade from her chest rig.

"Flashbang!" She exclaimed, tossing it out in the open to where most of the guards were.

There was a thunderous explosion, ceasing the gunfire. It appeared the militia has never heard of a flashbang before. Switching her rifle into automatic mode, she appeared from the truck and opened fire with rapid bursts, gunning down the blinded guards. At the same time, Genji appeared from the corner and shot down the remaining two guards, kicking one of them into a pile of crates. The two continued to head out of the open.

"Shadow 2 and 5, you have two hostiles about to cut you off." Sombra warned.

As usual, two more masked guards appeared from the corner of the remaining huts. Widowmaker quickly slung her rifle and pulled out her suppressed MK 23 from her waist holster. With extreme precision, she dropped them down one by one with a headshot for each. As they both slumped to the ground, the two walked past their bodies and headed off where the gunfire has seemingly started to die out.

The two finally made it to the east entrance where Reaper, Ray and the rest of the team were waiting. As they escaped to the extraction area, Ray hesitated for a moment. He looked behind, feeling concerned for the villagers who were still in the camp. A couple of seconds later, Ray eventually turned away and caught up with his team.

11:25 AM, Local Time

Aviano Air Base, Italy

After another flight back to Italy, the C130 touched down at the Aviano Air Base miles away from Rome. As the team walked down on the platform with their weapons in their crates, Ray slipped his wedding ring back on while everybody else went on their way. Several vehicles passed them and loud aircraft occupied the airfield.

"Hey Ray, hang back for a bit."

Just as he stepped on the surface, Ray heard Reaper call him. While the others walked away, Ray got back into the aircraft where Reaper leaned against the side. Ray felt uneasy, worried about his actions earlier. It would make sense since he wanted to try to rescue the villagers from the militia. Reaper let out a sigh before looking back at Ray, uncrossing his arms.

"Listen," he started. "I appreciated your intention to protect me back at that camp but you need to understand that this unit is not your average team. I have responsibilities and I'll be damned if I lose anymore of you. So I'll keep this brief. Don't ever try to sacrifice your life again just to save mine. I also get that you wanted to help those people back at the camp, believe me, but you must understand that the mission comes first. There were other ways we could save those villagers without getting them killed in the crossfire."

The scariest thing about what Reaper said was...he was right. Who knew what could've happened if he actually did let the villagers loose. This would've resulted in the villagers getting hit and possibly killed in the crossfire. Reaper sighed once again and looked back at Ray with a slight sight of gratitude.

"Other than that...you did good." He said, patting him on the shoulder.

As Reaper walked past him and stepped onto the surface, Ray could only stand there wondering. He looked back at Reaper who was still heading off while the vehicles passed and soldiers marched away. Ray still felt uncertain about his position in a black ops unit.

1:00 PM Local Time

Rome, Italy

Embassy of the United States

While the rest of the team stayed in the embassy doing whatever they usually do, Reaper had just finished his report on his mission for NATO and eventually took the rest of his alone time on the balcony on the third floor. Although there were guards patrolling the area, it didn't bother him. In front of him was the open view of the city of Rome. The baby blue sky occupied the horizon with no sign of any clouds. From a distance, he watched a plane silently fly off above and beyond.

"I knew I would find you here."

Reaper didn't need to look behind. The French feminine voice was enough to give away her presence. As he remained attached to the horizon, Widowmaker approached beside him, joining him.

"Guess the rookie did alright for his first mission." She said.

"He did." Reaper replied, trying to drive the conversation away.

"Then what seems to bothering you?"

It was normal for Widowmaker to be persistent. She always found out, eventually. That's what makes her good at her job. After all, she was his second in command and the deadliest of the team. Reaper sighed deeply and took his hands out of his pockets.

"The rookie took a bullet for me."

"And that's a bad thing?" Widowmaker asked. "Je ne comprends pas. He saved your life."

"Yeah but he almost died. Who knows what could've happened if the bullet penetrated the armor."

She wasn't surprised. It was a normal thing since she was with him for years.

"Gabe, we all knew the risks when it came to jobs like this and you forgot that it's our job to keep all of us in one piece."

Reaper stayed silent. He didn't look in the mood to continue the conversation. Widowmaker got his message and started to turn away.

"Maybe you're right," Reaper suddenly said. "I just hate losing more people on this team."

Widowmaker didn't expect him to reply at all. She sympathized with his idea of losing another member close. It started to remind her about her loss of someone dear to her. Widowmaker eventually walked away, leaving Reaper to himself.

[torisfeather]

Also on AO3

Svetlana had a lot of visits, during the first weeks of class. When students got too curious, accidents were fast to happen. Not that she complained. She liked her job with all her heart. Fortunately, the first days were supposed to be slow. It wasn’t cold enough for kids to be ill, and the older ones weren’t too careless with their capacities. As for the new ones, they were still finding them out and were mostly warry of them.

That’s why she was waiting calmly in her office, a good old-fashioned magazine on her laps and a bit of Tchaïkovski in the background. It was a peaceful morning. It was almost time for recess and, if she was lucky, her three adorable kids would come by, say hi and tell her about their first class of the year. History, if she remembered correctly. With that new teacher who looked, truth be told, quite charming…

Three knocks at the nursery door pulled her out of her thoughts. Oh? There couldn’t already be an injury after less than two hours of class, right? Ah, maybe one of the last years had sprained their ankle during PE, that was plausible. Intrigued, she set her magazine down, stood up and opened the door. She wasn’t expecting what she saw.

“Uh? Are you bringing me a corpse?” A line of students came in, carrying Antonio’s still body. He was a fourth year student if she remembered correctly. Luna was guiding them, holding up the poor boy’s head. Behind them, two students were helping around a small brunet uttering a stream of insults that grew more vulgar by the second. His right arm was covered in bruises. “Oh my… Luna, I know your methods are efficient but don’t you think this is getting a little bit out of hand?”

Luna gave her an uneasy sorry smile. Svetlana sighed but her nurse instinct quickly took over. She guided the troops so that they’d carefully set down their burden on one of the nursery’s beds. Feliciano and Kiku let go of Lovino on another one, next to the first. Then, the middle-aged blond woman shooed the entire class out with big waves of her arms, asking for space so she could work correctly. Only Luna was allowed to stay, and that was because she was a co-principle.

Svetlana took a stool and went to sit between the two boys. Lovino had lied down and wasn’t talking anymore but anyone could have noticed the way he kept glancing concerned looks at the Spanish boy. The nurse slightly peeled off Antonio’s shirt and carefully placed her hand on his stomach. Her eyes immediately widened with astonishment. “Two broken ribs and internal bleeding! Do you think I’m a magician?! I give diagnosis, I don’t make miracles! And Raivis is still in class… Havens, did you use this boy as a trampoline?!”

“That’s not at all what fucking happened!” Lovino exclaimed from the next bed.

Svetlana pouted and slapped him a little. Not very hard, just what was needed as a warning. “Watch your language, duckling,” she reproached.

Lovino blushed up to the roots of his hair but just grumbled about all those “fucking people that kept giving him stupid nicknames”. Svetlana sighed, took her hand away from Antonio’s stomach and raised his legs with a couple pillows. Then she started opening her patient’s shirt, without taking it completely off so that he wouldn’t move any more. She set the fabric apart, exposing the Spanish boy’s torso. Around the first ribs, there was a large purplish black zone, excessively swollen. Lovino’s eyes grew larger with horror and tried to look away, which caught the nurse’s attention.

“Nice work, huh?” she mocked. “Was that your fault?”

“What? No, it wasn’t my fucking fault!” the Italian yelled. “H-he’s the one who’s just so dumb he fucked up, damn i…”

He was interrupted with a slap. “I told you to mind your language, you wolf cub,” she scolded softly.

Vexed, Lovino tried to turn around and let out a pained yelp: he had forgotten about his own bruises. Svetlana raised an eyebrow and turned to him to examine the injuries. She let go with a relieved sigh: there was nothing too urgent. She started petting the rest of the Spanish boy’s body, making sure there was nothing else.

“You should have come and get me, it’s dangerous to move someone in that state! The bone could have moved and make even more damage and… Goodness, we really need to do something about the internal bleeding…”

“I’ve sent someone to get Raivis, he shouldn’t be long,” Luna assured as she read a magazine on her chair.

She had barely finished her sentence when the door bounced against the wall and a young blond boy rushed in, panicked, breathless and shaking like strawberry jellow. Peter was following behind. “I-I came as fast I possible!” he stuttered with a voice as frail and shaking as him. “P-Peter told me it was urgent! Who’s h-hurt? I-is it bad? Should I…”

“Stop! Raivis, calm down!” Svetlana ordered firmly. Raivis shut up immediately. “Good little sparrow…” she started again in a softer voice. “Antonio has internal damage that we imperatively need to stop. We’ll see the ribs next, if you can manage.”

The young boy nodded and came to sit next to the nurse. His gaze suddenly changed as soon as he saw Antonio’s purplish chest. From worried and hesitant, he seemed to gain confidence and carefully placed his hands were the bone was broken.

He stayed there, unmoving, for several minutes, focused on his task. Svetlana was monitoring what he was doing and guided him from time to time, whispering advice into his ear. Peter and Lovino couldn’t look away. It was fascinating. As for Luna, she… was doing crosswords. She seemed to trust the Lett.

Slowly, under the student’s captivated eyes, the swelling was reduced and paled until it was completely gone. Raivis blinked, took his hands back as well as a deep breath and slumped back into his chair. He looked like he had just ran a marathon but a relieved smile had settled on his lips. Svetlana checked his work with an expert hand. Her fingered barely touched the Spanish boy’s skin before a glad expression settled on her face. He immediately threw herself at the little Lett to strangle him… Ah, no, sorry, she was just hugging him.

“Good job, my little sparrow! You usually do quite well but that was perfect! I’m so glad I have such a good assistant!”

Lovino smiled mockingly at the poor boy whose lips were turning blue from the lack of air. Svetlana really seemed to love him. Raivis was only saved by the recess bell that reminded everyone time was still turning.

“Good job!” she said again as she let go of him. “You can go and rest now…”

“Ehi, aspetta!” Lovino cried out. “What about me?”

Svetlana turned to him with a large scary smile. “Raivis cannot heal continuously, he needs some time to rest,” she explained. “So you’ll stay here! You don’t have any more classes anyway for now, isn’t that right, Luna?”

The Lett send a poor smile at the Italian who started angrily cursing again before the blond woman started scolding him about his language again. He opened the nursery’s door to get out… cried out with terror, shut it closed again and rushed to hide under one of the beds. Svetlana didn’t payed the slightest bit of attention, but it did make Lovino shut up as he wondered what kind of scary monster could be behind that door.

Then the door opened again and Ivan came in with both his sisters.

Svetlana immediately stopped scolding Lovino so she could go hug her “baby bear”, her “little stork” and her “sweet dove”. Lovino briefly wondered why she kept giving nicknames to everyone but chose to give up when he realized the nurse was the mother of the Russian and his sisters.

“Skazi mne, mama?” Ivan said when he noticed the occupied beds. “What happened?”

“Nothing, just an accident during Luna’s lesson. Raivis just took care of it.”

“Oh, but where is he?”

At this point, Raivis had almost reached the door, crawling under the beds. Katyusha noticed him as he discreetly tried to reach the door handle. He made sure nobody was watching and quickly opened the panel so he could escape. Raivis gave her a thankful smile before running away as fast as he could.

Ivan looked for him for a few moments more before declaring he still had to congratulate him and left as well, followed by his two sisters.

When Antonio opened his eyes and felt the terrible headache starting to drill into his temples, his first reaction was to check if he still had his pants on. Because if we woke up with such a migraine, it had to mean he had drunk himself to sleep with the rest of the trio last night. And although he loved his friends, he knew from experience that when one of them was drunk, you had better watch your butt, both literally and figuratively.

When he was certain he was still a virgin, he could finally notice he was in a bed, at the nursery, and Lovino was watching him mockingly from the next bed. He was smirking, which was rather a bad omen, knowing that the only time the Spanish had seen him smile was when he smashed his own foot with a bowling ball two days ago. So he must have been in a very bad state. Antonio proceeded to check his body again, making sure everything was relatively normal and, apart from his headache, everything seemed in order. “What is it, Lovi?”

“Nothing. You looked like you’d lost something so I was wondering what it was, and then I realized you were still looking for your own brain, dumbass.”

“No, I was checking I still had my… Whatever. Why am I here?”

“Because you’re a fucking idiot and that’s still incurable.”

Antonio was going to ask for clarifications but when he opened his mouth he suddenly remembered everything that had happened. So he stayed still with his mouth open as his brain tried to take in the situation correctly, which make made him surprisingly alike to a fish agonizing on a rock under a scorching sun. A brown fish with very sexy green eyes, but still a fish. “Dios mio, Lovi! Are you hurt? Are you okay? Are you…”

“Shut up, bastard. Yes, I’m hurt, you shithead!” the Italian boy grumbled, pointing at his right arm and leg, covered in ice packs. “And because of you, we could have both gone down, idiot!”

Antonio blinked with a surprised look. “Because of me?”

“Are you being this dumb on purpose? First, you had to fucking scare me, which got me in deep shit in the first place, but then you were dumb enough to ran under me and break yourself two ribs! So yeah, damn it, it is your fault! What would I have looked like if you were dead, huh? You really are just a fucking bastar…” Lovino stopped. Antonio had placed a hand on his mouth and another one on his stomach, and was shaking like he was having an attack. The Italian boy thought he was about to throw up and was about to call for help from Svetlana, who was doing god-knows-what in the corridor, when he realized the Spanish was just laughing to death. “Mind sharing what’s so fucking funny, bastardo?!” he snapped.

Antonio needed a moment to answer, desperately catching his breath. But each time he would look at Lovino, he would start laughing again, which made the Italia really confused and really pissed off.

“Are you going to tell me what wrong with you, cazzo?”

“Hahahaha… Ho… S-sorry… Lovi…” he managed to say between two fits of laughter. He needed a few more minutes to calm down, and when that was over he explained : “I’m just so happy you are okay.”

Well, actually, that wasn’t the real reason but he wasn’t that keen on telling Lovino what he’d really think about! He had noticed that Lovino, as a perfect Italian, talked with his hands a lot. Except, because of his injuries, Lovi could now only move one arm when he wanted to tell something, which was extremely comical. What was worse was that he was moving twice as much when he was mad. And the icing on the cake: the Spanish had dared to wonder what would have happen if both his arms couldn’t move. Would he stop talking altogether? Or would he talk with his feet? To sum it up, it was difficult to stay serious when thinking about this!

Besides, he wasn’t lying when he said he was happy he was okay. He would have been really upset, had the younger boy been more hurt, not to mention he was the one to start everything with his prank. Well, he couldn’t know Lovino could make over fifteen feet jumps. But that wasn’t an excuse. At least, is explanation seemed to pass, which was good! Besides, now Lovino had gone quiet and kept blushing like a cute tomato. He cursed a lot but he was still so adorable, always being so shy!

There was a moment of silence before Antonio decided to spark the conversation again. “Did Bella come by while I was sleeping?”

Lovino send him a dirty look that you could easily translat with “Why are you talking about this now, bastard?” and answered with a blank tone: “She was there for like three seconds at recess, and then the nurse threw her out so that you’d rest because you looked like you went under a bus. She said something with “regeneration” in it, but that’s all I understood. Your girlfriend is a tough one though, she tried to get in through the window. I think she wanted to give you something.”

“Aw, that’s my Bella! So nice!” Antonio giggled, blushing with joy.

Lovino sent him a long glare that said a lot about what he thought about his love life. Then he looked away, bored. “Yeah, I guess she looks pretty good…” he commented half-heartedly.

“Doesn’t she?!”

“You two look so lovey-dovey together.” A slight smile peeked out from his lips as traces of amusement seemed to overgrow the annoyance. “Every time you guys are together you are so sweet it gives me fucking cavities!”

Antonio’s laughter grew a little less cheerful. “Right, we like to act like an adorable little couple…” You could almost hear the “but” at the end of his sentence. Which teased Lovino’s curiosity as he turned to him, waiting for him to continue. “Let’s just say it’s complicated!” Antonio eventually said with one of those dumb smiles that made Lovino want to stick his fist into his face.

The young man was lucky the younger boy couldn’t leave his bed. There was another moment of silence. “So, what time is it?” Antonio asked.

“No clue…” Lovino grumbled. “La signora Braginskaya said I could stay here until noon and I should feel better by then but there isn’t a fucking clock in this room…”

“Untill noon, huh?” Antonio repeated pensively. “Well then, I’ll keep you company!”

“No need to do this, asshole!” the little brunet immediately reacted.

“Of course there is, Lovi! I’m not going to leave you alone when I’m the reason we’re here in the first place, right?”

Lovino was red as a tomato and could find anything to say. Thankfully, an angel saved him : “Say, you little bull, do you think this is a hotel?”

The boys jumped when Svetlana raised in front of them. She didn’t look like it but she could be very sneaky. “You are awake, which means you rested enough! You are healthy so no way you are missing another lesson!”

“But…”

“T-t-t-t-t! No buts! Don’t tell me you were planning on skipping philosophy?”

“Uh…”

“Sorry, honey hen, but tricks don’t work on me! If you leave now, you’ll be there in time for the second hour. Come on, get up!”

And without listening to his protests, she threw the Spanish boy out of the nursery. Lovino wasn’t exactly sure how he should have felt when the blond woman turned to him with a huge smile.

“But since I know you might be lonely while waiting for your bruises to clear up, I found someone in the corridor that doesn’t have any lessons and who’ll keep you company for the time being!”

Lovino raised an eyebrow and Svetlana pushed the nursery door once more. The Italian’s blood freezed.

“Ciao fratello!”

“Santa merda…”

“Language, baby chick!”

The rest of the week was spent with any really noticeable event.

Romulus made a scene at Luna when he learned what had happened to his son but she managed to calm him down. The fact Raivis had managed to get rid of his bruises before he left the nursery had helped a lot.

Lessons went by like normal lessons. Well, knowing the weird character of some students and teachers, there were some… troubling moments. Fortunately, most teachers were now used to making kids obey, and the new History teacher didn’t have that much trouble being listened to. Not to mention he behaved a lot better than he had before with his female students. Thing was there weren’t that many and most had either an older sibling or a protective boyfriend. Add to this very interesting powers and you could understand messing up with those women buds was not a good idea!

He had gotten the idea when the classroom floor literally turned into an ice rink after he complimented Katyusha on her good answers and her charm. He had slipped while trying to get back to the black board and Ivan had told him, with an absolutely terrifying smile, “is everything alright, professor?” generally, a good teacher doesn’t let himself be intimidated by his students. But Romulus had decided maybe it was best not to push it…

On Wednesday, during the two hours of personal time, Luna summoned some students in the PCD room. She wanted to make sure everyone would get to the same level as fast as possible, which meant she had to make it so everyone knew what they could do. She received complaints from the three students she had forgotten in the classroom on Monday, but she didn’t really care.

So, after a number of tries, she managed to scare Feliks bad enough that the white balls he was tasked with holding in his hands took dozens of different colors. The Polish boy thought that was “like totally cool”, to be able to change things’ color, and that same evening he trained with all the furniture in his room, much to Toris’s dismay, as he now had to sleep in a bed with red wood, green sheets and yellow blanket because his roomie still didn’t control his power well enough to choose the color he wanted to make. However, nobody else found anything.

Free time hours weren’t the most intense, that week. Clubs were waiting for the subscription day to start the annual projects. So they just did little workshops without any real importance. A lot of kids, as well as the new ones, just wanted to relax. The bravests took advantage of the remains of summer heat to use the outdoor sport facilities. Others were hanging out in the playground, the corridors, or even on the roof despite the fact it was strictly forbidden. That was the place you could be certain to find Francis, Antonio and Gilbert when they weren’t where they were supposed to be. The Bad Touch Trio, as they liked to call themselves, used that place as headquarters. And everybody knew. Even the principles had given up on keeping them away from there.

That Friday afternoon, the three young men had gotten up on the roof after starting the fourth best paper ball fight the history classroom had ever known, all without the teacher knowing where all the attacks were coming from. They were still laughing about it. They had perfect synchronicity, they all knew from instinct when to start and when to stop so that the teacher didn’t find them out.

“Did you see Vargas’s face when the bell rang?” Gilbert snickered as he dropped himself in his usual spot, in the shade of the staircase.

“He looked like he was about to strangle the whole class!” Francis laughed as well, gently brushing his fair locks with his fingers.

“Another éxito for the Bad Touch Trio!” Antonio sang as he grabbed the guitar hidden behind the electricity room.

He tried the strings and started to improvise a melody his two friends followed, clapping their hands and stomping their feet in a cheerful cacophony. They all invented lyrics in their own language, to the point it was impossible to figure out what one was saying out of all the powerful musical mess.

"Vargas, Vargas, t'es tombé sur la mauvaise classe~"

"Somos jóvenes y muy orgullosos, muy orgullosos!"

"Das Bad Touch Trio gewinnt! Denn wir sind genial!"

When none of them knew what to scream along anymore, Antonio finished with a solo that would have done wonders in a rock show and yelled “GRACIAS GENTE!” as France whistled and Gilbert pretended to be the delirious crowd. Then they threw a fit of laughter and couldn’t say anything for several minutes.

“We should try writing those songs down, sometime,” Gilbert finally commented when he managed to at least look a bit calmer.

“You’re the one in the music club, you can just take blank music sheets.”

“Real funny, you think Princess-Roddy would let me?”

The albino got up, circled his eyes with his fingers like he had glasses and took an offended face. Then he declared in a high-pitched voice in which you could make out a slight lisp: “The music room equipment is reserved for lessons and music club practice only! It is out of the question you will use it for personal projects such as a mere rock band! And I will ask you to cease your affectations, you poor fool!”

Francis and Antonio fell over from laughing at the perfect impersonation. Gilbert couldn’t hold it either and laughed with them.

“We could also buy some,” Antonio offered.

“Yeah, but that’s no fun.”

“Ah, fine then.”

Slowly, everyone started doing whatever then felt like. Antonio was taking care of his guitar, Gilbert was playing a game on his phone, and Francis was taking in the view, humming. It often happened that they were together without a real discussion. They just liked the company of the other two, but didn’t need them to put their noses were they didn’t belong.

“By the way, Cici, weren’t you supposed to be at the cooking club, right now?” Antonio said.

“Well weren’t you supposed to be at the sport club?”

The two principles, the Chrones sisters, gave almost as much importance to distractions as the did to studies. That was why every Saturday held a special event. It could be a party, a competition or a show the students put up.

This Saturday, though, was the club subscription day. The time to recruit new members and to show off how cool your club was compared to others. So of course there was a lot of work before the big day.

“Oh, you know, I don’t really feel like getting yelled at by Eliza. She wants a game tomorrow, fine, I’ll do it. But if I’m just here to put the stuff away, then I’ll pass, amigo.”

“That’s not very galant, Nini. A lady deserves…” Francis stopped. Gilbert was laughing at him.

“Sorry Don Juan, but Eliza isn’t what I call a lady.”

The blond boy didn’t know what to answer and gave up.

After several minutes of silence, gilbert paused his game. He looked thoughtful.

“Hey, guys, is there some sort of illness that makes you trip all the time?”

“Why are you asking that now?” Antonio said, absent-mindedly.

“I don’t know. Just been falling over nothing for several weeks. Well, it happened sometimes before, but not that much. So?”

“What do you want me to say, Gigi? You can’t move your feet right, that’s all!” France said with a fake dramatic sigh.

Gilbert laughed and furtively left the shade to give a friendly punch to the French boy mocking him. “No but really,” he pushed, putting his albino skin away from the deadly laser again. “Getting worried, guys.”

“Relax, amigo. You’re not sick, otherwise someone would have already told you. Remember where we are.”

“Yeah but… Oh well, I’m so awesome I can’t get sick anyway!”

“That’s the spirit!” Francis joked. “Besides, maybe you’re just being spied on by the invisible man!”

A noise caught their attention nearby. Close to the staircase door, a white teddy bear had just fallen on the ground and was vaguely protesting. The three young men stared at it for a few seconds, dumbfounded. Then it suddenly disappeared and quick footsteps could be heard tumbling down the stairs.

The silence was such that you could hear the jocks yelling from the football field, a good half mile from there. The trio shared a look. “Or you got a stalker,” Antonio finished.

[gamerbearmira]

Cocooned Chapter 7: Suspicions

CHAPTER 7 LETS GOOOO!!! What up guys, I'm back with chapter 7. I am SO sorry this took so long to get out, I just had some stuff going on. But, lucky for you all, this is my longest chapter yet at 6000+! It's very description heavy, so get ready for that! This chapter is the town's reaction! I won't spoil anything, so happy reading!

Here are the translations!:

"Mis pequeños milagros..." - "My little miracles..."

"¿Tú ok hermano?"- "You ok bro/brother?"

"¡Oh, dios mio!" - "Oh my goodness!"

“¡Oye! ¡Aléjate de ellos, AHORA!” - "Hey! Get away from them, NOW!"

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Original Au Idea by @raefever ! Go check them out! I got permission to do a fic on this :)

Written by: Me, your truly!

Warnings: A bit of Bullying, mentions of death

Type of Chapter: (Small) Angst, Brief Sadness, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Happiness

Words: 6,157

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The days quickly passed and soon, those days turned into weeks, then, into months. 4 months had passed rather fast, and the adults were having troubles.

It wasn’t anything bad, but it certainly was quite the trouble trying to keep the town at bay. Over the course of the 4 months that had passed, the family had recovered from the traumatic and energy draining events, and were frequently going into town. Occasionally, Pepa would go out once or twice to water the crops, or Julieta would take some food out to the town square. Bruno would give a (good or neutral) vision once in a blue moon even. Alma had them only working every so often, as she wanted them to be around their children much more often.

The babies themselves were definitely going as well.

Now at 7 months old, they were capable of a lot more. For instance, they were now sitting up on their own and no longer required the adults to hold them up. Once that had happened, Fèlix went out to the carpenter and woodshop and bought them new high chairs for the dining room.. With that addition, the little ones were capable of eating mashed up and soft foods such as boiled potatoes and bananas.

Another thing was they had finally found their voices. On days where the family would just sit in the backyard and relax, the babies would be babbling away. Talking to their parents, their tias and tios, Abuela, even to each other at times. It was apparent that they were quite talkative. Along with that, they could be loud when they wanted to be. Usually, they were generally chill, and only talked when they were near someone. But If they want something or something is wrong, they will make their voices known.

The adults also came to notice that they were also much more active. They would bounce in place, throw toys, swing their bodies back and forth. At one point Camilo had even got on his hands and knees and began to move back and forth. The others followed suit and soon all of them were attempting to move forward. None of them had been successful yet, but it was only a matter of time before they started to move.

— The day had started and the family was in the dining room eating breakfast. The babies were in their high chairs, drinking from their bottles and babbling away about whatever.

“Hey Mamá?” Juleita said, turning from Luisa’s high chair.

“Hmm?” Alma hummed, guiding a spoonful of mashed mango into Antonio’s mouth.

“So…As you noticed, the children are starting to try and crawl more often. And it’s already been 4 months, and me and Pepa were thinking…Well…” Julieta paused. Alma looked up at her. Usually, she would apprehend her for beating around the bush, something that she hated, and still does; but Alma was learning to be much more patient.

“You were thinking of…?” Alma said, looking at her eldest.

“Well, we were thinking maybe it’s about time we take them into town. I mean we can’t keep them inside forever, and some of them have been getting more suspicious over time. Especially Senora Guzman and Senora Valeria.” Julieta said.

Alma gave Antonio his bottle and turned towards the rest of the table. They waited anxiously for her answer. Alma thought for a moment. Julieta was right; the children were much more mobile, and were actively trying to move around. Just the other day, she had seen Luisa attempt to crawl forward.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. It’s about time they see outside of Casita’s yard,” Alma smiled. She saw Casita sag slightly, shifting a few pieces of furniture in protest. “Not that it isn’t just as fun to play here,” Alma chuckled. Casita playfully rumbled its tiles, happy with its answer.

“So, what time are we gonna leave? It’s only 9:00 a.m.” Fèlix said, handing Dolores a piece of banana.

“Well me and Julieta think we should go this afternoon,” Pepa said, fiddling with her braid. “It might be a good idea for all of us to go out. You know, reintroduce them all at once? And maybe we could spend some time in the square.”

Alma nodded, happy with the idea. “I think that’s a great idea. We’ll finish up breakfast, and get them ready. Pepa, Julieta, you two will bathe them. I’ve got them some clothes I just finished sewing up. Bruno, Fèlix, Agustín, you three will gather some supplies into a bag, diapers, bottles, some toys, you know. We’ll try to leave before…let’s say 2 this afternoon?” Alma looked around.

The adults all agreed, nodding and giving thumbs up at the idea. Today was the day Isabela, Dolores, Luisa, Camilo, Mirabel and Antonio were going to be introduced to the town once again.

—

Julieta and Pepa were now in the bathroom, running the bathwater. The babies were sitting on the floor, waiting patiently for their mothers to settle them into the bathtub.

“So…we’re finally doing it. Are you…scared?” Pepa asked, turning off the faucet to the bathtub. A small gray cloud settled over her head. She picked up Dolores and Antonio, setting them into the tub.

Julieta picked up Camilo and Luisa, putting them in as well. “A little bit. I’m a bit nervous. The town adapted well to us reducing the use of our Gifts, but I don’t know how they’ll react to this. But…that’s ok; we’ve got this.” Julieta smiled at her younger sister, grabbing her youngest daughter while Pepa grabbed Isabela.

Pep set the last baby into the tub. She took in a deep breath, calming herself down. Her cloud dispersed, and she had a small smile on her face. Pep had taken to taking deep breaths and occasionally counting rather than chanting “Clear skies,” over and over. Bruno had pointed out that she was basically tricking herself into thinking she was calm, rather than actually being calm.

“Yeah…we-we’ve got this. We are responsible, good parents. We are responsible…” Pepa stopped, and started hiccuping and sniffling, pulling her face up to her hand. Her cloud was back, and it started raining over the woman. Julieta rushed to her side, dropping the bottles of soaps she was previously holding.

“Pepa? What’s wrong?” Julieta asked, not even sparing a glance to the clouds raining her, much to Pepa’s brief relief.

“I feel like such a horrible mother!” Pepa cried out. She sniffled more, aggressively rubbing her eyes, tears still spilling. “I-I ignored my kids for years, a-and then only realized what I did wrong after they….they…” Pepa burst into tears. Julieta hugged her close, rubbing her back as her sister cried into her shoulders.

Julieta pulled Pepa away so she was at arm’s length, holding her sister’s hands in her own. “Pepa,” Julieta said softly, glancing into the bathtub temporarily to ensure the babies were still occupied with the bubbles she provided.

Pepa looked up at her eldest sister. Julieta saw that her eyes were already red and starting to puff up. “I’m not fit to be a mother…” Pepa said, tears welling up in her eyes again.

Julieta held Pepa’s face in her hands. Pepa relaxed a bit at the warm touch of her sister. “Pepa,” Julieta said again. “You aren’t a horrible mother. You are very fit to be a mother. Nothing will change that. We’ve been given another chance, and we must use it to full advantage,” Julieta explained. Pepa nodded.

“I guess you are right…” Pepa said. Her cloud stopped raining and was now just gray. Julieta smiled at her sister.

“Now, repeat after me,” Julieta said sternly. Pepa nodded, ready to repeat her sister. “I am a good mother.”

“I…I am a good mother,” Pepa repeated.

“And I will take good care of my kids and love them forever,” Julieta said.

“And I will take good care of my kids and love them forever,” Pepa said, smiling a bit. Her cloud was small, and Julieta was happy with her results.

“Now,” Julieta bent down and faced the bathtub. “Let’s get these little ones clean, hm?” Pepa nodded and bent down next to her, reaching in to squeeze Camilo’s cheeks. She smiled as her eldest son smiled and giggled happily at his mothers touch. She was a good mother, and she would love them forever. She could handle this, one step at a time.

—

Alma walked into her room, making her way over to her desk where she had several sewing supplies laid upon. Moving aside the fabrics, she picked up a small pile of folded clothes, and some knitted socks and hats. She walked over to her bed, sitting down and unfolding the small clothes, laying them out on her bed.

Looking over the clothes, she was happy with her results.

The clothes she had made were for this day specifically. Lately, Alma had been sewing and knitting a lot more. Sure, the family had gone out to town and bought the babies some clothes, but she wanted to make them some. She had spent hours on these, and now she was finally able to put them onto her precious nietos.

“Mis pequeños milagros are going to look so cute in these,” Alma said, holding up one of the dresses.

The grandmother had specifically designed these clothes for them. Each outfit corresponded to each child and called back to their…previous outfits. The clothes were made with white, and whatever color they had worn before.

Isabela had a double layered dress; It was made with a bright purple, and the bottom layer was white. The socks and hat were purple as well, albeit a bit softer due to being made of yarn.

Dolores’ outfit was a red and white dress. The top was red and had a white skirt. Her sock and hats were the same deep red, which would match perfectly.

Luisa had a dress similar to Dolores, but a bit more frilly. The indigo-violet color was bright and colorful, but not too busy. Her socks were the same color, though the hat was a tab but lighter.

Camilo had a white button onesie that had a short little orange poncho attached to it. The shorts, socks, and hat were the same orange, and Alma knew he would enjoy it.

Mirabel’s dress was like her last one, but with almost no embroidery, and her dress top was blue while her skirt was white, Her socks and hat were a much more gentle blue, that was easy on the eyes.

Antonio had a long sleeve, yellow onesie that was paired with white shorts. His socks and hat were pastel colored, as to not call too much attention away from the baby himself.

All of the clothes were different, but similar enough so that it was easy to tell who was who. There was one thing they all had in common: In the place where the heart was, Alma had embroidered a little white symbol for each infant. A flower for Isabela, a music note for Dolores, a dumbbell for Luisa, a chameleon for Camilo, a butterfly for Mirabel, and a tiger for Antonio.

Alma traced her finger over each symbol, smiling a bit more each time her eyes laid upon them.

“Oh Pedro…if only you were here. You would have loved to meet your grandchildren. They’re so sweet,” Alma whispered. She picked up her locket that was hooked to her pocket watch. Opening it, she saw a smiling picture of Pedro. She smiled back, happy to see her husband again.

Closing it and putting it back in its place, she moved back over to her desk of sewing projects. She opened a drawer and pulled out 6 long pieces of fabric. At one look, it might just look like leftover pieces of fabric, left to be repurposed. But upon closer inspection, its true intention was revealed: They were baby wraps.

Alma had indeed used the leftover fabric, reusing it to make new baby wraps. Over the course of the last 4 months, the babies had not only gotten more active, but they’ve gotten bigger as well. They were healthy, yes, but they were also heavier. And they could only hold them for so long. She knew her sons and daughters wouldn’t complain about it, so she took action into her own hands. One could say that they were presents for Julieta, Pepa, Fèlix and Agustín.

They were a tad too big, but that was ok, they would grow into it. Each baby wrap was made of the same fabric as the clothes, thus making them the same colors. Alma embroidered the same symbols onto them, while also adding other miscellaneous symbols as well. She would add more as time went on.

Walking back over to her bed, she hid the baby wrap under her pillow, planning to surprise them when the time came to leave. Looking at her clock, she saw it was 1:00 p.m. As if on cue, Pepa and Julieta knocked and Alma rushed to open the door. Julieta was holding her daughters that were wrapped in tiles while Pepa was holding Dolores and her sons in wrapped towels.

“Oh, you’re finished! Come in, I’ve got their clothes laid out and I keep some diapers in here for them.” Alma ushered the two and their children into her room, excited to see what her nietos would look like in their new outfits.

—

Bruno held up the large bag he found hidden under one of the cribs. “Guys! I found it, I got the bag!” He said, putting it on the dresser. Fèlix walked over, several diapers in arms.

“Great job hermano! You found it way faster then I would have,” Fèlix chuckled, packing the diapers in. Agustín walked over with 6 bottles now filled with milk.

“Same here. I wouldn’t have found it in such a short amount of time,” Agustín set the bottles in the nag and reached to the side to grab some toys while Bruno grabbed a large blanket. “I would have been in here for hours, only to find out it was sitting right under the crib.”

“Gracias! I like to think I’m pretty good at finding lost things, I’m glad you think so too,” Bruno laughed, folding the blanket and packing it into the bag.

Agustín picked up a stuffed bear and looked at it. He’d never thought he would see his little ones playing with one of them again. He was excited, but scared. Call him a coward, but had never done this before. Then again; it probably was normal for your kids to disappear and then come back months later in baby form. But, it didn’t matter to him. Any chance to spend more time with his daughters, he would take it anyday. He’d help Isabela in gardening, he’d let Luisa help in lifting big toys and he'd play with his pequena mariposa Mirabel again. Even if they didn't have a Gift come time for their 5th birthday, he wouldn’t love them any less.

Fèlix walked over and settled a hand onto Agustín’s shoulder, snapping him out of his trance. “¿Tú ok hermano?” He asks, looking at Agustín with a faint worry on his face. Agustín looked at Fèlix for a moment before nodding, turning his head back to the teddy bear in his hands.

“Si, si, I’m just…I’m just scared, you know? None of us have ever done this before, and it’s all just so new and scary. What if something goes wrong?” Agustín said, clenching the bear a bit harder. Fèlix let out a sigh and gently took the bear from Agustín.

“Agustín, It’ll be ok bro, we’ve got this.” Fèlix shrugged, looking at both Agustín and Bruno. “Even if we’ve never done this before, there’s a first time for everything.” Bruno agreed, and eventually all 3 went back to gathering supplies.

Fèlix might have been optimistic as heck and could lift the sour mood out of the room, but truth be told? He was just as scared. He feared the worst would happen again. Fearing that this was all some dream and he would wake up and he would be alone again. He wouldn’t be able to comfort his wife, and he would slowly spiral until he went crazy. It almost happened before, he couldn’t think straight and he often found himself in a daze, absently following Pepa around knowing he couldn’t calm her down but still wanting to be by her side, to have some kind of warmth to fill the giant hold that was in his heart.So Fèlix was scared, but he didn’t want to show it. He’d just have to hope for the best.

—

Agustín, Bruno and Fèlix were conversing downstairs, waiting for the other 3 to finish up changing their children so they could leave. A couple minutes later, Pepa and Julieta walked out of Alma’s room with 6 children in arms. As they came to the end of the stairs, Fèlix and Agustín rushed over and took a child in their arms, gushing about how cute they looked.

“Look at Luisa and her little socks and hat!” Agustín said, rubbing cheeks with his second oldest.

“Look at Camilo’s ruana, it makes him look so handsome! Just like his papá,” Fèlix laughed.

The 2 fathers continued to compliment the children as the triplets laughed at their antics. Alma finally emerged from her room, with what looked to be a bundle of various fabrics in several colors in her arms.

“Mamá? What are those?” Bruno asked, moving to stand next to his mother. He set the bag he was holding down, gesturing to the fabrics.

“I made them for you all,” Alma draped the wraps over her shoulder, still holding the orange one. She took Camilo from Pepa’s arms and gently held him out to Bruno. The infant squealed happily at the sight of his tio.

Hesitantly, the man took his sobrino into his arms. Alma moved forward and adjusted Camilo so he was facing away from Bruno and against his chest. She took the orange wrap and started to wrap it around Bruno. Camilo happily waited for his grandmother to finish. When she was done, Bruno was still holding the baby in place.

“Go ahead and put your hands down,” Alma said, gesturing to Bruno’s hands. Bruno slowly moved his hands away from the babe and he stayed in place.

“Oh! It’s a baby wrap!” Bruno exclaimed. “Oh, this is great! It’ll be so much easier to move and carry them around, thanks mamá!”

“Of course Brunito,” Alma nodded. “Now, let's get the rest of you situated, and then we’ll head out.”

Over the next 15 minutes, Alma wrapped a baby into an adult. Isabela was with Julieta, Dolores was with Pepa, Luisa was with Agustín, Camilo with Bruno, Alma herself had Mirabel and Fèlix had Antonio.

“We’ve got a buddy system here,” Fèlix laughed, earning more laughs from the others.

“Yes, I guess you could say that,” Alma chuckled. “Now that everyone is ready, we can head out. I know a shortcut to Valeria’s where she, Felipe, Senora Guzman and Mariano will meet us.”

“W-Wait…Do they…know?” Bruno said nervously.

“No, but I thought that maybe they should know first. The shortcut is away from the town, so know one else will see us until we go to the square,” Alma explained. The other adults let out a breath, relieved they wouldn;t have to immediately reveal the children. “Now, let’s head out.”

The adults walked to the front of Casita and walked out. Casita waved its shutters, waving the family goodbye. The family waved back, and they were off to the seamstress’s store. On the way there, they were almost caught by several villagers. But, thankfully the shortcut was behind some houses and through the alley closest to the store.

“Come on, in, in, in!” Alma ushered the adults in quickly, each one ducking into the back door of the store.

“That was way too close,” Fèlix huffed, holding Antonio closely.

“Well, this will be the last time we have to sneak around. Let’s head to the main store,” Alma sighed. Walking to the front they saw it was empty. Usually the store was busy, but Valeria must have closed it when Alma told her she was coming with the entire family.

“Valeria? Are you here?” Alma called out.

“Coming!” Valeria called from the back room. Some shuffling was heard and several pairs of footsteps were heard. Soon, Valeria, and her husband Felipe came into the main room. A couple seconds later, Senora Guzman and her son Mariano followed.

“Senora Alma, how–” Valeria stopped dead in her tracks, as did the other 3. They all stared as the other 5 Madrigal’s came into view with 5 other babies. Valeria’s mouth opened and closed, but no words came out.

“A-Alma…” Guzman stepped forward, reaching out to touch Mirabel. The baby giggled at the woman’s touch, reaching out to grab her hand. “Is this…? Are they all…?”

Alma nodded, a warm smile on her face. “Do you want to hold her?” Ms.Guzman nodded, and Alma unwrapped Mirabel, setting the wrap on the counter. She held Mirabel out and Ms. Guzman carefully grabbed Mirabel, pulling her close and squeezing her. Mirabel simply smiled.

“¡Oh, dios mio!” they heard Valeria exclaim as she held Dolores, cuddling her close. She had tears polling in her eyes, and she looked as if she didn’t believe what she was seeing. “She’s real! They’re real! I didn’t think…Oh!” Valeria continued to hug Dolores, whispering quietly as she held her.

Agustín handed Luisa to Felipe. The tall burly carefully took the infant, gently cradling her. Because of his size, he was always a little bit scared to hold babies. But seeing Luisa again? His favorite Madrigal? He was willing to overcome that fear anday. Being a man of few words, he said nothing as he held her, only closing his eyes and sighing deeply, listening to the babbling of Luisa. It soothed his heart somehow.

Mariano took Isabela. Looking at her, he had a solemn look on his face. This was the girl he wanted to give all of his love to. And when she…passed, it was worse. He was sad for weeks. And the fact that all the others were gone as well made it worse. He loved Isabela. But he couldn;t stay sad for long. Even if she was a baby now, he could be the best older brother for her and all of the others.

“B-But how? When?” Valeria asked, passing Dolores to Felipe as she took Camilo and looked him up and down. “I mean don’t get me wrong! I’m so happy that they’re back, but…I just…” Valeria sighed, holding her face in one hand and Camilo in the other.

Alma nodded and looked at all of them. “I know this might be confusing. But, to put it short, we were given a second chance! When Casita came back, they came back as well, we can start over. Raise them to be happy!" Alma happily explained.

The other 4 stood in shock, looking down at the 6 babies that sat within their arms.

"Well…I'll support you. Both me and Mariano." Ms. Guzman said, nodded with determination. Mariano agreed, nodding along with his mother.

"Me and Valeria will too," Everyone stared at Felipe in shock. It was the first time he spoke in days. He hadn't spoken because he was far too busy worrying about the Madrigals, and he just was a very quiet person in general. But then they saw his face. He wasn’t really looking at the adults when he spoke; he was looking at Luisa. His body had finally relaxed and he had a fondness to his face and tone that he didn’t usually have.

Valeria shook her head eventually, agreeing with her husband. “Y-Yes. We will. I’m just so glad the rumors aren’t true…”

“R-Rumors? There were rumors about us?” Julieta said, stepping forward.

Valeria nodded as she held Camilo and now Antonio in her arms. “There…There were rumors that you guys had been buying so many baby things over the last 4 months because…Well…” She trailed off, not making eye contact with any of the adults in the room.

“They thought that you might have been having delusions,” Marniano continued. He sighed deeply, adjusting his hold on Luisa, who he had switched with Isabela when Felipe asked. “That you all might have been hallucinating and were buying baby things for…no one.”

Pepa had a cloud that grew and thunderded. But nobody told her to calm down. They couldn’t blame her; this is what the town thought? The Madrigals were surprised to say the least, but they couldn’t be mad. It was an entirely plausible thing to think.

“B-But we can debunk those rumors now! Since they’ve come back, you can clear that up,” Valeria frantically explained. The others slowly nodded, agreeing with that. “Speaking of, it's a busy day today in the square; you all can reveal them at the fountain center. That way everyone will see them, and it’ll clear up all of the confusion.”

Pepa took in some deep breaths and conted down under breath. Taking Dolores back, she smiled a bit at her daughter's excitement. “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.” Valeria walked over and helped each adult strap their buddy to themselves.

Just as she was about to help Alma with Mirabel, she stopped her. “I’m actually going to announce our arrival, then have them come in. Mariano, could you take Mirabel for me?” Mariano nodded excitedly, taking Mirabel from Valeria’s arms.

“¡Hola mariposita! You get to ride with me, you new hermano mayor, Mariano,” Alma laughed at his antics, helping him wrap Mirabel up. She had to admit, she did like the sound of that. The kids could use an older sibling, and Mariano was the perfect fit.

“Alright, is everyone situated? Everyone has a buddy?” Alma asked. With everyone nodding, they were off to the square. Now out in the open, they were a bit nervous, but marched on with determination. The fountain came into view, and while the others stayed back, Alma walked forward.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please!” She called out. Her voice was loud and demanding, a voice she hadn’t used in months. The villagers stopped talking and all walked over to the fountain. She could hear the whispers, most wondering what she had to say.

“As you all know,” She started. “Me and my familia have been taking a break. After the…unfortunate…events that had occurred 5 months ago, we had taken to staying in longer. But, we have been coming out more and more. We have also heard about the rumors, and we’ll be addressing those now. So, we would like to introduce…or rather re-introduce some family members to you!” Alma smiled happily.

The villagers cause a commotion. Most of them were wondering what she meant.

“Re-introduce? What do you think Senora Madrigal is talking about?” A villager asked.

“I don’t know. You don’t think…” Once said, trailing off.

“Shh, be quiet! We’ll never find out if you keep talking!” One hushed a group who was gossiping.

They watched as Alma ushered her family members and friends over. Valeria, Felipe, and Senora Guzman stood next to Alma. The other 6 came into view, and what the village saw sent the entire Encanto into silence. It was dead silent as the town gawked at the view in front of them.

In front of the entire town, in the middle of the square, were 6 babies. But not just any six babies. 6 Madrigal babies. Babies that they didn’t think they’d see again. There, strapped to Isabela, Dolores, Luisa, Camilo, Mirabel and Antonio. It was quiet for another 3 minutes, until Alma spoke up again.

“Please say hola to my little nietos! Thankfully, after such a tragic event, we–” Alma was cut off when the crowd rushed forward, bombarding them with questions.

“How? How did they come back to you all Senora?”

“When did this happen? How did we not notice?!”

“So the rumors aren’t true! You all have had a reason for buying baby things!”

“Do you need any help? Do you want us to get you anything?”

The Madrigals were getting overwhelmed, the questions and constant touching was getting annoying quickly. A large cloud formed over the group and the babies began to cry, but it didn’t seem to stop them. Alma and Valeria were seen trying to calm them down while Mariano’s mother was trying to keep the crowd away from the babies.

Now Felipe was a quiet man. He didn’t speak unless spoken to or if the situation called for it. And he almost never raised his voice, opting for his quiet yet stern and hard voice. But this was getting out of hand. He decided to step in.

“¡Oye! ¡Aléjate de ellos, AHORA!” Felipe shouted, his voice booming across the square. It was loud, deep and gruff, and it commanded attention. Add to the fact that he was over 6 feet tall, heavily built and played around with fire and metals as his job, it certainly startled everyone around. Almost immediately, the crowd dispersed and backed away, a couple apologizing. Even Valeria, his wife, jumped a bit, as she hadn’t heard him shout out like that in years.

Alma regained her composure, walking back up the front to begin her explanation. “Gracias Felipe,” the man simply nodded, backing away as he stood tall. “As I was saying, please, say hola to my little nietos. Thankfully, after such a tragic event, we were given a second chance. The reason we have been inside so often and buying baby things on whim was not for no reason.”

Alma moved over to Mariano and unwrapped Mirabel, cradling her as she turned to face the town once again. Mirabel looked up at her grandmother and grabbed at her dress, before turning to face the crowd. She smiled, and some people in the crowd aww’ed at her.

“Senora Madrigal, is that…Mirabel?” A villager at the front asked.

Alma nodded, holding Mirabel up slightly up so the crowd could get a good view of her. She gestured the other 5 family members over, and they all held the babies out. The crowd gawked at the babies. They were back. Like, back back. In the flesh.

“They’re so cute!”

“Aww, look at little Dolores, their outfits are so cute!”

“How adorable, look at their little hats.”

The town continued to gush over the babies, and each Madrigal adult was showing off a baby to different sections of the crowd.

Bruno was happy it went well. He was worried that something would go wrong, or they wouldn’t take it well. He didn’t tell any of his family, but he used his Gift to look into the future the night before. Julieta and Pepa had told him beforehand, so he wouldn’t be caught off guard. Before he went to bed, he had a vision, and saw that the introduction went well. The town was going to take a while to adjust, but it wasn’t anything they couldn’t handle.

At the moment, Bruno was surrounded by several people, who were all coddling and cooing at Camilo, who was currently happily giggling in Bruno’s arms. Surprisingly, the villagers weren’t wary of Bruno. They actively asked him questions in a reasonable manner, and made small talk when they weren’t wooing over Camilo. He was happily speaking about his sobrino and the others with a villager when he overheard a conversation between two villagers not far from him.

“Ugh, I’m glad that the babies are back. It’s been hard without their Gifts. When their 5th birthday rolls around, everything will be back to normal.” One said.

“I know right? And that Bruno. Why did he come back? He’s so creepy, and he’s always stumbling over himself and ruining things.” Another said under his breath.

“I bet he was the one who caused the fall of their home, killing the kids. The family should’ve kicked him out when they had the chance. I know I would,” The opposite shuddered. “He’s so weird…”

“We–” The other stopped when he heard a voice behind him.

“Might I ask why you’re saying such rude things about mi hermano?” Julieta asks angrily. She held Isabela, who looked up at her mother and attempted to copy her angry face, but it really only came out as a mad pout. The villagers stuttered and mumbled, attempting to make excuses.

“We-We weren’t trying to–” He was cut off by a crack of thunder.

“Don’t try to make excuses. We heard you. And we won’t stand for it.” pepa said darkly, holding a pouty Antonio. Fèlix walked over to and stood next to his wife, nodding in agreement.

“Bruno didn’t do anything. He’s never done anything. You guys just deny having bad futures because you don’t care for ourselves properly and blame it on Bruno.” Fèlix shifted his hold on Mirabel. “He has done nothing but be kind and helpful to everyone around him. You both have no right to talk about that man, my brother, like that.” The villagers squirmed under the gaze of the Madrigals that were defending Bruno.

“W-Well…he deserves it! He’s weird and…a-and…!” The two villagers quickly stopped their rants, speeding off at what was standing behind the Madrigals. Sure, they were already scared out of their minds because they were cornered by 3, or rather 6 Madrigals, but Felipe had also inserted himself into the argument. He caught the tail end of the argument and decided to end it before it escalated. With Luisa still in his large arms, the tall man stomped through the crowd and stared down at the villagers, effectively menacing them. Pair that with an angry family? They were out of there in an instant.

Pepa huffed and her cloud dispersed. “Yeah, and you better stay away!” she yelled after them. After making sure the other 2 were gone, the 4 adults made their way over to Bruno, who stood shocked, Camilo still in his arms.

“Bruno, are you ok man? They didn’t do anything to you did they?” Fèlix frantically asked, looking the man over. Bruno shook his head, still shocked into silence. No one had stood up to him like that in…years. “Good. You know, they’re wrong. You don’t make bad things happen, and none of this is your fault. I don’t want to see you blaming yourself for what happened, you hear?” Fèlix puffed out his chest.

Once again Bruno nodded. He smiled at his family. He was glad he was finally getting close to them again and feeling more comfortable around them. He was happy that his childhood friend, Felipe, stood up for him as well. He nodded his head, and the brawny man nodded back in acknowledgement.

“Gracias familia. Really, it means a lot,” Bruno said.

“Anytime hermano. You know we’d do anything for you.” Julieta grinned. “Now, let’s get back over there with mamá, him?” The group made their way back to the fountain where the townsfolk continued to gush over the children.

— The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. Most of it was spent with the Madrigals, only breaking to buy food and eat lunch in the square and feed the babies. As the sun went down, the large crowd slowly dwindled down, and everyone was heading home for dinner. Eventually, it was only the Madrigals, Valeria and Feplie, and the Guzmans. The babies were now back with their buddies and everything was packed away.

“Well, now that we’ve got everything together, we’ll be heading back now,” Agustín said, picking up the bag of supplies.

“Alright then, we’ll see you tomorrow then. You guys have a wonderful rest of the night. And we’ll see the little ones tomorrow as well,” Ms. Guzman said, walking away with her son. The duo waved their goodbyes and left for their home.

“We’ll be off too. You all get some good food and rest and we’ll see you again next time,” Valeria walked with her husband, and they waved as they walked off. Bruno called out to Feplie just as he and his family were leaving.

“Hey, Feplie!” He called the man. Feplie turned around, looking at Bruno in acknowledgement.

“Thank you. For earlier.” Bruno said. Feplie smiled and nodded, before turning and walking off with his wife. Bruno jogged and caught up with his family, and the group made their way back to Casita.

One might ask, was it a good day? The Madrigals were able to successfully introduce the babies. Mariano got to be a big brother. Bruno finally got the justice he deserved.

So yes. It was a good day. And hopefully, there will be more to come.

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Phew that took a WHILE. But! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Next we'll be getting some more fluff, so stay tuned!