#for your At Home Cuticle Care you can pick up just about ANY cuticle dissolvant. I use the sally hansen one

[sergle]

Sergle I have cuticle questions!! I got my nails done last week and the technician trimmed them (after putting oil on them). But two of them tore back to the skin, and the skin on all of them has been peeling back more than usual since then. How do I tend to my cuticles without the peeling and splitting??

HM okay so I'm not a nail technician and I can't say For Sure why your cuticles are peeling and splitting. But not everyone's cuticles take well to being nipped, that's why ppl generally recommend pushing them back or using cuticle dissolvant on them before trying to cut them- I'd recommend trying that route! not every nail tech is going to be Gentle w your cuticles, but if you use cuticle oil / moisturizer at home and you gently push them back on a fairly regular basis, the shreddiness should heal and you can still keep them from growing down the nail plate.

[rhub4rb]

Home is Where the Heart is

AO3

[First chapter] [Previous chapter] [Next chapter]

-_-_-_-

"Alfred, I really think we should talk about this somewhere else." There was a warning in Marinette's tone, but Alfred paid it no mind. They needed this conversation, and he knew Marinette would never say anything unless pressured. He would just have to make up for it later.

"I think it's best if we stay here, Marinette," Alfred said, leaving no room to argue with. "What do you plan to do with your future once you leave?"

Marinette looked warily at the Wayne family, trying to see if they had any idea what Alfred was talking about. When she realized that nothing would come of it, she looked back at Alfred.

"You already know what I'm going to do, Alfred."

"I think you should reconsider your decision, Marinette."

Alfred could tell that Marinette was getting frustrated with him, at least if her tightened fists were any indication.

Abruptly, she stood up, not looking at anyone in particular, her chair scraping the floor.

"I'm not doing this." Was all she said, but Alfred knew better than to just let her go like that.

"Sit down, or I won't help you with any legal documents."

Marinette's head snapped up at him, her eyes wide as she read what the real threat was if she didn't get back to her seat.

I won't accept the amulet.

Alfred was aware that what he was doing was cruel, but he would be damned if he let the young girl throw her life away like that. He had seen it happen too many times now.

With gritted teeth, the girl sat back down in her chair, refusing to meet anyone's eyes.

"Marinette," Alfred started. "You're young. The responsibility that has been given to you is far bigger than it should be for someone your age. All I want for you is to have a life that's worth living."

Marinette averted his gaze, picking nervously at her cuticles instead. Must have been some sort of bad habit, Alfred absently thought.

"You're still technically a minor," Alfred said. "Until you reach the age of 18, you will be placed under Master Bruce's custody," Marinette's head snapped up in his direction, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Wha- you can't just do that!" Marinette yelled, getting back on her feet.

"We can and we will," Alfred stated with an air of finality. Marinette opened and closed her mouth, trying to find words to say, to protest. "Bruce and I have already discussed this," Marinette turned her head to see Bruce nod at her.

"But why?" Marinette asked, her voice cracking.

"I have seen one too many children give their lives away Marinette. I want to protect you for as long as I can. You're in no state to do what you plan to do. If going is truly what you want, you can do that once you're 18, but for now, I want you to focus on yourself," Alfred explained.

Marinette didn't respond, not that Alfred expected her too. Instead, she quietly walked out of the dining room, everyone hearing the faint opening and closing of her door.

Tim was the one to break the tense silence.

"So... What just happened?"

-

"He's told them, Tikki!" Marinette cried out, throwing her hands in the air. "I told you something like this was going to happen, I told you!"

All of the kwamis looked at their Guardian with worry. She had been pacing the floor for the last fifteen minutes, and it didn't seem like she was stopping any time soon.

"Oh, what am I going to do? I'll have to wipe their memories, but I don't think I'd have any success with Alfred," Marinette worried.

Tikki could understand her chosen's worry. Even if Alfred hadn't revealed what the order was, or what was really his relation with Marinette, the stunt he had pulled in front of the Wayne family would have consequences for Marinette, no doubt about it.

"I can't just tell them about the order or the miraculous, that would be too risky! Tikki, did I make a mistake in coming here?"

Tikki could tell Marinette was spiraling, and she didn't know what to do to stop it, but she did know what to say.

"You didn't make a mistake Marinette, you followed Master Fu's instructions and you didn't know something like this would happen."

Marinette seemed to think over Tikki's words, her face screwing up in thought, until she finally sighed, her shoulders slumping.

"I guess but... I'm still the Guardian, and it's my responsibility to keep all of you safe," Marinette said, looking at the small gods occupying her room. "But what if I can't do that?"

The kwamis all shared a concerned look, Plagg, Tikki, and Wayzz all flying over to comfort the girl.

"You're a smart girl Marinette, you'll figure something out. We believe in you."

Marinette bit her lip, clearly not believing the words coming from the god of creation.

"Why does it feel like I've failed already then?" Marinette asked, going to sit on her bed, rubbing the silky covers between her fingers. "I'm not giving up!" She quickly added when she saw their worried looks. "I just... I have no one to count on for this, you know?"

Marinette was supposed to be able to trust Alfred, but Tikki knew that after what happened tonight, Marinette would be careful with the information that she relayed to the butler and former holder.

Tikki had hoped that Marinette would open up to Alfred about what really happened in Paris after some time, but with the way things were going, Tikki highly doubted Marinette would ever open up to anyone.

"Even if Alfred won't be someone you can trust completely, you will never be alone," Marinette nodded, but Tikki didn't feel convinced. "...Do you want to talk to anyone? Joan maybe?"

At this, Marinette perked up, before she looked around hesitantly, as if the Wayne family would jump out at any moment.

"Don't worry Marinette, we'll just keep the door locked. If you don't think that's enough, we can go into the bathroom if you want."

Marinette paused, quietly considering her options, before nodding and getting up, locking her bedroom door. The kwamis could warn her if anyone came.

-

No one answered Tim's question, which he considered was fair. He didn't exactly have the answer, and he was the smart one in the family.

"Alfred?" Bruce prodded.

This was ridiculous. When Tim had looked for information on Marinette, he had found nothing. Silch! Nada. She was a complete mystery. There were no pictures, no social media, no files. Nothing. She wasn't on any CCTV, not even at the most popular spots in Paris. She just... didn't exist.

Alfred's line of questioning was peculiar too. Why did he care so much about this one girl? What was really going on between those two?

"I cannot tell you," Alfred replied, his face unreadable.

"Alfred."

Alfred didn't respond, just turned his unreadable expression to Bruce, a silent conversation taking place, ending with Bruce sighing and slumping in his seat.

"Can you please just... explain?" Dick asked, already sounding tired and done.

"I'm just afraid that Marinette would be throwing away the best years of her life, dedicated to a cause she is too young to be a part of."

The silence that came attested to the thoughts of the family on the matter.

"I have a feeling she has made choices in her life that she will be forced to live with forever. I simply want to give her a life that is worth living."

"Why can't you just tell us what's really going on?" Dick asked.

"It's not as simple as you may think, Master Dick. If anyone is going to tell you what is truly happening, it will have to be Marinette herself."

The dining room fell silent again as they processed the little information given to them. At least her relation to the butler was a little more cleared, right? At least, that's what Tim thought, even if he didn't actually gain a proper answer to his questions, which he now had a lot more of.

The way Alfred questioned her though... it felt like he was cornering her, forcing her to say things she didn't want to say. It felt like...

"You went out of line," Tim said, and for a moment, he couldn't believe himself. "She clearly wasn't comfortable with what you did. You were the one to tell us to not scare her away, yet that's exactly what you're doing."

At this, Alfred almost seemed to look ashamed. Did he not even realize that what he was doing was wrong?

"Hold on, hold on, hold on. Are we just going to forget that the girl is here illegally for all we know?" Damian asked.

"As if you care about her being here legally, you just want her gone," Jason accused.

Quickly, the family dissolved into fighting, no one sure what to think anymore.

-

Marinette sat herself down on the floor, crossing her legs and putting her hands together, thumbs connecting, fingers locking, her palms not touching. She started with deep breaths, seven seconds in, eleven seconds out, feeling her heart calm its erratic beating in her chest.

By now, she had done this several times, she had trained with the former Ladybug chosens, so calling for one was not exactly difficult. However, it required a certain amount of peace of mind, something she didn't exactly have at the moment.

With a final exhale, her earrings lit up, and a spirit pushed itself out of her.

"How are you doing, Marinette?" Joan's voice rang clear in the room.

Most of the kwamis had gone back to the box, understanding Marinette needed privacy more than anything, with only Plagg, Tikki, and Wayzz staying, Plagg listening at the door to make sure no one tried to get in.

"I... I don't really know, if I'm honest," Marinette admitted, biting her lip. "I found the person I was searching for, Alfred Pennyworth. He's butler to an influential family here in Gotham."

Joan nodded, though she could see that there was more the young chosen wished to say.

"Is he trustworthy?" Joan asked.

Marinette let out a sigh, slumping slightly. "I don't know," she whispered. "He almost told about the order to his family," Marinette elaborated, seeing the question in the warrior's eyes. "He says I need to focus on myself first, to let myself live without worry before starting to rebuild the order."

Joan looked contemplative for a moment, looking at Marinette with searching eyes.

"And you?" Joan asks.

"Huh?"

"What do you want to do? What do you feel is best for yourself?"

"I... I don't know! Does it even matter at this point?" Marinette asked, her voice cracking at the end.

Joan and Tikki shared a concerned glance as Marinette shrunk in on herself. It wasn't that Marinette didn't want to take care of herself or anything like that, but it just felt selfish now.

"Of course it matters!" Joan cried, looking at Marinette with wide eyes. "You are just as important as the people you wish to protect." Joan sighed, looking deep in thought for a moment before speaking again. "I know what you think, Marinette. I know you are prepared to lay your life down for this. But you deserve more than that. You deserve happiness as much as the people out there do. You're not letting anyone down. You're simply putting yourself first, something you haven't done in a long time."

A second passed, two, before the dam broke and tears rolled down Marinette's cheeks.

She was just so tired.

"I know, Netta, I know," Joan said, pulling the young chosen into her arms, soothingly rubbing her hands up and down Marinette's back. "I know."

-

Marinette didn't talk to Alfred for a while, or the rest of the Wayne family for that matter. She avoided going to the kitchen after dark, knowing that Tim would most likely be there, she ate in silence, her response to any questions usually only going so far as one word.

She knew she couldn't avoid Alfred forever. They would have to talk at some point, but if there was a possibility that Marinette had lost everything again, she wanted to sleep in a comfortable bed for just a little more.

Still, Marinette knew that she would probably have to be the one to break the silence.

Grabbing the peacock miraculous, she let out a sigh, steeling her mind. It didn't take her long to find Alfred, going into the kitchen and seeing him prepare tea, as if he knew she was coming. Maybe he did.

"Hey, Alfred..."

"Hello Marinette," Alfred smiled at her gently, placing a cup of herbal tea beside her on the table. "It's probably about time we speak again, hm?"

Marinette flinched, aware that he must have been waiting for her to approach him first, and that she had left him in the dark for a week. Alfred picked up on the flinch and frowned.

"I don't blame you for that," he said. "I was out of line for speaking to you the way that I did. I know that the order is only to be revealed by those trusted by the ones trusted by the guardian."

Marinette felt her heart warm, for once being on the receiving end of an apology. Still...

"I should apologize too," Marinette said, her eyes shifting awkwardly. "You're trying to look out for me. I'm just- I've not-" she continued to cut herself off, before groaning in frustration. "For the longest time now, I haven't been a priority to myself. Honestly, I don't even think I'm in the top twenty! I guess I just... get defensive when it comes to stuff like taking care of myself."

Which in hindsight was hypocritical of her. Wasn't she the one who told Tim that he couldn't take care of anyone if he didn't take care of himself.

"That doesn't mean what you did was okay though. I know you haven't told them anything about the order, otherwise they probably would have been more assertive in finding information on me, but that doesn't mean it wasn't risky."

Alfred nodded, expression serious and understanding.

"It won't happen again," he promised.

Satisfied with his answer, Marinette pulled out the peacock miraculous from her pocket, placing it on the table near Alfred.

"She was broken when we found her," Marinette admitted. "It took the last of Master Fu's energy to fix her."

Alfred looked at Marinette, eyes wide and brimming with tears as he carefully took the brooch, it lighting up at his touch, a small peacock appearing, Tikki sitting on her shoulder and smiling encouragingly at him.

"I'll leave you two alone now," Marinette said, getting up from her seat. "You have a lot to catch up on. We can talk to Bruce about the adoption stuff later."

-_-_-_-

@constancetruggle @mojos-biggest-fan @lysslovesanime @heredmaquam @luciferge @scribblinggraveyard @thatfandomsgirl @eliza-bich @ki77h3dr4g0n @crazylittlemunchkin @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @skyel0ve @serenacross200 @valeks-princess @thebananathatwrites @aurordraws @nothernbluetongue @bluerosette23 @xxmadamjinxx @graduatedmelon @tritaledkitsune @tinybrie @shamefullove @screechingflapbiscuitpeach @danielslilangel @vivilakitty @kurogaya913 @elspethshadow @theatreandcomicfreak

[star-trekkin-across-theuniverse]

Fallen Valkyrie, pt31

Word Count: 1860 Tags: @outside-the-government @distinguishedqueenofbooks, @anyakinamidala @dirajunara @anotherotter @youdonebeengarthed @auduna-druitt @samaxraph99 @rayleyanns @sistasarah-sallysaidso @feelmyroarrrr @kitchenwitchsuperwhovian @little-study-bug @graysonmalfoy @rampant-salamander @goodnightwife @ha-tep @fantiomaticsupertolkienlover

The Vanir were welcoming, but careful with their healing craft, just as Loki had noted previously. Eira’s reputation had preceded her, however, and the Vanir healers were quick to share their most basic knowledge for hers. Eira suspected for any further depth of understanding, she was going to have to work some magic, both in charm and in study.

Fandral was immensely bored, and would break her studies with the healers in the early afternoon of every day to make her go riding with him. Eira was happy for the distraction, as it allowed her to clear her head, and make a catalogue of the plants she was discovering on Vanaheim. Fandral indulged her desire to stop and pick various plants, and record their locations, so that when the time came to return to Asgard, she could make a quick survey and collect what she wanted to take home. He never complained, he just stood guard or when he deemed it perfectly safe, played with Leif while Eira poked and dug in the dirt.

“Eira, I have watched you for some time on the warfields. Your swordwork is sloppy,” Fandral made conversation as Eira plucked the petals from some variant of daisy.

“Mmhmm.” She was distracted and not paying attention.

“So I was thinking we should get you a jellyfish. Because it would make a lovely hat,” he continued in the same tone. Eira nodded absently.

“That sounds lovely, Fandral,” she murmured. Fandral started laughing, at first just a quiet chuckle.

“Yes, and if we combined it with a goat, you’d be ready for Jul,” he snickered. Eira looked up, puzzled. Fandral was biting his lip and turning red trying to restrain his mirth.

“Jul isn’t for months, Fandral,” She commented. Fandral lost his composure and let loose with a bellowing laugh that startled Leif awake. He held up his hand in apology, but could not stop himself.

“A jellyfish hat, with a goat?” He could barely form the words, he was laughing so hard.

“What nonsense are you speaking, Fandral?” Eira tried to stop herself from laughing, but Fandral’s joy was contagious. “Why are we laughing?”

“You were paying me no mind, and simply agreeing with everything I said,” he chuckled, finding a rock to sit on. “I felt it prudent to teach you a lesson about listening when spoken to.”

“Instead you look the lunatic, and I cannot help myself for laughing,” Eira grinned, rocking Leif. He was rubbing his eyes sleepily, but not crying.

Fandral took a deep breath and tried to look serious before dissolving into giggles again. Eira rolled her eyes and went back to resettling Leif in his basket. He fussed a little and quickly fell back to sleep.

“You have my undivided attention, if you can control your laughter long enough to tell me what you really wanted to say, and not rant about eels and sheep,” Eira smiled.

“Jellyfish and goats. No mind. I was saying that when I’ve watched you as a Valkyrie that your swordwork is not,” he paused, searching for a word, “that is to say, you aren’t –“

“Yes, I am poor with a sword, Fandral. That’s why I appreciated Thor’s attempts to have Sif train me. Although I supposed that chance is now lost,” Eira admitted. Fandral made a face that suggested she was right.

“Well, Sif is the expert on women warriors because she is one. I, however, am an expert on women, and swordplay. It’s different, but I still understand how women’s bodies work. And I should be able to relate that back to improving your fighting style. I’d like for us to use these afternoons for some training. At least then I will feel I’ve done more than just play the dutiful uncle for Leif,” he explained. Eira closed her book and looked at him thoughtfully.

“Alright. But I don’t think knowing your way around a woman in her bedchamber means you will have any real understanding how her body works,” she agreed.

“How much longer do you plan to stay, Eira? I don’t begrudge you the time here, I can see all you are learning and know the benefit it will be to everyone you contact. But I would like to know how much time I have for lessons,” Fandral asked.

“We’ve been here a month already and I’ve just barely scratched the surface. I need to find a way to earn the Vanir healer’s trust. They are reticent to part with the secondary effects of their plants, and I know there is more below the surface.”

“You should ask Freyr if there’s a way to loosen their tongues,” Fandral suggested. “Although perhaps be more diplomatic in your phrasing.”

Eira nodded and went back to the plant she was studying. She ground some petals between her fingers and inhaled the scent of them, drawing the perfume in. She felt drowsy, and light-headed. By her record of what the Vanir had told her, the flower was helpful for stomach aches. But the sedative effect felt more powerful. She licked her fingers, and felt her stomach, which seemed to always be rolling, relax. But the drowsiness remained. She pulled her book back out and scribbled down her impressions, and pressed a fresh flower between the leaves.

The afternoon sun was beginning to make its descent in the sky, and Fandral made his wish to have her back to the Vanir palace known in as many ways as he could. Eira finally bundled Leif to her chest, strapped his basket to Fleygur’s saddle and mounted for the ride back. Fandral kept her mind busy talking about combat techniques, and she was passing glad for the distraction, knowing it would keep Fandral happy and out of trouble.

It was a feasting night. Eira realized soon after arriving in Vanir that most nights were for feasting and revelling at the palace, but the level of excitement was higher than it had been thus far. She was curious as to what merited such eager preparations, but soon overheard one of the servants saying that Freya had arrived early in the afternoon. Eira was eager to see her acquaintance, although they weren’t close. It would be nice to see a familiar face.

After seeing to Leif’s bath and dinner, Eira washed herself up, trying to get the dirt from under her nails and around her cuticles, with no avail. She combed her hair, and changed into a clean tunic and hangarok. As she was slipping her boots back on, a knock sounded on the door. Eira moved to open the broad door quickly, not wanting to be late. Fandral was waiting, looking as though he’d taken some extra time with his preparation. Eira gave him an appraising look, and raised an eyebrow.

“Really, Eira. Freya is a beautiful woman. I can’t help wanting to look my best.” Fandral rolled his eyes, and offered his elbow. Eira took it and they made their way to the feast hall. They were seated at the head table, which made Eira incredibly uncomfortable, despite Fandral’s reassurances that it was merely because they were guests who had been introduced by the Allfather, and nothing more. Eira’s mead cup was already filled with the delicious spiced mead that was the specialty of the Vanir. She settled Leif in his basket at her feet before allowing Fandral to assist her into her seat. He sat down beside her and looked across the room, ready to distract her with anything her found amusing, as he did every night.

“Minnsta Valkyrja! I have missed seeing you!” Freya approached. Eira sprang to her feet to show courtesy, but Freya waved her down.

“Freya, you look well,” Eira smiled. Freya leaned across the table and kissed Eira’s cheek.

“As do you, Eira. You are sorely missed on the warfields. Particularly in Midgard,” She offered. Eira nodded in agreement.

“I worry on it greatly. But soon Leif will be old enough that I can return to my duties,” she replied.

“Return? The Allfather did not release you? After bearing the heir of Asgard?” Freya was shocked. Eira shook her head.

“No, there’s more to the story –“

“Yes, I’d heard about Loki from Brynhildr,” Freya interrupted, peering into Leif’s basket. “Oh, he is beautiful! And the very image of his father.”

“Regardless, Freya, I have not been released. I will return to duty shortly, probably not long after I am finished studying here,” Eira explained.

“And how go your studies, Eira?”

“The healers are generous with their time.”

“But not their expertise, I take it?” Freya filled in the blank in Eira’s carefully worded response. Eira flushed, and Freya nodded, smirking. “Yes, they guard our secrets perhaps to fervently. I would hope they see the wisdom of teaching you the deeper secrets of Vanir healing. If you’ll excuse me, lítið Valkyrja, I will see you later this evening. I have been away long, and have many to still greet.”

Freya nodded briefly at Fandral, and turned away, heading into the crowd. She stopped at almost everyone, embracing each one like a long-lost lover.

“Why does she call you little Valkyrie, Eira?” Fandral asked.

“Because I am the newest, and youngest,” Eira laughed.

“Certainly not your height. I think you might be the tallest,” Fandral chuckled. Eira rolled her eyes.

“Yes, I know.” Eira’s wry tone belied her words. “There is nothing ladylike about me. I am tall, I am awkward, I have red hair.” She stuck out her tongue. Fandral laughed.

“You are tall enough that no man needs crane his neck to kiss you, you are awkward until you wield your spear or save a soul, and your hair is like fire. You are every bit a woman, Minnsta Valkyrja,” He teased. Eira swatted him on the arm and laughed.

“Don’t let anyone hear you flirt with me, you fool. They might take you seriously and think you are worthy of a whipping!” She whispered. “It’s bad enough they already treat me as though I am princess.”

“Eira, you already are. Just because there has not been a wedding does not mean you are not a princess. You are bound to Loki. It is done.” Fandral shook his head. “Do you think you can escape this? With his son in your arms?”

“No, Fandral. I am quite ready to take my place as his wife. I had shirked one duty for too long, I will not disrespect the Allfather a second time. I just,” she paused and took a drink from her mead cup, “I wish there were less enmity between Thor and Loki. I wish I could forget Loki’s betrayal. I wish I could forget how blind I was to Thor’s indifference.”

“He was never indifferent, Eira. He was very passionate about you. I don’t think Thor capable of love, not right now. But you are the closest he’s ever been. And that fuels his rage because he does not know how to manage softer feelings,” Fandral explained. Eira drained her mead cup, and poured another glass. She had much to think on that was not just Vanir healing.