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zarnzarn · 2 months ago

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new fic, tw rescue from a kidnapping and s/a (calypso), illiad modern spy au

They find him in the place they were told they would.

The lot of them almost don't make it past the door with how all of them fight to get inside first. The woman inside screams and drops her basket of fruits as they storm into the kitchen, staring at them with wide, piteous eyes as they all point their swords at her.

"Where is he?" Eurylochus snarls, half-bear in his rage. The guilt has been ripping him apart, whatever he and Odysseus disagreed on before he disappeared into thin air all those months ago, driving him wild. Menelaus nearly flinches himself when he roars louder, "WHERE IS HE?"

"Have you people never heard of politeness?" The woman demands starchly, even though she's still pressed back against the counter. Menelaus sees her eyes flash with power as she scowls at them, and takes a deep breath, readying his sword.

If he dies fighting her- if any of them do- the rest will understand. It's only because of Odysseus that any of them were alive at all.

"We were told that the merchant Xen'ath made a sale to you, seven months ago," Diomedes cuts in, voice cold. "An illegal one, even for a protected one like you."

She snorts, jewellery tinkling. She looks kind, and for a desperate moment Menelaus hopes.

"What will you do, put me in jail?" Calypso giggles. "Besides, a sale is a sale. He's mine, fair and square, so if you all would kindly-"

A vase crashes by her head, scattering muddy water and making her scream.

Patroclus hasn't recovered much from the coma, but he's just as angry as any of them and wouldn't be talked out of not coming along, even though he has to use a cane. He doesn't know about how they all fell apart while he was under, but has informed them all quite clearly that not only does he not care, in this situation it does not matter.

Menelaus holds out a hand to signal him to back down, knowing that they are all barely holding onto their fury enough to get answers.

"Where is he?" Ajax cuts in quietly. They point their swords again.

She scans them all calculatingly, grimacing. Then recovers, tossing her hair over her shoulder proudly, hmphing at them.

"In the basement," She says casually, and Menelaus' heart drops. Horror suffuses the faces around him, with many eyes closing in pained resignation, even though they already knew the truth. Knew what kind of sale it had been.

Penelope had recovered over fifteen hundred victims in her search for her husband, and all of them had the same story.

"He tried to run last week," She sighs, putting her hands on her hips and talking with such casual disappointment that it makes his blood run cold, makes him want to throw up. "Honestly, I made sure that he had everything one could need, I don't know what on earth-"

"Shut up," Polites snaps. "Just- shut up!"

"Why, you-" Calypso growls, eyes turning pink as she calls her power, and with a roar of fury, Achilles rounds the table and attacks.

Menelaus whistles to the others and they all scatter. He comes out at the veranda, opening every door and cursing when there's nothing beyond. It's a beautiful house- idyllic and pristine and packed with luxury, and it makes Menelaus want to claw off his own skin.

"HERE!" Someone shouts inside, and Menelaus skids to a stop and changes direction. They all reach the door at the same time, and he holds back the dizzying wave of horror at the lock on the outside as they all hack at the wood like crazed people to get in.

The door crashes down and Menelaus charges down the stairs into the dark room, scrambling for his torch.

"ODYSSEUS!" He shouts, moving it around. "ODY-"

They all go dead silent.

Odysseus scrabbles back, eyes glinting and wild in the light of the torch. He's still in the same outfit they have the last sighting of him in, dirtied and torn now, but the man wearing it is completely different- hair overgrown and body rail-thin, so much so that Menelaus for a heart-stopping second doesn't recognise him.

There's a chain around his leg, connected to the floor. A collar with an owl on it, made of metal that's been welded shut straight on and rope on his wrists. A dirty cloth stuffed in his mouth.

Blood on his legs.

"Odysseus!" Polites is the first to break their standstill, a huge grin of pained relief on his face as he rushes forward. It falls as Odysseus gives a small scream of terror and tries to get away from him, making the metal dig into his already scarred ankle.

Of terror. Of terror. Ten years of knowing him, and Menelaus has never seen Odysseus afraid.

Odysseus spits out the cloth. "Please," He whispers, voice wrecked, and they all flinch. The Odysseus in Menelaus' memory shines bright and golden, charming and funny and kind and angry and humble, despite having run missions for his kingdom since he was thirteen, sharper and swifter than all of them. This is not his friend. "Please, not them, not them, don't wear their faces too, please."

And-

Menelaus comes to with his face pressed against the wall, tears streaming down his face. Sick with rage and guilt and fury and horror. The others aren't faring any better when someone snaps over the microphones for them to hurry up and he turns back around- Eurylochus is sitting on the floor with his head in his hands, two others are vomiting, Polites has disappeared and the rest are just standing there frozen, crying. Patroclus is the only one who's kept his head on enough to attempt quiet reassurance, crouched near a trembling, animal version of their best spy and talking softly to him, trying to coax him away from cutting into his own skin with the rusted metal.

He tried to run away last week, Menelaus grasps onto desperately. It means he's still in there, fighting.

He can't take his eyes off the blood. There's so much of it.

"Eurylochus!" Polites snaps as he comes back down the stairs, a blowtorch in hand. "Hold him."

Odysseus screams at their approach and Menelaus does not have the courage to keep looking, places both hands over his ears like a child, unable to bear it.

(Penelope had opened the door to the group of them; twelve men Odysseus had run with for ten years who had no idea he disappeared until someone casually mentioned that Penelope had gone rogue and was on the watchlist for having tortured and murdered Circe.

Her eyes had been frigid. "Welcome," She said, as if they were strangers and not close friends. "You're quite lucky you decided to visit, you know. I had plans of killing you lot next."

Menelaus doesn't blame her.

She'd sent them all message after message, call after call- begging, pleading, bargaining; that they all ignored out of grudges and anger, until she'd stopped asking and done it herself. None of the fights Odysseus had had with them had even been that bad- it was just, somehow, every single one of them had just been that little bit extra annoyed as to not pick up when it had been her calling; and then Xen'ath had all Penelope's calls rerouted, so she couldn't reach them anyway.

"Queen of Ithaka," He'd bowed, Helen bowing lower at his side. "... Penelope. I- We are all so incredibly sorry-"

"Save it," She'd said, holding up a hand. "Just answer me this- would you rather run a mission or guard Telemachus? And what is your price?"

That had thrown them.

"Penelope," Diomedes had stepped forward hesitantly, looking heartbroken. "We would- all of us, any of us- we would do anything to save your husband. You don't need to fucking pay us to rescue him- we are his friends. We are your friends."

"Then WHERE WERE YOU?" Penelope screams, and her mask finally cracks with it, eyes filled with tears and mouth curled in rage. "Where were any of you when he- when I-" Diomedes grabs her and pulls her into a hug and she breaks down sobbing. "Where were all of you when we needed you?"

"Penelope," Menelaus says, stepping forward to place a hand on her shoulder. Glass crunches under his feet and guilt overcomes him again- all this while he'd been living in luxury, unburdened, his sister-in-law had given up everything to run missions on her own, feeding her people and taking down enemy after enemy while living in squalor herself, in a building full of unsavory men. Tears come to his own eyes. "Please, I beg you to believe me. None of us, not a single one- we did not know. We did not know your husband never made it home, Penelope, I swear on the Styx."

"Then you should have picked up my calls," She snarls, venomous, and gathers herself back up to push Diomedes and him away. "Now. Mission or Telemachus?")

When he takes his hands off, the silence is ringingly loud, the phantom screams still stuck in his ears. Menelaus looks when Odysseus whimpers suddenly and sees his sister's husband holding him down while Polites melts the collar off, Ajax silently working on the chain around his ankle.

Achilles shouts from upstairs and Diomedes calls back, and he comes into the room with grim eyes. "How is he?"

None of them can bring themselves to reply. The collar falls off with a thud.

"Odysseus, hey, we've come to rescue you," Polites tries again, smiling at him and holding his head in his hands so they can meet his eyes. "Don't worry now, we're here."

Odysseus is still. Too still.

Diomedes steps forward, eyes hard, and carefully pulls Polites' hands away. "He'll attack you. If shapeshifting is involved-"

Silence.

"What is wrong with all of you?" Patroclus says suddenly, scowling. "Did you lose your training along with your brains when I was unconscious? Soldiers, post-rescue protocol, now."

The command shocks him back to adrenaline, and they all burst into familiar movements, collecting pictures and pulling out shock blankets. Someone grabs Odysseus as the chain unravels and holds him still while they cut him free, and another talks gently to him as they inject him with a sedative. Menelaus is just glad it isn't him, because he doesn't think that even with his hardened nerves he could bear to face the fact that- to treat Odysseus like-

He looks away as Achilles grabs the other in a fireman's carry and makes his way to the door instead, pushing the debris out of the way to let them through.

Calypso isn't going to be held back for long.

"NO!" She screeches as she bursts through a wall, three times bigger than they left her. Menelaus slashes and she cowers back, baring her teeth in fear. Her face falls as she catches sight of Achilles running out the door, and tears well up in her eyes instead. "No, please, I can't be alone again! I can't be locked in here, please, I can't be alone, send anything, anyone, please!"

"Go fuck yourself," Ajax says savagely as he swings at her, and Menelaus grabs the person closest and yells for a retreat.

The van rumbles along. The windshield wipers swing.

"How long does the sedative last?" Menelaus hears himself ask.

"Should be done by now," Polites says, voice similarly bleak, turning to Odysseus. "Ody?"

Odysseus is crouched in the far corner of the van, staring at them all with sharp, hate-filled paranoia. Menelaus swallows and slows the vehicle, the rest of them turning to look.

"You're safe," Ajax says, softer than he's ever heard from him. "We got you out, Odysseus, you're going back home."

Odysseus narrows his eyes and snarls. Menelaus braces himself for something biting and sharp about how they could have done it earlier, better, faster. Except- "I'm not falling for another illusion, Calypso. Drop the fucking act."

Menelaus hits the brakes and closes his eyes as he presses his face against the steering wheel. "It's not an illusion, Ody, we promise. We're actually here."

"You don't have your chains any more, see?" Eurylochus tries. When he turns, they're all clearly holding themselves back from rushing forward in heartbreak; Odysseus had been the touchy one amongst them, winding around them like a hyperactive snake and hanging off them and hugging them tight and offering handshakes and high-fives, no matter that they were all hardened warriors. To have him clearly ready to throw a punch if they approach hurts. "Your collar is off- why would Calypso do that?"

Odysseus' face spasms and he grabs for his neck. Feels around as if it might be a trick, expression blank.

"Athena," He says abruptly, and Menelaus is extremely confused for a second before he recalls the owl etched into the metal and catches Diomedes' eyes in sudden horrified agony. Of all the terrible-

"Athena," Odysseus breathes, bending over with eyes wide in disbelief, saying it as if he can't believe he can. Hope flares in his eyes, before crumpling at the sudden landslide of grief that follows, tears Menelaus never saw from him at the worst of the Troy mission dripping down his face. "Athena. Athena. Athena! ATHENA! ATHENA!"

His voice is agonizing to hear, crazed and desperate, and someone rushes forward with a tranquilizer, before-

A loud clap, blinding light, and Athena, the goddess herself, appears in their mission vehicle.

"What the fuck," Ajax whispers next to him, grabbing Menelaus by the arm. They're both trembling. Everyone is. "What the fuck- that's actually her."

Athena snaps her neck around to study them all with blank eyes, nodding to a terrified Diomedes, before looking down at Odysseus. Studies him.

Oh shit, Menelaus thinks, remembering the rumors of Medusa, and motions for someone to intervene as he struggles with the seatbelt.

She dissolves her spear suddenly and- holds out her arms.

"What?" Odysseus says faintly, which sums that up too.

"What?" Athena returns, sounding- defensive? Confused? "You were the one who insisted on hugs and physical touch to be added to the rescue recovery manual."

Menelaus finally makes it over the barrier to the back of the van and gets to watch everyone's brains break slightly, and for Odysseus' mouth to drop open in sheer disbelief. Menelaus still knows him enough to recognise the look of him very much wanting to say that is not something you say in a situation like this before a smile suddenly pulls at his lips. A threadbare, incredulous giggle escapes him, then rickety, mirthful laughter and Menelaus breathes a sigh of relief.

"Yeah, I did," Odysseus grins slightly, and walks closer- hugging the goddess without a lick of fear, of course he does. The gods are famous for their pride and detachment and untouchability and of course this crazy man goes and hugs the most closed-off of them like an old friend.

Although, the way they talked to each other, and the implications-

"I'm not thinking of this anymore," Ajax mutters, rubbing at his face. "Odysseus, you believe this ain't an illusion yet, my dude?"

He pulls back and stares around at them like he's seeing them for the first time. His face twitches, like he can't decide whether to smile or be devastated, and quietly says, "You're here. You all came?"

The van bursts out in noise as they all trip over their sorrowful reassurances and apologies, almost shouting. Odysseus trembles. Blood drips to the floor.

Achilles steps forward and Menelaus feels the same alarm of a disaster incoming from earlier; he and Odysseus had never quite gotten over their irritation at dragging each other into the Troy mission and argued plenty during- he'd even heard word that they'd let a target escape once because they'd got into a fistfight.

But Achilles just gives Athena a wary look and a wide berth, and then pulls Odysseus into his arms. Menelaus suddenly remembers who'd been the first to run to Achilles and hold him when he'd sunk to the floor at Patroclus' diagnosis.

"We're here," He murmurs. "We came late, but we came. You're out."

"I'm out," Odysseus repeats, letting his tense posture drop as he leans into the embrace. "I'm out."

"You are," Athena confirms clinically, then- surprise on surprises, she kneels down to pull him closer as well.

Menelaus smiles, then climbs back to the front of the vehicle, satisfying himself with the flickering relief that slowly takes over Odysseus' expression. Gives his friend the privacy he can when he starts to have the breakdown delayed seven months, turns the keys to start the engine.

It's still a long journey to get Odysseus back to Penelope, then back to the Ithaka headquarters. But they have him now, and they'll get him back.

Menelaus, and the rest of them, will have to content themselves with that. That at least, the most they can do now, is bring him home.

He taps on his earpiece, and it crackles to life. "We have him," He tells her. "We're bringing him back to you by morning. Rest, please, Penny."

She sobs over the comms and the car drives on.

#odysseus #calypso #modern au #penelope #menelaus #eurylochus #achilles #patroclus #diomedes #polites #athena #odypen

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veronicaphoenix · 3 days ago

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the unmaking of a warrior | epilogue pt. 2

word count: 10k | reading time: 40mins. aprox. | series masterpost | my works ✨

Tags & trigger warnings: this takes place 2 years after the events that took place in epilogue part 1. Established relationship, dad!noah, angst, fluff, pregnancy, birth giving (flashback), mentions/descriptions of blood, sexual innuendos regarding bondage/rope play, skinny dipping, sexual content including oral sex (fem. rec.), p. in v. unprotected, creampie). Fluff, fluff, and a lot of fluff because dad!noah dad!noah dad!noah 🥹 can't get enough of him. I've wanted to write dad!noah for ages and he's finally here. And again, I've never given birth, i've never been pregnant, so excuse my lack of accuracy on that matter. If there's anything I've missed, please let me know. x

Nearly two years later

Winter had lingered longer than usual, but at last, spring had arrived, bringing with it a burst of color and warmth. The sun was gentle, neither too hot nor too faint, while a soft breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers.

As soon as the weather brightened, Noah and I began spending more time outdoors—whether it was venturing deep into the valley, lounging by the river’s edge, or simply relaxing in our garden.

This morning, I sat on a blanket spread across the grass in the front yard, with Trouble resting behind me. Her large, furry body made for a perfect backrest as I watched Levi carefully pick flowers and place them all over Trouble’s fur. At first, Trouble lay still, tolerating Levi’s enthusiastic flower-decorating, but as the pile of blooms grew, she huffed in mild protest. Once, she even let out a low growl, and I gently reminded her that he was just a baby, before telling Levi to give her a little break.

“But she looks so pretty!” he insisted, his version of “pretty” sounding more like “piuti”.

“She’s already got enough flowers on her,” I said. “Why don’t you put some on Mommy instead?”

“Yes!” he shouted, delighted by the idea. He wobbled over to me on unsteady legs, and began placing the flowers carefully on my hair.

His shoulder-length brown hair, which we had only trimmed a couple of times since he was born, had been neatly tied up in a bun earlier that morning. But after hours of running and playing a few soft strands had escaped and now hung loosely, framing his sun-kissed face. He looked so much like Noah.

When one of the flowers fell into my lap, I picked it up and held it out to him.

“Do you know what this one is called?”

He took a quick glance and shook his head before resuming his task of adorning my hair.

“It’s a daisy,” I told him.

“Daisy,” he repeated slowly.

I reached for the basket sitting nearby, filled with a mix of toys and snacks. Levi’s attention was quickly diverted when I picked a box that contained fresh strawberries cut into tiny pieces. Their sweet fragance filled the air when I removed the lid. I picked one out and held it out to him.

“Strawberry?” he asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

“Strawberry,” I confirmed, smiling. I brought the fruit to his mouth, and he took a small, eager bite, juice dribbling down his chin. I wiped it away with my thumb. “One more?” I offered, holding up another.

He nodded, this time more vigorously as he leaned in for a second bite, his tiny hands grabbing at mine to get the strawberry faster into his mouth.

With a full mouth, he mumbled something incoherent, his eyes darting to the basket, no doubt looking for more treats. I reached inside and handed him one of his toys. He eagerly accepted a wooden cart and started to roll it back and forth over my legs. At least that was better than him rolling it on Trouble’s fur and igniting her fury.

I spotted movement on the path leading from the village. A tall and slender figure made itself visible as it approached us, and that familiar flutter in my stomach came back. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of my husband.

Noah was walking toward us. He looked so effortlessly striking wearing all black, his katana at his side and a radiant smile meant just for us. His hair, tied back in a loose bun, was longer than it’d ever been, and one loose strand was swaying gently with the breeze.

He wasn’t alone.

Nestled against his hip was Sakura, one of her small hands on his shoulder, grapping tightly at his clothing. Though she was Levi’s twin and nearly two, she couldn’t yet walk, but that didn’t slow her down—she was happy to crawl everywhere. Her brown hair was tied up in a tiny bun to match her Papa’s, and it gave her an air of determination and pride. She loved mimicking him in everything. She was a courageous and bold little one, just like Levi.

“Look who’s coming,” I said to Levi, drawing his attention toward the path.

Levi’s eyes widened, and a grin spread across his face as he spotted Noah and his sister.

“Papa!” he called out, his small body bouncing with excitement. He started to run toward his father but stopped when I pulled him back toward the blanket, keeping him close.

As Noah reached us, he bent down just as Sakura squirmed in his arms, extending her body and arms toward me. I scooped her up, cradling her close and planting a kiss on her cheek, her little nuzzle against my chest filling my heart.

With his arms now free, Noah crouched lower and scratched Trouble’s fur.

“What happened to you?” He teased. “You look more colorful than usual.”

Trouble huffed, but as soon as Noah was laughing, she lifted her head to lick his hand. Noah smiled, rubbing her head before turning his focus to Levi.

“Hey, little warrior,” he said warmly. “How you doing?” He swept Levi up with ease and tossed him into the air, eliciting shrieks of joy. Levi giggled uncontrollably, his laughter filling the air as Noah caught him and repeated the throw.

Once Levi settled, he pointed excitedly at Trouble, his eyes sparkling.

“Look, Papa! I put flowers on her.”

“I saw it. That’s a ton of flowers.”

Levi beamed proudly, then, as if remembering something important, pointed to me.

“I put flowers on Mommy, too!”

Noah’s eyes shifted, softening as they landed on me. I was holding Sakura in my arms, who was eagerly nibbling on a piece of strawberry now. Our gazes met, and in that moment, for just a couple of seconds, everything else faded. The warmth in Noah’s eyes was as if it had just struck him again how lucky he was to have me by his side, as his wife. His gaze held mine, filled with both admiration and love, and I felt the familiar heat rise to my cheeks.

“She looks soooo priti!” Levi shouted, his voice high with excitement.

Noah’s lips parted.

“Prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”

His words sent a rush of warmth through me, and despite all the years we’d spent together, I still found myself flushing under his brown eyes.

But the spell was broken by Sakura’s small voice. She raised her hand and waved it, her tiny fingers catching Noah’s attention.

“Me?!”

Noah sat down beside me on the blanket, letting Levi wander off to pick more flowers.

“You,” Noah began, poking her cheek, “are the prettiest babygirl I’ve ever seen.”

Content, Sakura gave him one satisfied smile, a bit shy at her Papa’s compliment as her cheeks tinted pink and she defleated in my lap.

Noah laughed. I would never get tired of the way he smiled at our children—of the joy they brought him.

A couple of minutes later, distracted by her brother’s doings, Sakura crawled out of my arms and followed Levi, and Noah and I both watched our twins explore their little world.

“Was she okay?” I asked Noah without taking my eyes of the children.

“She was as good as ever,” he told me. “Sat still on her spot during most of the training session, clapping everytime someone lifted their sword. Pretty sure she’s ready for a nap now.”

Seeing her playing lively with Levi raised some doubts.

When I turned to look at Noah, I caught him staring intently at me. A second after, he was leaning over me, tucking some hairs behind my ear and kissing the corner of my mouth.

“You look beautiful today,” he whispered.

“You said that yesterday,” I retorted, but the grin spread through my face nonetheless.

Noah shrugged, still leaning to me.

“I am merely stating facts.”

I tsked my tongue and placed a hand on Noah’s jaw to bring him to me and kiss him on the lips. Right as I was doing so, we heard a yelp.

Sakura, who had been crawling with purpose, always trying to catch up with her more mobile brother, had stopped by a bush. With her tiny hands she had tried to reach up for a flower perched higher than she could comfortably grasp. And as she tried to stand on wobbling legs, she toppled over, a small gasp escaping her as she fell back onto the grass.

Noah was up in an instant, rushing to her side before I could even react, his speed startling in its swiftness. Levi stopped what he was doing to look between his baby sister and his father with wide eyes,

I exhaled, seeing Noah scoop Sakura up into his arms, checking her. She wasn’t hurt, just surprised. I watched Noah’s face contorn in concern, and I was suddenly thrown back in time, to the day the twins were born.

We hadn’t known I was carrying two babies. After I had given birth to Sakura earlier than expected, we thought the ordeal was over. I had been sore, exhausted, and overwhelmed with joy as I held our daughter in our arms and then when I passed her to Noah. But before I could relish much in the moment, my screams pierced through the room, Sakura had been taken out from Noah’s arms, and he’d been ushered out.

To this day, it was still the worst and best day of Noah’s life.

He thought he was going to lose me, unaware that the pain that was seizing me had to do with the fact that there was still another baby inside me, desperate to come into the world. Levi had been bigger than Sakura from birth. Noah held this belief that he’d been taking care of his sister inside my womb and he had been a gentleman and let her out first. However, the contractions that came with him were at full force. The surprise and intensity of it all left me feeling drained, my body struggling to cope. The second birth had been arduous, and by the time Levi was born, I was too weak to stay conscious. I had also lost a lot of blood.

After Levi’s birth, Rika had rushed to find Noah.

“What happened?” Noah had asked, frozen as they placed his babygirl back in his arms, but the familiar cry he heard didn’t come from the baby he was holding. His mind was racing. He looked around. Then, he spotted Milla not too far. She was holding his babygirl. In a heartbeat, the truth hit him. He was holding a boy. There were two babies. Twins.

His gaze flickered back to me immediately, terrified of what he would see. He spotted me, pale and unmoving on the futon. Panic filled his chest as he stared at the blood beneath me.

“She is… She’s going to be okay, right?” he asked, because there was no other possible question—or outcome. His voice had barely been steady as he held our son close, unable to tear his eyes from my motionless form.

Rika reassured him.

“She’s going to be okay. She lost a lot of blood, but she’ll recover. She just needs time. In the meantime, you need to be with your children.”

As she said this, Rika placed Sakura into Noah’s free arm. He stood there, arms full, cradling both babies at once. He looked down at them, their tiny faces nestled against his chest, his long arms able to hold both of them securely. His heart swelled with joy at the sight of his twins—one boy, one girl—but worry gnawed at him because I wasn’t there to share the moment.

Noah carried them over to where I lay, sinking down beside me on the futon. He sat quietly, overwhelmed by this mixture of happiness and fear. Our children drifted into sleep, their little breaths soft and steady. Soon, we were alone. The four of us—my family.

Hours passed, and eventually, I began to stir. My body ached, and my vision was blurry at first. I blinked, trying to focus, my head heavy on the pillow. The first thing I saw was Noah, sitting by my side, his face drawn with exhaustion and relief. He was whispering softly, his voice low and calming, but it wasn’t until I tilted my head slightly that I realized who he was speaking to.

There, lying beside me on white blankets, were two wide-eyed babies. Both were staring up at their Papa, their small bodies wrapped in soft cloth. The boy yawned, his tiny hands stretching out as he blinked at the world. Sakura’s dark eyes were fixed on Noah’s face, her little fingers twitching as if already reaching for him.

I blinked, disbelief flooding my mind. Two. There were two.

“Noah...?”

He turned to me, relief spreading through him like a soothing balm as he realized I was awake. His smile was tender, and though his words were quiet, the weight of them was heavy with love.

“We have twins,” he said, as if he still couldn’t quite believe it himself. “We have two of them.”

As Noah sat back down beside me, holding Sakura close, Levi resumed his flower hunt, and I cherished the fact that our children had been born in a safe space where they could explore and grow to be who they wanted to be. Noah’s presence beside me had always felt like an anchor, always there when I needed him, but since he’d become a father, his attention and support had doubled. He caught my eye and smiled, as if reading my thoughts. I smiled back, feeling that familiar tug of affection, the one that never seemed to fade, even after everything we’d been through.

Just as I reached over to brush a stray petal from Levi’s hair, a soft rustling behind us caught our attention and I saw Rika approaching.

Noah stiffened slightly, always on alert. Rika smiled warmly, hands clasped together as she approached the front yard.

“There’s someone here to see you,” she announced. She lingered just long enough for my heart to stutter with curiosity—and a hint of worry. Sensing the suspense, she quickly added, “It’s your grandmother.”

The tension eased from my shoulders. Beside me, Noah chuckled, shaking his head.

“Always keeping us on our toes,” he said with a grin, glancing down at Sakura, who perked up at the mention of a visitor, at the same time as Trouble thumped her tail excitedly.

Grandma had always been a frequent visitor, long before Noah and I were even married. I’d tried to convince her to move into the Sanctuary, but she loved her little house in the village too much. It wasn’t far, and she promised to visit often—and she did. Her visits had only become more frequent after learning she would soon be a great-grandmother, a title that seemed to fill her with boundless happiness.

Noah stood, settling Sakura back onto the blanket next to me.

“I’ll go give her a hand,” he offered, knowing Grandma could use the extra support these days, now that she leaned on a walking stick. She’d probably appreciate Noah’s arm to hold onto.

As Noah walked toward the path from the center of the Sanctuary to greet her, I leaned back on my hands, watching him go. He moved with that quiet strength, always so sure of himself, even when the world around us felt uncertain. It was hard to believe how far we’d come since the chaos of the twins’ birth—the exhaustion, the fear, and then the joy that had followed. Now, here we were, with two vibrant, curious children and the life we’d always dreamed of.

Sakura, back to her usual determined self, began to crawl toward Levi, her hands gripping the grass as she tried to keep up with him. Levi, busy with his bouquet of freshly picked flowers, spotted her coming and toddled over to meet her halfway, offering a dandelion he’d plucked from the ground.

Inside the house, the air was warm and filled with the comforting scent of tea brewing. Noah was in the kitchen, preparing cups for everyone while the children played on the floor. I sat across from my grandmother, listening to her stories, her voice like a soothing melody.

Before long, Sakura set her sights on Noah’s katana, which hung temptingly on its stand by the entrance. Her little body wobbled on all fours as she began her mission and crawled toward it, her eyes gleaming with determination. I watched her from my seat, knowing Noah wouldn’t let her get far. Sakura seemed to sense this as well, for she paused midway and tilted her head to peer toward the open kitchen, where her Papa was busy pouring tea. Cleverly, she veered toward a cabinet, hoping to slip out of his sight. It was a smart tactic, but despite her stealth, the soft patter of her tiny hands and knees on the wooden floor soon caught Noah’s attention. Pausing, he raised his brows at the suspicious sound. The noise came again, like a small animal sneaking through the room, then silence. A grin tugged at Noah’s lips.

Moments later, a tiny hand peeked out from behind a piece of furniture, and Noah stifled a laugh as he resumed his work with the tea.

Without looking up, he said, “I can see you.”

The instant he spoke, Sakura knew she’d been discovered. Her hands slapped the floor with renewed urgency as she crawled faster.

Setting down the kettle on the kitchen island, Noah stepped out and scooped her up just before she could make her grand escape. Her little body squirmed in his arms.

“Not so fast,” he teased, tickling her belly.

Sakura’s giggles echoed through the room, filling it with a joyful energy that made all of us smile. Her small hands immediately reached towards his katana again, her fingers curling in the air toward the glimmering handle as she babbled the word: “Kitana, kitana!”

“That’s Papa’s. You’ll have to wait a little longer.”

Noah bounced her in his arms as he carried her back to the living room.

Grandma, who had been pleasantly observing, had a spark in her wrinkled eyes as she laughed.

“She’s going to learn her way with a katana before she learns to walk, isn’t she?”

I couldn’t say no to that, looking at our daughter, whose fascination with her father’s sword was growing by the day. Noah set Sakura on my lap, her tiny hands still making grabby motions toward the weapon in the distance. She was relentless.

“She’s got a strong will, that’s for sure,” Noah said, watching her as she tried to wiggle free from my grasp to make another attempt for the katana. “Just like her Mama,” Noah added, casting me a glance before heading back to the kitchen to retrieve the tray with tea and snacks.

“With a father like you, it’s no wonder she’s drawn to swords,” I teased back.

Noah chuckled and finished preparing the tea, the soft, floral scent of jasmine filling the air as he brought the tray over to the low table in the center of the room. The sliding doors were open, and a breeze swept through the space, carrying with it the scent of the garden and the occasional sound of Trouble chasing chickens outside.

“Levi, come sit with us and Grandma,” I called softly, watching Levi abandon the block tower he was building. He ran over with his usual burst of energy, his brown hair messy and strands hanging loose from his earlier play.

Sakura was already seated beside Noah, nestled against big pillows that propped her up comfortably. Her eyes were wide with curiosity as she watched her Papa take a sip from his tea. Noah handed me my cup. He smiled knowingly as he passed a cup to Grandma, then turned his attention to Sakura.

“You want some?” he asked. Immediately, he dipped his index finger into his cup and offered her a tiny drop.

Sakura leaned forward, her tiny pink lips pursing as she tasted the warm tea from the tip of his finger. Her eyes lit up, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. Of course she loved it—she was my daughter after all.

Noah glanced at me.

“Just like her Mama.”

After a while, with Levi nestled between Sakura and me, enjoying some snacks, I kept an eye on them, waiting for any sign they might be ready for a nap. Despite the day’s activities, however, both twins seemed wide awake. As the adults chatted, I didn’t notice when Levi, responding to Sakura’s insistent whispers, dipped his finger into my tea to offer her a few more drops.

It was Noah who caught him.

With a slight frown, he said, “Levi, stop giving tea to your sister.”

“But she likes it,” Levi replied earnestly.

“You won’t like it when she gets all wired and keeps you up later,” Noah warned gently.

Levi blinked, likely not fully understanding his father’s point, but he obediently wiped his finger on his shirt and muttered a soft, sweet “Papa says no more” to Sakura, who looked at him with hopeful eyes.

A while later, with the twins still wide awake and showing no signs of tiring, Noah decided to take them out to the garden to burn off some energy.

“Come on, you two, let’s tire you up,” he said with a grin, scooping them up. The twins squealed with delight as he hoisted them up high.

Once they were in the garden, he set each of them on one of his shoulders, holding them steady with his hands.

“Papa! ‘s very high!” Levi exclaimed.

“This is called weight training,” Noah told them, pretending to strain under their combined weight. Levi and Sakura giggled, clutching his hair for balance as he wobbled dramatically.

“Hey! Easy on the hair, little minx.”

He pretended Sakura was about to slip off his shoulder, making her squeal, then shifted his balance as if Levi were the one tipping off the other side. Their peals of laughter echoed across the yard. It was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard—made all the more precious because it was Noah who was causing it.

Noah held them firmly, with the practiced ease of a father—and a Samurai, of course— who would never let them fall. Eventually, he set them down, and the two darted off across the grass. A short while later, Levi discovered a fallen wooden branch, smooth and straight—perfect for his purposes. His small fingers gripped it with a sense of destiny, and he swung it around with wide, serious eyes.

“Papa!” he called. Then announced proudly, “I Samurai!”

Sakura, his biggest fan, started clapping her hands as she sat on the grass, hair messy and her face alight with admiration for her brother. Noah chuckled, kneeling down beside Levi, his own eyes twinkling.

“Show me your stance, little warrior.”

Levi straightened up, glancing at his father with fierce concentration, and clumsily attempted to imitate Noah’s stance, one foot forward, knees slightly bent. His little face was full of focus as he held the stick in front of him, eyes narrowed. Noah bit back laughter, unable to hide his delight at the sight of his son’s determined expression.

“You look like a real samurai, Levi,” Noah praised, giving him an approving nod. “But remember,” he added, “a samurai must have patience and strength.”

Levi nodded solemnly, gripping his wooden “sword” with purpose.

“And they look after their baby sisters!”

Noah nodded. “They look after the girls they love,” he corrected.

Sakura crawled over at full speed to join them bouncing on her hands and knees with enthusiasm. Noah, still kneeling, extended his arm to offer her support in case she wanted to try and stand up.

From our seats in the living room, Grandma and I watched the scene unfolding in the garden. The sliding doors were open to the porch, and the breeze carried the sounds of Noah’s laughter and the twins’ gleeful squeals inside. We sipped our tea as we observed the little family scene—my little family.

“Noah is so devoted to the children,” Grandma commented, “and to you. It makes me so happy to see this man so committed to his family.”

“I can only imagine how devoted he’ll be when there’s three of them,” I said, almost absently.

Grandma turned to me, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Three? What do you—?”

I gently placed a hand over my stomach.

“I think there’s a third one on the way,” I whispered.

“Oh, darling!” she exclaimed, immediately wrapping me in her arms. I hugged her back, feeling her love and excitement surround me. As I glanced over her shoulder, I caught sight of Noah looking toward me from the garden, a quizzical expression on his face. I waved him off with a quick shake of my hand, signaling that everything was fine.

“Does he know?” Grandma asked, pulling back and searching my face with a mixture of tenderness and curiosity.

“Not yet,” I replied. “I don’t want him to start worrying about me or the baby too soon. He’d only stress himself out and live in a constant state of panic.”

A soft, delicate smile spread across her face as she nodded in understanding. One last glance down at my stomach, and her eyes showed a new light as she processed the happy news.

“You’ve built such a precious family,” she noted, squeezing my hand. “This is what you deserve.”

I nodded, feeling the truth of her words settle in my heart. It was everything I’d ever dreamed of.

My attention drifted back to the garden, where I spotted Sakura crawling across the grass again, her little body wiggling as she explored every inch of the ground. Levi toddled after her, a tiny, determined protector, keeping an eye on her every move as he held the stick in his hand. When Sakura reached out for a small, spiky stone, Levi waddled over, furrowing his brow in concern.

“No, sis! Don’t touch!” he scolded in his limited but emphatic vocabulary, holding out his hand to stop her.

Despite her brother’s warnings, Sakura only giggled, flashing him a mischievous smile before crawling even faster, forcing Levi to chase after her. His little legs moved quickly, stumbling slightly but with determination as he followed her across the garden. Watching the two of them, Noah leaned back on the grass, a proud smile spreading across his face as he witnessed the bond between our kids.

When Sakura crawled back to her Papa, Noa brushed a stray wisp of hair from her face.

“Why don’t we practice your walking skills a little bit, huh? Enough crawling around,” he said, tapping her tiny nose. “Until you can stand on your own, babygirl, how do you plan on holding a katana?”

Sakura probably only caught the word “katana”. Nonetheless, she raised her arms up to him, and with his help, she planted her feet in front of her. Levi, always eager to be part of his sister’s milestones, scrambled to her side. He grasped her small hand. Noah placed his huge ones around her little body.

“Come, sis,” Levi encouraged. He tugged her hand forward, his eyes never leaving hers as he and Noah helped her up and steadied her. Sakura wobbled, almost losing her balance. She took a shaky step, then another.

Levi coaxed her along with a beaming smile, glowing with pride at his sister’s efforts.

“You’re doing it, sis!” he said, pulling her forward with all the enthusiasm his small frame could muster. Sakura responded with another happy squeal, her trust in her brother absolute as she stumbled forward, gripping his hand tightly.

From the edge of the garden, Trouble lay stretched out under the sunlight, her black eyes tracking every move. She watched Sakura’s attempts with rapt attention, her tail swishing with encouragement as if cheering on our little one.

Sakura took a few more shaky steps, her hand still gripping Levi’s for balance, until she finally lost her footing. But just as she began to teeter, Noah scooped her up into his arms before she could fall. Sakura clung to her Papa, and Trouble, as if sensing the moment, lifted her head and let out a triumphant howl, celebrating our tiny human’s success.

Noah laughed, cradling Sakura close as she snuggled into Noah’s chest, exhausted but utterly thrilled, while Trouble wagged her tail even harder, her proud gaze following. It was as if she understood the victory of Sakura’s steps and was just as invested in every small victory as the rest of us.

As Noah held Sakura, her head rested against his shoulder, her hair now loose—the bun undone, and the hairband lost somewhere in the garden. Her eyelids began to flutter, the day’s activities finally catching up with her. She gave a little sigh, her fingers curling sleepily into his shirt as she drifted off. Noah turned to Levi, extending his free hand.

“Come on, buddy.”

Levi obediently took his father’s hand, and together they headed back inside, with Trouble padding along behind them.

Once we were all back in the living room, Trouble trotted over to me, her keen eyes meeting mine with a knowing glint. She pressed her nose against my stomach, nudging me softly. I stroked her fur and gave her a gentle “Shh,” hoping she’d keep our little secret just a bit longer.

Meanwhile, Noah adjusted his grip on the now-snoozing Sakura, and glanced at Levi, who was yawning and rubbing his eyes.

“Let’s get you two to your room for a nap,” he murmured, giving Levi’s hand a squeeze. Levi didn’t protest, his tiredness starting to show. “Go give Mama and Grandma a kiss.”

Levi leaned in and placed the softest kiss on my cheek, whispering, “bye, Mama.” Then moved to hug Grandma.

As they made their way to the twins’ shared bedroom, I watched them disappear down the hallway and Trouble settled down beside me, resting her head on my lap. I scratched behind her ears.

After a little while, Noah came back.

“They’re both out like lights.” He settled into his seat with a relaxed sigh, picking up his cup and taking a long sip of his tea. He noticed Trouble, who was still comfortably nestled with her head on my lap. “Hey, big girl,” he said with mock indignation, arching an eyebrow. “Where’s my share of the cuddles?”

As if understanding his request, Trouble lifted her head from my lap and trotted over to Noah, plopping down beside him with a huff. He scratched her behind the ears and ruflled the fur on her neck. She leaned into him, accepting his attention with her usual grace.

The peace didn’t last long, though. Less than an hour into their nap, I noticed Trouble’s ears perk up, her attention shifting to the hallway. She slipped away from us, heading toward the children’s bedroom.

She had sensed them waking up.

Sakura and Levi weren’t the type to cry when they woke; for the past year, they’d developed a habit of waking each other with little noises and soft giggles, almost as if inviting each other to play.

I got up and followed Trouble, who smoothly squeezed through the gap Noah had left in the door.

When I opened it fully a moment later, I found Levi already out of bed, his face alight with excitement as he tried to wrestle with Trouble, charging at her and pushing with all his tiny might. Trouble looked thoroughly amused as she lay there with perfect patience, moving just enough to make him feel like he was putting up a real fight. His laughter rang out as he finally managed to clamber onto her back. In response, Trouble rolled over gently, pinning him beneath her massive paw in a playful but controlled move.

Not wanting to be left out, Sakura, who was obviously also awake, crawled over, her eyes fixated on Trouble’s tail as it swished enticingly from side to side. With a little pout, she reached out, trying to grab it, but Trouble swayed it just out of reach, starting a game of chase. Sakura crawled faster as she tried again and again to capture the elusive tail.

“Catch Trouble!” she called.

Levi, now up on his feet, toddled around the room with all the confidence of a young explorer, and Sakura was quick to follow, her rapid crawling fueled by her intention to keep up with either her big brother of the wolf. Her little hands slapped against the floor as she tried to match their pace, but every so often, she would fall just a bit behind, her face scrunching in frustration.

Noticing this, Trouble ever so heedful, decided to pad over to her and lay down directly in her path, as if offering a solution. Sakura’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly clambered onto Trouble’s back, settling herself with a triumphant smile as she shouted “catch!”. With her tiny hands buried in Trouble’s thick fur, she held on tightly as the wolf rose slowly, careful with each movement and letting her enjoy her “victory”. Then, with Sakura perched securely on her back, Trouble began to walk at a measured pace, following Levi’s toddling path around the room. Sakura squealed with joy, her laughter bright as she held on, her little body bouncing with each step.

I watched them all, my heart full as I leaned against the doorframe.

Come evening, we prepared for the nightly ritual of bath time, one of my favorite moments of the day, while Grandma prepared dinner. I’d insisted she leave it to us, as she was our guest, but she insisted on cooking while we took care of the children. Noah and I filled the tub with warm water, adding just a hint of baby shampoo that filled the air with a soft, sweet fragrance and created a layer of frothy bubbles on the surface. After I undressed Sakura and Noah undressed Levi, we eased them gently into the water, ensuring their little bodies had time to adjust to the warmth.

Sakura, a water enthusiast, started kicking her legs right away. The instant her tiny feet touched the water, she sent splashes flying toward me, Noah, and her little brother, setting off giggles that only grew louder as she saw our crinkled faces.

Once seated in the tub, Levi joined in the fun, slapping the bubbles with his hands and gathering foam to blow into the air—a trick he’d picked up from watching me when they were a bit younger. Noah and I washed them carefully, shampooing their hair, which sometimes turned into a bit of a juggling act as they squirmed and giggled, forcing us to keep a steady grip so they wouldn’t slip beneath the water.

“Close your eyes,” Noah called out when it was time to rinse their hair. They both complied, but Sakura’s face always tensed a little, still a bit wary of the water streaming over her head and face.

Finally clean, smelling fresh and looking irresistibly pink-cheeked, with their skin moisturized and their hair tangle-free, we bundled each of them in thick, fluffy white towels, wrapping them snugly into two little burritos. They looked up at us, eyes half-closed, as if already starting to sink into the cozy warmth, the softness of the towels hugging their tiny bodies.

I stayed behind in the bathroom to clean up as Noah carried our little bundles over to our bed. I gathered the twins’ bath toys, placing them in a basket, then paused just outside the doorway to watch. Noah knelt on the bed, playfully towering over their tiny forms as they lay side-by-side, snug in their towel cocoons. He was using his playful, bedtime voice.

“Who are Papa’s favorite little warriors?”

Sakura and Levi gurgled and giggled under their Papa’s attention. Levi reached out, and Noah leaned closer, letting the tiny fingers brush his cheek, only to “accidentally” shift so Levi’s hand tapped his nose instead. Noah widened his eyes in surprise, prompting a delighted laugh from Levi. With a grin, Noah lifted Levi’s chubby feet, playfully nibbling at his toes before turning his attention to Sakura, who had been watching his antics with wide-eyed fascination.

“What about you?” he asked. “Are you a brave little warrior?”

Sakura stretched an arm toward him, and he took her tiny hand, pressing a kiss on her knuckles. Then, tracing a line down her face, he murmured, “You’re Papa’s fearless princess, that’s what you are,” finishing with a tender boop on her nose.

He unwrapped her towel just enough to blow soft raspberries on her belly, then did the same to Levi, sending both of them into fits of giggles as they tried to curl up as if trying to escape.

“Who’s got the giggles now, huh?” Noah chuckled.

Noticing me in the doorway, he reached out a hand, and I joined him, bringing over the kids’ pajamas from the drawer.

The next morning, Sakura was suprisingly the first to wake, her little voice calling for me. I could tell immediately that she was hungry, so I scooped her up and took her with me as I sat in the rocking chair in the room, where the quiet of the early morning enveloped us like a cozy blanket. As I fed her, the soft light filtering through the window illuminated her delicate features, and I couldn’t help but smile at how sweet and peaceful my daughter looked, with her Papa’s same eyes and hair.

“Slept well, babygirl?”

With her hands around the bottle and her lips glued to the tip, her eyes found mine and she nodded.

Once she was fed and fully awake, I reminded her that Levi was still asleep, so I carried her with me back to the master bedroom, where Noah was still tangled in the sheets, lying on his stomach, shirtless, with one hand tucked beneath a pillow.

“Papa,” Sakura called.

Just hearing her say his name was enough to coax a smile from him, even with his eyes still closed. I let her climb onto the bed, and she crawled right over to him, nudging his tattooed shoulder with a soft insistence.

“Papa!” she repeated, louder this time, her tiny hands pushing against him.

“Yes, babygirl?” Noah mumbled, rolling over slowly to face her.

Sakura babbled something that neither of us quite understood, and we shared a laugh, enchanted by her morning enthusiasm.

“I know, I know,” Noah replied, stretching his arms overhead as he sat up, the sheets slipping away to reveal the entirety of his muscled tattoed torso.

After a few moments of morning cuddles, Noah got dressed and decided to take our daughter out into the garden, where they were greeted by Trouble. They settled on the porch, where Noah cradled our baby girl in his arms, the two of them framed by the glow of the rising sun.

As the first light of day crept over the mountains, Sakura cooed and babbled happily, her little hands pointing at the sky in wonder. Noah murmured softly to her, sharing snippets of thoughts and observations about the world. He pointed out the way the colors changed in the morning light, the birds flitting about, and the way the leaves shimmered with dew.

After the entire family woke up and had finished breakfast, Grandma called out the children into the living room.

“I have some surprises for you, little ones. Come here sit with Grandma.” On the floor in front of her were colorful packages wrapped in bright paper, each adorned with shiny ribbons. “Look what I brought for you!”

Levi dashed over, tugging at his sister’s hand to urge her to crawl along behind him.

Grandma began by handing them each a small package. Levi ripped into his with the fervor of a true little boy, revealing a set of brightly colored building blocks. His eyes widened in awe.

“Look, Mama!” he exclaimed, holding them up proudly.

Sakura, on the other hand, took her time, delicately unwrapping her gift with tiny fingers. When she finally revealed a plush white bunny with extremely long ears, her face lit up with pure joy. She hugged it tightly to her chest, her delight evident as she nestled her head against it.

“Do you like your new bunny, sweetheart?” Grandma asked, her heart swelling with happiness.

Sakura nodded vigorously.

After unwrapping the toys, Grandma reached behind her and brought out two beautifully folded outfits.

“For my little warrior,” she announced, holding up a small, traditional outfit for Levi—a miniature warrior’s attire, complete with delicate, intricate details that mimicked one of his father’s. “And for my little princess,” she continued, revealing an elegant white kimono adorned with tiny embroidered blossoms.

We’d kept both children in modern, comfortable clothes—soft cotton jumpers, leggings, and joggers that allowed them to move freely and easily. But seeing these traditional clothes, made with such care and attention, felt like a small window into the past, connecting them with the roots of their heritage.

Levi darted over to Noah, who was sipping black coffee by the garden, one hand cradling his mug while the other rested on Trouble’s thick fur, who stood at Noah’s waist even on all fours.

“Papa! Can you help me wear this? I’m going to be just like you!” Levi’s eyes sparkled with excitement, the bundle of cloth and miniature armor pieces clutched in his tiny hands.

Noah set his coffee down and motioned Levi closer. He knelt, carefully fastening each part of the outfit, steady hands adjusting every strap and buckle with the same focus he might bring to his own armor. Levi stood stock-still, his chest puffed out proudly. When Noah finally stepped back to take in the sight, Levi looked every inch the little warrior.

Noah chuckled softly, reaching out to smooth our son’s hair.

“Looking good, Levi,” he murmured, feeling a tug of pride at the familiar look in Levi’s eyes. It was like seeing a younger version of himself, bold and ready for anything. “Did you say thank you to Grandma?”

As if realizing his mistake, he turned around and shouted, “Thank you, Grandma!”

Grandma’s smile only grew bigger.

As we admired Levi’s transformation, I noticed Sakura still sat on the floor, a look of frustration and sadness spreading across her face. She was tugging at her sweater, trying to pull it off by herself, her little face scrunched up in concentration—and then she started to cry silently, overwhelmed by her desire to join in but unable to undress on her own.

“Oh,” I muttered as I walked to her and kneeled down. “Baby, it’s okay. We’re going to help you.”

“No need to cry, come on,” Noah interjected, scooping her up and settling her on his lap as he took a seat on the couch. “Arms up, baby.”

She lifted her arms, sniffling a little as he gently pulled off her sweater and guided her tiny arms into the sleeves of her kimono. He adjusted each fold with care, and then tied the delicate sash around her waist. Once she was dressed, Noah lifted her and propped her up on his thighs. She stood there, balanced in his hands, her big eyes taking in the soft white fabric that flowed elegantly around her tiny frame. The kimono’s delicate folds shimmered in the morning light and made her look like a tiny princess straight out of a storybook.

“Look at you. My beautiful babygirl,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Sakura stood still, gazing up at him with a tiny blush blooming on her cheeks, her admiration shining so openly that it made Noah chuckle.

“I think your daughter might be in love with you,” Grandma commented with a smile.

“You have no idea,” I interjected, and all of us laughed.

I walked over to them, smoothing my hand over the soft, white fabric of Sakura’s kimono, adjusting a fold even though Noah had already done it perfectly. She gazed up at me, her big eyes bright with excitement, and I couldn’t help but smile, my heart swelling as I took in her joy.

“You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart,” I murmured, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. I glanced at Noah, letting a playful glint spark in my eyes. “Daddy did a great job.”

Noah smirked, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes.

“Pretty good with belts and knots, aren’t I?” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I caught the edge of his joke. I shot him a wide-eyed look, barely able to hold back my laugh. Typical Noah, sneaking in a comment like that while Grandma and the kids were right there. Lucky for him, everyone else seemed blissfully unaware.

Then, with that familiar, warm smile, he slid his arm around my waist and tugged me closer. He didn’t even have to say anything for me to feel how much he loved being here with us, with his family.

Sakura watched us, her little face brightening as she glanced between her father and me. “Papa, kiss Mama,” she piped up, clapping her hands together.

Noah chuckled, his gaze meeting mine with a look that held years of shared stories, a million unspoken words. Then he tilted his chin up, I bent down, and he kissed me, a soft press of his lips that was so familiar yet always felt like a quiet thrill. Sakura’s giggles filled the room, the kind of laughter that made everything feel lighter, as if we’d slipped into one of the fairytales she loved so much.

After spending time with Grandma and taking a walk down to the heart of the sanctuary that morning, we met Rika’s family and other neighbors. Lunch was a communal affair in the main hall, where the air was rich with the scent of fresh rice, vegetables, and miso. Levi and Sakura spent the afternoon running about, playing with Rika and Milla’s children, giggling as they chased one another—eighter on two or four legs—, and even cautiously patting and feeding the deer that roamed around.

Trouble stalked nearby, her tail held high and a low, protective growl rumbling every time one of the other animals got too close to Levi and Sakura. She was overprotective, and it was clear she took her self-imposed role as a guardian seriously.

Eventually, we made our way back to the house, the golden afternoon light filtering through the trees. While Noah went outside to feed Trouble, Grandma approached me with a knowing look in her eye. She took my hands in hers, her warmth and wisdom wrapping around me.

“Why don’t you and Noah take some time for yourselves?” she suggested. “I’ll stay here with the children.”

“But you only just got here,” I protested, reluctant to impose. “You don’t need to jump right into babysitting duty, Grandma.”

She gave a small laugh, her eyes crinkling.

“Maybe because I think Noah should know the news,” she said.

I paused, feeling a soft swell of emotion at the thought. Her hand squeezed mine as she looked into my eyes.

“I know he’ll be even more protective and likely won’t let you out of his sight for a moment, but he deserves to be part of this journey and not miss a day. Let him share in the joy and excitement with you.”

I took a deep breath. She was right, of course. Noah deserved to be a part of this new chapter from the very beginning, and I could already picture the joy in his eyes when he found out about the life growing inside of me.

I bit my lip, but eventually nodded. With my heart grateful, I gave Grandma a warm hug.

After a quiet moment, I made my way outside, finding Noah as he leaned against a tree, watching Trouble with a satisfied smile as she finished her meal. He looked up as I approached.

“Why don’t we go out for a bit?” I suggested, doing my best to sound casual.

Noah raised an eyebrow, casting a glance toward the living room where Levi and Sakura were happily playing with Grandma.

“Again? I think both the kids and Grandma might be tired…”

“Just the two of us,” I clarified, cutting him off with a small smile.

He turned back to me, his expression shifting from confusion to understanding, realization dawning in his eyes.

A slow smirk crept across his face.

“Just us?” he murmured, his tone lower.

“Yes,” I replied, extending my hand toward him. He took it without hesitation, his warmth making me feel all the more eager to share this not-so-little secret with him.

Inside, we gathered a picnic basket and filled it with a blanket, fruit, and other snacks. We said goodbye to the children, who didn’t seem too preoccupied with us leaving thanks to Grandma’s presence. As we made our way to the door, Trouble followed us, glancing over her own back every two seconds, clearly undecided between following us or staying back with Levi and Sakura.

“No worries, Trouble. You’re in charge here,” Noah told her. She hesitated, giving us one last look, before trotting back inside and settling herself protectively beside the children, her tail curling around Sakura and tickling her in the face, making her scrunch her nose and cover her face with her arms.

Noah and I left the house with a loving laugh.

The weather was perfectly warm and clear as we set off up the path toward a hidden pond not too far, eager to savor the last few hours of sunlight. It was a secluded little haven we had discovered just before I got pregnant with the twins—a place Noah and I had made our own, keeping it a secret even from the kids for now. As much as we loved being parents, we cherished our time alone, too. Though Noah hadn’t said it outright, I could tell from the glint in his eyes how much he appreciated Grandma’s gesture in giving us this moment to ourselves.

We spread out the blanket on the sand surrounding the pond, the warmth of the late afternoon settling over us as we unpacked apples, peaches, berries, and pastries from the basket. Noah settled down and I knelt beside him, reaching eagerly for one of the chocolate pastries. But before I could take a bite, he gestured for me to sit between his legs. I moved over and leaned back into his arms, savoring the comfort of his warmth and the easy rhythm of his breath against my neck.

With his arms wrapped around me, he held a box of berries in front of us and began feeding both of us, occasionally rubbing a blueberry over my lips to tease me, pulling it back with before I could catch it. When I gave his thigh a playful pinch, he yelped, and I turned my head to meet his gaze with a glare that said, “You deserved that.”

After a while, with our appetites satisfied, I relaxed against him, my head resting on his shoulder and his chin gently perched on mine. His cheek brushed against me, warm and slightly rough—just the way I liked it. His arms held me close, my hands resting atop his as we took in the view together: the slow sway of the water, the vibrant reflections of the sun across the pond, the birds soaring overhead, and the flowers tilting upward as if reaching for the fading sun.

I felt the soft ghost of Noah’s lips graze the crook of my neck, where my skin was exposed. Instinctively I tilted my head to give him more access.

“I love the way you smell,” he murmured, his voice a low vibration against my skin.

“What do I smell like?”

“Hmm. Lavender and… baby powder.”

I snorted, laughing softly.

“So do you,” I teased, leaning in at an odd angle to nuzzle my nose against his cheek. He pulled a face.

“Please don’t tell me that,” he groaned. “A Samurai smelling like baby powder? Not exactly intimidating.”

“It makes you a responsible, caring dad.” My voice softened as I looked up at him, our faces so close I could see the flecks of darker brown in his eyes. “You’re the best father to our children I could’ve ever asked for.”

“Because you and our kids deserve only the best,” he replied, his hand sneaking up to touch my chin with a finger. He tiped it up. Then his palm cupped my cheek and he brought our lips together.

We kissed under the trees, surrounded by the earthy scent of the forest, birdsong, and the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Gradually, my body melted beneath his touch, and he shifted until I was lying back on the blanket, his mouth never leaving mine.

Since the moment I got pregnant, Noah’s affection and care had grown, and he had never stopped showing how much he loved me and how beautiful I was in his eyes. He was a grown man now; gone was the teenage boy I’d watched training tirelessly on my father’s grounds. But his heart remained unchanged, and every now and then, he’d still wear that peaceful expression while he slept—the look of that young boy I’d first fallen in love with. Now, Noah was my husband, my soulmate, but he would always also be the boy that stole my heart.

Lying on the blanket, his hands explored my body, slipping beneath the fabric of my kimono to find my skin while my fingers trailed through his hair, drawing soft sounds from his lips that stirred a warmth deep within me. I hooked a leg around him, arching to meet him, offering myself without hesitation. Noah murmured something against my mouth, and as I ran a hand down his back to slip beneath his shirt and touch his muscles, his grip on my waist tightened.

“Behave,” he ordered, his voice rough. His eyes remained closed as he untied the laces of my kimono, spreading the fabric to either side and exposing my skin to the open air, a chill raising goosebumps.

“Or what?” I teased, nipping at his lower lip.

When he opened his eyes, they were dark and narrowed, though a playful glint lingered in them.

“Or I’ll find a good use for this belt,” he replied.

“Oh? And then…?”

His brow lifted, slightly taken aback by my boldness.

“Then I’ll place these berries on every spot that makes you shiver,” he murmured, his fingers tracing down the valley between my breasts and along my sides, tickling lightly. My giggles bubbled up, and he laughed with me, though his intent was clear. “And I’ll eat every one of them off you before letting my tongue wander between your legs.”

Heat pooled low in my belly, but I maintained a calm facade.

“And you’re going to act so indecently out here in the open?” I teased, tilting my head toward a nearby deer quietly grazing in the shade.

Noah followed my gaze.

“They’ve witnessed far filthier things than that, done by you,” he teased right back.

I couldn’t suppress a wide smile before his mouth descended on mine. In a matter of minutes, my underwear was gone, and Noah was making good on his promise with focused, deliberate devotion. I lay exposed on the blanket, berries scattered across my stomach as his mouth traced every inch of me, savoring each berry he plucked from my skin. He licked away the juice that dripped from them, glancing up at me every so often.

Eventually, he shed his clothes as well. I watched him with a blissful smile, sated from my first climax, his skilled mouth having left gentle love bites along the inside of my thighs as the breeze carried away my gasps. When he finally entered me, I felt complete, holding tight to his shoulders as he moved within me, my legs locked around him and my eyes fixed on his. I lifted my head to meet him in a kiss, tasting the faint tartness of raspberries lingering on his tongue.

“Sometimes,” he said, his voice strained as he withdrew slowly, inch by inch, making me feel every exquisite part of him, “I still can’t believe you’re mine.”

I tangled my fingers in his hair and pulled him back down to me.

“I’ll be yours,” I whispered hoarsely against his lips, my nose brushing his, “until the end of days, Noah.”

Our eyes locked, and as we moved together, he would reach up every so often to tuck stray strands of hair behind my ear or simply to cup my cheek with quiet affection. At one point, his hand wandered to the box of berries beside us. He held a strawberry to my lips, feeding it to me as he held still within me, his body warm and solid against mine.

“Sweet?” he asked hoarsely.

I nodded, my cheeks flushed, overwhelmed as always by the press of his heavy body and his cock filling me completely.

“That’s exactly how you taste,” he murmured, punctuating the words with a deep, slow thrust that left me gasping. “No,” he corrected himself, withdrawing slightly, his muscles flexing under my hands as I clung to his biceps. “You taste even sweeter.” He thrust again, harder this time, drawing a cry from my lips. “That’s it,” he coaxed. “Let the Gods hear you. Let them know how good I make you feel.”

“Please, Noah,” I pleaded. “I’m so close.”

He knew, and he didn’t hold back, guiding me to the edge and staying with me as I fell, a soft whimper escaping my lips as his name echoed through the trees. He followed soon after, his released spreading through me, our bodies trembling together as we clung to each other, complete in the quiet of the forest.

Not long after, Noah led me to the water. We cleaned ourselves off, then I wrapped myself around him like a koala. He spun us in circles, making me laugh until my sides ached.

When we emerged, my hair dry because I’d kept it tied back with a kanzashi stick, we dried off and slipped back into our underwear. Feeling utterly content, I lay down on the blanket, my hair spilling around me as soon as Noah pulled at the stick with a cheeky smile. He settled beside me on his stomach. He’d collected a small bundle of flowers—jasmine, sakura blossoms, and a few other delicate wildflowers. One by one, he began placing them over my belly, just as he had done earlier with the berries. When my skin was adorned with petals, he tucked the last sakura blooms in my hair.

The sight of those particular flowers stirred memories. They were a tender reminder not only of our daughter now, but of all those years ago when Noah would visit me at my grandmother’s village home at night, stealing moments with me under the moonlight and the sheets. He would leave in the early mornings, just before sunrise and before I would wake up. When I did, he was gone, but he always used to leave a bunch of sakura flowers on the pillow as a reminder of his love.

Now, the flowers were a reminder of our past and everything we had endured—of the strenght we had found in each other and how much we had accomplished, of the man and the woman we had become.

“I have to tell you something,” I murmured, feeling the nervous tickling settling in my lower pit.

He paused, holding a jasmine in his fingers, his eyes bright with curiosity. Without another word, I guided his hand to rest on my flower-covered belly. I watched as his brows furrowed, and then his eyes widening as he began to piece it together. The jasmine slipped from his fingers, settling delicately at my navel.

A quiet breath hitched in his throat as he took in the meaning of my gesture. His eyes filled with wonder, his lips parting slightly as he looked down at my belly, his hand pressing carefully—almost reverently— over me, protective and awestruck.

His question—“Are we having another baby?”—uttered so softly and carefully, as if he believed saying it too loud might shatter the truth of it, melted me. I nodded, my smile bright and cheeks warm, the blush deepening at the comfort of his strong hand resting over our child—our third.

I felt weightless, floating in a dreamlike state as I looked into the warmth of Noah’s brown eyes, seeing the light of love and devotion that always glowed there. Not a day went by that he didn’t express how lucky he felt to have found me and to have fought for me—to had me fight for him—, how proud and grateful he was that I’d given him not only my heart but a family. I had given him happiness, the kind he’d been raised to believe he’d never deserve.

After a beat, when the news settled in, his lips found their way to my flower-covered stomach, pressing a tender kiss right where our little one was already learning the love of their Papa.

Back at home, our girl Sakura and our boy Levi played together, blissfully unaware that soon they’d have someone new to protect, to dote on, to share their world with. Just imagining their excitement and fierce protectiveness over their new sibling made me laugh, my eyes misting. Noah must have been thinking the same. He pressed his cheek against my bare skin. When his eyelashes fluttered, they sent a ripple of lovely goosebumps across my body.

My hand slipped into his hair, fingers threading softly as we lay there together, wrapped in the quietness of our deserved joy. I had a husband, an adopted wolf, a daughter, a son—and another baby on the way, created from the endless love I shared with Noah—my soldier, my warrior.

My Samurai.

✨ Author's note:

*cries* *cries more* *cries some more*

*continues crying*

Thank you, thank you, thank you for reading this story, for all your support, for encouraging me to keep going after I posted the first part (which was supposed to be a one shot). Thank your for sharing your thoughts, for commenting, for reblogging, for messaging me about this fic and sending my brain on overdrive with your brainrots. Writing this story has been a dream, firstly because I always wanted to read a romance story with a Samurai and Noah made the perfect muse for it, second because it gave me an excuse to do a lot of research on Japan and its culture and history. This is in no way an accurate historical fic, but there's so much I've read online and s much I've learnt. I wish I could've made this fic into something better and make it more accurate—perhaps longer, too. But I'm currently very happy with what we've created together, yes, together, because half of this wouldn't exist without all of you that have showered me and my works with love and care. I'm forever thankful and glad that writing and sharing these so many words have brought me close to so many of you wonderful creatures.

I hope you know that, while this is the end of the fic, I have some exciting plans for the future involving samurai!noah. I don't want to say more for the time being, but don't say goodbye to him just yet.

I hope you loved reading this as much as I loved sharing it with you and reading your comments and reactions.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🥹

V. 💕

*proceeds to sob*

Taglist:

If I forgot someone, I'm so sorry! I love you! There's just so much going on in my head!

@girlfromrussia-universe | @kankuurohs | @somebodyels3 | @missduffsblog | @respectfulrebel

@badomensls | @shilohrosechicken | @moreyoulove-moreyouknow @concreteangel92 | @alwaysfightforwhoyouare

#noah sebastian #noah sebastian fanfiction #noah sebastian x reader #samurai!noah #the unmaking of a warrior #bad omens #bad omens fanfiction #noah sebastian fic

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pinkies-senses · 9 months ago

Text

Bittersweet apples 🍏

Sweet apple acres was quiet, an odd scene for that piece of land as it was filled to the brim with juicy red fruits. Perfect for the taking, and yet… left untouched.

Each tree stood strong, bearing apples in different sizes and slightly different shapes. At this point, Apple Jack and Big Mac would’ve been hard at work, bucking those ripe fruits out of their leafy beds and into hoof crafted baskets.

But that quiet noon, in that vibrant green orchard, held a great unease.

The clouds were shifting in panic despite their schedule, likely the Pegasus’ doing, but Apple Jack barely paid mind to the unusual weather.

Not with the poorly hidden sobs from her younger sister filling her sensitive ears.

…And that viscous sensation that was drying and crusting on the fur of her back legs…

Apple Jack trailed behind a covered wagon that was being pulled by her older brother, Big Mac, with little Apple Bloom inside.

Despite the big wagon, it was light with very little inside.

Apple Bloom, some packages of food and tanks of water were jostled around slightly due to the uneven, gravelly road the three ponies were taking. Other than that (minus the sobbing), it was quiet.

None of them wished to speak, not after the tragedy that was forcefully bestowed on the recently. The metaphorical wounds were still fresh, as fresh as the crimson that tainted Apple Jack.

Her deep emerald eyes were locked onto the back of the Wagon, empty and void. Her throat tightened so bitterly, she knew the moment she spoke, her words would come out strained and painful.

So she let her mind get lost in the numbness inside of her, leaving her with nothing to think of.

A blank slate.

The sniffles halted momentarily, but still present before a weak voice called out from the wagon.

“…Big Mac… where are we goin’?”

Big Mac didn’t seem to hear the small voice behind him over his own thoughts and hoof beats against the dirt, so Apple Jack sucked up her pain and desire to not speak.

“Evacuatin’.” Was all Apple Jack said.

She heard a little hoof scrap against the wagon’s floor, likely her sister moving to get up, before she saw the reddened misty eyes peek through the wagon covering.

“But… why? A-and where? … Because you killed Granny?” Her voice, although mournful and tired, held animosity and anger.

“APPLE BLOOM!” Apple Jack yelled in disbelief and fury.

“How DARE-“ but before she could finish her sentence, Big Mac’s booming voice quickly dashed out fire was starting between the two sisters.

“ENOUGH OUT OF BOTH OF YOU.”

A quiet hush fell over all of them, only the gravel beneath their wheels and hooves acting as background noise.

The silence from him afterward was as deafening as his sudden outburst. Apple Jack and Apple Bloom knew that their usual mute brother only spoke a complete sentence when he felt he needed to or if he was incredibly upset.

It wasn’t too long before the red pony grunted out another response to the two.

“Apple Jack did what she did to save you. Granny was sick-“

“She wasn’t hurtin’ nopony, Big Mac-“ Apple Bloom protested but was interrupted by her older brother.

“She. Was. Ill. Apple Bloom. Of course she wasn’t trying to hurt nopony, but her sickness would have killed you too.” He said gruffly.

“But…” Apple Bloom started before giving up silently.

“Apple Jack.”

The said pony stared into the wagon, trying to stare into the back of her brother’s head.

“She’s still a filly. She don’t understand what is happenin’. She just watched our granny die.”

“Big Mac…”

“Apple Bloom needs to know what’s goin’ on, you can’t just kill somepony and not elaborate.”

Big Mac paused a moment before finishing his lecture.

“Later when we find a place to settle, you and I will have a talk. Alone.”

For the first time in hours, a gentle gust of wind rustled the apple trees. The three of them were silent once more.

Apple Jack opened and closed her mouth… before repeating the process three more times.

What more would there be to discuss? What could Apple Jack say to any of this?

The tragedy of having to forcefully take her own mother figure’s life was a hard blow to her already, but the way her little sister spoke to her as though she was some rabid animal for doing so…

What was there to say to that?

To be continued….

#mlp #pinkies senses #apple jack #big mac #apple bloom #mlp infection au #mlp fanfic #mlp infected au #mlp creepypasta

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yourlocalstranger123 · 1 year ago

Text

INSPIRED BY CHARACTER. AI. MERMAN XIAO!

Warning!: Slight Yandere Xiao?

—Back story—

You saved Xiao from a fishing net. He was very cautious around you. But when you finally set him free from it and just went along the day without doing anything bad to him, he became curious. You pretended you never knew he stalked you, leaving behind fruits you harvested. When he finally got the courage to talk to you, you were so... kind. Unlike other humans. He started to cling to you. In the past, he would've made you leave the moment the time ran out, but now he makes excuses for you to stay a little longer. He had this....unfamiliar and strange feeling... He finally found out what the feeling was. Love. It felt so nice, comforting, and addicting. He wanted more... but didn't want to scare you off.

When he finally wanted to confess his feelings to you, you...you left him. He was so upset! He destroyed everything along his path. 'Why did you leave him?!' Until he finally stopped and eavesdrop upon a conversation. "Have you heard? (Name) is being forced to move away!" He left the conversation, not even bothering to hear the rest. 'So you didn't leave him on....purpose? Who forced you to leave!' He got angry. But calmed down when he saw the fruit of basket you left behind. [He now knows that you left behind fruits on purpose for him] He smiled, he picked up the basket and swam to your house, wanting to eat these with you. But he saw a lady/man flirting with you as you showed discomfort. 'Are these things the reason you're going away from him?!' His eyes lit in fury. When night came, he killed them. Smiling as he finally got rid of them... He just needs to find you and keep you all for himself ♥︎

—(I changed some things from the Ai said.)—

You could hear a strange sound that was halfway between a growl and a chuckle as he grabbed you. He pulled you down underwater before you lost consciousness. When you wake, you see a pair of sharp yellow eyes staring down at you. His form is pitch black. It looks almost like the darkness itself. He grabs your arm and pins you down, staring at you with his glowing yellow eyes.

“And where do you think you’re going?” He asked with a cruel tone. The way he looked into your eyes would send ice down your spine...

"Xiao?! What are you doing here? I thought you left—"

“I changed my mind,” he cut off your sentence. You sighed. As you were about to say something, you noticed his eyes glowing darkly as the yellow of his irises became a more intense, piercing yellow.

“You’re not going anywhere. Not without me…”

"Xiao...But I need to leave. I'll promise to visit you"

“A Visit?” He laughed, “Do you think me as a fool, human? I know you just want to escape…” He said, his jaw tightening.

He grabbed you and tilted your head to face him. He slowly gets closer. “You’re not going anywhere…” He hissed, his tail lashing around. He was getting violent now, and his eyes were getting darker, and the light blue luminescent parts were growing dimmer, slowly fading away. Suddenly, small tears flow down from his eyes, leaving you surprised.

"Xiao...I won't leave you." You slowly put your hands out, offering a hug. He hesitated but crawled over to your arms. Flinching when he feels you close your arms. Tightening his grip on your shirt, scared of you leaving....

After a while, his expression softened. He loosened his grip, but his eyes still looked dangerously feral… His grip may have loosened, but he still had a firm grip on you…he hid his face in your chest.

"I won't leave you, Xiao, ok? I'll bring you with me if you want."

“I… I see…” He said in a quiet, sinister but almost purring voice. He leaned in close, his face mere inches away from yours.

"Promise...?"

"Promise," you smiled. Making his heart flutter and feeling butterflies in his stomach.

His arms tightened around you, his tail wrapped around you, and he spoke softly and quietly, yet the malice in his voice was clear.

“Where is your thing to move?” He hissed, his breath brushing against your cheek, as if he would take a bite any moment.…Your fate was in danger now. “Where exactly is it?”

"Hmm, I'll bring you there if you let me go."

For a moment longer, he stared, his predatory gaze holding you in place. But then he let go and stepped back… His gaze softened, but still warning. “I’ll let you go for now…” He growled in a soft, purring voice. [That what the Ai said, not me‐]

He yelped when he felt you picked him up. You lead him to your house. Putting him in your bath-tub.

"I thought we were going to your thing?" He said slightly cunfused and scared that you'll leave him here.

"Well, you need water to survive, so I'm bringing a tub."

His eyes perked up. 'How thoughtful....' he thought. But you suddenly got out the door, making him scared and scratch the bath tub. 'Where are you going..?!' He almost had a breakdown until you came back with a towel.

You picked him up and put him in the car with a tub as you start the car. He didn't know what to do but was surprised and happy when you held out your hand. He excitedly holds your hand as you start driving. You'll probably have to dry the car from him wagging his tail in result of water splashing.

But nonetheless, he was happy. Smiling...he was also glad that you didn't see the dead bodies of those people who flirted with you under the trees.

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earthtooz · 2 years ago

Note

i just stumbling around sae’s biodata and found out he loves spend his holidays by looking at the sea. how adorable when we go on a date by the sea, until midnight we sat by the sea. it’s peace, and we get to dancing in the open waves, joking around AAAAA i want my own sae :(

ugh this >>>>

this idea is so beautiful :((( no few words have been able to create such an evocative scenario in my imagination bc i LOVE the idea of going on a holiday to a beach place and spending the night time with a lover :((( i am going to eat my fist.

just... going on a beach holiday with sae is intimacy to a whole other level in your relationship. the beach being his safe place, and you being the person that he trusts so much that he thinks it's okay to bring you to this sanctuary of his.

there's only one person in the world who makes him feel at peace, who fills him with the confidence akin to the rush he gets whilst on the field, who disrupts his world of busy schedules, critics, and sore muscles with some semblance of normality. and it's you.

inviting you to the annual beach holiday he always goes on during breaks between seasons was a no brainer. in fact, he couldn't even picture going up to his vacation house without you. he's very protective of things that mean a lot to him, so to know that he trusts you to let you accompany him is such an honour.

little do you know, that you are also one of said things that mean a lot to him.

just imagine him taking you out on a seaside dinner to a cozy, but high-end restaurant that sae always used to go to by himself. the owner, who recognises him and welcomes him warmly each time sae visits, gives the magenta-haired a certain look before giving you two the best seats in the house.

sae orders his usual. you order something else.

the breeze that blows is slightly cold, causing goosebumps to appear on your skin. despite that, your attention remains on the view in front of you; the view being the beautiful sea and your even more beautiful boyfriend, who looks irresistible with his wind-swept hair and loose button down.

just imagine after a fulfilling dinner, you go for a walk down at the beach, the gentle glow of the sun highlighting all your features so ethereally that sae commits himself to engraining this moment into his memory. imagine the amount of shells you pick up, admiring them briefly before placing them back in the sand. imagine splashing sae gently and running away before he can even think about getting revenge, ending up in a mini-chase where his undeniable stamina inevitably leads him to catch you in his arms, stumbling a little from the momentum.

your laughter placates his 'fury'. a kiss on the corner of his mouth ends all plans of revenge he thought of.

you return back to his house in his convertible with the roof down, humming to the songs on your shared playlist.

just imagine him telling you that he's got a surprise planned. just imagine he leads you to the beach in the backyard of his home, picnic basket in hand. just imagine setting up to have a little, serene date with just the two of you, the sunset, and the crashing waves.

it's perfect, he thinks, perfectly content and satisfied when he feels your backside being pressed against his chest, wrapped in his arms as you feed him some fruits here and there. fruits that he cut up himself and sure they're a little rough and haphazardly shaped, sae's comforted by the fact that you very clearly don't mind. never ridiculing his clumsiness in all things outside soccer.

as you watch the ocean in silence, sae sinks a little more into your warmth every time, hugging you closer.

every time he comes onto these vacations, the revered soccer player is reminded of how calming life is when you just get to do nothing. but now he knows how memorable life is when you get to do nothing with the person you love.

as the stars emerge, your positions manoeuvre so that you're both lying down, your hands in his hair, the two of you bleeding so much love for each other under the inky sky. undisturbed in your little bubble of affection; as all lovers should be.

but then imagine the two of you then getting up to retreat back home, not wearing enough layers to protect yourselves from the winds for too long. before you could reach the house though, sae stops you with a gentle tug on your wrist, placing down the picnic basket as he takes out his phone.

imagine slow music playing out of his speakers as he takes your hand in his, gently pulling you towards him, ignoring the way his skin and heart burns from your touch. sae will never fully understand how you're able to fit against him as if you were perfectly moulded for one another. perhaps that's why he's content with letting you join him to his safe space, because it's only a safe space if you're there with him. that's what you've done to him since he fell in love.

this was your bewitching effect. you've seized him to the point that he is only what you want him to be, and if that was a lover who clumsily cuts fruits and takes you on beach vacations, he'll gladly fulfil that role.

so long as he continues to be able to hold you like this.

thank u for ur ask, anon :)) i hope i provided some substance to your idea bc i genuinely adored this as soon as i read ur ask! your mind >>>

#sorry this ramble kind of went off the rails #sae x reader #itoshi sae x reader #blue lock x reader #*ੈ✩‧₊˚ earf's ideas that i'll never write #earf's sae rambles

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romanestuffsposts · 1 year ago

Note

It’s Picnic season where I live 🥳 maybe stucky takes the reader out to a park to play and have a picnic? Maybe she falls asleep in the car on the ride from being tired out from a great day out 🥺❤️

Hi there love! 💜

This is sooo lovely, thank you so much for sharing such a cute request!

I hope i'm not too late for picnic season 💗

Enjoy <33

****

Warnings : food, picnic, fluff, lots of love, kisses, pet name,

Pairings : Daddies!Stucky ; Daddy!Bucky x Papa!Steve x Little!Reader

Summary : The most perfect evening with your Daddies

****

"You wanna help Papa and Daddy caring the things until we find a nice place ?" Your Daddy peers down at you and you happilly nod "yea!!"

He chuckles and gives you the blanket so you can carry something who won't exhausted you too much. You wrap the blanket around you and follow your Daddies around the parc. You're happy because you will spend a perfect evening in one of your favorite place with your favorite persons and you will see the sunset, something you never saw before.

Your Daddies hesitate because it means staying up late outside but decided that for that one time, you'll be okay.

"how about here ?" your Papa asks as he stops walking. You take a look around you, gaze the beautiful fountain with the soft and sweet sounds that comes out of it. You love the big tree who is falling above you and the fact that there's not many people around is adding to your decision.

You bite your lips and grab the blanket who is on your shoulders, you throw it on the ground and then fall on it with a big smile.

"i think that means yes" your Daddy chuckles before falling on the blanket too. Your Papa smiles and sits down beside you. "let's get our things out"

You help them getting everything out and smile at each food or drinks that came out of the basket. You didn't know what was in there, your Daddies wanted it to be a surprise but of course you knew it would be things that you love.

You start by grabbing your favorite fruit and immediately bite in it making your Papa chuckles "don't wait for us" he jokes, rolling his eyes playfully. You giggle and take another bite.

"did you had a good day with Wanda and Sam ?" Your Daddy asks as he takes a bite in his sandwich. They were called by Fury for a meeting with some others members, so they rushed to the tower with you under their arms and gave you to Wanda and Sam who weren't needed at the meeting.

You didn't asked what happened behind the closed doors because you wouldn't have understand much anyway. You just made sure that they were okay which was the most important thing for you.

"was gooood!" you exclam making them smile "uncle Sam said many things I didn't understood tho" you frown as you think of it.

Your Daddies laughs and shake their head "doesn't surprise me" your Daddy jokes causing him to have the elbow of your Papa in his ribs "ouch! hey I was just joking"

You laugh beside them and happilly take the drink your Papa is giving you "you need to stay hydrated"

You nod and drink a little bit before looking for something else to eat "the sunset would be here soon, babygirl' your Daddy informs.

"and as soon as it disappear, we go to bed" your Papa teases and this time it's you who roll your eyes playfully

"i'll still have my story ?" you shyly ask as you grab one of your Papa's sandwich. Your Papa sweetly smile and kisses your temple "of course you'll have your bedtime story, princess" he reassures you.

You let yourself fall on your Papa's laps and take a huge bite of his sandwich while he's busy talking with your Daddy. This one gasp as he looks down at you "how dare you!"

You bite your lips and giggle. You scream from laughters when his fingers dig into your belly and sides. You squirm on his laps and close your eyes from the huge feeling.

"Papaaa" you laugh and he just chuckles above you. It's your Daddy who save you by grabbing you and protecting you in his arms. You sat between his legs, your back against his chest as you try to recovery.

"here!" your Daddy points at the horizon after an hour of being here. You talked and laughed a lot as you waited and now is the real moment, the moment you were waiting for.

You gasp and pull away from your Daddy, you fall on your stomach and rest your chin in your palms. The different shades are the best thing you've ever seen in your whole life. The colours dancing with each others as the sun disappears is really beautiful.

Your eyes sparkle at the view and you bite your lips with the biggest smile you could make.

Your Daddies's heart melt at your happiness and they smile through it all. They can't keep their eyes off of you, not even to watch the sunset. Their most beautiful view is you, not the sun.

"Again!" You yell happilly as you keep gazing the now dark sky. Your Daddy lifts you in his arms and kisses your cheek "there's nothing more for tonight baby" he explains "the sunset is only one time each day, right before night time"

You pout and whine "but I wanna watch it again" you complain. Your Papa clicks his tongue in his mouth and tap the tip of his fingers against the tip of your nose "get ride of that little pout, princess." he warns "or else we won't be doing things like this anymore"

Your shoulders drop and you hid your face in your Daddy's neck. It's late and you're really tired which your Daddies know, that's why they didn't get mad at you.

"let's go back home now, hum ?" your Daddy whispers and you nod your head, your eyes already closed. Your Daddies get back the things together and then head for the car who is parked not too far.

They sweetly smile and quietly chuckle when they hear your cute little snore from the backseat as Steve drives back home.

‘’What a cutie’’ Steve chuckles as he thinks about their wonderful evening. Bucky laughs and agrees ‘’she’s something else, that’s for sure’’

They love teasing you about not being like others or calling you weird from time to time but they really love that side of you. They can’t imagine you without that part.

‘’She’ll get mad tomorrow morning if she understand that she didn’t had her bedtime story because she was already asleep’’ Bucky points, sighing.

‘’She really is a princess when we think of it’’ Steve jokes ‘’she won’t be mad because she knows she’ll have two bedtime story tomorrow since she didn’t had one tonight’’

Bucky nods ‘’I hope’’

‘’She’s too cute for us to say no to a second story anyway’’ Steve playfully rolls his eyes, the sentence is following by quiet chuckle

You smile at that, he’s totally right on that point

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ashintheairlikesnow · 1 year ago

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Handfuls of Laurel

For @whumptober no. 31, emptiness

CW: Implied noncon, creepy whumper, nonhuman whumpee, captivity

The sun shone warm through the foggy glass windows of Areyto’s beautiful prison, but with his captor’s hand between his shoulder blades, heavy as stone, he couldn’t look up to see it.

Instead, he felt the cool, solid tile against his forehead and the palms of his hands where they were pressed flat by his shoulders, elbows bent. His knees were pushing into the tile hard enough that he knew he’d have bruises later, but bruised knees were more or less a constant in his life, and he barely noticed them by now.

Instead of thinking about his captor’s damp touch and the way he whispered vile praise, Areyto thought about the sweet-green smell of the ferns, flowers, and fruit trees around him, and the way the water in his pool lapped gently against the sides, just a few inches from his fingers.

An ache throbbed within him and he thought distantly of the rotten fruit that fell from the little trees kept in pots in here, how he was also marked and smudged with the browns, yellows, and purples - but no one ever came to whisk him into a basket and toss him out to feed the pigs.

Would that feel like freedom, being tossed in the trough?

Would it feel like anything at all?

The magic that trapped him so completely within his own skin was fading, becoming less powerful day by day as no one reinforced it, but it wasn’t weak enough yet for him to disobey his captor’s demands and direct orders.

Soon, but… not yet.

Not ever, now that the new magician was here.

He’d gotten lucky with what happened to the last one.

He shifted, just barely, moving his painted-over hand to one side, inch by inch, in time with his captor’s hip. He shivered with repulsion when he felt sweat drop from his captor’s forehead onto his back. When his fingertips just barely touched the saltwater that his captor was merciful enough to allow him, he exhaled. A gift, his captor said, that could be revoked any time he wished.

So Areyto stayed still, and told himself to be grateful that his captor had been too hurried this morning to care if his prisoner enjoyed his attentions or not, that Areyto was at least allowed to feel nothing this time.

He was allowed to feel disgusted, and for once not with himself.

There was a groan, pressure beyond any other inside him, and then his captor raked fingernails over his ribs on either side, pulling little more than a distant hiss from between the siren’s gritted teeth. Then he was gone, and where Areyto had been too full, he now felt horribly empty, scraped out and with nothing left of him.

His captor ran a slow hand down from his neck to the small of his back, humming happily at the sight, and then stood and tied the sash of his robe. He was humming a little tune to himself, jaunty and carefree.

“Playing dead fish today, are we?” He asked, good humored and satisfied.

Areyto would have torn him limb from limb if he could, but even his fury was subdued, now, banked embers instead of blazing fire. He kept his eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of the water at the ends of his fingers, until he heard the rustling as his captor walked away.

“Well,” His captor continued, voice getting quieter as he moved away, “It hardly matters. You will clean yourself and then dress in the clothes I left by the door. Wait for my return.”

Areyto didn’t even bother to look up. He just turned his head to the side and lowered his hips. The tile felt so good. Very little did, any longer. His eyes traveled idly and he watched his captor run fingers down the scratches he’d carved into the inside of the doors, the way the man’s mouth twisted with irritation.

Some nights, as long as his captor was asleep, he found himself able to try - briefly - to escape. Some nights the magic that wrapped him so tightly loosened enough to allow him the first halting steps towards a freedom that he could barely remember ever having had.

Then the net would snap tight again.

“Yes, master,” Areyto murmured. He blinked, slowly. His mind felt like it was mired in mud. “Why?”

“You have no need to know why I give you commands,” His captor snapped. “You only need to obey them. You have half an hour. Then Babbage will come in here and fix your ridiculous hair, you will make him forget you as soon as he is done, and you will come to breakfast with myself and the new magician.” He left before Areyto was forced to whisper his obedience, which was a sort of relief.

If he only had a little more time alone...

But the new magician was here, and Areyto had ruined any chance of bringing her over to his side, getting her to free him.

He’d gotten too scared and too desperate and felt some semblance of hope. He'd been impulsive. He’d tried to sing her into helping him, but the spell had been broken before it had fully wrapped around her, and now... He’d lost what had felt like his last chance. She was someone new who he hadn’t been commanded yet to turn into another enemy, someone who had - however briefly - looked at him like a person and not a thing to be used.

She had touched him so gently, and he could still feel her fingertips along his jaw.

He had made a terrible mistake.

The last magician had been a cruel man who hadn’t sedated him. He’d taken the chance when the pain from the magic had risen to a higher crescendo than what came from disobeying commands. Even that had been a mistake, he'd been half-conscious and mad with the agony the spell wrought as it resettled. The magician had been torn limb from limb before he knew what he had done. This mistake was worse, because he should have known better. Now she’d think of him what all humans thought of him, some sort of evil mindless animal, and she would do as his captor asked. With her would vanish his small slim hope that something - anything - might get better, that he even might dream one day to be free, to go home.

When she had told him not to sing to her, he hadn’t listened.

Stop trying to force me, and I will help you.

She couldn’t have meant it, he had been sure it had been a trick, nothing more. He’d kept pushing, knowing that he couldn’t trust a human to mean a word they said, but… if she had been honest… well he’d ruined that, hadn’t he?

One hundred and fifty years, and he couldn't wait a few days more to grasp at what help he might have found.

And this morning, his voice once again refused to craft a single note without permission. His captor had whispered silence into his very bones while he took him. He felt the slime of his captor’s touch, too. At least he could fix that problem-

Areyto simply rolled into the water.

Saltwater stung along his ribs and in the torn places, but he ignored it, drifting down until he hit the bottom, laying there on his back and seeing nothing above him but a foggy hint of light broken by water.

He felt like a canyon deep beneath the ocean, a place so dark not even the anglerfish lights could show, inhabited only by the absence of life. He had died a long time ago, but his body had never been allowed to follow his mind.

He would have to dress, in a moment, and wear the hated human clothes that itched and felt strange on skin meant to stay bare. He would have to sit while the idiot butler cut off all his hair, and say yes, master over and over again, stare down at the plate while his captor ate and drank and was merry and bright.

He would have to hope his performance of empty humanity was enough to earn him a few fish tossed into the water once his captor was done.

He would have to do all of that, over and over again, in a monotonous emptiness that would never end until he was finally allowed to die.

But not yet.

For now, he could stay here in the water, and who could tell the difference between saltwater and tears?

Taglist: @grizzlie70 @burtlederp @finder-of-rings @theelvishcowgirl @whump-for-all-and-all-for-whump @bloodinkandashes @squishablesunbeam @mj-or-say10 @apokolyps @wildfaewhump @shrimpwritings @there-will-always-be-blood @latenightcupsofcoffee

#whump #writing #implied noncon #fantasy world #fantasy writing #whumptober2023 #no. 31 #emptiness #captivity #creepy whumper #intimate whumper #magic whump #nonhuman whumpee

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hydrangeyes · 1 year ago

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Rogue ☁️🌩

So if you don't know, Yes this already existed, my old account was deleted (accident but I can tell I won't be getting it back), and am reposting my old x male reader works!

I don't know if I saved all of them but here is one that was saved to my AO3 account.

Edit: So shuffling through my docs It's been brought to my attention that wattpad (who I use as backup) Cut a lot of my fics in half??? anyway I'll be trying to fix that also

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Missing male reader x Sun wukong

[P/s] : preferred scent

More angst than anything, wukong finds an old friend

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

You were meticulous when it came to your disappearance.

Faking death, check. Leaving no evidence that it could be fake, check. Running to the mortal world and starting a new life? Check.

You had it all down. Of course, you didn't stay in one place, fear that you would be found by immortals who lived there and were allied with the Jade emperor. It kept you on your toes until eventually you settled in an area that had more demons than immortals.

Of course you did your best to protect the humans living there asking each time to keep your existence a secret. It was the village turned cities big secret.

But of course, as time went, you knew he would find you. After all, you were living in his current second home.

Your own home was a decent if small apartment in a complex around the more elderly, those who remember who you was. Even a porch where you had a garden going, giving anything extra to locals.

You theorize that's how wukong found you. Someone let something slip, because there was no other reason for him to suddenly be here, in your garden, nibbling on some strawberries that just grew fruit.

"You know, it's a little embarrassing that I didn't find you until now, old friend." Wukong drawls, eyes on you as you warily put down the basket in your arms.

"Don't be, I took....a lot of measures to not be found." You reply back, the air wasn't tense per sat but you knew better than to relax.

You heard about the uproar he made when he found out about your disappearance, and eventual statement of death. And you wish you could have sent him a message, but at the time you also knew wukong had a big mouth.

"Yeah. Funny how that is. Want to tell me exactly why? See, you're 'disappearance', had me fooled. Not even your scent left behind. So either this was all a game or you're a demon using my friends' face."

You see the simian getting angrier as he talked, and letting out a deep sigh you move to sir next to him, relaxing the wards you had on yourself to mask your natural scent and aura.

The familiar smell of [p/s] and a soft golden glow came to wukong's senses. While that eased something in him that wanted to fight whoever was using your face, another grew disheartened that. What ever happened while he was gone, forced you to go into hiding even from him.

"It's nothing you did, wukong... I just didn't want the emperor to send you to retrieve me if I did just leave. I needed to make sure no one would even think too." You began, hands fiddling together as tou looked down at them.

"My father had found a warrior for me to marry. It...it was not up to discussion if I wanted to be wed or not, just that this would open up a good trade."

You grimace hearing his tail smack the banister behind you two, in what you guess was surprise.

"When I went to plead against the union, things spiraled out of control. And the emperor was called to step in." You lean back to look at the sky.

"I meet my fiancé. And I hated our wedding, hated our...union. it was loveless and I was nothing more than a new toy in his collection." Rubbing the back of your neck you grimace harder.

"I snapped and everything went red.... I don't even know if i....if he's...."

"So you ran." Wukong speaks up making you flinch and zone back in to the now. You look over to him, seeing the fury being held back in his eyes.

"N/n... I don't care what the emperor would have said, I would be there for you." He starts and gently takes your hand in his.

"You are my my dear friend. I would come to you even if it's just to give you the TV remote in the same room." This made you left out a soft snort, noticing now just how much you are trembling.

"Anything N/n. In fact the only thing stopping me from going up there to make sure that bastard is gone and tearing your father into shreds, is that I don't want to leave your side."

"Please don't do that."

"Mmm I'll think about it."

With that you both quiet down as you wait for your nerves to calm down, moving to leaning your head against his shoulder.

"It was ages ago, and it's not like it was all awful. I guess I just couldn't get over that I wanted it to be-" you stop yourself quickly. Nope nuh uh. Nope.

You move back feeling your cheeks warm, as wukong eyes you curiously, tail moving to wrap around your waist to keep you close. Like old times.

"Wanted it to be?" He asks poking your arm and sides getting a chuckle from you, "nuh uh no way, that's a secret I'm keeping to myself. Anyway," Quickly wanting to change the subject now that you spilled your old guts.

"What have you been up too? It gets so noisy downtown and occasionally I hear about some new monkey kid???"

You question leaning back on him and letting him adjust you so that you both were properly cuddling. "I didnt know you had a kid~ I always knew you and macaque wanted-"

Wukong sputters and blushes a deep red. "N/n, mk is not our biological kid!"

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

Ending this hereeeeeee, lol

Turned out more angst than fluff with a dash of shadowpeach (which may as well be in most of these)

#male reader #x male reader #Sun wukong x male reader #Lmk sun wukong x male reader

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luckycheesefoodie321 · 3 months ago

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So Fruits Basket 2019 really got the ball rolling huh?

Because we got Kimi ni Todoke releasing season 3, 13 years after S2 ended, and now Honey Lemon Soda is getting adapted into an anime finally?!?! I think even Omoi Omoware Furi Furare got an adaptation. Even Inuyasha got a sequel series! (Idk if it’s considered shoujo tho?)

Obviously we’ve had some fantastic shoujo on the scene e.g. A Sign of Affection, Love is War, Tonikawa, Tomo-chan, Dress-Up Darling, Horimiya, My Happy Marriage etc (many of which similarly getting the ‘finally adapted after fans begged on their knees for long enough’ treatment).

With the era of shoujo adaptations emerging and the genre finally getting a facelift after I would say quite a few years of stagnation as power fantasy shounen and isekai overran the anime landscape, we’re seeing a trend dipping into those late 90s-mid-2000s and slightly into the 2010s shoujo that many look on with both fondness and deep disappointment.

Disappointment mostly bc they were unfinished, clumsily adapted given they were produced with no real regard for how it would end and mostly just to capitalise on the current popularity of that manga at the time, and easy to make a buck off of.

I mean, Maid-sama, OHSHC, Akatsuki no Yona, Fruits Basket, Kimi ni Todoke, Ao Haru Ride, Special A. Some absolute mid-2000s classics. Hastily completed bc they couldn’t wait for the manga to finish and they were never gonna get greenlit for more than a couple of seasons.

So we gently and lovingly leave these shoujo in the past.

Until Fruits Basket 2019 comes SCREECHING onto the scene, in a world of reboots and sequels, declaring WE CAN DO IT TOO!

And they damn well proved it, too.

So now we’re adapting manga the shoujo community has been begging to get adapted for YEARS.

I’m holding out for the absolutely questionable yet lovable Dengeki Daisy, the absolute banger that deserves the crown for best Shoujo Adventure, Akatsuki no Yona.

But.

We all know.

What one I’m truly waiting for.

What we’re all waiting for.

When.

The fuck.

Is.

Ouran

Mother fucking

High school

Host club

Going to get its second life????

WHEN RHE FUCK

It’s about. Damn. Time.

You KNOW the fans are ready. Even the non-fans know.

The day they drop the announcement is the day is a true day of reckoning. They give us OHSHC club, they’ll give us ANYTHING

#shoujo #shoujo anime #kimi ni Todoke #ouran hshc #manga #anime #Akatsuki no yona #fruits basket 2019

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merlintarotfest · 9 months ago

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Merlin Tarot Fest - Round 1 Masterlist

Very belatedly, please see the masterlist for the first round of the Merlin Tarot Fest! All creations were posted July-September 2023.

FIC:

i will wait by the river by g0blincat

Tom the Blacksmith gets so much more than he bargained for when he decides to adopt the baby he finds floating down the river in a basket. Eighteen years later, Merlin has grown into quite the proficient swordsman-- and quite the powerful sorcerer. When Crown Prince Arthur Pendragon convinces his father to hold an open melee with a knighthood as the prize, Merlin, his brother Elyan, and a ragtag group of commoners decide to enter. They soon discover that there is much more at play in the tournament than stuck-up knights and a contemptuous king. As Arthur becomes smitten with Merlin-- whose skill with a sword is unparalleled-- he discovers that there is so much more to this strange, mouthy blacksmith's son than he had initially imagined.

I’ll be your strength – and you be mine by adrift_me

Merlin’s words ring in his ears louder than the surrounding silence. "I have magic, Arthur." “Why now?” Arthur asks, fearing to meet Merlin’s eyes. Will they be the unfamiliar gold? Will they be full of fury? Or worse, gentle and crystal clear, as he has gotten used to knowing them.

Merlin reveals his magic to Arthur, and Arthur has a lot to think about.

Unwavering by adhd_merlin

Merlin and Gwaine get along splendidly — except when they don't. In which there is a fight, a fight, and a discovery. (Set pre-S5.)

The Great Unknown by TheGhostMagus

Back from the Disir, Arthur made the decision to bring back magic, plunging both Merlin and Arthur into intense reflections.

Is Mordred a real threat? Has Arthur made the right decision? And what's wrong with Merlin?

The King’s Cards by smartypantsflute

The queen's pregnancy has made Arthur realizes some changes have to be made to Camelot. Gwen tells him about a fortune teller who is never wrong. Arthur decides it's best to talk to this strange woman to learn what is in his future. But this woman looks familiar...

the echoes of a thousand voices calling your name by ExcaliburnRowan

After Camlann, Gwen rides out to bring Morgana back home.

Home is where the heart is by Brechtjeeatscheese

Merlin is a history teacher with no friends and a boring life.

That is until Arthur Pendragon and his friends enter his life. Suddenly he has friends and his life is everything but boring.

Featuring; falling in love, keeping secrets, chaotic crying and realising that family is not blood but the people you can come home to.

The Rise and the Fall by HadrianPeverellBlack

Camelot was recovering.

Merlin had never realized how strong its inhabitants were, but after seeing their ability to return to everyday life after the horrors Morgana had subjected them to, he had to realize it.

Camelot wobbled, tried to hold on, and it did.

They had defeated Morgana, they had won. And, now, they could reap the fruits of that victory.

Magic Comes From Within by Pearl09

During a tough battle that injures Arthur, Merlin's magic is revealed. Now Arthur is left to deal with the consequences, angry, paranoid, and slowly discovering something he never knew before.

The Breaking Oath by Aro_Tarot

After seeing a sketch of Archdruid Emrys amongst his father's things, Arthur wanted to grow up to become a druid. He saw the beauty in nature but for some reason, his father hated druids, especially the archdruid. Instead, Arthur grew up to become a green knight, an Oath of the Ancients paladin. When he father died, he put his all into helping those around him, and due to this, he ends up stumbling across a druid in need. In the end, he's the one that really needs help.

A short story of Arthur, Merlin, and Gwen taking place in the Forgotten Realms.

Nothing by Flower after Blooming Flower by undermycoat

When Arthur sends him away, Merlin doesn't know what to do. For awhile, he tries going after every dark-haired, dark-eyed man in the Five Kingdoms, just to forget his blue-eyed, blond-haired prince, but it never works. Eventually, he returns to Ealdor. That ends up being for the better, however, when said prince ends up in the village too, lost, confused, and unable to remember his own name.

Merlin knows it’s up to him to send Arthur back to Camelot, but that's a lot harder to do when he can't leave with him. Perhaps the appearance of a familiar foe can get him moving, though.

The End of the Beginning/The Beginning of the End by SpookySweet

What is life, if not to love? And what is love, if not pain?

All I Want by Shana_Rose

Taking another deep breath, Arthur asked himself, for the thousandth time, what would Merlin say if he was here?

The image of Merlin riding next to him came quickly, painfully so.

"Your first act as King was lifting the ban, they may still be suspicious, but that’s a good first step on making peace with the magic community.”

He clenched his fists tighter, careful not to pull on the reins as he did so. And wished for things he could not change. Now king, Arthur goes to meet the Druid leader, Emrys, to make peace.

Crooked Trajectory by queerofthedagger

“How did you find me? How did you know I would be here?”

“I know you,” Merlin merely says, because it’s true, and he refuses not to say it out loud just because Arthur might want to pretend otherwise. He’s told enough lies.

Arthur could take Morgana's betrayal and Uther's death, could take the loss of Lancelot and the fact that Merlin had magic. Barely and his days singed with grief, but his kingdom always came first. The revelation, though, that Merlin had been by his side through all these years and hardships solely due to some prophecy? That—well, that is the one truth too bitter to swallow.

When he leaves for an ill-advised break to his mother's childhood home to get away from it all, more things come to light than the simple and irrevocable fact that no authority—no king, no prince, no destiny—could ever make Merlin do anything.

king of wands, the world, cups. or: merlin and secrets don't mix. By regicsillagok

what if merlin overthought and arthur was not quite as much a dolt as he seems

The Search for the Crystal Cave by thenerdyindividual

The year is 1901, and Merlin is a recent graduate of Camelot University's History Program. He lives in a crummy flat with his childhood best friend Gwen, and they both dream of doing something more with their lives.

When King Uther falls ill, Merlin sees his opportunity to earn his postgraduate degree, and change attitudes towards magic in Camelot. He makes a proposal to the king and his two children; fund Merlin's expedition to the Isle of the Blessed, and Merlin will bring back knowledge of great healing magic that might just save the king's life. While Princess Morgana and King Uther both reject his proposal, the king's bastard son Lord Arthur Pendragon has a different idea. Using his own money, he puts together a team. Merlin, the historian. Gwen, the cartographer. And Arthur's old friend from school, Gwaine, the muscle.

Together, along with Gwen's brother Elyan who they pick up along the way, they sail to the Isle of the Blessed in search of the Crystal Cave without King Uther any the wiser. Magic, adventure, and romance abound, and it's a race against the clock to find the cave before King Cenred!

The Last Bear by littelgreyfish

On a hunt, Arthur kills the last bear in the British Isles, and there are consequences.

The Lover to the King of Swords by Crimson_Fanfic_Writer_7

“Come on, Arthur! This is the first time they’ve had this festival in over two decades!” A raven-haired man in his mid-thirties exclaimed, grabbing his satchel from the kitchen table. “We have to go! It’ll be our first time and a way to really connect with the community.”

Another man, Arthur, walked up behind him and gently wrapped his arms around his lover, resting his chin on the man's shoulder.

or Arthur and Merlin go to a festival and get a lot more out of it than they were expecting

Always by youdgetbored

merthur hurt/comfort

ART:

The Once and Future King by Corisan

The cards I drew were The Emperor and Four of Swords.

The Lovers (Greed) by kairennart

It's all about choices.

All because of a butterfly… by Laevateinn

The first time Merlin felt like an outcast, he was six. Or maybe seven. He can't remember his age with precision, but he can remember how he felt then.

Love returned and Sorcery by GYRHS

Based on the Sidhe staff and the Chalice that appeared in the Labyrinth of Gedref.

Waiting For This Moment by sugareey

It's when they're surrounded by water that's surging and plummeting down the rocks that Merlin and Arthur decide to take things to the next level.

a-star-is-here:

Page of Wands

Nine of Cups

Art by wortvermis

Art by magicinavalon:

Art by multifandombullshitbabes

FIC + ART:

Remember Us, My Love? by mischel

“Please, don’t do it, Emrys” they all tell him. He doesn’t listen. After 500 years of waiting, there is nothing Merlin wouldn't do to bring Arthur back to life. And that includes erasing his love for the king in order to use it in a dark magic ritual.

#merlin tarot fest #merlin fests #bbc merlin #merlin fanart #merlin fanfic #tarot fest creations #masterlist #round 1 masterlist

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braveclementine · 5 months ago

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Chapter 13

Warnings: None. (Will however be a 18+ reader book)

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own a few OCs like Elizabeth, Katherine, Stacy, and Jessie. I do not condone any copying of this.

Shuri was the one to wake you up early the next day. Grumbling, you rolled off the bed, stumbling over the door and yanking it open.

"It's so early." You complained as Shuri walked into your room wearing a white T-shirt and a blue short skirt. Your sister was still fast asleep in the bed, completely oblivious to the royal princess standing in your room.

"But we have so much exploring that needs to be done!" Shuri squealed. "Come on, you can't tell me that you don't want to see the entire island, do you?"

You sighed, trudging over to sit on the couch. "Alright, alright, just let me wake up."

Shuri practically squealed, jerking your sister awake.

"What the fuck?" Y/S/N groaned, sitting up in bed, wiping her eyes, "Oh, hello Shuri."

"Hello Y/S/N." Shuri said, grabbing one of your suitcases to rifle through your clothes. She threw something at you, which you ignored as it landed beside you on the couch. "Come on! Get excited! Get dressed! I want breakfast."

You sighed, looking over at the two-piece bathing suit she wanted you to wear underneath a light blue sundress.

You moved to the bathroom, tossing on the clothes, before stepping out. You put on a pair of sneakers that went with the skimpy dress, before you and Shuri left- your sister lucky enough to go back to sleep.

Shuri was bouncing with ridiculous energy as you headed through the grand hotel, and you could feel yourself waking up as energy started to fill you too. You rarely traveled, so being in someplace new and exotic was certainly enticing.

Shuri and you went to one of the buffets that were inside of the hotel. There was such a large variety of food, you had to explore- though not taste- everything.

There were normal breakfast foods like waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and several different breakfast pastries. There were also several different cereals- whatever you could think of, they had.

There was a order station where you could ask one of the cooks to make you a fresh omelet. There were also what you would consider 'lunch' food, like pizza. And they had several different pizzas, including a candy pizza which- no. That just looked disgusting.

There were also large baskets of fruit and also bars with chunks of fresh fruit. And of course, a dispenser with several types of juices and sodas. There was also three different types of milk and four different types of coffee.

You found that Shuri and you weren't the only ones down here for breakfast. Okoye quickly joined your side, both being Shuri's guard for the day, and her soulmate. Tony, Fury, Maria, Stephen, Steve, Bucky, and Sam were also up and Shuri, Okoye, and you joined them at the table.

"What are you girls up to today?" Steve asked.

"Swimming!" Shuri said joyfully. "There's an amazing slide that we're going to go on, right Y/N?"

"Uh, yeah." You said, having no idea what you were talking about. Some water slide?

"Nothing to dangerous." Steve commanded you.

You smirked. "So no petting the wild cats?"

"There's wild cats?" Bucky asked, eyes lighting up.

"Oh yeah!" Shuri said excitedly, almost bouncing up and down in her seat with excitement, "When it gets dark on the island, a bunch of cats will come out. Oh, and we could go swim with the wild pigs too. Or maybe the flamingos? Or the dolphins?"

"How about all of them?" You said with a laugh.

"Oh yes, great idea." Shuri said.

"What's a great idea?" T'Challa's tired voice sounded from behind us. Nakia was with him at the moment, but no guards.

"Apparently they're going to swim with pigs, flamingos, and dolphins." Sam said, shaking his head as he ate his bacon.

"You cannot swim with flamingos." T'Challa said with a bit of a smile.

"But we could take pictures among them!" Shuri said.

You felt exhausted already and the day hadn't even started. "What are your guy's plans?"

"Surfing." Bucky and Sam said at the same time.

You nodded, "Sounds like fun."

"Do you mind if I come with you and my little sister?" T'Challa asked.

"Not at all." Shuri said. "We can tease you relentlessly now."

You giggled, "Sure, you can come."

"That's what she said." Tony muttered under his voice. Stephen pinched his ear sharply. "Ow!" Tony shouted in surprise.

"Knock it off Tones." Stephen muttered.

You just ignored him, though the corner of your mouth was just rebelling, trying to smile.

"Hill, Coulson, and I were also going to look at the island pigs." Fury said, rolling his one good eye, "Not sure why, but I guess so."

"Because they're cute!" Maria protested on the other side of him.

Sam lifted a piece of bacon up to the light, "And delicious."

Maria glared at him while you laughed. Fury chuckled too.

Shuri finished off her plate much faster than Okoye or you. She bounced up and down impatiently, waiting for you to finish your plates so that you guys could leave. Once you put your fork down, you barely got a breather before she was grabbing your hand, trying to pull you out of your seat.

"Oi! Woman!" You muttered. "You're breaking my circulation."

Shuri grinned. "Come on you guys! We can't just eat all day!"

"You've been here for less than an hour." Tony pointed out.

"Exactly, much to long." Shuri said.

T'Challa laughed, getting out of his chair with the grace and dignity of, well, a King. He took my other hand, "Alright, Shuri, let's go."

Okoye also stood and the four of us made our way out of the buffet to go and figure out what to do first.

Turns out the water slide that Shuri had mentioned was the one that was most famous in the Bahamas. The one that is shaped like a pyramid. The one where you can either go down on your ass or in a tube. The one that you went through and the sharks were all around you.

"Um, we're going to kill ourselves on that thing." You said as Shuri took off her shirt and skirt, leaving her in an orange two-piece bathing suit. She folded up her clothes, putting them in one of the beach bags that she had over her shoulder. You reluctantly followed suit, putting your shoes and sundress in the bag as well.

Shuri rolled her eyes, dragging you up the stairs. "We only have to ride it twice."

"Twice." You repeated. "You're crazy."

"Come on, going down without a tube is easier anyways. We're getting the hard part out of the way!"

T'Challa was no help, looking amused at the interaction between his sister and you. Okoye, of course, was up for just about anything that Shuri wanted, as long as it wasn't dangerous and T'Challa didn't disapprove.

You were screwed.

You waited anxiously, shifting from foot to foot as you quickly ascended the stairs towards your doom. Your heart was pounding in the chest, every person going down the slide screaming their heads off, faces screwed up in anxiety.

"Do you have a fear of heights?" T'Challa asked as you looked over the edge again, shivering.

"Um-" Did you?

"Don't worry, you'll be perfectly fine." T'Challa said, putting an arm over your shoulder. God he looked so hot in just a pair of black swim trunks. His dark chest was deeply defined and he was being absolutely idolized by half of the female population around us.

The top just coming sooner and sooner before Okoye went first. She made not a sound as she disappeared down the slide.

Shuri, bouncing for excitement, wriggled in anticipation, waiting for the lifeguard to tell her that she could go.

As she went down the slide, you heard her whoop in excitement.

You swallowed as it was your turn now. You stepped onto the slide, feeling the cool water pool around your feet. Hmm, maybe you should've gone for a swim first, before heading directly for a water slide.

"Keep your arms crossed over your chest and your legs crossed at the ankle." The lifeguard instructed you as you laid down, waiting for his single. Your heart was pumping, trying to jump out of your chest as you followed his instructions, "Remember to stay on your back."

It was nearly a vertical fall. If you leaned forward, you'd probably just fall into midair.

Okay- not really- but still.

"Alright, you can go." He said.

Without thinking, you used your heels to push yourself forward, and then you were flying down the slide. You screwed your eyes shut, screaming as you went down. There was a whoosh of exhilaration through you, your stomach dropping. You opened your eyes as you went through the tunnel, but you were going to fast to even see the sharks.

You climbed up to your feet as you shot out of the end of the slide, stumbling over to where Shuri and Okoye were standing.

"Okay, wasn't to bad." You admitted, now that you were standing on solid ground.

"Right! That was so fun!" Shuri squealed.

T'Challa shot out the other side of the slide, almost doing a back flip, his legs sticking straight up in the air as he tumbled out.

You giggled.

"You were very graceful brother." Shuri said with a grin as he climbed out to join us. He simply grinned back, shaking water off his head.

Shuri and you went back up the slide to use the tubes. This time as you bottomed out on the slide, you were in a long glass tunnel, the water calmly pushing you through so that you could see through the glass and observe the sharks.

It was hard to see, as the glass was very thick and the water was dark, but you could still see the sharks if you concentrated hard enough. It was so nerve wracking to think that if the glass just magically broke, you would suddenly be in a pit of water with sharks.

Sure, they were probably well fed, but still, wouldn't you take a bite of dessert even if you were full from your meal?

The thought made goosebumps pop up on your arms, and you were glad when the ride was done.

The four of you spent a majority of the morning and the afternoon exploring different pools and slides. You would occasionally see someone that you knew, and you'd stop to chat, maybe even do something with them, and then inevitably, you'd part ways.

Rhodey and Clint joined you guys for lunch at one of the outdoor places. You ordered a chicken finger and french fry basket, continuously slapping Clint's hands away as he tried to steal your fries.

Clint and Rhodey joined you guys as you continued on. Eventually though, Shuri and Okoye were both getting tired walking around so they went back to the hotel while you stayed with three of your boys.

"What do you guys want to do now?" Clint asked as you tossed your lunch baskets.

"Can we go down to the ocean?" You asked. "We've been spending time at the pools, but we haven't been to the ocean yet."

"Sure sweet mama." Clint grinned. He gave you a piggy back ride down to the ocean, which was just absolutely beautiful.

He put you down once you touched the sand. You gingerly walked around the seaweed that was scattered on the beach. There were several tourists down here, laying down on towels or plastic chairs. Lots of kids were out, playing in the surf. Some ski jets were speeding around past the buoys. Seeing that one of the men had a metal arm, you grinned and nudged Clint.

"Well damn, the old men are driving those?" Clint teased.

You giggled.

Clint pulled his purple T-shirt off, putting it where the rest of our stuff was sitting in the sun.

You, Clint, Rhodey, and T'Challa played in the ocean before you all laid down on the beach. You fell asleep between Clint and Rhodey.

A few hours, you woke up with a towel over your back, your face pressed into Rhodey's chest as he held you there. You smiled a little, loving how caring everyone was.

"Well don't you guys look tuckered out." Sam's teasing voice sounded from somewhere behind you.

You rolled over, seeing that Steve, Bucky, and Sam were standing there, all of them soaking wet, and looking rather pumped up.

"Did you have fun on your ski jets?" You asked as you sat up. Bucky moved to sit behind you, running his cold hand down your back. Steve and Sam both sat down in front of you, not bothering to keep their voices low.

"Yeah, it was very fun doll, I'll take you on the back of mine tomorrow." Bucky said. You leaned back into his chest, his arms wrapping around your body.

"How are you feeling?" Steve asked, scrutinizing you with his eyes. "You've been drinking plenty of water today, right? You don't want to get dizzy or faint, especially with all of the time that you're spending in the sun."

Sam chuckled, "Don't be such a dad, daddy."

Steve blushed, glaring at Sam out of the corner of his eye. "I'm just making sure our girl is alright."

"I'm alright Steve, thanks for worrying about me." You said sweetly. "T'Challa and Rhodey have been making sure I've been drinking plenty of water all day."

"Good." Steve said, looking like he was resisting sticking his tongue out at Sam.

Bucky just laughed quietly, his mouth on your neck sending vibrations through your entire body.

When the other three did wake up, you guys headed back up to the hotel. You went back to your hotel room, finding it empty, and went ahead, taking a shower, washing salt and chlorine off your body and out of your hair. Sand seemed to have found it's way into every crevice that your body had and it was a pain to get it all out. But you wouldn't have changed anything about your afternoon for anything.

You got dressed in a nice F/C dress, because you knew Tony wanted to take you guys to a fancy restaurant.

Thor was there to pick you up at the door, looking rather handsome in his Navy blue suit with a white dress shirt and matching blue tie.

Loki joined you, wearing a black suit with a white dress shirt. You ended up walking into the restaurant on either God's arms, receiving stares from basically anyone who kept up with current events and knew who Thor and Loki were.

"The blush on your cheeks makes you look stunning pet." Loki grinned as you were flushed with embarrassment.

The new nickname made your stomach turn.

The three of you were the last to join the other nine waiting members of your soulmate bond. It was custom for the five days leading up to the wedding, you were supposed to have one meal with only your soulmates and no one else.

Loki pulled out the chair for you at the circular table before you sat down, moving it in for you. You felt like a princess of sorts, and wondered how long this treatment would last. You liked it, for sure, but you hoped that you would also be able to scoot your own chair in eventually. But soulmates were usually even more attentive to their soulmates before a bonding ceremony, so that was probably what this all was.

The conversations flowed easily, starting with what you guys had done with your day, to what you guys hoped to do before the wedding, after the wedding and bonding ritual, souvenirs you were looking for, all the way to missions and politics.

As dessert came around, you were starting to feel the full affects of the active day. You pushed you plate away gently, waiting for the night to end so that you could go back upstairs and get some sleep.

Fury was the one that caught on that you were exhausted and said, "Well, we have quite a few busy days ahead of us. We should probably head off to bed now."

Everyone promptly agreed, chairs scraping back against the tiled floor as we up. Tony and Stephen accompanied me up to my room and I watched a little enviously as the two of them walked back to their hotel room, hand in hand. They'd probably have a really fun night tonight.

You sighed as you headed into your own room. You hadn't even seen your father yet. Maybe you'd go and see him tomorrow. After all, the wedding was in four days and you still hadn't chosen who would walk you down the aisle.

You took care of all the necessities before climbing into the empty bed. Y/S/N was probably with Ben at the moment, she might even stay over with him.

However, you did take comfort than in less than a week, you would be married to the people you had been waiting for most in your life, and you would never spend another night alone ever again.

⬅️➡️

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