#gods but did this one want to run away one me again

[player042]

HEARTBEAT | kang dae-ho.

pairing: kang dae-ho (player 388) x reader

summary: during the third game you reunite with dae-ho who is everything but thrilled to have his pregnant girlfriend surrounded by death. requested here.

warning: pregnant!reader, established relationship, hot baby daddy dae-ho 😫 angsty and emotional, mention of financial struggles, survival themes, please enjoy ♥️

word count: 2.8k

The door slammed shut behind you, the loud clank of the mechanism sealing you and Dae-ho inside the small, dimly lit room just as the timer hit zero. For a moment, the air felt charged, thick with all the words left unspoken. You stood frozen near the wall, your hands instinctively cradling your belly, while Dae-ho's tall frame loomed near the door. His jaw was clenched tight as you heard gunshots and screaming coming from the other side of the door, his eyes were fixated on the floor as if forcing himself to maintain composure.

Neither of you had so much as exchanged a meaningful glance in front of the others, too scared of what even a flicker of familiarity might invite in this place where alliances were fragile, and vulnerability was a target. But here, in this room, with no one else watching...

"Dae-ho," you breathed, the sound of his name cracking the tension like a dam breaking.

His head snapped up, and within seconds, he crossed the distance between you, his hands cupping your face as he kissed you fiercely, desperately. It wasn't soft or tender, it was raw, like he'd been holding his breath for days and could finally exhale. His lips moved against yours as if trying to drink in everything he'd been forced to repress since seeing you again.

"You're here," he murmured against your lips, his voice trembling as he pulled back just enough to look at you. His hands slid to your shoulders, down your arms, as though reassuring himself that you were real. "God, you're really here."

Your breath hitched, your chest tightening as the weight of his words hit you. "I didn't want you to know," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

"That's obvious," he said bitterly, his thumb brushing over your cheek. His gaze softened, his worry bleeding through the anger. "You shouldn't be here. What the hell were you thinking? You're pregnant. And you joined this… this hell?"

Tears stung your eyes as you turned your head away, breaking his gaze. "What choice did I have?" you said, your voice cracking. "We're drowning in debt, Dae-ho. The baby needs a future. What else was I supposed to do?"

"You were supposed to rely on me," he snapped, his hands dropping to his sides, his frustration spilling over. "I would've-" He stopped himself, running a hand through his hair as he paced the small room. "I would've done something. Anything. But you just- You didn't even tell me. You just left me out of this."

"I didn't want to drag you down," you said, your voice trembling. "You've already done so much for us, Dae-ho. I couldn't-"

"Don't," he interrupted, his voice low but sharp. "Don't give me that. You didn't drag me down. You're the one thing in my life that kept me sane." He stopped pacing and turned back to you, his gaze piercing. "And now you're here, risking not just your life but our child's. Do you have any idea what it felt like seeing you out there? Pretending I didn't know you? Pretending I didn't care?"

"I didn't want to need you," you confessed, "Because needing you… it scared me. It still does."

His jaw clenched, the muscle ticking as he looked away, his hands balled to fists before he relaxed them again. "You can need me, damn it," he said softly, his voice low but fierce. "You think I don't need you just as much?"

You pressed a hand to your stomach, the guilt and fear twisting inside you, whispering,"If they know we're connected, they could-"

"I don't care what they do to me," he cut in quickly, his voice rising. "You should've thought about what it would do to me if something happens to you. If something happens to our baby."

The silence that followed was heavy, the air between you thick with regrets. Finally, Dae-ho took a deep breath and stepped closer, his hands finding your shoulders again. His voice softened, though the edge of desperation still lingered. "We'll figure this out, okay? We'll keep our distance in front of the others, but I need you to promise me something."

You looked up at him, your heart aching at the vulnerability in his eyes. "What?"

"You don't take unnecessary risks," he said firmly. "You stick to the safest options. You stay out of the way whenever you can. And if there's even a hint of danger, you let me handle it. Got it?"

You hesitated, the weight of his words pressing down on you. "I'll try," you said finally, knowing it was the best promise you could give.

He exhaled, his forehead dropping to rest against yours. "That's not good enough," he murmured. "But it'll have to do."

For a moment, the two of you just stood there, holding onto each other as the reality of your situation loomed over you. His arms wrapped around you gently, one hand resting protectively over your belly.

"I'll get you out of here," he said softly, his voice full of conviction. "You and the baby. I swear it."

Dae-ho held you close for a moment longer before stepping back, his hands still lingering around your waist. His gaze softened, though the worry didn't leave his eyes.

"You should stick to Jun-hee," he said, his voice firm but kind.

You blinked at him, confused. "What?"

"She's part of my team and she's pregnant too," he explained. "If you two stick together, it'll make it easier for me to keep an eye on you. I know I can't be obvious about us, but at least this way, I'll know you're not alone. And I can look out for both of you without drawing attention."

You opened your mouth to argue, but something about the way he looked at you, pleading, almost desperate, made you pause. "You're really planning to take care of two pregnant women in a place like this?"

He huffed a humorless laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just… what I do. I can't not try to help. You know that about me."

"That's not an excuse," you said back, your frustration bubbling to the surface. "You're acting like this is all on me, but what about you? Why are you even here, Dae-ho? You didn't exactly tell me you were planning on joining these games either!"

His expression faltered, guilt flashing across his face. "I was trying to protect you," he admitted quietly. "I didn't want you to know. I thought I could-"

"Could what?" you interrupted, "Fix everything? Take on the world by yourself? You think that's what I wanted? You think I wouldn't have tried to stop you if I knew?"

"I didn't want you to stop me," his shoulders slumped, "I thought if I could win… I could pay off everything. For both of us. For the baby. I didn't want you to worry about anything anymore."

You stared at him, your heart aching at the sincerity in his voice, but the frustration didn't subside entirely. "So you thought it was okay to risk your life without telling me but not okay if I want to do the same? That's not protecting me, Dae-ho. That's keeping me in the dark."

"I know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But when I saw you here…" He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling shakily. "I didn't know whether to be furious or terrified. And now we're both in this mess."

The silence stretched between you, heavy and tense. Finally, you sighed, the fight draining out of you. "As you said, we're in this together now," you said, your voice quieter. "Whether we like it or not."

He nodded, his eyes locking with yours. "And as I said, I'll make sure you make it out of here," he said firmly. "You and the baby. No matter what."

"And what about you?" you asked, your voice trembling. "What happens to you, Dae-ho?"

"That doesn't matter," he said without hesitation. "What matters is that you survive."

The conviction in his voice made your chest tighten, and you shook your head. "I'm not letting you sacrifice yourself for me. Not again."

"We'll figure it out," he assured softly, reaching out to take your hand. "One game at a time. But for now, promise me you'll stick with Jun-hee. Please."

You hesitated, the weight of the situation pressing down on you. Finally, you nodded. "Fine. But promise me something too."

"Anything," he said without missing a beat.

"You don't do anything reckless," you said, your voice firm. "No heroics, no self-sacrificing. If we're getting out of here, we're doing it together."

His lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained serious. "Deal."

For the first time since joining these games and for the first time for a very long time, you felt a flicker of hope, fragile, but real. Whatever came next, at least you weren't alone.

Dae-ho let out a shaky breath, and before you could say another word, he sank to his knees in front of you. The sudden movement caught you off guard, but it wasn't until his arms wrapped gently around your waist that your breath hitched. He rested his forehead lightly against your stomach, his large hands cradling your sides with the utmost care, as though you might break.

"Dae-ho," you whispered, your voice trembling with emotion.

He didn't respond immediately, just stayed there, holding you as if you were the most fragile, precious thing in the world. After a moment, he tilted his head slightly, his cheek pressing against your belly. His warm breath fanned through the fabric of your shirt, and when he spoke, his voice was soft, tender, almost reverent.

"I can't believe it," he murmured, his gaze softening as it dropped to your stomach. He placed a hand there, his palm warm and loving. "There's a piece of us right here." You couldn't help but smile.

His voice was quiet when he spoke again, the words almost a prayer.

"Hey, little one," he murmured, his words directed at the life growing inside you. "It's me… your dad."

Your hands moved instinctively, threading through his hair. The soft strands slipped between your fingers, grounding you in this surreal moment. Dae-ho closed his eyes at your touch, leaning into it like a man starved for comfort.

"You probably can't hear me yet, but…," he continued, his voice trembling slightly, "I need you to be strong, okay? Just like your mom. And I promise,  I'm going to do everything I can to keep you two safe. You're my whole world now, you know that? Both of you."

A lump formed in your throat as tears pricked at the corners of your eyes. You hadn't expected this, this unfiltered love pouring from him. It made the weight of your circumstances feel both heavier and lighter at the same time.

"I bet you're going to be just like her," he said with a small chuckle, his hand gently rubbing your side. "Strong, smart, way too stubborn for your own good."

You let out a teary laugh, your fingers tightening in his hair. "Hey, don't encourage that."

He tilted his head back slightly, looking up at you with a crooked grin that melted your heart. "Can't help it. It's in the genes."

His gaze softened as he looked back at your stomach, and he pressed a gentle kiss to the fabric of your shirt, his lips lingering for a long moment. The action was so tender, so full of love, that it nearly brought you to your knees as well. He rested his forehead there again, his arms tightening around you.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "For everything. For not being there when you needed me. For making you feel like you had to do this alone."

"Dae-ho," you whispered, your own voice cracking as you cupped his face, guiding him to look up at you. "You're with us. That's all that matters."

He swallowed hard, nodding as his hands slid down to hold yours. "I swear to you, I'm not going anywhere. I'll fight through hell if I have to. I'll keep you safe, no matter what it takes."

The tears you'd been holding back finally spilled over, and you knelt down with him, wrapping your arms around his neck as you pressed your forehead against his. 

"We'll survive this," he repeated softly, his breath warm against your temple. "And when we get out… we'll make a real life together. The three of us."

You hesitated, your heart hammering as you realized it was the moment to tell him. "Four," you said softly, your hand covering his where it rested protectively over your stomach.

His body stiffened slightly, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Four?" His voice was cautious, almost as if he were afraid to hope.

You nodded, your throat tightening as emotion swelled. "Before I came here, I had a doctor's appointment, and… we're having twins, Dae-ho."

The silence that followed was deafening, his stillness unnerving. For a moment, you worried you'd broken him, but then he slightly leaned back on his knees, his eyes wide and glassy as they searched yours.

"Twins?" he repeated, the word barely audible. His hand shifted, trembling slightly as it moved to cradle your stomach. He said nothing for a while, just staring at you as if trying to comprehend what you'd just revealed. His lips parted, a shaky exhale escaping as his thumb traced over the fabric covering your belly.

"Twins," he repeated again, this time with a mix of wonder and disbelief. "We're having twins?"

A small smile tugged at your lips, despite the tears streaming down your face. "Yes. I wasn't sure how to tell you… or when. But yeah. Two little ones."

His head dropped, forehead again pressing gently against your stomach as he let out a quiet, shaky laugh. His strong arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer. "Two," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't know whether to cry or laugh."

Your fingers softly tucked a strand of hair away from his beautiful face, "You can do both," you said gently, "I did."

He tilted his head up to look at you, and the raw emotion in his eyes took your breath away. His lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't quite hide the tears slipping down his cheeks. "Twins," he said again, shaking his head slightly. "I didn't even know how I was going to handle one. Now there are two of them. Two little… us."

The way he said it, so in awe, so full of wonder, made your chest ache. "I wasn't planning on telling you here," you admitted, "Not in this nightmare. But I couldn't… I couldn't keep it to myself anymore."

"I'm glad you didn't," he said, his voice steadying. He cupped your face, his thumbs brushing away the tears you didn't even realize had fallen. "No matter what happens in this hellhole, no matter how dark it gets, knowing they're waiting for us? It's everything."

You nodded, swallowing the lump in your throat. "Dae-ho, we can't let this place take us."

"It won't," he said firmly, his jaw tightening. "I won't let it. We'll make it. I'll make damn sure of it."

His hands slipped back down to your waist, his fingers splaying over your belly as though he could somehow shield the life growing inside you from the horrors outside. "Two little heartbeats," he murmured, his voice softening. "Do you know what that means?"

You tilted your head, a small smile playing on your lips. "What?"

"It means we're going to need twice the strength," his gaze locked with yours, "But it also means we've got twice the reason to fight. Twice the reason to win."

You leaned forward, your noses almost touching, your hands covering his on your stomach. "We'll do it together," you assured quietly. "The four of us."

"The four of us," he echoed, his lips brushing against yours in a kiss so tender it left you breathless. "You're stuck with me now. Forever."

You let out another teary laugh, the sound mingling with his soft chuckle. "I've been stuck with you for years, Dae-ho. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

For a moment, the world outside that room, the horrors of the games, didn't exist. It was just two lovers holding onto each other and the heartwarming hope bound on a fragile string of the future that was worth fighting for. You allowed yourselves to feel it, this unwavering love, this promising hope that had been buried beneath the fear. It wasn't much, but it was enough to remind you both why you were fighting, to survive, to protect, and to make it out of this nightmare as a family.

And whatever came next, you knew you wouldn't face it alone.

[nanenna]

Danny opened his front door to find his two best friends on the other side, both with overnight bags. “Hey, sleepover!” Danny greeted happily. 

“Sleepover!” Sam and Tucker agreed as Danny ushered them in. He'd just finished gathering all the supplies for a blanket fort, his old PS4 already set up and waiting for them to pick a game.

“I've already got pizzas on the way,” Sam said as she dropped her bag next to the couch, its cushions in a pile on the floor.

“Did your parents say where they were going? This weekend trip seems pretty sudden.” Tucker set his bag down next to Sam's. 

“Not really,” Danny replied, already back to setting up the blanket fort. “It was pretty sudden though, usually they give more than a day's warning. Just ‘Bye Danny, have a good weekend’ and hopped in the GAV.”

“Probably some conference they just learned about,” Sam said with an eye roll.

“I dunno, they actually keep pretty on top of those, usually can't shut up about them in the weeks leading up.”

“Someone spotted Mothman over by Lake Eerie,” Tucker said with a sage nod.

Sam and Danny snickered at the suggestion. It didn't take long to finish setting up the blanket fort, the pizza and soda arriving not long after. They all changed into comfy clothes and laid out on the pile of blankets Danny had raided the linen closet and everyone's beds for.

It was later in the evening before Tucker brought it up again. “What's the GAV doing in Jersey?”

“Jersey?” Danny asked with a wrinkled nose. “Oh no!”

“Oh no what?” Sam asked absently, lining up a headshot

“What part of Jersey?” Danny dropped his controller and leaned over to look at Tucker's tablet.

“Looks like… Metropolis?”

“Shit, they're in Gotham!” Danny got up and went running off. He came back with a pair of shoes he was hurriedly trying to put on while hopping around on one foot.

“What's in Gotham?” Sam asked, “And why didn't they bring me?”

“The dead Robin!” Danny finally managed to get a shoe on, but the other had vanished somewhere along the way.

“What?” Both his friends asked in clear confusion.

“You know how weird they've been about me being a ghost? Oh, there it is! Anyway, they got some kind of ghost marriage ceremony inspo and when they asked me who I wanted to marry I sarcastically said the dead Robin.”

Sam started laughing.

“This isn't funny! They're probably chasing down Batman right now to ask him to marry me to his dead son.”

“Shit,” Sam murmured, suddenly not laughing.

“Yeah,” Tucker agreed.

“So I gotta go bring them home before they torpedo any hope I have of joining the Justice League!”

“I still don't see why you're so hung up on them,” Sam said dismissively. 

“How else am I gonna get into space?” Danny asked. “Anyway, I'm off!” He transformed and leapt out of the house, racing for New Jersey.

✨️🌟✨️

It took a while to get to Gotham, find the GAV with his tracking app, and then find where his parents were because they weren't in the GAV. They were on a rooftop nearby. Having a showdown with a very tense looking Batman.

Fortunately there was a fire escape with a ladder up to the roof. Danny dropped onto it, transformed, and just lifted up to right under the roof's edge. He poked his head up and yelled, “Mom! Dad!”

They both looked over and smiled, waving. “Danny, we didn't expect to see you here.”

“Danno look! We found this Batman guy!”

Danny hauled himself up onto the roof and ran over to his parents. “Oh my god, I can't believe you two!” He grabbed their hands and started dragging them away from the vigilante. “I was being sarcastic, stop embarrassing me in front of one of the founding members of the Justice League!”

“Aw, Danny! There's nothing embarrassing about love!”

“I'm not in love, I've never even met the guy!”

“Your mother's right, why look at us, son!”

“Still not in love! And even if I were, I'm sixteen! That's way too young to get married!” They were almost to the edge of the roof now, thankfully his parents weren't really resisting his incessant pulling.

“But Danno,” Jack started to say.

“I'm not even done with high school yet! I'd rather focus on that right now.”

“Danny, is finishing high school your lingering attachment?” Maddie seemed touched, cooing over her baby boy.

“Yeah, sure, my tanked grades caused sooooo much unrest. Can we just go home now?”

“Sure, Danny. We can help you with your homework and everything.”

Danny gave a sigh of relief as his parents started down the ladder on their own. They would probably hyperfixate on his grades a little too much, but so long as he passes Danny really doesn't care. He turned and waved at Batman, “Sorry my parents bothered you, they can be a bit dense sometimes.” Then he hopped down to the fire escape and started herding his parents down, resigned to spending the next while stuck in the GAV with them to make sure they actually went home.

✨️🌟✨️

The comms exploded with chatter the moment the teenager disappeared over the roof.

“Wow, Hood, your future husband sure has spunk!”

“I like him already, we should go welcome him into the family.”

“Fuck off, I'm not dating a high schooler!”

“New brother-in-law.”

“Hood and Danny, sitting in a tree!🎶”

“I approve of your betrothed. Just keep your displays of obnoxious affection behind closed doors.”

“Fuck you too, demon brat!”

“Aaaaww… Little Wing! No need to be so embarrassed!”

“I'm hurt you kept your boyfriend from us!”

“When's the wedding? I'll clear my schedule.”

“Fuck you guys, I'm turning my comms off.”

“You think I'll let you? Take your teasing like a man, Hood!”

“Et tu, Oracle?”

Accidental Arranged Marriage AU (v1)

After a reveal gone... weird, the Fentons believe Danny is dead and haunting them and is in denial when he claims to be half alive. They mourn him, and maybe even blame themselves and their research for causing him to become a ghost rather than dying properly.

But he is still their son, and they can't bear to hurt him, so they instead turn to superstitions and traditions from other cultures to try to get him to "move on" or "appease his restless spirit" or "put him at rest."

(Danny is actually eating better than ever now that his parents are regularly leaving out offerings of food at his altar.)

Eventually they come across the ancient Chinese practice of ghost marriage and decide to give it a shot. Maybe Dann-o can't move on because he died single, right? According to their research, ghosts would sometimes appear in their family's dream to tell them which other deceased person they want to marry, so Jack and Maddie hold a seance to consult their dead son.

(you could've just asked, y'know. You don't have to light candles and incense every time you try to talk to me.)

Danny, by this point is exasperated by his parents' failed and increasingly ridiculous attempts, decides to play along and says he wants to marry the Dead Robin.

He didn't expect this to be the time his parents' hairbrained plans actually sorta works.

Anyway, now Danny has to find the poor ghost he accidentally married so that they can get a ghost divorce. Well, guess his parents are getting rid of him after all, because looks like he's going to Gotham.

Now if only the Bats would stop looking at him so weird whenever he says he needs find the dead Robin so that they can annul their marriage.

"Red Hood, what did you do!?!"

"Fuck off! I swear I've never met this guy in my life!"

Version 2

[formylovetodaryldixon]

"Fight or fight." Daryl Dixon Imagine.

The Dixon brothers know there are only two options when faced with a problem: fight or fight, but maybe that lesson isn't such a bad one for Marley when she tries to defend her friend.

A/N: I'm not satisfied with this story but it's 4am in Peru and I didn't want to go to sleep without writing something. I hope you like it♥ (I'm sorry if anything Merle said was offensive, I really tried to think like him but I apologize anyway)

The smell of coffee and maple syrup fills the Dixon home.

There’s a faint scent of cigarettes too, permeating Daryl’s clothes as you pass him in the kitchen, (Something Daryl only did when he was very anxious) him grunting a good morning in response as his hands (experts at holding guns, making arrows, and killing walkers and people) clumsily attempt to make the best lion head pancake: scraps of strawberries for the fur and blueberries for the smiley face. When his mom was around and not drowning in alcohol and substances, she used to make Daryl and Merle these breakfasts, (a caress in the middle of the blows, or a show of peace to cushion the fact that there would be more pain) distant but never blurry stories from their childhood, good stories they could count on their fingers—but there’s something about Daryl’s frown, the way his concentration is about to pass the limit of fixation.

“Why are you so grumpy, huh?” You chuckle, playfully slapping his butt.

“I ain't grumpy.”

“Oh, no? Tell that to your brow. Are you like this because Marley’s leaving again?”

The thought makes Daryl’s heart clench.

“She ain't leavin' me. Ma baby’s goin' to preschool.”

You giggle, but you realize you’ve hit the nail on the head about his irritability because you never said leaving him, even though Daryl saw those 3 hours of classes, with a neighbor in the community who used to be a teacher, as she leaving her home, even though Marley was 5 years old and still had trouble tying her sneakers, which prevented her from running very far. But with breakfast ready, you and Daryl walk to the dining room table where Marley is sitting next to Uncle Merle, who, with his vast experience in street fighting and multiple arrests, shares with his niece some street smarts as he calls it.

“And listen, honey, if any of those uptight pricks try to mess with ya, ya clench yer fist and lean back to get some momentum 'fore ya hit 'em. Always go for the nose, ya hear me, lil' bunny?”

Marley smiles, oblivious to all kind of conflicts, the arguments, and the fights outside the walls because she grew up in a close-knit, loving, non-dysfunctional family—quite the opposite to the men’s previous lives in their house.

“Don’t tell her that, you ass—” You press your lips together, just to avoid the torrent of unfiltered words Merle easily earned. “It’s preschool, not a battlefield.”

Daryl shrugs, elbows on the table and hands clasped in front of him.

“I had ma first fight at 6.”

“Me at 4.” Merle replies, not wasting a second to pick up the thread of the conversation, full of pride. “Marley is a Dixon, sweetheart, so s'only a matter of time 'fore she uses those knuckles.”

With a mental slap, you ask Marley to finish her breakfast, but as the minutes tick by, your daughter’s dormant curiosity awakens with every second, asking you if you ever did that, too.

“I’ve never fought anyone.” You try to defend yourself, to create a safe space for her, but you can’t help but narrow your eyes when they scoff, almost in sync like besties.

“Didn’t yer grandfather teach ya how to punch?” Daryl chuckles, one corner of his lip lifting into a smirk.

“And don’ even get me started on that girl who tried to hit on ma baby brother.” Merle lets out a laugh at the memory, tense seconds after that girl said she could handle you when Daryl told her he was married. “Poor soul. Those sugartits of hers must be rottin’ away now.”

He even makes the sign of the cross over his face, almost convincing you that Merle believes in God, even though Merle only believes in Merle. But the table falls into an almost tactile silence when the baby of the house’s gaze saddens, blue eyes turning cold like her world.

“What do we do when someone is bullying someone, mama? Daddy?”

The promise of physical or mental pain in Marley makes Daryl hold his breath, but when silent gazes meet wondering what to do, he manages to let out the air before speaking.

“Is someone bullyin' ya, angel?”

“S'that damn Chinese kid, isn’t it?” Merle leans in toward her, like he’s trying to get information out of her like the bad cop. "Tell me the truth, honey, Uncle Merle will take care of everythin'."

“Uncle Merle, Hersh is Korean!” Marley frowns in frustration, but she shakes her head to ease all your concerns. “No. Miss Elena teaches us about bullying and that it’s bad for self-esteem.”

An hour later, when you open the door to your house, the sun is shining and fluffy clouds adorn the endless horizon, painting everything in beautiful shades of blue like Marley’s eyes, as bright as the idea that awakens her heart, the promise of living a different life outside of home, learning from books like her mom, and enjoying games with other children her age like her dad and uncle when they were kids. Hershel is 6 and walking down the street, accompanied by Matty, a 5-year-old boy with caramel-colored hair like candy, sweet like his shy personality when he sat reading on his porch with his round-framed glasses, but he's a little gentleman, always saying hello and have a nice day.

“Hey, Auntie (Y/N)!” The eyes of Maggie and Glenn’s son narrow adorably as he smiles, happily taking in your greeting and the way Daryl waves back and nudges Merle to make him swallow his racist comments. “Are you ready, Marley?”

Marley takes a few steps toward the porch stairs, but she stops, her mind screaming at her to do what she always does before saying goodbye.

“Bye, Mommy, bye, Daddy, bye, Uncle.” She waves, turning on her heels then to head down the stairs.

Daryl watches her go with a heavy heart, her brown hair like his own blowing in the spring wind and her excited walk, almost jumping with every step, her brown capybara backpack following her movements. Colors have no gender, and neither did the clothes you two dressed Marley in, always neutral because she never liked dresses or tiaras for her unruly hair like her father's.

But the moment Matty and Hershel take his daughter’s hand, Daryl and Merle’s scowls become more prominent with the surprise and the overflowing anger that is born within them in a single second.

“What the fuck?” The brothers say, in unison.

“I knew that damn Chinese boy wanted somethin' with ma bunny.” Merle’s words sour his mouth, but he makes the monumental effort not to spit out.

“Hershel is Korean, you fuc— racist.” You grimace in disgust, free to blurt out those words on an empty street.

“Whatever.” He answers, without a drop of regret, his voice deepening with the confidence in his words. “We have to do somethin' 'fore one of those bandits steals our baby, lil' brother, that Chinese boy or the nerd one.”

You exhale, because your body can’t take any more of the stupidity you hear from him.

“Matty is sweet and he’s not a nerd just because he wears glasses. I wore reading glasses too.”

“Yeah, but ya looked cute, he looks stupid.” Merle scoffs, looking back at Daryl. “What are ya sayin', baby brother? Are we makin' it look like an accident or what?”

You want to roll your eyes at all the nonsense you hear, but alarm bells go off with a panicked expression from you, eyes slightly widened in response to Daryl's silence, who, you can see, is seriously considering the idea.

“You two are damaged, really.” You squint, but annoyance makes you shake your head in disbelief. “Although their names do in fact rhyme, Marley, Matty…”

Your laughter dies when Daryl narrows his eyes at you, because the bile by that confusing feeling in the pit of his stomach makes his mouth sour as well.

“Stop it, woman, I’m warnin' ya.”

You chuckle, tilting your head slightly to look at him sarcastically.

“Or what?”

“Or there is no sex for ya tonight.”

He says it so seriously, normal words that cause a laugh in Merle, so open because time had given Daryl the confidence to joke about your intimacy in front of his brother.

“You know what? It would be better if you slept in Marley's bed or with your dear brother tonight.” With your head, you point to the accused present, although Merle frowns in displeasure. “Leave those children alone, you assholes. And now go do something useful with your lives instead of killing Marley’s friends with your eyes. I have to go back to work so please wait for her for lunch. And I beg you, don’t do anything stupid.”

With a tired sigh, because life had rewarded you with 3 children and not just one, (a titanic task of raising them because the older ones were already programmed with wrong ideas) you go to work at the infirmary. But in the company of their primitive thoughts (although not wrong ones unfortunately), their eyes meet and they come to a revelation.

“We are doin it. Hell yeah.” Merle chuckles. “But if yer dear wife finds out, she’s gonna kick yer ugly ass and mine as well.”

Daryl wants to say no, but that sixth sense of fatherhood that awakened in him when Marley was born is sending too many signals to his body to ignore.

“Whatever, I’m sleepin' in ma kid's bed anyway whether this goes wrong or not.”

“That’s the attitude, brother!" Merle smiles. "Cause I ain't lettin' ya sleep with me, over ma dead body.”

An hour and a half later, the Dixon brothers are standing to one side of Elena’s house, in the shadows of the wall where the sunlight can't reach, while a small group of children are playing in the makeshift playground in the backyard. Marley runs around the place like a free soul, laughing in a world rising from the ashes. She loved to walk barefoot in the dirt outside Alexandria’s walls, exploring and discovering with her body what Mother Nature still had to offer.

But the picture darkens when a boy Marley’s size that Daryl recognizes well, (a ghost of the typical bully Merle used to be), pushes Matty to the ground to take away the toys he was sharing with his daughter.

Beside him, Merle laughs watching the scene.

“The lil’ prick can’t even protect himself.”

Daryl's choice is to intervene now or see the altercation unfold, but his fatherly instincts kick in hard when Marley steps in front of the boy to protect Matty, earning a shove to her fragile body that the green grass receives. As if the world were painted red, as if his little girl's life were in mortal danger, Daryl runs to defend Marley, but he stops short (Merle's body crashing into his) when Marley stands up cleaning her small hands on her pants, only to push the boy as well with a force that is more than physical, the adrenaline that shoots through and makes her stronger than her short 5 years.

“Eat dirt, asshole!” Above his body, Marley pushes his face with her hands towards the ground.

It’s crazy to Daryl, crazier than thinking the dead came back to life when he grabs his daughter by the waist to remove her from the boy, away from the confusion and blurry vision, though her eyes remain fixed on her target—I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Daryl thinks proudly.

But on the way back home, it’s still absurd to Daryl that he heard his little girl say a bad word after having protected her innocence from anything offensive.

“Marley…” Daryl looks down to meet his daughter’s curious eyes, blue ones that are as deep as her feelings at her young age. “Who taught ya to say asshole, sweetheart?”

Now that the word was free in the wind, he didn’t see why he should not say it, or avoiding. But holding Uncle Merle’s hand, Marley’s innocence leads her to look at the eldest Dixon brother, only to then look at her daddy with a shrug, saying silently: I don't know.

“Ha! That's ma lil’ bunny.” Merle smiles, proud.

But when the men see you sitting on the couch on the porch of the house, Daryl looks down again.

“Good news, angel, daddy's sleepin' in yer room tonight.”

Oblivious to reality, Marley smiles.

@fluffy-dixon

[mybworlds]

Part of your world

Pairing: Marcus Acacius x f!reader

Warnings: use of you, you’re a mermaid, I won't give any details except for nice long legs and very long hair, nudity, violence (a little?), use of both pov. If I missed smt please let me know.

Summary: Marcus Acacius and you meet. You immediately catch his attention, including Geta's.

Masterlist

A/N Thank you so much for the amount of love and support, it means a lot. It's a very long chapter, sorry, guys so take your time 🙏🏼 Likes, comments and reblogs are not mandatory, but very appreciated! ❤️

follow @mybworlds and turn on notifications to get notified when I post new fics

Taglist @harriedandharassed; @orcasoul; @blazeflays; @ijustlovemensm; @duck-duck-goose2; @blacksnape123

Thx for the dividers @saradika-graphics.

That night Marcus lies on his side with one hand under his cheek, staring out of his bedroom window at the star-filled sky. He didn't sleep a wink. He tossed and turned in bed several times, but the god of sleep wasn't on his side that night.

Tired of not being able to sleep, at the first light of dawn, Marcus puts on his tunic again and sneaks off to the beach. Luckily none of his servants are awake yet or else at least a couple would have run to his side preventing him from being alone for a while.

The sand is still cold at that hour, the wind barely ruffles his hair and dress, the sea is barely choppy. It's a picture of heaven and Marcus needs something like this to help him relax and keep the anxiety and fear in the pit of his stomach at bay.

The man thinks back to the previous evening. It went well, but inevitably he and Lucilla discussed their future union. She accepts it, but with rules. She wants to be able to continue being who she is, she wants to enjoy her birth privileges and she wants to be able to defend her ideas, whatever they may be. She knows that theirs is only a political union and that there will certainly never be any kind of emotional involvement between them and that they will probably not see each other except during the first night of their wedding, then everyone will do their part certainly, but without any other type of obligation. Marcus then told her that the two emperors suspect she is conspiring against them, but he did so with the intent of warning her not to expose herself too much. The woman maintained a composed calm, telling him that she would do everything discreetly and that he had no reason to fear for her or for himself as her husband.

Marcus can't help but feel forced to endure all of this. The truth is that he doesn't care about politics, marriage and all that. He just wants to be free and fight for his ideals of freedom and justice, but no one seems to care about these values. Everyone seems to have forgotten them and this always makes him feel out of place.

He sighs sadly when something, or rather someone, catches his attention: it's a girl, she's lying on her side, her hair falls partly on her face, on her shoulders, along her back covering her nakedness. She is still partly hidden among the waves of the sea that wet her exposed skin and make some locks of her hair wave. He quickly approaches, lifting her into his arms and carrying her a little further from the shore.

When they are far enough away, he sits on his knees in the wet sand, brushes her hair away from her face, and recognizes you. Anyone could have understood his astonishment at seeing the same girl from Sicily, the girl he himself had tried in vain to find when he was still there, the young woman who had saved him from the fury of the sea and then disappeared, now close to his home.

“Hey,” He shakes you gently before placing his cloak over your body “can you hear me? Wake up,” he asks brushing your hair away from your face and taking a long moment to gaze at you as if bewitched by your beauty.

You open and close your eyes over and over again, finally managing to keep them open and almost jump when you realize you're in his arms. You look scared.

“Hey, hey, calm down. It’s okay,” Acacius tells you, holding you against him “How did you find me? Did you... Did you follow me or something?” he asks you, then reminds you that you don’t understand him. “Oh, yeah, sorry, you and I don’t understand each other. Um, maybe I can try asking one of my servants if he can make himself understood by you or…”

“It's not necessary,” you mutter and Acacius frowns even more. So, you pretended not to understand? Why?

You sit down, moving slightly away from him and with your gaze you search for something, it's an old vial full of encrusted algae and with a strange liquid inside. You immediately grab it, holding it in your hands as if it were a precious treasure.

“So, can you talk?” he asks you using a surprised and suspicious tone. You nod, “Why didn’t you talk to me when we first met?” he asks you.

You look down for a moment, then look up again, “I was scared.” You whisper, “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, no. Don't be.” You and him remain silent for a while, he doesn't mind staying in your company even if it's silent, then he remembers that you're naked and that you're probably freezing “Oh, forgive me. I'm such a fool. Come inside. I'll have you draw a hot bath and then you'll tell me how you got here." he adds, standing up and offering you his hand to help you to get up. You grab his hand, but after a few moments you pull it back and look at him scared, “What is it?” he asks you.

“N — nothing.” he sees you swallow and then look into his eyes, you seem worried and agitated by who knows what. Maybe you don't want to tell him how you found him or you don't trust him enough to do so.

“If you don't want to tell me how you got here, that's fine. Don't worry. I'll listen to you whenever you want. Okay?” You nod, relaxing your shoulders and he also finds himself nodding his head and then make your way to his villa.

He sees you squeeze the bottle, who knows what it is! Maybe when you feel more at ease you'll tell him about it.

As you get closer to his villa, you do nothing but walk with your chin up, your eyes wide open and a big smile on your lips. It's Marcus who invites you to be careful where you put your feet, to climb this step now or not to put your feet in the ground when you are in the peristylium. It seems like you've never seen anything because you keep running from one corner of the house to another, touching the marble columns, jumping when you set your feet on the tiles.

“You have a beautiful house.” you tell him turning around and observing the splendid inlays and busts on the sides “Why do you have heads in the garden?” you ask him, frowning.

Marcus smiles, “They’re busts of my ancestors. They’re statues, they’re not real,” he explains.

“Oh,” you say in a whisper. You look into his eyes and your gaze seems to almost want to read him inside. He, who has seen so much, met and crossed so many glances, can barely stand yours.

“Have you never seen one?” he asks, his gaze wandering from you to a bust of a distant ancestor of his.

You shake your head, “I saw some drawings though,” you say, running a finger along the outline of the sculpture.

Marcus starts walking again and you follow him, turning your head from one side to the other as if you don't want to miss even a single detail of what you see.

“Are you hungry?” he asks you. “After your bath I’ll have a big meal prepared for you, if you wish.”

You don't answer him, you're a few steps behind and you're as if enraptured by what you see. You seem incredulous and so absorbed, you have such a beautiful and unique look that you almost seem like a creature from another world.

“Are you okay?” he asks, reaching out to you and moving his gaze in the direction your gaze is directed. The man immediately understands what has intrigued you and perhaps even scared you a little: it’s a statue of him.

He doesn't like it at all. He doesn't recognize himself in that representation, too pompous and proud. If it had been up to him, he would have let it sink into the abyss, but it's a gift from the emperors and doing so would mean causing them a grave offence, so Marcus keeps it there in his villa.

“I don’t like it. That’s not me,” Acacius confesses to you with a sad sigh.

“Instead, it’s beautiful. I mean, you are beautiful, not the statue. The statue is an object. You are here and you are real.” You tell him, catching his attention and making him smile slightly. You are sincere and this is a rare and unique quality.

“Thank you for your words. It means a lot to me.” he tells you, making to take your hand in a completely spontaneous gesture, but you pull away almost scared and so he desists, clearing his throat “Sorry.”

You shake slowly, “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to be rude, but...” you say, tightening your cloak.

“Don’t worry. I’ll call my servant now who will help you take a hot bath, help you dry off, and then help you find a dress that fits you,” the man informs you.

“Maybe I can do it myself,” you suggest as the man starts walking again. “I don’t want to disturb you or anyone else.”

Marcus smiles. Again.

“It’s a joy to help you and even if I don’t agree, slaves are there for this, to do what we don’t do.”

“If you don’t share, why don’t you free them?” you ask, tilting your head to the side as you pause in the hallway.

“It’s complicated. Wait here. I’ll send someone to help you.” He says, giving you one last look. “See you later.”

You didn't think that potion would hurt you so much, your throat felt like it was closing up, you almost felt like you were suffocating, then your legs started to shake, you did everything you could to resist and not give in, in the end the pain got the better of you and you fainted.

Finding Marcus, the man for whom you did all this, fills you with joy when you wake up, even if you haven't been able to express it as you would have liked.

You immediately felt overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions, enthusiasm and fear at the same time, his hands are so warm, calloused, big, you can feel them full of cuts, who knows if they were inflicted in battle... just as you are thinking this, a terrifying image appears before your eyes, he’s covered in blood, there’s a large cut right next to one eyebrow from which blood is gushing, he has in his hands a sword also stained with blood. He’s lying on the ground on what looks like sand, you see him breathing heavily and then that terrible scene disappears as it appeared. The General looks at you perplexed, while you are shaken by the shivers and fear of what you have just seen.

He’s so kind, so hospitable, it seems impossible to reconcile his sweetness with the violent image that has just appeared before your eyes or those you have seen previously.

His servants are very polite and curious, they insistently ask you where you are from as your accent is unknown to them. You procrastinate, asking now about this, now about that. As they explain to you the various things that surround you and their usefulness, you realize that what you have read or your aunt's words have not fully conveyed what you are seeing and feeling. It's all much more.

A maid insists on braiding your hair into a high bun, but you protest so much and avoid that thing she calls a comb that in the end you give up and leave it loose. She also wanted to make you wear a dress that was the color of the sea, but instead you were struck by another one that was white like sea foam.

When you're finally alone, you walk over to your bed and sink into it. Oh, it's so soft and warm. Your bed at home was a giant oyster, it was nice and cozy, but this on earth is much better!

You open and close your eyes several times, you feel exhausted, but happy. You are under his roof, you have spoken to him, he knows you exist. These are already steps forward. You smile, sighing and relaxing completely, when you open your eyes again the light coming from the candles is very dim, you have fallen into a deep sleep.

You've never slept so much, you wonder if this isn't also an effect of your aunt Mira's potion. You sit down placing your hands on your thighs and then your knees, you have no pain and this is also a sign that the potion is working. Not that you doubted it, but it all still seems so incredible to you!

You look out of one of the many windows in your room, you pull aside the delicate curtain and observe the moon and the many stars that surround it, you are as if enraptured by it, at least until you realize that your room looks out onto the gardens of General Acacius' villa where the statue dedicated to him dominates.

You turn and look at the vial prepared by your aunt and drink a few drops of the potion, as per her instructions, then you decide to hide the vial under the bed in a hidden corner between the wall and the bed so that no one can find it.

Once this is done, you decide to go out and let yourself be caressed by the light wind of that evening, you feel light and yet your heart is heavy as if gripped by a strange sensation. Probably the images that first appeared before your eyes just disturbed you a lot.

You hear footsteps, fast, a very small child with blond curls crying runs in your direction, immediately behind him you see what you imagine is his mother followed by three other women behind them still Acacius.

“Hi,” you greet the red-faced, crying-eyed boy. He stops and looks at you, and you kneel down in front of him, “you’re beautiful, you know? What’s your name?”

“Fas - us,” the little one barks.

You raise your head towards the woman behind the little boy, the woman must be a few years older than you. She has brown hair tied in a braid and the clothes of someone who works in the kitchen judging by the stains, “My lady,” she says to you softly, “his name is Faustus, he's small and cannot yet say it clearly.”

You nod and then smile at the little one, “You really have a beautiful name. Why are you crying?”

“My lady,” the woman intervenes again, “he misses his father.”

“Oh.” you say in a sad whisper “Come here,” you say to the little one, gently holding his little body to yours, “you know, when I was little, I didn't have a dad either. I only had my mother, then when I grew up he came back.” you tell him, while the little one rubs his eyes “Do you want to hear a little song my mother always sang to me when I was little?”

He nods.

You smile and the sweet words, full of hope, love, happiness of your mother's song float in the air enchanting the little one for about a couple of minutes, when you look up, you notice how everyone was fascinated and speechless when they heard that melody. Acacius has a strange light in his eyes, but you don't feel danger or threat, but rather dying to know you, curiosity. His lips then curve upwards and you smile sweetly back.

Little Faustus unexpectedly throws his arms around your neck and for a moment you are paralyzed before returning his sweet embrace.

“My lady,” the woman says, “forgive him, he’s not usually this open with strangers.” She apologizes.

“Oh, no, it’s okay. He's beautiful,” you say, placing a hand on the baby’s little back and closing your eyes, relaxing against his little body.

After a few minutes the baby's breathing normalizes until he moves away from you, you dry a couple of tears that are still wetting his little face and smile at him, he smiles back showing you his tiny teeth making your smile wider.

“My lady, thank you for what you have done,” the woman says, placing her hands on her son’s shoulders. “Faustus, say thank you.”

“Tk you.” he says making you smile.

“Anytime, sweetheart.” you say getting up, while the mother takes the little one by the hand and they walk away followed by the other two women.

You followed them with your gaze, turning in their direction, then you heard a sad sigh behind you and Marcus' slow footsteps approaching you.

“It's a sad story about Faustus and his mother,” the man reveals to you, appearing at your side and keeping his gaze towards the corridor where the group has headed.

“What story?” you ask, your gaze wandering from the man to the hallway.

He hums sadly and then turns his gaze to you, observes your face for a few seconds and then with a serious look he answers you, “I don’t want to disturb your first night, um… You didn’t tell me your name yet.”

You tell him and he repeats it with such sweetness that it seems like music to your ears. You smile at each other.

“Do you want something to eat? Not knowing what you like, I had you prepare meat, fish, fruit, wine... in short, I hope you'll like something.” he tells you, slightly raising his shoulders as if he felt uncomfortable.

You nod, slightly raising the corners of your mouth upwards.

“Okay, let’s go,” he says, pointing to a door behind him with his open palm in a gesture as if to say ladies first.

Marcus can't help but look at your face, your curious eyes zigzagging from one corner to another of the many rooms you pass through until you reach the triclinium, your hands caress and touch everything around you with curiosity. Your eyes seem to see so many things only now for the first time and your beauty touches the divine.

Where do you come from?

Such is your beauty that Marcus can't help but think that you are as beautiful, perfect and unattainable as the gods.

Yes, you must be a goddess sent there by him to enchant and conquer him and he's very happy to be enchanted by your beauty, your voice and the sweetness that shines through in your ways and gestures, as sweet as they are innocent.

“You have a beautiful voice, I've never heard anyone sing like that,” Marcus tells you, as you turn an apple over in your hands curiously, then smell it and smile “It’s an apple,” he adds as if wanting to help you.

You smile sweetly at him, placing the apple back in the basket you took it from, “I know, but I’ve never smelled it before.”

He hums, “I know nothing about you.” The man begins, sitting down on the triclinium “Why don’t you tell me something about yourself?”

“I don’t even know where to start,” you say and from the look on your face and your suddenly downcast eyes, Acacius can tell that you really don’t know what to say to him. You are not lying or stalling for time on how to answer him.

“You told the little one first that you grew up with your mother and then your father came back, is that a true story?” he asks you looking at your face and when you look up he sees them full of a veiled sadness.

“No, or rather that’s how I would have liked it to be. I mean, my mother died when I was about six of your age…” Acacius frowns “I meant six years, I’m tired, sorry.” He nods although he remains perplexed by your statement.

Is it possible that you really are what he saw: a sea creature? He has read about the existence of such creatures, but... No, that's impossible!

He shakes his head as if to rid himself of this absurd thought, “I'm sorry. What about your father?”

You tsk, you shake your head, “He was and still is an overprotective father. He has prevented me from doing so many things in my life.” you say in a bitter tone, then you frown and he follows your gaze, you are looking almost with disgust or perhaps sadness at the prawns or blue fish placed in beautiful ceramic bowls garnished with spices.

“What is it?” he asks you, not understanding your expression.

"Why are you doing this?"

Acacius is perplexed, “Do what?”

“Kill fish, they are defenseless creatures. They did not harm you.” you reply looking him in the eye with disappointment.

“Um, we have to feed ourselves. We would die.” he answers you in a matter-of-fact tone “We don’t do it for fun. Well, some people kill deer or other animals for fun, but mostly to survive.”

You look down, pressing your lips into a straight line, for a few minutes you don't speak, then you speak again, “I’m sorry, I overreacted. Um, you’re… very kind and… it’s so hard for me to reconcile this sweet version of you with the General I saw a while back.”

Marcus sighs, “I don't always like being the General, but I am. And I have duties to perform, sometimes I do things I'm not proud of at all. You know, sometimes it really costs me to be that way.” he confides in you, lowering his head and putting aside the armor he has always used to shield himself during all these years of his life. When he raises his head, he sees you sit down next to him and, in such a sweet and spontaneous gesture, rest your head on his shoulder.

No one had ever done it. No one had ever dared to be so close to him, everyone - he knows it well - fears him, not as much as they fear the Emperors, but he knows that his often hard gaze and his piercing eyes tend to keep everyone away.

“You’re such a sweet creature.” The words come from his heart. Marcus turns his head, “You know, I never get around anyone more than necessary.” he confesses to you by sticking his nose in your hair and inhaling your scent which - perhaps it's just his suggestion - smells of iodine and other perfumes he's never smelled before.

“It’s because you’re a contradictory human,” you reply. “You want someone by your side, but at the same time you keep everyone away.” you just move away from him “You’re scared. Even if you hide it well.”

The man misses a beat when he hears those words and in front of your gaze that seems to read him so deeply, almost scaring him, he who has faced armies and peoples with courage, he who stands up to Emperors albeit politely, is afraid. He doesn't know if it's you or what you were able to bring to light in a few hours, revealing it to his own eyes and intuiting it while spending such a short time with him.

“You are… um, amazing. Yes, I think that’s the right word,” he says, smiling slowly at you. “No one has ever spoken to me like that. Not even my own subordinates.”

“Well, I’m not your subordinate, Marcus,” you reply, smiling at him.

“Do I seem bold to you, if... well, if I tell you that you are beautiful?” your expression changes, but you don't lose your smile, you shake your head slowly, “I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman like you.” You lower your gaze in a split section. “Intuitive, sweet, captivating.” Acacius sighs, “You must be starving, while I look like… well, I want to hit on you.”

You frown, “Hit on me? What does that mean?”

The man smiles as if touched by your innocence, “You don't know anything at all, do you?”

After eating and saying a few words here and there about what this or what that thing is, Marcus — not at all tired or annoyed by your presence, on the contrary more and more curious by your originality — offers you a walk along the seashore.

The sun's rays are getting weaker, the sand is cool at your feet and Marcus for the first time in years and years indulges himself in the luxury of being able to take off that armor that he always wore it with pride, but which from time to time weighs like a millstone. He tells you about himself like he never did before, he even finds himself confiding in you about episodes of his childhood and early adolescence and you smile at him, in that light your eyes seem to shine with pure magic.

Being with you makes him feel lighter. And he likes it. Until then, being with others had been limited to when someone gave him orders or when he himself ordered others to carry out what had been planned for the conquest of this or that land. You're not asking him for anything, you don't want anything. He still hasn't understood why you're there and why with someone like him, but for the first time he chooses not to ask questions, but to accept your mysterious presence as a gift.

You answer a few more of his questions, not because he doesn't have any, but because after so much time he can finally speak freely and not about politics, not about interests, not about the Empire, but about himself and Rome never gives space to all this. You do it and you're a breath of fresh air in his life.

“Marcus?” you say. “Can I ask you something?”

If you look at him that way, you can ask for anything and he will give it to you.

“Tell me.”

“What’s the story of Faustus?” you ask him.

He sighs sadly, “As I told you before, his is a sad story. His mother, Iulia, and her mother were slaves and served the Emperor Septimius Severus. He also treated them well all in all, Iulia grew up knowing what her role was and therefore she learned to stay in her place. In short, she’s a slave and then women... have no freedom of speech or thought.”

“Why?” you ask him and he looks at you.

You are not really a creature of this world!

“Unfortunately, this is how our society works. Men are in charge.”

“And you agree?” you ask him.

He watches the ripples of the sea, “Come let's sit here.” he says to you, stopping not far from the entrance of his villa and sitting on the now completely cold sand. Marcus watches the light summer wind caress your long hair and move it slightly, he then watches the now dark horizon “No. I don't agree at all. You women are everything to this society, you make such an important contribution and not only for the most obvious reason, but you are intelligent, charismatic, and sometimes gifted with an unrivaled wit.”

Marcus really thinks it, he's not just saying it, he really believes it.

“Returning to Iulia, well.. her mother died shortly after the death of the Emperor, he was succeeded by the current Emperors Caracalla and Geta.” Marcus takes a break “They reign according to their own rules and according to their own personal enjoyment, as to this last aspect, well the young Iulia became the object of desire of the young Caracalla and one evening...” Marcus feels his throat tighten as he tells this story out loud, but you asked what the story of the boy you just met is and so he decides to tell you the whole story “he raped her and she got pregnant.” he hears you holding your breath “His brother Geta covered up what his brother had done and so he entrusted young Iulia to me, taking her away from his brother.”

“And the boy?” you ask him. “Does he know that...?”

“Of course not! His mother told him that his father is away and will return one day, but of course that will never happen.” he explains it to you again and then takes a long, very long break.

“Don’t you like them?” you ask him naively.

“Quiet, sweet girl!” he admonishes you looking around with a worried expression and you imitate his looking around and then find yourself eye to eye with him again “Never, and I mean never, speak ill of them.”

You frown, “What would happen?”

He holds his breath, “You’d die. Whoever opposes them, dies. One way or another.” he replies and your eyes widen in disbelief or probably scared to learn this “I serve them whether I want to or not. I have no say in the matter.” You frown without taking your eyes off his contrite face “Did you think it was different for men?”

“I thought that since you were a General you could do whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted,” you admit with a shrug.

He smiles, “It's not that simple,” he's about to take your hand, but then thinks better of it, he doesn't know if you'd like such a touch from him “We men, although we are certainly freer than you women, are still part of Rome and Rome sometimes sucks you in, eats you alive day after day and then spits you out if you are no longer useful.” he sees you swallow and slowly bring your legs closer to your chest “Sometimes I feel like that. Eaten up and then spat out like I don't even have a heart or feelings.” he adds in a murmur.

“Marcus, oh Marcus.” you say and he turns around looking at your saddened face “Why don’t you go away?”

He chuckles, but it's not a happy chuckle, on the contrary. “You know,” he says, tucking a lock of hair behind your ear, “with you I'm breathing again after a long, long time and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me that I am a person before a General.” you smile at him, but he senses that it's an embarrassed smile from this contact so he moves his hand away and places it on his lap “This is who I am. I can neither fight it nor escape from this role.”

You nod and then fearfully place a hand on his, “I wish I could do more for you,” you say, your breath shaking. It's like you're afraid to touch him... why?

“You do, you're already doing it, you know?”

“Really?”

Marcus nods, “You really are the sweetest creature in the world.” He pauses. “I wonder why you chose me, why you're here.” The man sees your skin crease. “Are you cold?”

You shake your head, moving your hand away from him and placing it on your thigh with your head down.

“There's something you're not telling me, right?” You look up and stare into his dark eyes for a long moment before slowly nodding “I already knew that.” You swallow “But, whatever it is,” Marcus gently strokes your arm, “it’s fine with me. You make me human.” your smile widens as if you find what he just said funny “Seriously,” the man insists, “and thank you for listening to me. Your sweetness warms my heart for the first time. You know,” he starts staring at the now completely dark horizon again “the Emperors want me to get married.” he confides in you “I’m not afraid, but I’m forced to do what I don’t want. That’s why, as I told you, you are never completely free even though you are a man.”

You, unexpectedly again, rest your head on his shoulder and this time make an extra gesture that on one hand stops him for a moment, but on the other hand it makes his heart beat so fast, you reach out a hand towards his and squeeze it, intertwining your fingers with his.

If Marcus could, he would marry you.

The next day, you are awakened by the cawing of seagulls and a soft light that filters through the thin curtains that flutter in the summer wind.

You stretch with a smile, sitting in the center of the bed, placing a hand on your legs in a gesture as if to check that they are still there and that you are not dreaming of having them.

So, you wake up humming to yourself ready to live this new day. You don't know what to expect or if Marcus will be there by your side.

Marcus... you think about how sad and lonely his life has been, he has glory and power, but he’s completely alone. No one really rejoices with him, no one talks to him.

For him to confide in you, who have been in his life for less than a day, means that he desperately needed to talk and be heard by someone, anyone, you.

There's a knock at the door, you turn around to see the door open and Iulia enters the room, “Oh, my lady, are you already up?!” she exclaims surprise holding in her hands a tray full of fruit and bread with a strange semi-shiny substance spread on it.

“Iulia?” you call her.

“My lady?”

“Don’t call me that, it makes me uncomfortable,” you tell her, shrugging and revealing your name. She looks at you sympathetically as she places the tray on a table in the center of your room.

“I’m not allowed to do that. The General was very clear,” she replies softly.

You nod, “He treats you well.” It's not a question, it's a statement, she looks at you almost scared “Don't be afraid.” You reassure her by moving closer to her and placing a hand on her shoulder as a sign of understanding and affection and at that moment a series of violent images appear before your eyes: it's Iulia, she's younger, she cries, she's the victim of increasingly cruel pranks by two blond boys, then another cruel and terrifying image appears before your eyes, she’s held tightly by the wrists and then you see a young man with blond curly hair leaning over her, she screams, then the image disappears and another image appears before your eyes of one of the two young blond boys rudely handing over Iulia to a younger Acacius.

You jump, “Are you all right, my lady?” Iulia asks you, noticing your shocked expression. “Do you want a hot bath? You're shaking.” she adds worriedly.

“No. No. I'm fine. Thank you.” You reply, shaking your head as if to erase those images. You don't dare to imagine what it was like to actually live those scenes.

Poor Iulia...

“Come, I'll help you undress, my lady.” Iulia insists, walking towards your bed. You let her take off your nightgown, “You have beautiful skin, if I can dare, my lady.” You smile, but you don’t know what to say to her.

You think about how much she suffered in undergoing what she experienced, but above all in having to also raise a child who is kid out of...

You sigh, maybe your father is right about one thing: humans are strange creatures and some are truly dangerous.

“My lady, did you rest well?” she asks you again kindly.

You give a small smile, “Yes, thank you. I don't think I've ever slept so soundly.”

Iulia helps you clean up before getting ready for the bath. The water smells wonderful, “What is that smell?” you ask curiously.

“It’s lavender, my lady. Do you like it?” she asks as she helps you not to slip while getting into the tub.

“Yes,” you hum closing your eyes.

“Today is a beautiful day. The sun is high in the sky, thanking the god Apollo.” she claims moving away just enough to give you some privacy, but remaining in the same room as you.

In this sudden pleasant silence that envelops you and the woman, you hear a sudden hubbub under your window, then horses in the distance and finally Marcus' deep voice echoing in the peristylium.

Iulia is the first to slowly approach the window, you hear her footsteps and then you almost feel her holding her breath. You turn in her direction and notice the paleness on her face, “Are you okay, Iulia?” you ask her worriedly.

“Oh, yes,” she says hastily. “Come on, I’ll help you.” she adds, offering her hands to help you get out without any problems. She wraps you in a soft towel and pats you dry, “Let me do it.” she adds again when you do the same to dry your skin from the water.

“What’s wrong?” you ask her as she gently massages away the excess water. “Why has your skin turned so white?” you ask her still not understanding what happened.

“Nothing, my lady.” she says, but from the tone of her voice you understand that something that is troubling her must have happened, even if you don't know what it is yet “Come, I'll help you get dressed.” she adds in a sad whisper. She helps you cover your breasts and womanhood with some bands, then she makes you wear a dress as thin as seaweed, light as you and your sisters and all the mermaids and newts when you swim down there in the depths of the sea.

“You are enchanting, my lady.” She adds again with a small smile that curves her lips upwards, but it’s not a happy smile, her head is still lost in who knows what thought. She combs your hair and then lets it fall loose over your shoulders and down your back, “Why don’t you eat something before you go to the General?” she suggests.

“I’m not hungry,” you reply, shrugging.

“But my lady, you need to eat a little.” She insists, holding out the tray and looking at you with hopeful eyes that you will listen to her.

“You're a good person, Iulia. Thank you. I'll eat later.” You insist, sticking to your opinion about wanting to reach the man and let this new day begin.

You put on some strange shoes that are very comfortable, then you head towards the door, opening it and going out. The air is quite warm that day and you feel it too even though your body temperature is not the same as humans, but it doesn't matter.

As you pass by, you notice other servants busy doing their household chores, stopping to half bow and say my lady. You feel uncomfortable, no one, not even at the bottom of the sea, has ever shown you such respect. And yet, your father is the king of the sea!

Who knows if he has found out where you are and what he is doing, who knows if your sisters are thinking of you and wondering why you made this decision! You miss them, but you don't regret your choice.

When you reach the room that Marcus called triclinium, you hear two voices talking animatedly. One is the General, the other you don't know who belongs to. You hide behind a thick marble column and listen to what they say. You lean forward just enough to give a face to the second voice as well and you immediately recognize the face you saw when you touched Iulia: it's one of the two Emperors, the one who entrusted the young slave to Acacius. His features are not unpleasant, but there is something in his gaze and a glint in his eyes that unsettles you to the core, sending a shiver down your spine.

“I know that Augusta Lucilla was your guest recently,” says the Emperor.

“Yes, that’s right,” Acacius confirms, his tone extremely cold and controlled, so different from the one he used with you just a few hours earlier.

“So? Have you discussed the terms of your union?”

Acacius swallows and his dark eyes seem to grow even darker like the stormy sea, “Yes.”

“And?” asks the young man again, sitting on one of the triclinia with an impatient air to know who knows what details of the matter.

“We will be husband and wife, with this union everything will be under control.” Marcus answers hastily keeping his head down as if feeling uncomfortable with all these questions.

“Good.” the boy comments again, then adds “There's someone spying on us!” You hide behind a column feeling caught red-handed “I don't like people who spy on me.” he adds again, but his tone of voice seems amused, then silence follows and finally you are surrounded on one side by Marcus who looks at you surprised and also a little annoyed and on the other side there is the Emperor who lets his gaze wander from your face then along your figure and then states “You have a new slave, Acacius! She’s beautiful.”

You swallow, seeking Marcus's eyes, who gives you a silent look before answering the ruler, “She’s my guest. She is not a slave.”

“Oh, right! She's too beautiful to be a slave." he notes with a little grimace "So, why did you keep her from me? She could have joined us. If nothing else, she would have been much more pleasant to look at than you!” he exclaims with a smirk. “Where does this beautiful creature come from?” he asks, looking at you, but waiting for an answer from the General.

You hope with all your heart that the man would lie about how you met, you are not sure that the boy in front of you can accept an answer as the truth that you came from the sea.

“From the East.” Acacius lies. You look into his eyes again, feeling relieved by this lie.

“Oh, I see.” he comments “That's why you're delaying the wedding, now I got it!” he exclaims smiling mischievously “It was worth it, I hope” he adds without taking his eyes off you “I'd like to hang out with her too.” He chuckles, hinting at who knows what.

Acacius is now visibly tense. His features are hard, his expression is cold and tense, his jaw clenched and his chest puffed out. You didn't quite understand what the Emperor was referring to, but Marcus did and he must not have liked it.

“Are you doubting my honor and integrity?” Marcus asks, clenching his jaw tighter.

“Oh no, come on General, I don't think it's appropriate to react like this!” exclaims the emperor smiling at him, but Marcus doesn't smile back, “Oh, you’re so boring!” he adds, huffing, then smiling at you.

“I beg your pardon, the gods gave you and your brother the wisdom to know when it is time to be serious or not.” Marcus replies through his teeth with a sarcastic smile.

You try to hold back your emotions by masking them by looking down at your feet. Then you look up again, observing Marcus' features that have become so hard and cold and the softer ones of the Emperor who has lost his smile upon hearing the General's words.

“I hope your guest is at least more inclined to smile.” You look at the man’s dark eyes. “And I hope your beautiful guest has a name, too.”

“She is…” Marcus is about to answer for you, but the Emperor silences him.

“I want to hear her voice. She can speak, right?”

You have to say something since the two men's eyes are fixed on you, you nod, “Of course.”

The boy clenches his jaw slightly, lifting his chin slightly upwards, “Your voice is enchanting and your beauty overshadows your insolence.” he smiles “I am Geta. One of the two emperors of Rome.” he finally introduces himself “I'm sure we'll get along great, um.. what's your name, my lady?”

You respond by telling him your name and he repeats it before licking his lower lip in a slow motion as if he were about to taste the most succulent of dishes. This man — Geta — makes you feel uncomfortable just with a look, it seems like a curious and innocent look, but deep down you feel that he’s not as innocent as he wants you to believe.

“I'd be happy to have a word with your guest, General. If that's okay with you.” He wants to sound sweet and hospitable, but the light in his eyes seems anything but innocent.

Marcus gives you the look of someone who wants to say something, but can't do anything.

“Oh, and General Acacius have wine and food brought for your beautiful guest too so she can celebrate your union with Augusta Lucilla. Has our beloved General told you about his impending wedding?” he asks, looking at your eyes as if wanting to notice any reactions of displeasure on your part.

You just nod with a hint of a smile, “Yeah, I was just surprised to hear that marriage isn’t based on love.” Geta gives you a surprised and intrigued look. “So, isn’t marriage based on this?” you ask, your gaze wandering from the Emperor’s curious face to the General’s much more tense one.

"Yours is a very interesting guest." comments the first "To answer your question, no. Not always. Mostly unions are unions of interest, politics. And the wedding of our brave General is one of them.” he concludes by patting Marcus on the shoulder who shrugs his shoulders assuming an expression so hard that it almost scares you, but it doesn't discourage or inspire fear in the Emperor who instead seems amused by this reaction "I must leave you now, I have other matters to attend to. I await further communication from you, General. Once this matter is settled, Rome will need to expand further. I want everything to be perfectly under control.”

Acacius clenches his jaw and simply places his fist at chest height and bows his head in respect and greeting towards the young man who, after giving him one last look, turns to you taking your hand and you jump when at that moment some images appear to you in which the Emperor has a lot of make-up on his eyes, he shouts something towards a noisy audience and there, in the middle of what looks like an arena, Acacius, bleeding and wounded, prepares to face some heavily armed men, then another image where Geta is among men dressed in white sitting on chairs, he speaks with great passion of betrayal, then in a last vision there is you, you are in what seems to be a prison and you are wearing a half-torn white dress, you are scared, you can feel your own fear and pain, you are turning into a mermaid again.

You pull your hand away in fear, “I apologize, I don’t feel well. Um, I’m going to my rooms,” you announce, leaving both men behind, who are surely still watching you.

When you are sure that Geta is gone, you leave your rooms and head to a cliff behind the villa. The wind has become stronger and the smell of the sea more intense. You wonder if the images you saw are real or if it is your own fear that others might discover the truth that is showing them to you so vividly.

“You’re here.” You hear Marcus’ warm, husky voice. “I thought you were asleep.”

You shake your head without turning in his direction, “No.”

He reaches you and comes alongside, for a while neither you nor he say anything, there is the incessant sound of the sea in the background. You think back to the fate that awaits the General, a union without love.. then you think back to when you saw him bloodied and fighting so ferociously just to survive.

“I’m sorry if the emperor upset you. He’s… that’s the way he is. He enjoys upsetting others, he takes this strange pleasure.”

You nod, “Your world is quite complicated. I thought you were exaggerating, but…” a shiver runs down your spine “The Emperor, Geta, has something in his gaze that has horrified me to the core.” you confide “He is so superficial, so devoid of humanity and he hides it behind that seraphic appearance that the gods have given him.” you add in a barely audible whisper to Acacius.

You feel something covering your shoulders and you almost jump, it's just Marcus placing his cloak on your shoulders. You look at him with a grateful but also sad look, “Why does he want you to marry at all costs? What does he gain from it?”

Marcus lifts one corner of his mouth in a small smirk, “He... well, um no I have to tell you everything from the start.” You listen to every word the man says and the more you listen the more the emperor seems absolutely crazy, you roll your eyes several times and you find yourself opening your mouth in shock.

When he finishes you look down and clutch his cloak, “I’m sorry I upset you. Again.” he says in a sorry and bitter tone, “But all that glitters is not gold.”

You shake your head slowly, “No, I’m glad you confided in me.” You look at him, “You’re a wonderful person, Marcus.” This time it’s his turn to lower his head. How you wish you could lift him out of all this, you wish he was happy! “How I wish your life was simple and happy!” you tell him and this time he looks up exchanging a knowing smile with you.

“Tonight, do you want to come with me to Rome? I want you to see more than just my life. I can’t guarantee that you’ll like everything you see, but you’ll certainly have a broader vision.”

“If I’m with you, that’s fine,” you reply.

He gives you such a sweet smile that warms your heart and makes it beat.

The magnificence of Rome envelops, conquers and scares every time. Marcus can't help but observe the amazement in your eyes, the smile that appears when you notice something special or extravagant.

You are in front of him, your hands on the cart to hold yourself up. He is right behind you, holding the reins of the horse. Every now and then you look up at him and ask him what this or that is and he answers your ear giving a name to everything you see as you pass by.

When the chariot stops, he gets out first, then gives you his hands to get out, you get out with a little hop, observing first the man and then what is around you.

The people have prepared huge bonfires around which they prepare food, some dance and others sing hymns to Hades so that he can help them always have food and with the hope that one day they or their descendants will enjoy some of the wealth enjoyed by the upper classes.

Acacius has always participated in these events, he tried to do everything he could for the people by sharing that little bit of wealth that he himself enjoyed and for this he’s much loved by all the people. In fact, he's one of the few men who is not frowned upon or thrown rotten food as he passes by; rather, they bless him and thank him. This evening is no exception.

Marcus immediately receives a glass of wine which he offers to you as a sign of gallantry, then takes another. You both drink, smiling at each other, and in the firelight your eyes and your smile bewitch him. Your joy, your dance, your laughter, your dragging him into those dances envelop him and ensnare him until he forgets, at least for those hours, his role and the burden that weighs on his shoulders.

You brought so much joy and lightness into his heart, you brought serenity and enthusiasm into a difficult and heavy life like his, you brought the love that was missing in his life.

[ramyeonzwithspam]

I'll Wait - Sim Jaeyun

Your best friend, Jake, picks you up after a breakup

idolbestfriend!Jake x f!reader (idolexbf!heeseung)

fluff, angst, best friends to ???

authors notes: first time posting on here, so im so sorry if the formatting sucks, im trying to learn!! pls be kind if you have any comments or tips!

!!not proofread!!

The wind bit at your running nose as you sat on the cold park bench, still processing what just happened to you. The love of your life, the man you wanted to marry, Lee Heeseung, had just walked out of your life. No proper explanation. No closure. No real goodbye. He was just ..gone.

Tears streamed down your cheeks, briefly warm before chilling in the bitter cold. You stared up into the night sky aimlessly. It seemed like when you had arrived with Heeseung, the sky was full of beautiful stars. But now it felt empty, void of that sparkle you had come to love. There was no indication of where the sky ended and the ocean began, the only real sign of the beach was the distant sound of icy water crashing on the shoreline. It was like the world around you had simply stopped, there were no cars, no people, no animals, nothing but you, the sky and the ocean. It almost felt like the world was giving you the space to grieve, like it heard your shattered heart.

After god knows how long, your silent world was broken by the sound of a car rumbling up the road to the beach. You processed the sound of a door slamming and footsteps rapidly approaching you, but made no effort to see who it was. Simply focusing on the shivering of your body and the pit in your stomach. You only turned to see the person next to you when you felt a warm jacket wrap around your shaking body.

“Jake,” you managed to breathe out between silent sobs. Your best friend, the one man you trusted as much as you had trusted Heeseung. There was a faint smile on his face when you turned to look at him, but there was a sadness in his eyes. You wanted to stop and ask how he knew, how he was even able to get out of the dorms and come get you. Usually their manager was too strict on the boys to let Jake AND Hee see you, it was a miracle they even let you date Heeseung in the first place.

“He called me. Said you would need someone to pick you up,” Jake whispered carefully, not wanting to upset you more, as he came to sit next to you. His body felt warm and comforting next to you and, without a word, you cozied into his side. Slowly, your sobs became audible, the reality sinking in with Jake’s arrival. At the sound of your violent cries, Jake wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a tight hug. It felt nice, Jake’s hugs were always the best. It was warm and safe, the only place you felt grounded in the upside down reality that was this night.

“You don’t deserve this Y/N.. I can't believe Heeseung would leave you like this,” Jake muttered, talking to himself more than you. It shocked you to hear how mad he was at his own member. He had known Heeseung much longer than he knew you, but there was a pull between the two of you that couldn't be denied. But something about his words tonight felt different, strained, almost like he was fighting not to say how he truly felt.

As Jake held you, it felt like you were finally able to pick up some of the broken pieces. Your body relaxed into him, safe, warm, and loved. That was the only word you could use to describe how Jake made you feel, loved. It wasn’t a thought you could focus on now, but it certainly confused you. After an uncountable amount of time, your sobs subsided and you pulled away from Jake, looking him in the eyes again. It hit you then. Jake. Sim Jaeyun. Famous Kpop Idol. He was sitting here, on a freezing park bench in the middle of a random beach. All for you. He was here for you

“How did you get here? Why- What-” you sputtered, emotional and confused by the combatting feelings in your chest.

“Hey.. love.. it's okay” He interrupted, staring into your eyes with that indescribable look, “I took a car. I gave my manager no choice, this wasn't about me or the group. It was about you. You know I would do anything for you,” He finished as he reached a hand to softly wipe at the tear tracks left on your skin. A soft smile grew on his face as he rested his hand on your cheek, stroking it with his thumb. That smile. Always that smile. There was something about Sim Jaeyun that could always make your heart flutter. You knew it was wrong. You had dated one of his members, he was your best friend for god sake. But when you stared at that smile, it was like the whole world melted away. You could forget about Heeseung, their managers, the fans, everything. At that moment, it was just you and Jake.

Jake let out a small sigh, “Let's get you home,” he said, standing up while grabbing both of your hands to help off the bench. As you made your way to his car, one of his hands rested firmly on the small of your back, rubbing comforting circles across the fabric of your dress. Jake, ever the gentleman, made sure to open the door for you, and even went as far as to buckle your seatbelt, pushing down your shaking hands when you attempted to do it yourself.

The car, still warm from Jake’s drive, welcomed you in. You were quick to relax into the plush seat, smiling weakly as Jake closed your door and went around to the drivers side. It took everything in you not to curl up and go to bed right then and there. Though you knew Jake wouldn't mind, you still felt bad that he was here with you instead of back at the dorms.

“Thank you,” you whispered, eyes half closed as you stared at Jake. Something about this moment felt so wrong and so right at the same time. You were heart broken, devastated, but Jake was here. Jake always made your heart full, no matter the situation.

Another one of his charming smiles spread across his face as he reached over to hold your hand, “Of course, pretty girl, I would do it a million times over to make sure you're okay,” he spoke with that twinkle in his eye again. Admiring you like you were a vintage painting, something so beautiful yet so fragile. Had it been another day, another time, you may have noticed a hint of something deeper in the way he watched you.

You don't remember much after that, just the warm, plush seat underneath you and the comfort of Jake’s fingers still entwined with yours. As you drifted off to sleep, you felt Jake steal glances at you, unaware of any meaning in them. The last thing you remember was the sound of Jake’s voice, saying something you couldn't quite understand as you drifted to sleep….

“I’ll wait for you Y/N, and when you're ready, I’ll be there”

[multiwreckedmess]

Helloooo. Badboy!Yunho ??👀

yesssssss what about himmmm? you raaaaang? i'm always down for Badboy!yunho but he has many FLAVORS 👀

actually oh my god idea. badboy!yunho x nerd!reader no sex just build up but AHHHHHHHHHHHHhhahhahahaaha thoughts THOUGHTS no warnings ain't nothing here.

badboy!yunho is kind of the worst group project partner. He watches you tapping away at your laptop muttering under your breath with a shit-eating grin plastered to his face. It's not the grin that's infuriating, at least one of you is having a good time, it's the fact that he's only brought his cellphone with him to his make up meeting.

You see, you'd normally just do the project alone, holed up in your dorm, but at least a portion of the final grade is based on four mandatory group meetings throughout the semester. Unfortunately Yunho had been "sick" (read: hungover) for the meeting the past Sunday and you had agreed to meet up again for extra credit.

"Have any plans tonight?"

"I suppose you're going to ask if you can leave to go pre-game with your frat bros." You don't even bother to look up from the google doc, not yet even opened by him.

"That's what you think of me?"

"Am I wrong?"

The chair creeks as he leans away from you without answering. Phone laying neglected on the table, he isn't even pretending to work. Not that he did much on the phone besides scroll on Instagram with his volume up.

"I'm sorry but I don't see the point of us meeting if you aren't going to at least contribute something. I can't imagine that your phone is your only device available," you finally scoff, patience waning thin. The space feels more like an interrogation chamber than a study nook. Frankly the oppositional stance he'd taken across from you did not help with the tension, his eyes always tracing you.

"Is my charming smile not enough of a benefit?" He flashes a winning grin at you.

"No."

"What if we fucked? Would that be considered contributing?"

"My sex life is fine, thanks." Embarrassment burns in your cheeks as you try to hold the guise of studying. The cursor blinking hopefully on the long forgotten running bibliography tab.

Yunho sees his opening. Your head ducking deeper into the laptop screen without any sounds of typing is a dead giveaway. Getting up he circles the table to stand just over your shoulder, leaning in as though he was genuinely interested in the work you were doing. "That's not what I asked."

You lamely toggle the open windows on your screen, pretending not to hear him. Despite his hushed volume, his face was close enough to yours to feel the warmth of his skin radiating.

"I wanted to know, by your definition, if we fucked if that would count as participation in the project. We're going to fuck anyway, I just want to know if I'll get credit."

Goosebumps bloom down your shoulders all the way to buzz at your fingertips. Sitting in a stunned silent, almost out of body experience, you watch as Yunho rubs your forearm gently.

"Are you cold?" He asks a little too loudly before leaning over to loosely hold you in a back hug. "Or are you just excited at the thought?"

Maybe you are a little cold. His body heat feels nice to have so close to you. He's like a big electric blanket velcro'd to you and you can't help but start to enjoy the way your shoulders fit nicely between his. "No. Yunho, I need you to focus. I need to focus."

He promptly withdraws to your side, perched over the computer still but in his own bubble. Dragging a chair to your side he watches as you type, tabbing between windows and fleshing out the outline. Slowly his head weighs his arm down and he ends up nearly laying across the table, looking up at you instead of the screen. "If I focus, will you go out with me tonight?"

"Sure." You answer curtly. Then his question hits you in the back of the head like a stack of bricks. "No, wait, what?"

His eyes a brighten. "No take backsies, you said-"

"Are you joking?" Anger and embarrassment bubbles inside of you.

"I'm yours for now but you're mine tonight."

[girlwithadragonheart]

3 ~ King of Wands, Upright

Vi Et Animo (With Heart and Soul)

Vander x Fem!Reader

Summary: Do your legs ever get tired running from your past?

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: Heavy allusions to SA!!!(Nightmare). Descriptions of blood, a fight, hurt/comfort-ish, Powder is my little angel baby

A/N: Haha *hits the whip*

Part 2 Masterlist Part 4(wip)

Your heart pounded as you sprinted through narrow corridors, barely understanding the layout of your surroundings as you ran. It didn’t matter. He was right behind you, and all you had to do was get away. Was there an exit? You couldn’t tell. Everything was so bloody dark, and you could barely feel your feet slapping against the pavement. 

Dark streets, quiet alleys, low lamp lights. Quick, heavy breaths as you fought for control you could never have. 

Bruises on your wrists. Your hips. Your thighs…

No, please don’t go there. Not again.

It didn’t matter how hard you fought. It never did.

Your fists landed weakly against his chest. He didn’t even flinch as your skirts were hoisted up. Your face scraped the brick of a nearby building as he pushed your front half down.

The clink of a belt buckle. A bruising grip.

You looked at the diamond set in gold on your finger, thinking how the light refracted reminded you of the stars. Your beloved constellations. You floated through the night sky, the shining light of the stars tickling your fingers as you passed them by.

A sharp pain pulled you down out of your precious sky, plunging you into dark waters. All noise was muffled, and if you didn’t move, you almost felt you were floating. Peacefully suspended beneath the tumultuous sea.

Too bad it was time to come up for air.

You gasped and sputtered. Your skin felt sticky and warm. A faint metallic taste rested on your lips as you spat, copper filling your mouth. 

When you opened your eyes, you drowned in the sea of blood.

—------------------------

Your heart raced as you sat up quickly, hand clutching your chest. Your gaze darted around the now-familiar room, tucked away in a dark corner of the bar. The couch was soft and plush beneath you. A blanket covered your form that you didn’t remember having.

You had given Vander his bed back after that first night, opting for this spot. The four of you had settled into a somewhat cozy routine, eating breakfast together at the bar before setting up for opening. You felt a bit out of it, just going through the motions without giving them much thought. Thank the gods for a routine, right?

You heard a snide comment under Vi’s breath as you pulled chairs down off of tables. “Bet she’s never lifted anything heavier than a teacup.”

The comment registered too late for you to respond.

Vi scoffed, leading Powder out of the bar with a hand on her upper back. Vander glanced at the two of them, “Don’t do anything stupid!” He called after them.

“You know we will!” Vi yelled over her shoulder.

He shook his head fondly as he wiped down the bar. “Headstrong, that one. Takes after her mother.”

You look over at him curiously, doing your best to be engaged. He had never spoken of the girls’ mother, and while Powder called him “dad”, Vi called him Vander, so you assumed he had taken them in. That didn’t make them any less his girls, though.

“Who was she?” You asked carefully.

Vander looked up at you and sighed heavily. “Felicia,” he started. “She worked in the mines with me and my brother. She was fiercely protective and loyal, and she always gave her all, no matter the circumstance,” he told you. “She died with her husband, Connel, when we led the uprising.” A forlorn expression rested on his face as he finished, and your heart clenched for him.

“What about your brother?” You asked, almost afraid of the answer. Still, it was easier to ask questions than to answer them yourself. You’d divert the attention away from yourself as long as it took for you to be safe.

“Our opinions on how to achieve peace diverged once Felicia wasn’t there to keep us on track. He wanted to fight violence with violence and get revenge on Topside for what they’ve done to us. Showing them that we’re exactly what they think we are. No offense,” he added quickly.

“None taken. I’m one of you now, remember?” You flashed a wry grin of pearly whites, and he couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head.

“Anyway. We got into it pretty bad, and I…” he looked down at his hands. “I almost killed him,” he admitted quietly, the sound almost getting choked in his throat. “That’s when I hung my gauntlets up.”

You moved over to the bar, taking one of his hands, having to cradle it between both of yours. You traced over the lines softly, humming. “Interesting…” His hand was covered in little faded scars, some rougher and some newer than others. There were calluses that looked to be fading slowly with time. This was easy for you. Familiar and comforting.

“What?” He questioned.

“Your heart line is all broken up,” you told him, rubbing your thumb over the crease in his palm. “You’ve suffered a lot, and there’s more to suffer, but you’re strong and won’t let it break you.” You spoke softly, glancing up at him. “And you see how it ends here?” Your finger traces it from his pinky to his ring finger. “You fall in love easily. And the curve shows you’ve got a good handle on expressing your emotions.”

You felt his eyes on you, studying you intently. “You can see all of that in a line?” He questioned.

You shrugged. “One of my many talents.” You ran your fingers over his palm, pointing out all the lines on his hand. “This is your heart line, obviously” you explained, your thumb running over the one you just read. “This is your head line,” your finger dragged over the line across the middle of his palm. “This is your life line.” Again over the line curved around his thumb. “And this…” You take his hand, gently molding it to show the line running down the center, “is your fate line. Not everyone has this one. They all show different things.”

Vander watched you carefully, and you almost missed the slight tremble of his hand. Someone banged on the door, and you pulled away quickly. “Another time, Peach,” he told you with a small smile. “Flip the lights?” He asked, and you nodded, moving to unlock the door and turning the signs on.

The man who had been waiting strutted in, with a smile, moving to the bar. “What does a guy gotta do to get a drink around here?”

“Benzo, my man!” Vander yelled, pulling out the tumbler and making him a drink.

“I’d heard you were taking in more strays, Vander,” he said, looking over at you with an appraising gaze.

“You’re one to talk you old bastard,” Vander playfully punched his arm, setting the drink heavily in front of him.

“Yeah, yeah. Who’s the lass?” He asked.

“You hear about the Piltie stuck on our streets?” Vander wondered, eyes darting over to you and you averted your gaze, moving to don your apron for the day.

“No shit,” Benzo said, glancing over at you again as you picked up your tray. “Suppose it explains why the Lanes have been up in arms about this place lately,” he observed. “You’re a little attention magnet, girl.”

“Must be my dashing good looks,” you grinned with a wink, and you swore the man almost cracked an unwilling smile.

“Only when that ego ain’t blocking ‘em.”

Vander watched the exchange with amusement. “See, she’s fitting in right well already.” He rubbed a hand over the scruff of his beard thoughtfully. Benzo grumbled into his mug, and Vander just grinned. 

“Besides, I’m stuck here like the rest of you, might as well get used to seeing me, sweetheart,” you pulled a wry grin, leaning on the bar. 

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

The day was slow. Agonizingly so. You needed the rush of the job, the distraction. If you weren’t serving someone, you were cleaning tables or sweeping the floor. If Vander noticed your distraction, he didn’t comment on it. 

You were grateful when he asked you to go and check the stock downstairs. It offered something for you to really think about. Unfortunately, you were remarkably quick and finished before you really started. 

You reported back to Vander, moving to clear off a couple tables that patrons had left before moving to wash mugs.

“You alright, lass? You seem… distracted,” Vander asked you quietly over his shoulder.

You blinked, looking over at him before answering after a beat of silence that stretched just a bit too long. “Yeah. Just a lot on my mind is all. Don’t worry about it,” you gave him your best reassuring smile before turning back to your dishes and finishing up the washing.

The crowd picked up as the night went on, and you found yourself with more orders than you could count on your hand that wasn’t carrying drinks. You had started to learn some of the regulars’ names over the past week that you’d been working. You offered them welcoming smiles as you brought their usual drinks.

You didn’t even notice the girls had come back until one of the patrons started yelling—drunk and belligerent. He had Powder’s wrist in an iron-clad grip, and she was visibly shaking, wide blue eyes filled with unshed tears. The front of the man’s shirt and his pants were soaked. A spilled drink.

“Look what you did, you fucking brat!” He swore, getting down into her face.

“I didn’t mean to, I- I’m sorry!” Powder struggled.

You were moving before you even knew it. Your hand clamped down around the man’s wrist, anger hot in your chest. “Let her go,” You demanded, voice calm despite the raging storm within.

You stared at him, unblinking. He looked up at you, ready to throw another curse or insult or perhaps strike you, but whatever he saw in his eyes made him think twice. 

He scoffed. “Tch. Not worth the effort.” He released Powder from his grasp, and she went running downstairs. “Clean up this fucking mess.” He ordered you.

“I’m sure you’re capable enough to clean up your drink from your clothes,” you spat, already walking away from him. When you looked at Vander, he was fuming, rolling his sleeves up past his elbows. 

You discarded your apron, tossing it on the bar before quickly descending the basement stairs. When you got down there, you saw Powder curled up in a corner, rocking back and forth as she cried, her knees pulled to her chest. 

Your heart clenched, your anger practically dissipating as you took in her state. You made sure your steps were audible as you walked over and sat on one of the couches across from her. 

She held herself tighter as you approached, and you sighed, noticing her sniffles quiet, forever trying to be strong like her sister. However, holding in your feelings didn’t make you stronger, it only made you volatile.

“C’mere, love,” you said softly, your voice gentle and beckoning.

She practically darted into your embrace, curled up on your lap as she clutched at your clothes desperately. Your arms encircled her easily, gently rubbing her back as she cried. Your other hand carded through her hair, gently working out any knots. 

“That was scary, yeah?” You asked gently. “Breathe for me, okay? In… Out… In… Out…” You breathed deeply, letting her rise with your chest. You felt her trying to match your breathing. “There you go. It’s alright. No bastard will ever get away with putting their hands on you while your dad and I are around. I know the Lanes aren’t safe, but just remember if they knock you down, you get back up again, okay?”

“Okay,” she said quietly, yet determined.

You heard a crash from upstairs, and you gently cover Powder’s ear that isn’t pressed against your chest. You would shield her from the violence; While you could. You hummed softly; the tune your mother used to sing for you. It helped you sometimes to feel small and warm in her embrace. Before the world got dark and scary. 

“Don’t touch my daughter!” Vander bellowed upstairs. More than a small part of you was glad he was giving that man what he deserved. And another, bigger part of you felt warm at his protectiveness. You ignored both of them, focusing solely on Powder.

You sat with her, playing with her hair and humming until she was fast asleep against your chest. Something in you warmed that she felt safe enough with you to let her guard down, despite the hardships she had faced. Losing both parents… You didn’t even want to think about how awful that must’ve been for her.

Protective, innovative, inspiring, magnetic.

The King of Wands card symbolizes a natural born leader. Someone who knows what they want and knows what to do to get it. The King is often seen as a light in the darkness to those who need it, and provides protection for those who cannot protect themselves.

Eventually, the chatter from upstairs died down, and you heard the telltale cut of electricity from up top. You never realized how much noise it made until it was gone. Vander’s heavy steps sounded on the stairs. He saw you gently laying Powder down on the couch and pulling a blanket over her.

Your hand passed gently over her hair with a small smile on your face. You turned to look at Vander, eyes going wide as you saw the blood dripping from his nose. You sighed, shaking your head as you headed past him and back upstairs to give him a minute with his little girl.

When he came back up, you had already gotten the First Aid kit out on the bar and raised a brow, looking at the bar stool closest to you. Vander moved to the bar stool with a sigh, but you swore there was the hint of a smile on his face.

“I hope you at least gave that bastard what he deserved,” you said as you poured disinfectant on a soft towel, stepping between his legs to carefully pat the split skin on his brow.

“My customers know my rules. Sometimes they just need reminding,” he huffed, wincing a bit as the alcohol set into his wounds.

“Just… be careful,” you said softly. 

He pinched your hip lightly, “You’re not worried about me now, are you Princess?”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes. “Because that would be entirely out of character, would it?”

He shrugged, “Can’t say I know your character well beneath all the grime I found you in.”

You swatted his chest, and he chuckled. “Cheeky,” you said. “I just would hate to have your job if something happened to you.”

“You would manage,” he told you.

You huffed a humorless laugh. “I hardly know half the drinks you mix.” You felt his hand rest on your hip, almost covering the entire surface with his warmth. An almost comfortable silence fell between you as you cleaned his bloodied nose, cradling his jaw with your other hand. “Let me see your hands,” you told him.

He sighed, bringing them between you for your inspection. A couple of split knuckles, but you knew the majority of the blood on his fists wasn’t his. You cleaned them up silently, gently passing your thumb over each after you absolved it of his violence.

“You took care of Powder,” he said quietly, as though afraid to break the fragile silence between you.

“She needed it,” you replied just as softly.

He studied you carefully. “It was the most alert I’ve seen you today.” He didn’t say what he was thinking. What you both knew. Not everyone would’ve done the same.

You sucked in a breath, avoiding his gaze as you started packing up the first aid kit. “I’m sorry, I’ve been distracted.”

He was silent for a moment. “What’s going on in that head of yours, Princess?” He asked gently. It was an opportunity to be listened to. To be heard. 

You worried your bottom lip between your teeth. “Just a bad dream. It’ll pass,” you told him, putting the kit away. “I need some sleep. Good night, Vander.”

“Good night, Peach,” he said as you retreated back into your corner of the bar. You were restless as you tried to sleep, wrapping up tight in your borrowed blanket.

A/N: Dude I locked tf in and wrote almost this whole thing in one night after writing a couple paragraphs the whole week.

Let me know if you want to be on the tag list! Love you guys<3

Tag List: @growls-like-thunder @emotion-no-hot-yes-hotel-trivago @hwalovs @loserreinawriter

[robotfullofrainbow]

I'm back from the dead to talk about this season, and more specifically about a certain scene.

Remember the sex scene of Arcane season 2 ?

Some Arcane fans (especially Vi and Jinx fans) hated it because they wanted Vi to go after her sister.

Well, you know what ?

I’m huge CaitVi fan and I really hated this scene.

Why ?

Because it looks like Vi wanted to « reward » Cait for forgiving/letting go of Jinx. And honestly it feels sick. It proves that for Vi it has always been about Jinx.

Thinking about it, each time Vi goes to Cait or seeks comfort from Cait she did so because she had no one else at the time. If you rewatch the whole show you’ll realize that. Each time. During the brigde scene of season 1 when Jinx fired at them, during act 1 of season 2 when Jinx was lost for Vi, during that cell scene when Jinx locks Vi up and runs away. Each time Vi made a move on Cait was because she didn’t or couldn’t get her sister at the moment. Sick, right ?

Cait has always been the second choice or second option for Vi. If you don’t believe me or think I’m in the wrong, please quote me a single scene where both Jinx and Cait stood in front of Vi and that Vi can freely choose one of them. Because this is what I was expecting as someone who was looking for a decent romance.

I didn’t think I was asking this much. I just wanted a scene that matters where Vi willingly choose Caitlyn without Jinx doing something wrong before that said choice.

Damm, I wanted that for the sex scene. God knows how much I wanted this specific scene to happen, I was waiting for 3 years, and when it did happen it was all for the wrong reasons, and it didn't feel right at all. Even at the very end, we didn't get that. Vi was once again forced into a position where she had no choice but to go with Cait.

I read a lot of YA books during my life, so I can only recommend the writers of the show to read some before even thinking of incorporating another romance on a future project. And if they can't, well I wish they would then just remove all the romantic aspects.

This isn’t a hate post nor an anti-CaitVi post at all. I just feel tired and worn out for the treatment of this couple, by the fact that this scene that I was waiting for was a total failure and by the fact that everything was rushed when it concerned them during the last act.

[autism-autobot]

I want to see more of Wukong interacting with the general public of heaven and surprising them more and more with how wrong they were in their assumptions of his character. Like I can imagine the plumhill boys and/or peach madens wanting to hang out with him again and setting up a picnic in one of the public gardens just to run into some nasty noble or smth. I like to think that besides the Havoc itself, the peach madens were actually pretty cool with their little monkey boy, bonus points if they called him baby brother or considered him One Of The Girls(tm) since if I remember correctly the jade emperor had no sons therefore the peach madens had no brothers but then one day this funky, clever little monkey dude was given the same job as them with a fancy title and they're like "Aw this ones ours now🍑❤️🧡💛💚💙💜" wukong is just so "Please like and adopt me, idk what I'm doing" coded even if he is competent and self sustaining, he's just so cute, look at his little face!

- @fruit-fight 💜

"How can anyone hate him? He's just a little guy!" - A Peach Maden

"Well, you see, he *lore dumps about Wukong*" - Celestial Soldier

"AND???!!!" - Other Peach Maden

To them, he is very much one of the girls. Wukong is very happy they still feel that way about him.

~~~

Nezha brought Wukong to a café in the Celestial Realm one gentle morning. Sun Wukong had been slowly getting more used to using mobility devices in public. They were chatting while Wukong sat in the rollator anxious about his surroundings. He hadn't made many public appearances at this point and was concerned with how the other celestials who noticed him felt about his presence, especially in his current condition.

An elderly woman entered the café with who appeared to be a descendant of hers and just... stared at Wukong. Deer in the headlights kind of look. The young man only took a quick glance before turning to his elder.

"Grandmother, there's no line."

"Whatever is Nezha doing with that thing?"

"Grandmother, he's a monkey, not a thing. And I'm certain the Marshall has a good reason for the company."

"Hmm.... I'll go ask him."

"WAIT, GRANDMA NO!!!"

Wukong ducked his head and awaited the inevitable. Nezha noticed and scooted into a more protective position next to him.

'Grandma' bombarded Nezha with a million different questions about Wukong. Nezha answered her patiently, not wanting any trouble. Her grandson looked embarrassed.

Luckily, the grandmother seemed content with Nezha's answers and walked away when finished. The grandson apologized profusely for his grandmother's behavior.

Twentyish minutes later, the grandmother returned and placed a cookie in front of Wukong and pinched his cheek.

"Now, you keep being a good boy and get well soon. Alright, dear?"

"Yes, ma'am. I will."

~~~

Nezha had dropped Wukong off at the Demon Bull Family's place while he went to another boring meeting. As usual, he eavesdroped on the other celestials while he waited for things to get started.

The rumors were different than normal.

"Did you hear that The Monkey King is sick? The poor thing!"

"Wukong's living with Nezha now? How sick is that guy? Do you think he'll be okay?"

"You should have seen him in the market the other day, all cozy with his blanket holding onto Nezha! Oh, he's the cutest!"

"I was planning on dropping off some medicine at Nezha's place for Wukong if you wanna come with."

"Gods, I hope that The Monkey King feels better soon. Even my children have been praying for him."

Nezha smiled. These weren't the tones his dearest friend was usually spoken about with. It was a nice change. If only Wukong had heard it himself.

Masterpost

[peez-zeep-parts]

Hey @things-arent-what-they-seem66 ! Sorry it took so long! CW: Self-harm

The sky was covered in dark gray clouds and a bellowing thunder can be heard all across the garden. A beaming light grew that made them all cover their eyes until it went away to reveal god himself. His stare strikes fear to all, especially to Lucifer. 

God: You. You all have eaten the forbidden fruit, haven't you. 

Adam: My creator, it's not what it loo-

God: I explicitly told my creations to not eat the fruit no matter what, and yet you all did. How dare you. 

God's voice is calm but everyone can tell from the tone that he speaks of heavy disappointment and disapproval. Lucifer noticed God raising his hand, fearing the worst Lucifer shielded the humans.

Lucifer's mind: Please... please don't hurt them father. Though I hate the fact they took away your attention from the angels... I'm endeared by as much as you are. *Thinks about Adam, Lilith, Eve*

Lucifer: Please don't punish them! I was the one who tricked them into eating the forbidden fruit. If you want to punish someone, then punish me! 

Adam notices something in Lucifer's voice. He notices that it sounds like he's about to cry but it is shielded by his bold protective tone, he can't help but be moved by him. 

God: Lucifer, I thought you were better than this, but I should have known you would have dammed humanity through your signs of jealousy. Nevertheless, the humans still deserve their punishment.  

Lucifer: No! PLEASE! 

God summons 2 angels, an angelic woman Lucifer knew as Sera, and an angel he considers his brother Michael. Sera looked at him with contempt while Michael looked at Lucifer with a heartbroken expression.

Michael: Lucifer?... 

Lucifer: Michael... 

God: Sera, guard the humans. Michael, strip Lucifer of his angelic title with your sword.  

Sera huddled the humans, grappling them so they wouldn't flee. Michael, with a sorrowful face slowly walks towards Lucifer. Lucifer closed his eyes as a form of acceptance to his punishment. But his expression was firm with anger for how he failed to convince god to spare the humans. The humans struggled to be free from Sera's grip, with Adam trying the hardest to flee. 

Lilith: Let us go! Sera: I cannot. This is for your own good.

Adam's mind: No, no! Even you don't deserve this, you giant jackass! 

Adam freed himself from Sera. He desperately ran to Lucifer, grabbed his hand, and took him deep to the forest. 

Sera: No!

God: After them Michael! You may eliminate Lucifer if you have to, but don't kill the first man. 

Sera: Should I be after Adam? God: No, your priority is to make sure the remaining humans don’t escape, let Michael return Adam to you.

Adam and Lucifer kept running from different parts of the forest. Adam kept getting cuts from the branches of the trees and bushes. Lucifer had a feeling that they were running out of places to run away, but he had an idea and knew where to hide. 

Lucifer: Adam, I know where to hide but you have to trust me! Do you trust me? 

Adam looked at his eyes, he could tell his words come from the sense of truth, and so he nodded. He leads Adam to an edge of a cliff, near it there was a waterfall. 

Adam's mind: Oh my god! Is he fucking crazy?! 

Adam shivered from fear as he realized how high he was from the water when he looked down. 

Lucifer: I know how scary this looks, but I’ll protect you, I’ll keep you safe. 

Adam looked at Lucifer’s eyes once again, with a smile that ensured his protection. Adam smiled back to Lucifer as continued confirmation that he still trusts him. Lucifer gestured to him to be quiet, then he hugged him tightly with his wings wrapping each other around. Both leaped off to the edge, creating a huge splash. Michael heard the splash and followed the sound that led him to the cliff.

Michael: Did they really just go underwater?! No, Lucifer is too smart to do that. 

Michael flew to another location away from the waterfall. Lucifer swam to a hidden cave that was covered by the waterfall. Adam gasped for air but Lucifer covered his mouth. The glow from Lucifer's halo allowed them to navigate the cave. They went deeper and deeper into the cave until they found a secret area. It was filled with all sorts of shimmering gemstones. What caught Adam's attention was the soil. Some of the soil matched his skin color, but some were darker and lighter than his. 

Lucifer: We should be safe, for now.

Both of them sat next to each other, contemplating on what they should do next. 

Adam: ...Do you have any plans on what we should do next? 

Lucifer: Not at the moment, do you?

Adam: … I do, but I need you to answer me a few questions first. 

Lucifer: Isn’t that a bit counterintuitive?

Adam: I don’t think it is, besides this place gives us the time to clear some things between us.

Lucifer: If you say so. So, what’s your question?

Adam: How did you even find this place? My time being in Eden didn’t lead me to this cave until now. 

Lucifer: Well you see, during my times exploring Eden, I was behind the waterfall until I noticed an entrance once I turned. I kept going deeper until I found this cave. Ever since I had been using it as my secret relaxing spot.

Adam: I see, then answer me this one. Why didn’t you come to meet me at the pond for all those months?  

Lucifer was startled with this question. He didn’t want to reveal the truth to Adam. He didn’t want to reveal that he saw Lilith with him. Lucifer used his hat to cover himself from the shame. 

Adam: Look, I’m not gonna judge you or anything ok? I just want to know. 

Lucifer: Are you sure? Adam nodded. Lucifer put his hat back on and let out a deep sigh. Lucifer: I was going to, then I saw you with Lilith… I saw how happy you were with her. I thought that… Lucifer turns away from Adam. He hides the resentment and pain he felt that day from him. He can’t let him know how much pain he felt during that day. 

Adam: Hey I told you that it’s ok, you don’t have to be afraid of saying what you want 

It took him a while but he turns to face Adam. 

Lucifer: The moment I saw you two together, I thought you had replaced me… 

Adam slightly gasped. With the power of the forbidden fruit, he pieces everything together.

Adam: Is that why you tried to take Lilith and Eve away from me? 

Lucifer: …yes.  

Adam thought to himself in retrospection. He and Lucifer were always together side by side as though they were complementary. But since Lucifer admitted that he had hurt him because he thought he betrayed him with Lilith, he can’t help but judge him a little bit but he won’t say it out loud.

Adam’s mind: Lucifer, you jealous jackass! But… I guess it’s also my fault for leading you to think this way. 

Adam: Lucifer, during that day, I was waiting for you at that pond to tell you my plan.

Lucifer: Your plan? Your plan to betray me?!

Adam: No! My plan to tell you that I was forced to fulfill the duty of continuing mankind. I was going to tell you that I’ll be staying with Lilith for a while so I can finish my job as quickly as possible. And if you were actually at the pond during that day, you would know I will return to you!

Lucifer: Wh-what?

Adam: I always wanted to be with you no matter what! But with how things are now, and with the power of hindsight, it was all my fault. I shouldn’t have been so impatient! I…I shouldn’t let my selfishness treat Lilith and Eve like shit… 

Adam sighed and kneeled his head down. Lucifer can tell the stress was getting to him. He anxiously approached him and rubbed his back.

Lucifer: Hey, don’t put so much of yourself down on this. This is partly my fault as well. Adam: But I was the catalyst to all of this…

Lucifer: Even if you are, you can’t deny that my ego made things worse. *nervous laugh*

Adam: Yeah *giggle* it was both of our egos. 

After this moment of confession, both men felt better, as though the weight of their resentment had subsided. 

Adam: Ok, here’s the plan. *Gets down and scoops up the various types of dirt with his hands* I came from the dirt, and with these I can ask god to make various types of humans with this stuff. 

Lucifer: Are you sure this will work? He’s not the type to be easily persuaded.

Adam: That’s where this comes in. *he searches around until he finds a rock sharp enough to cut his skin* With this I can bring a sacrifice, and with the knowledge I got from the fruit, it's for the best that I be the sacrifice. Lucifer looked at the rock intensely, a lump of fear tightened his throat. Lucifer: Please don’t tell me what I think you are planning to do… Adam: Don’t worry, I won’t end myself I promise! But I won’t become unharmed. Lucifer despises the high possibility that Adam has to injure or even kill himself just to appease their creator. Lucifer inadvertently approaches Adam, slowly positioning himself to take that rock away from him, as though he’s trying to save Adam from himself. A sudden shaking erupted with sounds of blasts echoing vaguely throughout the cave. Lucifer instinctively hugged Adam and wrapped his wings around him to protect him from the debris. Adam: Lucifer, we don’t have much time! I need your hat!

Lucifer: For what?! Adam: To carry this stuff you idiot! Michael: *Flying around the waterfall* Show yourself! Lucifer: Fine! But please keep yourself safe! *Hands him the hat* Adam: Trust me I will, but now I need you to distract him! Lucifer: On it! Lucifer goes to the only entrance and exit of the cave while Adam is gathering his items and putting them in the hat. Once Lucifer can see the waterfall he sneakily dives in the water. He shapeshifted into a fish and peaked out of the water. There he can see Michael using his sword to blast his surroundings. Filled with anger he swam deeply to the lake, then like a shooting star he leaped out of the water and hit Michael. 

Michael: Gah! So you finally showed yourself you coward! Lucifer: You think a coward would do this?! *Punches him square in the face* Once Adam has put his items in the hat, he heads to the exit of the cave. He was out with the waterfall hiding his presence. He heard Michael demanding to know where Adam is with Lucifer attacking him. He carefully sneaked out and hid himself in a bush. He was about to head up to the hills when he saw Lucifer transform himself into a red serpentine being with 6 heads. He lunged at Michael trying to wrap him with his tail. Michael, despite being trapped by Lucifer’s grip, managed to use his sword to stab him, and a monstrous roar rustled the surroundings. Adam wanted to scream Lucifer’s name but he held his tongue and covered his mouth.

Adam’s mind: Damn you Michael! Once I get up there I’ll convince our creator to save you!

He climbed up as fast as he could. He climbed faster and faster as he continued to hear the bloody screams of Lucifer. He pushed himself harder and harder knowing the angel’s life is on the line. He ran to the direction of the tree of the forbidden fruit. Once he arrived, everyone was surprised except for the all mighty.

Sera: What?! 

Eve: Adam! You’re back!

Adam: Please god I beg of you! Stop Michael and I’ll do my duty! *Runs towards him and kneeled*

God stared at Adam intenstely, as though he’s looking through his heart to see any sincerity inside it. Then he noticed the hat Adam clutched so tightly. God: Will the hat you hold will be part of your purpose? Adam: Yes! *Stands up firmly* And I will tell you how as soon as you bring Lucifer here! *Points to part of the ground that’s right next to him* Sera was appalled. How dare he tell God what to do! She was about to grapple him and hold him hostage like Lilith and Eve but God halted her with his stare. 

God: Very well.

Sera: But… Far away, Michael can sense God telepathically communicating with him. He looked at Lucifer, his condition was very unfavorable. His wings were burned to a crisp, several deep cuts gushing gold blood covered his body, his face bruised and he wheezed severely. He hesitated a little when he was asked to bring Lucifer back to the tree of the forbidden fruit, but he obliged to the will of God. He picked up Lucifer and flew to the tree of the forbidden fruit. Once Adam saw the 2 angels in the sky, he desperately waved at them so he could see his angel again. Michael landed himself and placed Lucifer right next to Adam. The humans and even Sera were at a loss at the state of Lucifer’s condition, with Adam being the most heartbroken. Adam immediately cradled Lucifer with tears falling on Lucifer’s face. Eve: *gasps and covers her mouth* Oh Lucifer…

Lilith: Ugh… *tries not to gag from seeing all of Lucifer’s injuries* Sera: This… This is too much… Adam: *sobs* Oh god!... Please! Lucifer! Stay with me! 

Lucifer shakily moves his arm to hold Adam’s cheek to wipe his tears away, him trying his best to say Adam’s name with all the wheezing and pain. 

Lucifer:…….A……..A……

God: Enough. I am still waiting for answers, now that you’ve got Lucifer by your side. Adam scowled behind his creator, but he gently placed Lucifer down, giving him a soft kiss on the forehead. He stood up taking Lucifer’s hat and pulled out the sharp rock and dumped the soil from the cave to the ground.

Adam: My creator, I came from the dirt and dust that surrounds us. And with this dust *puts rock near to the biggest wound which so happens to be at his wrists* and the blood that I spill, will merge more of my kind than I could make with both of my equals. *looks at Lilith and Eve*

Lilith’s eyes were widened with shock. Did she just hear him right? He considers her and the woman that was once his rib as equals? Lucifer tries to crawl to Adam as fast as his injuries allow him to. He tried to pull himself up by holding Adam’s leg, weakly pleading him not to hurt himself.

Adam: It’s ok Lucifer. God: Then prove your faith to me. Make your sacrifice, show me that you’ll fulfill your purpose in your ways.

Lucifer: NO….Ple-

Suddenly, Adam made the wounds on his wrists bigger with the rock he held. Blood poured out of him continuously, covering the dirt that he laid below him. Lucifer quietly sobbed, he felt from Adam’s leg that he was getting weaker from blood loss. Eve and even Lilith were crying for Adam, for they have a feeling he won’t make it. Michael felt deep remorse for what he had done to Lucifer, his own brother in bond and in spirit. The angel can tell Lucifer was about to lose his life like Adam was. Adam kneeled down from weakness, his hands and wrists near the dirt but he turned his head to Lucifer and whispered. Adam: I’m sorry I broke our promise, but even if I die now, I will die with you, we will die together, my angel.

Adam nuzzled his nose in Lucifer’s hair, comforting him many small kisses as Lucifer cried and mustering his strength to say his last words.

Lucifer: I…… love…… you…forever!

Adam: Me too…

Both laid down together, their eyes lovely gazed at each other, their hands united tightly. This act of love made the lord ponder.

God’s mind: My 2 creations, I always knew you both were gazing at each other since Adam was created. That day I felt your devotion to each other was eternal as was my existence, but I was skeptical if it was truly possible for a high ranked angel to be this deeply in love with a being much weaker than him. I’ve tested both of you with Lilith and Eve, especially to you Adam. I made them resemble Lucifer as blunt but hidden as I could to you. And to you Lucifer, I gave them the joyful, free spirited, and human essence that you adored from Adam. Despite my plan working, you’ve proven to me wrong. You both made your amends with each other and stayed devoted to each other. Adam you proven that despite your purpose, you managed to fulfill it without letting go of your love. Lucifer, you’ve shown me your devotion to humanity the most through Adam, and you let yourself become more selfless for those you love. You two have passed my test and you’ve earned my blessing to love eternally. 

With a flick of his finger, God healed Adam and Lucifer back to full health. A snap of his fingers the blood soaked dirt levitated. Each grain became human, with all of them encased in a bubble like a fetus in an amniotic sac. Thousands of them float above. Both the angel and the first man gasped for air and immediately looked at each other.

Adam: Lucifer! You’re ok! 

Lucifer: Adam! Oh Adam, I thought I had lost you!

They hugged each other tightly, they let out tears of joy and laughter. Eve cried tears of joy from the happy couple’s embrace. Michael didn’t expect it, but he got a hug from his brother Lucifer, the smaller angel saying that he forgives him from the physical damage he had received. Michael broke down from his words and started to cry on his shoulder and pleading for forgiveness. Adam looked at the 2 angels above, he accepted Lucifer for forgiving him, but he was not ready to do such an action yet, after all, he nearly killed the love of his life. Sara, however, was bewildered by God’s decision. Sara: My lord, why did you heal them? Shouldn’t they suffer for the sins of their actions?

God: I’ve seen for myself that their love for each other is as eternal as me, and that should be rewarded. However they still need to face some of their consequences. 

Then a moment later, God commands all the angels in his vicinity and the first 3 humans to pay attention to his presence.

God: Lucifer and Adam, you are blessed with my approval of being together.However, you both along with Lilith and Eve brought great catastrophe by eating the forbidden fruit.

Lilith: But why is it such a big deal? Isn’t knowledge a good thing?

God let out a deep sigh.

God: Yes, but with that knowledge of the forbidden fruit is also tainted with the evil to make you abuse it. Perhaps explaining the origins of the tree can help you understand.

He explained to all the true origins of the tree of the forbidden fruit. Before its existence, there were two forces, the force of good, and the force of evil. This force of evil was called Roo and in order to prevent her influence from corrupting everything, god trapped her on what is now the tree of the forbidden fruit and built the garden of Eden around it.

God: I can sense the knowledge of good and evil from Lucifer, Adam and his new creations, but I can also sense that knowledge along with the temptation of evil within you, Lilith and Eve.

Eve looked at the palms of her hands in distress, she couldn’t believe it and was frightened by the very thought she has the capability of maliciously harming someone. Lilith was more frightened by this force controlling her and taking away her autonomy. Adam thought about what God said, why did he state that Lucifer, the humans he produced, and himself only had the knowledge of the forbidden fruit but not the temptation? 

Adam’s mind: Was it, was it that explosion? If it was, then why? And how?!

Before he can think even more, he looks at Lucifer and he can tell that Lucifer can sense something. He isn’t sure exactly what he sensed but it sure wasn’t good and he joined in his feared feeling.

God: …Hmm, after much consideration, I’ve decided how you all should handle the consequences of your actions. Starting with you, Lilith and Eve. Sera.

Sera: Yes my lord? God: Guide these humans to Lilith and Eve.

Sera flew above and arranged the humans the bubbles and put them near and above Lilith and Eve. God: You have one chance to redeem yourselves, you two will be kicked out of Eden and it will be both of your responsibilities to guide the humans above you on Earth. If the majority of them become good and honest people along with yourselves, then you earned the right to go to heaven. If not, both of you will go to hell. 

The three humans looked at God in confusion while the angels stiffen their wings up from hearing the word.

Eve: Um, my god, what is hell?

God: A place you would go if you don’t become good in life. Speaking of hell *looks at Lucifer and Adam* You two would be going there.

Adam hugged Lucifer in fear while Lucifer looked at the ground in acceptance.

Michael: Are you, are you banishing them?

God: I wouldn’t say banished, rather I am giving them an opportunity to be in charge of something big. 

The moment that was uttered, everyone’s eyes lit up. 

Lucifer: In charge? Wait! What do you mean by being in charge?!

God: You, along with Adam are now given the responsibility of managing Hell and make sure it is a place that punishes the truly wicked. 

The information that they weren’t being banished to hell but rather being in charge of it helped them widen their eyes. They felt concerned but reassured with each other as they looked at each other with a nervous smile and held hands.

God opens a portal that gives a glimpse of hell to the first man and the angel. They looked at the portal with a bit of apprehension but felt at ease knowing they’ll be together.

God: And one more thing, Adam can you come by my side?

Adam walked towards God. God created a crown shaped halo and placed it on top of Adam’s head. He then transformed into a more angelic form, with golden wings sprouting out of his back, and him wearing an ornate white and gold robe. All were in awe, especially Adam who looked at his appearance in excitement. 

God: With this halo, you are protected and can protect yourself and others once you traverse through hell. Along with the halo, you are also blessed with this item.

God gave Adam a small green seed. God advises Adam that once he reaches hell, should plant the seed and take care of it. Adam asked why he was tasked to this to which God replied with the answer that the seed is the key to stopping Roo. Adam walked back to Lucifer, giving him a tender smile.

Lucifer: You look just as fantastic as you are before Adam.

Adam: Oh you are too kind.

Lucifer: *Giggle* Are you ready to go?

Adam: I have to do something before I go.

Adam asks permission to say goodbye to Eve and Lilith to God, to which he approved of. He then approached Lilith and Eve.

Adam: Lilith, Eve, I’m deeply sorry for what I’ve done to both of you. I shouldn’t have treated you the way that I did. I now understand that we, no matter what gender we are, we all are capable of doing anything, and it was my mistake to treat you any less. I wish you the best of luck on your journeys! And who knows, I might see you two again.

Eve cried happy tears and hugged Adam. He tightly hugged back.

Eve: I’m going to miss you so much!

Adam: I’m going to miss you too.

Lilith won’t forgive all that Adam has done, but she can tell that he’s changed for the better. Lilith patted his back and wished him good luck with a cheeky smirk.

Adam: Best of luck to you as well Lilith.

Adam returned to Lucifer and they both walked towards the portal to hell.

Lucifer: Are you ready?

Adam: Totally.

They waved everyone goodbye as they entered.

Hey I really like your adamsapple mpreg posts and I got an AU of them! (ꈍᴗꈍ) Happy Eden Ending AU (where things ended up good from the beginning, also with mpreg >w<) Many angels gather around the garden of Eden for the formation of the first human. Lucifer manages to get to the front with all his efforts, but Gabriel scolded him for his methods. Gabriel: You didn't have to push and shove them to get here. Lucifer: Oh come on I have to! I'm literally the shortest one here! Suddenly an all-knowing voice commanded everyone to stay silent and pay attention. It was God's voice. God: We all gather here today to the first step of the existence of mankind. Man will come from the dust and dirt of the ground and shall become dirt and dust once his life comes to an end. He uses his hand to shift the dirt to form the first human and gave him the breath of life to which the man took his first breath and opened his eyes. God: Your name shall be Adam. You are the first of your kind, you are the first human. While God explains what Adam is and what he should do and the angels gossiping, Lucifer looked at Adam with awe. His eyes widen and dilate as he adore his tanned skin, short brown hair and gold eyes. Oh he was absolutely smitten! Adam drifted his attention, and his eyes were glued to the little blonde angel at the front of the crowd. Something about him makes him strange from the other angels but he can't help but be charmed by him. It felt like days between them lovely staring at each other, not sharing a word between each other as their eyes and mind do the talking before god spoke. God: Adam, do you understand?

Adam: I- Uh! I understand.

God: Good, you may explore the garden, you may ask the angels for help, but it is best for you to learn for yourself on how to survive and how to be self-sufficient. Some time passed, Adam made a little hut for himself and decorated with pretty stones and skeletons from his hunts. He was at a pond doing his duty to name all the animals when he heard a rustle in the bushes. Adam nervously checked the bush, praying that it isn't an big animal he can't fight off. Lucifer: AH! Adam: i- it's you! Lucifer: Wait, you recognize me?

Adam: Yeah! You were the first thing I saw besides my creator. Lucifer's eyes twinkled excitedly. He was internally squealing from joy! He can't believe it! He was the second being the first man saw, though he wished he could have been his first sight, but he'll take what he can get! Adam: Do you have a name like me?

Lucifer: * jumps out of the bush* Yes! It's Lucifer!!! Lucifer covered his mouth because he said it too loud. Adam: What's wrong? Lucifer: Haha, nothing except... I shouldn't be here... Adam: Why? I thought angels were allowed to come here. Lucifer: Yeah, but not angels of my rank. Adam: Well, if that's the case then I won't tell anyone you were here. It would be a secret between just you and me. Adam gave a wink and a smile, Lucifer blushed, and his heartbeat goes faster. They sat next to each other at the pond, Adam venting that he has trouble thinking of the name of the waterfowl that reside at the pond. Lucifer suggested they should be called ducks due to them ducking their heads in the water. Adam: That's it! Oh thank you so much Lucifer!

Adam hugged him, to which Lucifer hugged him back tightly. He thought to himself, he spied on Adam for a while before their encounter, lovely admired him and how he was beautiful he was to him. He also liked how resourceful he was and liked how tall he was and how muscular he became. They promised each other that whenever Lucifer arrives they'll always meet at the pond. Those meetings were their own heaven, they slowly bond and had their first kiss. Oh how he wanted to have sex with his lover, but he restrained himself knowing it would lead more trouble and him.

One day while Lucifer was spying in the trees he heard god introducing Adam to Lilith, the first woman and his wife, and he told them their duty to populate mankind. He waited a bit longer and saw them holding hands. Fear filled his mind, he watched them more, Adam was being very pushy towards her in an cocky way but Lucifer can tell that he genuinely likes her. Tears rolled down his face and despair shattered his heart. How could he do this to him! They were supposed to be together but he soon realized Lilith is disinterested in him. If he can't make him his, then he'll take his woman just to piss him off. What he didn't realize is that while Adam liked her, he was being pushy towards their duty so he can finish it as quickly as possible so he can be with Lucifer again.

Awww thank you!

And I love this idea very much. Gotta love a jealous Lucifer lol

[whatacartouchebag]

There was a sudden vault of movement next to him, and Clover darted his startled gaze back to the huntsman, who'd leapt easily up onto the railing like it were a mere balance beam.

With an ease borne of skill, hands took only a moment to steady himself where he stood before settling back into pockets where it was warmer. Red eyes surveyed the rest of the block about them, before he turned that smirk back down to the man.

“What are you doing?” Clover asked him, entirely deadpanned.

An easy shrug met his words. “Getting a bird's-eye view.”

The snort of a laugh tore from the brunet at the simple answer, and he shook his head at the idiot.

“You're going to fall, you show-off.”

Qrow bent lightly at his waist for show, still fixing that knowing smirk upon the man.

“Then someone better catch me,” he breathed.

~~~

Gods did this song grab ahold of me and shake me something fierce lmao.

A gift for the most amazing person in my life @renabe4life whom I love and adore so very very much ♥ Thankyou so so much for being such a wonderful bean in my life, just thought you should know ♥

[flowercrowngods]

i don't know how to be merely acquaintances when we used to be friends. or i think we used to be. i don't know how to yearn for a simple hello when you've been heaping your affection on me months ago, and i don't know how to talk to you when you won't say anything. when suddenly it's all about me. you know i have nothing to say, you know my brain is void of everything but horribleness and i cannot tell you about my day because i don't even know about my day. i cannot tell you about my day when i know you won't listen, when i know you'll apply your philosophy to my world and don't believe me when i say that everything is terrible. i don't know how to be the person you seem to think i am, or the person you want in your life. i don't know if you want anyone else in your life now that you're in love and sappy, found another recipient for your affections, leaving me empty and wounded and yearning.

you said you missed me. said it many times, while i was gone. now i'm back, have been back, and i wonder how you missed me, why you missed me, when you won't talk to me. i think you mistook missing for worrying. i think you mistook caring for a feeling of obligation. i think you like missing me more than talking to me.

and i think i can't breathe with how much that hurts

[iridescentis]

finished my second stp playthrough!

i loved this one too it had a slope of redemption which i really liked and that made the ending really sweet

the only part i disliked is that i chickened out when i got the nightmare (it wasn't what i wanted to get i didn't think it would actually let me run away lmao) and just turned around and ended up getting the denial achievement, which is fine but i kinda wish i got the razor instead she would've fit into the story better i think

the vessels i did get are as follows! first i got the adversary which i loved she is definitely one of my favourites, then i got the fury which i quite liked, i was aiming for apotheosis but i did it wrong oops, then i got the drowned grey which im gonna be so real i completely forgot i was sitting here so confused like which one did i miss?? then i got the princess and the dragon which i loved so so much that was such a cute route absolute cutiepie, and finally i got thorn! i love thorn she's a favourite for sure, i did the romance route and it's so sweet <33

i was kind of a bitch to the shifting mound but like im not a fan of shifty LMAO it was my plan to go with her but i couldn't do it i just don't want to 😭 so i ran away with the princess again! im glad i did because i got to see how different the dialogue is if you started out with violence, it felt like a really fitting end so im happy with it!

obligatory wife photos <333333

[spinecurlingmice]

okay more on hajime's underwear. . in a world where all the fte's are canon for everybody and not just a gameplay thing, do you think everybody on the island made it like. a bet or something. every single person he's became close with on this fucking island gave him their panties as a token of closeness, so like are they waiting for him to reciprocate?? the one person he gives his underwear to is like. the Chosen hajime person and they get to gloat ? do they ask.

[youremyonlyhope]

Me: I don't like Cats the musical. You could not pay me to ever see it live.

Perelman Performing Arts Center: We're doing a version of Cats inspired by ballroom culture!

Me: Ok... that's definitely interesting... I could be into it... but NO still you can't make me want to see it.

PAC: Here's some rehearsal footage of the cast vogueing to Jellicle Ball!

Me: ...I hate that this actually is working... it fits a little too well...

PAC: Also André De Shields is playing Old Deuteronomy!

Me: ...Why must satan tempt me in this way...

[gnc-tits]

ugh im seasonal affective disordering and then im regular degular disordering and then im like coming to terms with things that i thought were truths abt me but were actually truths about a past me and GET THIS not even the past me from The Past the past just like past me from pre moving out of my parents house like justtttt before and im like accepting the versions of me that i killed when i made that decision but now the problem is ive been living my life under the impression that those versions of me were congruent with the me that exists now so ive made decisions presuming im the me that would have existed had everything 18 yr old me wanted came to fruition and what freaking not. but like that didnt happen. sooooooo