#happy birthday here's some grape juice

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Heya, Rollo-san! Happy birthday! Since you like grapes so much, I've got you the freshest grape juice I could find! I propose a toast to our friendship and your good health, my friend! Cheers!

I know the ask says grape juice but I went with fresh grapes for the image since that’s more visually interesting 🍇

Clink.

Rollo reluctantly tapped his glass against yours. The grape juice in each cup glistened, its bright aroma livening up the room.

You knocked your glass back, enthusiastically chugging the wine-colored liquid. It almost bubbled as it went down, dancing and effervescent even without carbonation.

Rollo was more cautious with his consumption, taking a sniff before coolly sipping at his share. He savored the flavor, the smell. In spite of himself, he breathed out a sigh of satisfaction.

Reinvigorated.

“Whoo!! That’s some good stuff. No wonder why you like it so much,” you squealed with glee.

“… Are you drunk off of a non-alcoholic beverage?” Rollo asked suspiciously.

“No way, I’m just so glad I could be here to celebrate with ya!” you cried, throwing an arm around the birthday boy. Rollo shivered at the touch. “We’re such good pals, you and me!”

“Speak for yourself,” he grumbled.

You laughed out loud, waving your emptied glass around. “Let’s have another drink on me!! There’s plenty of it to go around.”

Rollo groaned. He’d need something far stronger than grape juice to make it through the rest of his birthday celebration.

So much for wishing for his good health.

[startrekfangirl2233-writes]

staaar!! congrats in 100!!! im so happy for you!

think you'll be up for bob x reader, person a going all out for person b's birthday? 👀👀 (maybe sprinkle in "show me how much you want me"??)

Fireball! Thanks so much for this request and your well-wishes! Here's Bob for you. He's very sweet and I'm happy to report that he does indeed fuck. This is Fluff Request 3 Person A going all out for person B’s birthday combined with Smut Request 7 "Show me how much you need me." I hope you like it!

The Cabin in Calabasas

Robert Floyd, for all of his mild-mannered, glasses-wearing, gentle visage, is a colossal lover of the outdoors. You’d met on a hike, of all things, up in the Calabasas Mountains. He’d seen you lagging behind your group of friends, snapping pictures of the vista, and kept pace with you. You’d chatted about anything and everything as you’d meandered on the cliffs. As the sun set over a ridge, you’d snapped a picture of his face, sweaty but grinning, the sun a halo around his head. That picture is still your contact photo for him, so many years later. 

You have other pictures of him, too, on other days and other times where he made you feel like the luckiest woman alive. He’d confided to you once that he was surprised you’d looked twice at him at all. That you’d ever want to be in a relationship with him at all. The Birth Control Glasses, BCGs as they’re known in the Navy, he’d spit with vitriol, had been enough to deter others before. And that was if his colleagues would let him talk to a girl at all. Your Robby, the love of your life, he’d been so nervous when he’d asked you to marry him. He’d looked scared, scared that you’d reject him. Scared that you’d laugh in his face for even considering asking such a thing. He’d cried when you said yes, and that’s your favorite picture. The two of you, with red-rimmed eyes and huge grins, cheeks squished against each other as you stood on the mountain ridge where you’d met for the first time. Bob’s glasses were awry, and your hair was a mess, but you can’t remember being any happier than that day.

You’d stood by Robby through each deployment and each tour overseas. His most recent deployment, the so-called special detachment? You’d had a heart attack when he’d called you from the hospital to tell you that his plane had gone down, but that he was okay, only his glasses had broken. You’d overnighted his second pair of glasses to Miramar, California, and made him promise you he’d come back home. 

Six months out from that mission, and a lot of things have changed. Robby’s now permanently located out of Top Gun, and you’ve joined him in Miramar. You still remember seeing his squadron’s faces when you’d walked into their local watering hole, the Hard Deck, two weeks after that mission and plopped yourself down in your husband’s lap. He’d grinned at you, wrapped an arm around your waist, and offered you some peanuts. You smiled, kissed your husband, and stole his soda in return. You’d turned to face the pool tables to see twelve pairs of eyes looking at you in shock. You could feel Robby’s grin and smug chuckle as he kissed your shoulder and introduced you as his wife. 

So, all in all, life has been pretty good. You have your husband home and in your arms every night. And coming up on the eve of his twenty-ninth birthday, you’ve been planning up a storm. You’d found a friend of a friend with a cabin on the Calabasas only a couple of miles away from the ridge where you’d met Bob. She’d helped get the non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice up to the cabin and ensured that the oven was connected so you could pop your mother-in-law’s lasagna recipe into the oven when you got there. She’d also packed the cabin larder with all the food the two of you would need for a weekend away, including sticking the lasagna you’d prepped in the freezer.

On the morning of his birthday you wake him up with your mouth wrapped around his cock. This is a part of your Robby that you’ll never share with another soul. His breathy moans as he tangles his fingers in your hair while you choke on his cock? Yeah, that’s yours. Only yours. It’s a good morning all around when he fucks you in thanks until your legs are wobbling and his cum is dripping down your thighs as you brush your teeth while he shaves later.

The soft, sweet smile he gives you when the two of you pull into the parking lot at the trailhead in Calabasas is enough to send all the love you have for him glowing in your chest. The atmosphere is light as the two of you walk leisurely along the trail you’ve walked a million times before. You’ve got your camera in hand as you approach the top of the trail, and you’re busy as a bee, snapping pictures of everything that catches your eye. As a besotted fool, it’s no wonder that the subject of many of your photos is sweet Robby. 

The two of you spend forty-five minutes on the ridge, stopping to eat a snack and drink some water, before you lead him onwards. You can see the confusion on his face as he pushes his glasses up his nose when you lead him off the path you’ve followed together so many times before. It’s only a half an hour more when you step out through the trees and see the cabin sitting in a charming little clearing in front of you. You stretch before tugging on Robby’s hand to get him to follow you.

“Angel, where are we? What’s going on?” He’s grabbed your hand and stopped you just shy of the porch steps. Your own smile is incandescent as you press into his skin and kiss his soft lips. 

“This, Robby,” you say, gesturing at the cabin, “is your birthday present! A weekend in the Calabasas, with your favorite things and your favorite person.” 

His eyes grow misty and fond as he reels you into a kiss which has you weak at the knees before releasing you to open the door. The cabin is exactly as it had been advertised, rustic and homey, and absolutely gorgeous. The kiss you get as Robby presses you against the now closed door is extra proof that he loves his present. As are his wandering hands as he divests you of your clothing before laying you down on the sofa.

“Angel, my darling sweetheart, my beautiful wife.” He’s panting as he looks at you spread out for him. “I love you so much. I thank my lucky stars every day that I met you on that hike. And that I was brave enough to ask for your number. And I thank you every day when I wake up in the morning and see you lying in bed next to me.”

“You thank me?” Your fingers are soft as you cup his jaw, running your fingers through the hair curling just slightly at the back of his neck. “Why?”

“Because you said yes when I asked you to marry me.” He presses a kiss against your breast before looking back into your eyes. “Because you make me so happy, every day. Because I don’t think I’d have found the strength to continue working for the Navy if I didn’t have you cheering for me every day, BCGs and all.”

It's your turn to cling to your husband as you kiss him with all your strength. Your hands wander, unbuttoning his shirt and shoving it off of his built chest before you undo his belt and unbutton his jeans. When you slip your hand in to cup his cock, he’s already hard, his thick length twitching in your grasp. As much as you love the man wielding the cock, you love his cock too. It’s thick and fills you up just right and you never fail to walk funny when he gets going. But while normally, Robby lets you position him as you want, today, he holds your hand.

His voice is throaty and sexy as he rasps, “Show me how much you need me.” Your moan is soft as you part your legs and hold apart your folds until he can see the glisten of your arousal. He drags his glasses off, setting them on the coffee table before he wraps his lips around your clit. This time, your back arches as he sucks on your clit, trailing his fingers through your slick before burying one long digit in your hole. You're seeing stars in no time at all as he slides another finger in and begins to scissor you open. This is always a requirement for when you have sex. You're often too sore when you take him without prep, something that worries him as much as it makes his chest puff with pride.

You're on the brink of an orgasm when he withdraws his fingers and you prop yourself up on your elbows to see what he does next. He uses your arousal to slick up his cock and the first blunt press of the head into you has your eyes rolling back into your head.

"Oh, Angel. You take me s'good. I love how tight you are." Robby peppers kisses across your chest and slack mouth as he fucks into you until you've taken him to the hilt. Your hands are curled around his neck as you kiss him, groaning as he begins to move. Each thrust hits that spongy spot in you that makes your toes curl. It's not long before you're babbling, walls fluttering spasmodically around his length as your orgasm approaches.

"Gonna fuck a baby into you, Angel. Gonna make you a pretty Mama. Can't wait to see your belly all round with my babies." His voice sends even more arousal pooling in your gut as you beg him to let you cum. It's only three short strokes before his fingers find your clit and your orgasm explodes behind your eyes. You can feel Robby's hips lose momentum as he spills into you shortly after. 

For several moments, it's quiet. Sweat cools across your skin and his, before Robby pulls his glasses on and walks butt-naked into the kitchen to wet a paper towel and grab you a glass of water. His smile is sheepish and soft as he cleans the cum dripping from between your thighs before drawing you into his lap. You curl easily into him, loving the softness of his skin against your own.

"Robby?" Your voice is soft as you card your fingers through his hair. "What was it you said about wanting to put a baby in me?"

His face flushes, a blush rising on his cheeks as you kiss him before rising out of his lap and walking into the kitchen. He's right behind you as you preheat the oven, still naked, and pull out the lasagna from the freezer. His eyes are soft as they chronicle every move you make.

"Angel, I said I wanted to have a baby with you." His hands are gentle as he pushes you aside and gently pops the cork on the sparkling grape juice. He pours you a glass before sipping on it himself. The bubbles burst crisply across your tongue as you sip on the juice.

You can't resist the smile on your face as you step into your husband's arms before whispering, "Lieutenant Floyd, I think you need to get the prescription on those BCGs checked. There's a Baby Floyd On Board already. This one's been cooking for about 3 months."

He whoops in glee as he swings you around before kissing you hard, murmuring tearily into your ear, "Thank you for going all out for my birthday. I love you, Mrs. Floyd."

Want to request something for my 100 Follower Celebration? The guidelines are here! Please leave me a request in my inbox with your ask!

- XOXO Star

[urwendii]

Idea#2: yes it's a game development plot bunny, yes they just wanted the Deathless to prowl the ruins even after you destroy the source and finish the game. but also WHAT IF? And what could it mean for Jacob? 😏🤞 (<- girl in denial)

Anyway. I have ideas i need to expel before my race Sunday so here we are. Set a few years after the events in Shadow.

Lara celebrates her 30th birthday amongst the few people left in her life. Jonah and Abby are there, glowing in future parenthood - a new adventure that suits her best friend far better than all of those Lara has dragged him to in the last decade.

It's quiet and cosy and she doesn't mind. The Croft Manor is still undergoing construction work, it seems it never ends sometimes and a faint drizzle is falling outside.

They sit in the study, Jaffa cakes and a bottle of wine stand on the low table between them, with Abby nursing a glass of red grapes juice as a small joke.

Thirty sounds such an impossible number with how her life has gone in the past years. Lara has almost died way too many times and from the slight creases in the corners of Jonah's eyes, she is certain he thinks something along those lines as well.

The evening is nice all in all but Lara is nonetheless happy to retire to her bedroom later that night. The curtains are opened and the night has cleared out to let the moon shine bright. She lies on her back, spread on the large bed, staring at the canopy above and tries to come up with a modicum of determination concerning her immediate future.

There is a current effort in trying to localise another artefact said to have belonged to a sorcerer who lived in the late 5th century. With Trinity weakened after Paititi, she has more room to explore without gambling her life. Still....

Lara lets out a long sigh. She doesn't think much about him. Well, not as often as she did back then, but tonight, the wine and her birthday are making her nostalgic she supposes.

The events of Paititi had chased her dreams and nightmares for a long time, but also made her realise how nonsensical the brush with the supernatural was. If she has - at one point - believed the events of Kitezh to have been the craziest thing to ever happened to her (she had thought the same for Yamatai), it paled in comparison of what happened in Peru.

At least the Stormguards and Athanatoi were oonce humans. The Yaxiil had not been.

She is driven out of her thoughts when her phone blink on, a text notification appearing on her screen and Lara anticipates some generic birthday wishes.

The number though takes her by surprise. Satellite number from a region she has only a few contact with anymore. Unlocking her phone she opens Sofia's message only to feel her chest constricted and her next exhale carrying too little air.

The picture must have been taken from the upper Path of the Deathless, the ice seen in the background a telltale but it is the blurry figures that makes her jump on her feet, heart hammering almost painfully.

Sofia texts is straightforward.

[We need your help. How can some of them still be here? What does it mean for my father?]

There are hundreds of questions forming at once in her mind, and even after calling Sofia, the only thing she can think of as she drives to the airport in the middle of the night, after leaving a note for Jonah and old Winston to tell them there is something she must - needs - to do, is how maybe, she is about to experience something even more crazy than temporary turning into the god Kulkukan and getting sacrificed by the earthly avatar of a Mayan Godess.

[sunspray-peak]

Ch. 10: I Think That Might Be It

SATURDAY - SPRING 20

According to the sign outside of Pierre’s, Spring 20 was Shane’s birthday. 

Achilles knew Shane well enough at this point to know that here was not a man who likely enjoyed making a big deal out of birthdays, and who would likely stalk off the property early if he so much wished him one with too much enthusiasm.

But surely he deserved at least an acknowledgment of some kind, especially with all the help with the farm. So Achilles had purchased something casual-- just a six pack of what he had seen Shane drink at the saloon, plus a robust selection and variety of locally brewed IPAs and ales.

Breakfast and juice, as usual, were resting on the porch by the time Shane arrived. Having figured wrapping paper or a gift box would send the man over the edge, Achilles had simply set the beer next to the bagels, unwrapped. 

And thank goodness for his foresight, for as Shane trudged up the porch steps, a scowl already stamped on his face, Achilles could sense a mood well-brewed. 

“Morning, Shane,” he said lightly, pouring himself a glass of orange juice as Shane popped open the cream cheese. He pushed the two packs of beer towards him an inch. “For you. Happy birthday.” 

“Huh?” 

“Not sure how partial you are to your brand so I got that too in case, but my cousin recommended these to me—oh.”

Shane had pulled a bottle from the pack and eyed the flashy label closely before, to Achilles’ alarm, popping the tab with his keychain and taking a deep swig. 

“Good stuff. You remembered my birthday. Thanks.” 

“Hmm…” 

Achilles eyed him nervously—it was 6:40am, and Shane was already gulping down Moultania’s award winning grape ale like he had just finished a ten hour shift at Joja. Perhaps this wasn’t the best gift idea… 

“Hits the spot.” Shane half-swallowed a small burp and set the bottle down on the table. “Have one yourself.”

Achilles was not a big drinker—especially at 6:40am—but under Shane’s heavily-lidded stare, he found himself popping the tab of one of the saloon beers and taking the tiniest sip. 

Grey clouds still sat low in the sky, but Achilles figured they’d be safe from anymore rain. The cool air and beer combo seemed to provide some solace to Shane, who leaned back in his chair (only after Achilles visibly swallowed) and folded his hands over his stomach, closing his eyes. 

Achilles avoided the temptation to look at his watch (he had ultimately bought a new one)—it was Shane’s birthday after all, everyone deserved a little bit of dilly dallying, he supposed—and instead took a seat to slowly butter his own bagel. 

“35 today.” 

Achilles raised an eyebrow in surprise, pausing mid-bagel buttering. Thank Yoba Shane’s eyes were still closed. He had assumed Shane was older than that—late 30s at the very least.  

“Fucking 35.” 

Achilles resumed his bagel buttering just as Shane turned his face in the chair to better look at him. 

“You ever feel like… no matter what you do, you’re gonna fail? Like you’re stuck in some miserable abyss and you’re so deep you can’t even see the light of day?” 

Achilles’ lips parted, partly in surprise at the amount of words (and vivid ones at that) the usually mum Shane was slinging together, partly because, yes, yes he had. But before he could respond, Shane shook his head. “Nah, you don’t seem like the type.

“I just feel like no matter how hard I try… I’m not strong enough to climb out of that hole.” 

Achilles nodded slowly, delicately wiping his fingers on the napkin while waiting for Shane to continue. The man clearly had something on his mind. 

“Jas and Marnie thought they’d surprised me… went into my bedroom at midnight with balloons and shit, nearly had a heart attack… you could say I didn’t have a great night.” 

“Hmm.” 

Shane sighed, rubbing his slightly bloated face with thick, callused fingers. His perpetual five o’clock shadow was indeed looking a bit closer to six o’clock this morning. 

“If you’d like to take this morning off…” Achilles began awkwardly, but Shane clearly wasn’t listening. He gazed back at the gloomy sky, his right hand now clutching the opened beer so hard his knuckles gleamed white.  

“35. I mean what the fuck have I done? I work at a grocery store stacking shelves alongside 22 year olds. I mean, what the hell are you? 29, 30?” 

“…27.” 

“Fuck. You’ve got a future ahead of you still. 27 and what, already retired—”

“I wouldn’t call it retired—“

“—got your own farm.” 

Shane took another swig and rubbed his eyes. 

“I was… left this farm. By my grandpa.” Achilles spoke slowly, unsure if clarifying his privilege would help or hurt. 

“So you get left a farm when someone you knew died and I got left a kid.” Shane’s eyes were dark—mean, as they squinted against the weak sun. He absentmindedly tipped the now-empty beer bottle 45 degrees, rolling it in a circle on the table along its edge. “I didn’t want this.

“Got a mountain of student debt that’s kicking me in the ass, got no girlfriend, no career, stuck in a dead end job. 35. This isn’t where you’re supposed to be at fucking 35.” 

Achilles silently watched Shane slowly return the bottle to its upright position and take a bite from the bagel, licking lingering cream cheese off his lips. 

“Don’t get me wrong.” Shane folded his neck into a double chin and clumsily dusted crumbs off his Joja polo. “I’m grateful to Marnie, and Jas… Jas is a good kid. She is. I’m just… suffocated sometimes, you know? I mean, what’s the point of planning for the future? How I see it, I’ve got no future where I’m at.

“Buh… life. At work, at home, it’s just a constant… I don’t know. A constant… it’s just shit. It’s just nothing. And I can’t ever catch a break to just forget about it and feel… real. Except, I guess, when I’m out here.” 

Shane glanced once more at Achilles who was mid-bite. “You got a nice place out here. We’ve been doing good stuff.” 

If by “catching a break out here,” Shane had been referring to their mindless morning, Achilles was inclined to agree; the two made small talk, but rarely did Shane ever engage in much beyond the task at hand. Even when they were putting up the fences, a job that required them to be right next to each other, Achilles had learned scarcely more about Shane than his favorite grid ball team. 

But perhaps that was the draw. The quiet, the meditative monotony. It was clear Shane enjoyed the work, he highly doubted he’d be doing it for free otherwise. But what was it that was really bringing him back every morning and evening? Obviously not Achilles’ companionship or the free breakfast. Was it freedom? A goal—a tangible, worthwhile goal—that Shane felt he was working towards? The farm’s condition compared to the first day of the season was night and day, and to Shane much was obviously owed. Perhaps that’s what he was seeking. A different life. And something to be proud of. 

In that, perhaps he and Achilles were not unalike. 

“Speaking of which, what are we doing today?” Shane sat up in the chair with a sudden burst of energy and waved any remaining crumbs onto the ground. A small trail of smeared cream cheese streaked below his collar, but he didn’t seem to notice (or perhaps he simply didn’t care). 

“Oh yes. Ah, the house.” Achilles jumped up just as Shane leaned over the small table to give Achilles’ near untouched can of beer a small swirl.

“Not really a fast drinker, are you?” A tight, unreadable frown strained Shane’s lips as he lifted the can to his nose for a quick sniff.  

“I’m.... afraid not...” Afraid Shane would take it upon himself to finish the beer, Achilles quickly led the man off the porch to side of the house where gallons of paint had been delivered earlier that morning. 

“This is the color you chose?” Shane knelt down and took a closer look at the cans. 

“Yes, Shane, this is the color I chose.” It was not only small talk that had peppered their days, but also small spats. Achilles should’ve prepared himself better for the inevitable critique, but after this morning’s confession, perhaps it’d be wiser to stand down. 

“It’s weird. And girly.” 

“Shane, it’s green. That’s like, the gender neutral color for babies…” Achilles handed Shane a paint brush and a can. “The grey is for the roof.” 

“That’s brown.” 

“All right, it’s a grey-brown, come on,” Achilles grumbled. The official name for the color was actually “Burnt Smoke” (a terrible name), but he knew Shane wouldn’t give two shits. 

Together, they lugged the paint to the porch.

Leaning a ladder against the front of the farmhouse, Achilles said, “Just this, the roof, and Robin should be stopping by soon to fix the greenhouse. Thought maybe we could put up a trellis, plant some vines along the house. But once the greenhouse is painted… you know, I think that might be it, more or less.” 

At those words, an odd sensation began to creep along his spine. He looked wildly around, thinking perhaps an observing junimo, forest spirit, whatever, was making its rounds, but there was nothing. No hint of a bounce, no hedge out of place. 

It was only when Shane said, “Bet we could finish the house today if we really wanted to…” that Achilles realized what it was. It wasn’t that invisible spectator giving him the heebie jeebies. It was just him. Just Achilles. This was it. They were almost done. 

And with this realization, a question that Achilles had been (although out of character for him) stubbornly putting off answering for the past season began to burrow its way back into his brain. 

What’s next? 

He shook his head hard, clearing the thought. He still had a house to paint. And a greenhouse. Speaking of which, where was Robin… 

*****

Shane had his birthday day off—it was the most generous thing Joja had ever done for him, he had grumbled. And although Achilles repeatedly insisted Shane didn’t have to spend his birthday painting a farmhouse (“Go to the beach! Go for a hike!” He did not, after the events of the morning, suggest going to the saloon), Shane stubbornly refused to leave, and Achilles abandoned all attempts at being polite. 

After a late lunch of Shane’s favorite sandwiches from the Stardrop Saloon (on the house, Emily, who had dropped them off, had declared with a wink), Robin arrived, her pickup truck stacked high with redwood and glass panels. 

She helped herself to a sandwich, but then went quickly to work, her hammer providing some splash to the usual silence as Shane and Achilles moved on to paint the roof. 

As 4pm neared, Alex, to Achilles’ surprise, came through, announcing his arrival with a loud, “Heyooo!” 

In regrettably instinctual eagerness, Achilles immediately jumped off the roof and, biting back the wince that accompanied the lightning reverberating up his legs, half-stumbled off the porch to greet his visitor. 

Shane, on the other hand, having had a front row seat to Achilles’ clumsy enthusiasm, chose to carefully clamber down the ladder and quietly retreat towards Robin and the greenhouse.

No doubt gonna try to get her to move it forward a foot… (he had tried to persuade Achilles earlier). 

“Got off early today, thought I’d pop by,” Alex said, his hands on his hips as he gazed around the property. “Wow. This looks amazing!” 

Many folks had visited the property over the past few days to pay many a compliment, but only under Alex’s bright-eyed grin did Achilles find himself flushing red. He quickly turned his face toward east, pretending to observe a pair of hummingbirds tussling amidst the flower beds. “Thank you! It really does, doesn’t it?” 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t help more, work and all—”

“No worries—”

“Hey, but doesn’t look like you needed me at all. Wow! Seriously, this is amazing, can’t believe you did all this just this season. I like what you did over there with the grass… oh, the pond looks so nice now…. I see you left space for a barn, nice… is that a garden gnome? Really didn’t take you for the type.” Having finished his 360 rotation, he looked back up at the farmhouse. “The green looks real nice, told you it’d be a good choice. What’d Shane say about it?” 

“Pretty much what you thought he would.” 

“Mmhm, sounds about right.” Alex, catching Shane’s eye, waved. “Happy birthday, Shane! Great job on the farm, it looks fantastic!” 

Shane looked away. 

“This is really amazing, I can’t believe you guys did all this… It really looks like a home, Ash.” Alex threw an arm around Achilles’ shoulder as they continued to look up at the half-painted house. “You know, I think Strawberry Farms will be really good for someone. Whoever ends up here will be real lucky.”

Achilles nodded, dimly aware of the weight of Alex’s arm still resting on his shoulder, his heart aching ever so slightly as he took in the farm he had been toiling over the entire Spring. The clear, open land; his little fairy garden that now also served as the home for his new ceramic snail (a gift from Jodi); the pond he and Sam had spent hours one Wednesday dredging up and clearing of algae; his flower beds, a mass of bright colors; his repaired porch. 

Well. This was what it meant to... flip homes?

Better get used to it if you decide to keep doing it. 

But did he want to keep doing it? He’d never actually wanted to get into real estate, that was just a last minute excuse he’d come up with when pressed… 

“I’ve got a realtor coming on the 28th to take a look, get an estimate on selling price and everything. Might get some photographs set up. To help sell it.” He forced himself to say the words again. Perhaps if his tongue got used to spitting them out—realtor, sell, price—he’d feel better about the whole affair. Or at least, less sentimental. Robinsons were not sentimental folk, what was wrong with him. 

“Haley’s a photographer! She might be able to help you out, she’s really good.” Alex had taken back his arm to wave to Robin, and it was now resting by his side where Achilles found himself fighting the urge to brush against it. He crossed his arms instead. 

“Oh yeah? I’ll keep her in mind.” 

[rheawritessometimes]

{ Diluc x GN!Reader }

{ Summary } You really don't like Diluc.

{ Warnings } I wrote this all in one go without reading it over. It is likely not very good.

{ Notes } This can be read as either platonic or romantic. There has been no proofreading. This is roughly just my experience with Diluc. I don't know what possessed me to write it out, but I decided I would post it on the off chance someone might enjoy it.

{ Word Count } 663

You did not like Diluc. It started with your very first meeting when he fell into your arms instead of the redhead you had actually been wishing for. He didn’t even seem to mind when you scowled at him for coming home, simultaneously telling him he’d be benched forever and handing him a level 90 Wolf’s Gravestone. He was just holding on to it until a worthy claymore user came along, you assured him.

It turns out that when you benched him and said forever, you really only meant one day. You made it clear he was still in the doghouse for coming home uninvited, but you needed a decent pyro user and damage dealer. You even put an effort into getting him decent artifacts, although you complain about the domain the entire time.

Reaching friendship level 10 with him comes quickly, and you assure him it's just because you don’t have a better pyro user yet. He’s reliable, that’s it. Although, after he had celebrated your birthday with you, you had also started celebrating other occasions with him. It’s not really clear how things worked out like this, but you two have a weird tradition of exchanging the same expensive bottle of grape juice back and forth on every occasion that calls for a gift. He had given it to you for your birthday, but you passed it back with the next chance you got with the comment that such a thing was too expensive for you, and he liked grape juice much more anyways. It was accompanied by your actual gift for him, almost like you had passed the bottle back with it to make it seem like you didn’t care. It’s childish, but now it just goes back and forth between the two of you with whatever gift you actually got for the other, neither of you ever even opening it.

Eventually, the one you had been wanting comes home. You’ve already got leveled artifacts and a weapon you’ve been saving for him, and he gets those along with a warm welcome. Aside from Diluc scowling because he is a Fatui Harbinger. But for some odd reason, the “right” redhead ends up benched a lot longer than Diluc had been. You assure Diluc that you’re still mad at him, it’s just that you need to work out what team Childe would work best with.

Apparently, this takes a lot of thought and even when you compose a decent team with Childe, you don’t use it more than your former team. Diluc is assured that it’s just because the region you’re currently exploring is better suited to the former team and requires pyro. You also tell him that it’s because they don’t have good elemental reactions together that you don’t put him on Childe’s team, not because you know Diluc doesn’t like him. You use the fact you constantly put him on a team with Kaeya as evidence, “forced brotherly bonding time”, as you call it. Even though he tells you that he doesn’t mind it.

The time comes when you do start using Childe’s team and Diluc is benched. Diluc finds that time… surprisingly short-lived. But he can’t deny being happy to be back with you when the time comes, however brief he was away. It’s once again made clear to him that he is still in the doghouse, even after you’d had Childe for some time and he hadn’t come home on the 50/50 again. But, he supposed the doghouse wasn’t so bad, since you spent lots of time adventuring with him, enough to find it worth buying his new outfit when it came out. Even though you didn’t like him, or so you said.

And you don’t like Diluc. Even when you put him on your main team. And learn about him. And do what you can to make him happy. And write him letters that you end up being too embarrassed to send. He’s just… reliable.

[bunnys-beetlejuice-blog]

@the-grapejuice-blog yeah basically

for the love of god do not drink what these kids serve you b33tlebabes dni

[sorapricots]

Relax With Your Love One

Summary : Diluc have tendencies to overwork himself even in his own birthday.

Pair : Diluc x Reader

Genre : Fluff

Warnings : nothing. Just sweet fluff :]

A/N : HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST EDGY BUSINESSMAN I EVER KNOWN DILUC RAGNVINDR ^^ oh boy it’s so fun to wrote about him tbh 😊

Wc :  1,6k+

A sigh escaped from your lips as your fingers play with the rim of apple juice glass that Diluc already serve for you. Your glossy eyes watch your lover busy with the tavern even though tomorrow is his birthday.

“What’s in that pretty head of yours?” your eyes darting to your left. Kaeya sit beside you with a glass of dandelion wine in his hand and his signature smirk. You let out a huff before you face him.

“Look at him, tomorrow is his birthday and yet he keep himself busy.” You whined. Kaeya let out a chuckle as he watch Diluc busy with the tavern customers.

“Well, it’s not Diluc if he’s not busy.” You weakly punch his shoulder as Kaeya let out a laugh.

“You are not helping at all.” Your shoulders slump. Kaeya smile as he tapped your shoulder softly.

“A surprise or two won’t hurt him.” A smile creeped on your face when you listen to Kaeya’s word. You sprung up from your sit startled people in the tavern.

“Are you okay?” Diluc asked. You smiled despite him being a very busy business man he still put you on top of his priority.

“I’m okay. Sorry everyone.” You sit back with Kaeya try to hold back his snicker. Diluc then finally come to your table.

“Is he bothering you?” Diluc flatly look at the blue haired man. You shook your head in panic.

“No, no, he’s not. Don’t worry. Uh, can I go back home early?” You said already planning your surprise for Diluc’s birthday. Diluc look at you confusedly.

“Why you want to go back early?” he asked. You start to sweat before Kaeya decided to chime in.

“Maybe, this pretty lady right here just tired. I can send her back for you.” Kaeya quickly lift up his hands when he saw Diluc’s piercing gaze on him.

“Then let me take you home.” Diluc was about to go back to take his belongings when you suddenly hold his arm.

“No, you stay here take care the tavern. It’s very crowded today. I can go back by myself. I’m okay, I promise. I can fight too you know.” Diluc seems reluctant but you give your best puppy eyes and he let out a defeat sigh.

“Fine. You better go straight to home.” You nod your head as you start to take your belongings. You give Diluc a kiss before you say goodbye to Kaeya and leave the tavern.

“She’s prettier as the day passed by.” Kaeya said to Diluc as both of them watch you left the tavern. Diluc let out an annoyed huff as his hand snatch the alcohol from Kaeya’s hand.

“Shut up. Go back to your place.” That’s the last thing Diluc said before he left his brother alone.

.

.

.

“Good evening, Miss.” You smile when Adelinde welcome you at the door.

“Good evening, Adelinde. I want to bake a cake for Diluc’s birthday, can you notice me if he come home? I don’t want him to know.” Adelinde nod her head as you quickly put your things in your shared bedroom and quickly went to the kitchen.

You start to gather some of the ingredients, especially grapes. As you know your lover’s liking towards grapes. You start to mix the ingredients and make it not too sweet so Diluc can enjoy his birthday cake more.

“Miss, I saw Master Diluc from afar. I suggest you to hurry up.” Adelinde warn. You quickly clean the kitchen while let out a relieved sigh because you already finished decorating the cake.

“Adelinde can you keep this cake somewhere safe? While I clean the kitchen.” Adelinde nod her head as she carefully took the beautifully decorated grape cake in her hand before she went somewhere else.

You quickly boiled a water to make hot chocolate so Diluc won’t suspect you do something in the kitchen.

“I’m home.” Diluc said when he see you taking the hot chocolate powder.

“Welcome home. Do you want hot chocolate?” He just shook his head and you frown when you noticed how tired your lover is.

“No, I’m gonna take a bath and went to bed.” You give him a nod and watch him slowly went upstairs to your shared bedroom.

.

.

.

“Diluc?” you called him and peeked your head inside the bedroom. And there you see Diluc on the bed with a book in his hands. He look up and smile softly. A smile that only you can see.

“Hey, love.” You giggle softly when you see Diluc put the book he read at the moment a little bit too fast. Your legs automatically bring your body to the bed and climb up to lay down beside your lover.

Diluc quickly pull you closer to him kissing your face before he nuzzled his face to your hair. You can tell how his body was tensed so you decided to draw random shapes on his chest.

“Today was pretty crowded, yeah?” Diluc just nod his head as he hugged your waist tighter.

“Very. To be exact. I’m tired.” He simply said. You hummed before you look up and kiss his lips again.

“Let’s go to sleep then.” Diluc’s smile is the last thing you see before you let yourself drift to sleep.

.

.

.

You squirm a little bit as you feel the sun light hit your eyes. One hand quickly shoot up to cover your face. And the other hand tried to reach for your lover only to find the bed is empty.

“Diluc?” you groggily called your lover.

“Good morning, love.” Diluc answered. You blinked your eyes to clear your vision and see your lover stand in front of the bathroom try to dry his long red hair with a towel.

“Why are you up so early? Come here.” You whined as your lover chuckled.

“Sorry sweetheart, can’t do. I have another things to do in the tavern today.” You groaned before you decided to rolled from the bed and let your body flopped to the floor to wake you up.

Diluc just shook his head as he remembered this weird habit of yours always made him worried when you both just started dating. Suddenly you sit up with wide eyes open. Diluc look at you confusedly.

“Something happened?” he asked. You quickly stand up and walk to him.

“No can’t do. You can’t go to the tavern today. No. I’m not gonna allowed you.” You pout. Diluc look at you a little bit clueless.

“May I know why?” he put his hand on your waist.

“Because.. It’s your birthday! You can’t just work on your birthday. And I’m pretty sure Charles would be fine if you left him just for one day.” You hook your arms to his neck. Ignoring how his hair is still a little bit damp.

“But-” you quickly kiss his lips before he can say more.

“No buts, Mr. Ragnvindr. I better still see you in this house after I finish take a bath.” You softly pat Diluc’s chest before you leave him.

.

.

.

You went downstairs and see Diluc reading another book with a glass of grape juice in front of him. A big smile showed on your face, happy because Diluc decided to not go to work on his birthday.

“Good morning.” You chirped. Diluc look up and smile before he pull you and kiss your cheek.

“Have you eat any breakfast?” you asked. Diluc shake his head.

“Want me to cook you something?” Diluc was about to stand up from his seat before you pushed him back down.

“Nu-uh. Today I’m gonna be the one who take care everything. You just sit your pretty self down mister.” Diluc laugh softly.

“But I want to spend make breakfast together with you. Can we do that? It’s my birthday after all.” He smirked while push himself up.

“Oh I see, you decided to abuse your birthday pass, you sneaky.” You poke his side. He giggled and pull you to the kitchen.

You both start to make breakfast together while talking and joking around. You smiling so big it made your cheeks hurt. Happy that finally you can spend a day with your lover. Happy that Diluc can have a day off over his hectic business.

“What do you want for your birthday? Do you want to go to somewhere together?” you asked as you both enjoying your meal. Diluc stay quiet for a second before he shook his head.

“Nothing in particular. Can we just spend time in here? Just the two of us? Can we not see anyone today?” you excitedly nodded your head.

“Of course we can birthday boy.” Diluc playfully rolled his eyes for the nickname.

“Oh, anyway, I have a small surprise for you.” Diluc tilted his head as he watched you stand up and leave. Only to comeback with the cake you made last night with the dawn winery staffs following behind you.

“Happy Birthday Diluc!” all of you said in unison. The red hair looked surprised before a soft smile showed on his face. He quietly said thank you and the staffs start to leave to go back to their job. Leaving you and Diluc with half eaten grape cake.

“When did you made this?” Diluc asked. You laugh when you see some of the cake was on his cheek. You wiped it before you continue to eat.

“Last night. That’s why I said I want to go back home early. Do you like it?” you asked.

“I love it. Thank you, my love. For staying with me and for spending your time, energy, and love to me.” Diluc tilt your head to face him. You smile before you kiss his lips.

[genshin-no-simp]

Diluc x Reader - Birthday Boy (Smut)

Pairing: Diluc x You/Reader (Female)

Sexual conent below the cut

Warnings: semi-public sex, tummy bulge? fluff ending.

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

It took a weeks worth of preparation on your part to get everything in place, all for this one day. This one special day. But it was worth it.

After all, Diluc did deserve rest on his birthday.

You made sure there was nothing that needed doing, nothing that warranted Diluc to leave the comfort of the Manor. You were exhausted but you knew this was only a fraction of the work that Diluc did. It was your motivation to make sure everything was in order, of course with the help of Elzer and Adelinde.

And when the night before his birthday approached, you reassured him that he could take this chance to sleep in for once. Diluc wasn't against the idea but he wasn't sure if his body clock would allow him to sleep in. But little did he know, he was exhausted and only once he hit this pillows did he realize this.

When Diluc had finally woken, he groaned softly bringing his hand up as he ran his fingers through his unruly morning hair, that's when he noticed you weren't beside him. In an instant he shot out of bed, looking around. You never got out of bed before him. About to leave the bed himself his door opened and your figure came into view. You were still in your night dress. Diluc sighed in relief, then raised his eyebrow at the tray.

"What's this?" His voice low and husky since he had just woken up.

You weren't going to lie, his voice was enough to set a fire burning inside you. But today was about him. You smiled with a giggle.

"What does it look like? Breakfast of course. So sit back in bed." You came to his side of the bed.

From this close up Diluc could see properly just how little your night dress left to the imagination. Then he realized, you went to the kitchen like that, and he frowned, anyone could have seen you, which seemed to pissed him off.

"Don't worry I had the kitchen to myself, only Adelinde, Moco and Hillie are here at the moment." You knew what was running through his head. Diluc had a tendency to get overly possessive sometimes. But it's one of his faults that you fell in love with regardless.

Diluc looked away, half embarrassed and half ashamed that you knew without a doubt that he didn't want other people, especially men to see you like this. You gave another soft giggle setting the bed table down.

Diluc cleared his throat and looked at you, "what's the occasion?" He then lowered his gaze to the food and didn't know where to start, everything looked so enticing. He smiled at the eggs that you put a little extra effort in to make look like hearts.

You sat on the opposite side of him careful not to knock the glasses of grape juice over on the tray. You gave a little hum.

"Well what day is it?" You asked him instead. Diluc tilted his head, pulling the fork from his mouth. Once he was finished chewing he spoke.

"Friday." He stated matter of factly.

"Yes, but what date is it?" You cocked your head to the side, watching him. He totally forgot about his birthday didn't he? You thought to yourself.

"Um..." Diluc didn't know why but he felt pressured, as if you would give out to him, if he got this wrong.

Was it your birthday? No that's not till a few months.

Was it your anniversary? No that just passed.

At this point you were struggling to keep your laughter in.

"Luc, come on. It's your birthday." You rolled your eyes laughing.

Then it clicked, it suddenly made sense, from why you told him to sleep in, to breakfast in bed.

"That's it?" He asked, indifferently.

"What do you mean 'that's it's? You only get one birthday, and I'm going to make sure you get the most out of it." Diluc could hardly deny you, not with how passionate you were about it. But it's just another day, birthday or not.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but there's still work-"

"I do believe there is nothing for you to do today. Everything is already taken care of. It's you day." This time you were much more calmer as you smiled sweetly at him.

Now he definitely couldn't say no. He had a feeling you did a lot to get him this day of peace. Besides it's been so long since he's actually celebrated his birthday. Not that he cared to remember it considering what happened all those years ago...but maybe now is the time to move on from that, it's getting real tiring anyway.

Diluc smiled at you, yes from now on he will celebrate his birthday with you.

Diluc had to admit, it was nice, having all this free  time AND getting to spend it with you. The two of you spent most your time outside, walking through the vineyard and occasionally eating a grape or two, at one point you started playing hide and seek. Instead of finding it childish, Diluc found it oddly refreshing. Just being able to let loose for once.

Currently he was hiding, making sure to keep his eye out for you and staying on the move, it was cheating of course but it added to the fun, but you were an expert at hide and seek and knew all the tricks in the book. Just as he turned around, you seemingly popped out of nowhere.

"Found yooou~" you giggled tackling him into a hug.

Caught of by both your sudden appearance and the hug he fell backwards onto the ground.

"Thought you could escape me huh?" You nuzzled into his neck.

Diluc chuckled holding you close to his body.

"I thought I would've had a better chance than that." He admitted.

You sat up on his chest, while he propped himself up his elbows. The light from the sun creeped through the cracks of the vineyards many grape pergolas. It wasn't the most private of places but nobody would notice the two of you unless they looked.

Cupping Diluc's cheek, you leaned down to kiss him, which without hesitation he accepted. It was a delicate kiss, both of you could feel the love and affection that you held for each other. It was truly something.

When you went to pull away from the kiss, Diluc pulled you back for more, shifting his weight onto his left arm, his right arm snaked around your waist his hand pressing agaisnt the middle of your back, giving you no chance to move. Diluc wasn't done with you just yet.

Gripping his shoulders you pushed him back down onto his back, Diluc gave a mental sigh finally able to take the pressure off his left arm. Now he had both his around wrapped around you securely. He made you feel so safe, you never wanted to leave his arms but lucky for you, he wasn't going to let go anytime soon.

It wasn't long before his hands started to wander, touching and caressing your body. Soft gasps and pants escaped from you, Diluc used every opportunity to dive into your mouth. The intensity of the kiss was making you lightheaded, but in a good way. Your body burned and your heart was racing. You could tell Diluc was the same, you could feel his heart pounding against his chest right under your hand, not only that but at how brazenly he lifted your pale mint dress up to touch your bare skin. It made you shudder, Diluc had opted to be gloveless today, it was certainly a change in pace compared to his usual leather. Being able to feel his skin on yours right away was making you feel impatient.

Finally allowed to pull away from the kiss, a string of saliva followed. Diluc gazed at you with hooded eyes, his normally bright ruby eyes, dark and heavy with lust. You licked your lips, sitting up on him once again. One of the straps on your dress slipped down your shoulder. Diluc held back his growl and his urge to flip you over. You weren't even trying to seduce him and he was already under your spell.

Gripping your thighs he pushed you lower down until your clothed womanhood rubbed against the bulge in his pants. You failed to catch the moan before it fell from your lips. Diluc smirked, knowing you were just as excited as he was right now.

Diluc was planning on teasing you some more before you had decided to take back some control. Abruptly you grinded yourself against him, biting your lip. It was Diluc's turn to let out a surprised moan as his hips bucked up into yours.

"Ah~ Diluc." You fumbled for his belt buckle. If Diluc wasn't as impatient he would've chuckled and teased you. Maybe it was the sun, maybe it was the free time or maybe it was just you. But he wasn't complaining. Diluc hissed in relief, feeling his member finally free of its painful confinement.

You were going to lower yourself further but he grabbed your arm pulling you into a kiss.

"No time for that." He breathed heavily between kisses. Of course there was time he just wasn't interested in that right now, he just wanted you, in which case he used his Vision to burn the sides of your underwear and discard the rest.

Now with your underwear out the way, Diluc could feel how wet you really were. It was cute how excited you had gotten without any foreplay, perhaps the fact that you were technically out in the open played a part but regardless, he was happy that it was him who made you feel like this.

You moaned against the kiss feeling the tip of his member push against your awaiting hole. Breaking away from the kiss you pushed down against him, taking him all in at once.

"Fuck!" It was so strange hearing Diluc swear but it filled you with a strange sense of pride knowing you were able to break his nobility.

The stretch of taking him all at once burned but it felt good. It was certainly much greater compared to when he would prepare you first. But you weren't complaining at all. Tilting your head back with a moan you began to bounce up and down, your slick made it easy to slide up and down. You gripped the front of Diluc's shirt for support as he snapped his hips up into yours. A series of wanton moans escaped your lips, the harder and faster Diluc went.

Your head fell forward your eyes glossy and your pupils blown wide with pleasure. Now both your dress straps had slid down your shoulders, making Diluc lose his mind. He gripped your hips so tight, there wasn't a doubt that there would be fingerprints even through the dress. You choked on your moans as you swore you could feel Diluc in your stomach. He was reaching places you never thought possible, or your were so drunk on pleasure it just felt that way, but it didn't matter what was the truth, it was fantastic.

"Ngh, haA~ mm close..." you struggled to get the words out.

Diluc grunted thrusting upwards even faster, you had struggled to keep up before but now it was just impossible. It wasn't long before you came all over him. Diluc wasn't too far behind, feeling your release edged him into his, you felt his hot seed fill you up more than your already were, you threw your head back with a shameless moan of his name. You were certain everyone around and in the Manor had heard you. But Diluc didn't care, let them know who was and had made you feel good.

You panted heavily as your body shook from the after math of your orgasm. Diluc too was desperately gasping for air as he came down from his high. Letting a soft puff of air, you looked down at Diluc and grinned leaning in to kiss him. He chuckled kissing you back.

Getting off Diluc he fixed his pants as you picked up what was left of your underwear.

"Luc." You pouted, "you ruined my panties." You huffed and rubbed your legs together, you could feel some of his cum dripped down your thigh.

"My love, they were ruined before I even touched them." He winked with a cocky smirk.

Your face flushed a deep crimson as you looked away from him, Diluc smiled wrapping his arm around your waist tenderly.

"Come on, let's go take a bath." He smiled gently, ushering you back towards the Manor. You snuggled into his side contently.

During the short trip back inside, not one of the employees dared to look in your direction. Instead of it making you feel better you felt embarrassed. You weren't surprised that they heard you but they didn't have to make it so obvious.

"Luc, nobody would look at me." You sounded more mortified than you intended as you pulled your dress off, which only added to Diluc's amusement.

"Good, they shouldn't be looking at you in the first place." He stated stripping himself of his own clothes.

Upon returning to Diluc's private quarters, you were both pleasantly surprised by the already drawn bath, with scattered rose petals and scented candles. It seems Adelinde knew exactly what the two of you needed. You were the first to settle into the bath despite Diluc's confusion, usually he got in first so you could rest against him, it felt weird that he was resting against you.

"Are you sure I'm not too heavy against you?" It was the fourth time he asked now.

"Oh for Celestia's sake Luc, I'm not made out of glass, I'm fine. But you won't be if you keep asking." At least you gave him a warning which he took to heart, despite not having a Vision yourself, you were very capable of looking after yourself.

"Alright, alright." Diluc sunk a little lower into the tub, his head now resting between your boobs.

"Oh." He said softly, he hadn't expected this to be so comfortable. You giggled softly.

"Someone looks content." There was a lot of fondness in your voice that made Diluc's chest flutter. He let out a soft hum and closed his eyes when he felt your fingers massage some herbal shampoo into his scalp.

Diluc couldn't help but think about how lucky he was to have someone like you. Someone so caring and aware of his needs. He didn't expect to meet someone like you, or anyone in general for that matter. He thought he was going to be alone, forever, and he was okay with that. Until he had met you, he didn't at the time realize just how important you would be to him, but he knows now and he's incredibly grateful towards you and towards himself, for letting him step out of his comfort zone and let someone in again.

Before he knew it, Diluc had fallen asleep, between the soothing heat of the water, your massaging and the sweet sound of your voice, they had all lulled him into sleep.

"Luc? You listening?" You asked softly, "Luuuc~" you cooed. Perplexed with his quietness, you tilted your head to the side to peer into his face, where you noticed he had fallen asleep. You grinned with a giggle.

You were so preoccupied with talking, you didn't notice the change in his breathing, as it steadied out. But now you didn't know what to do. You knew you couldn't stay in the bath but you didn't want to wake him either. But you also knew the water wouldn't go cold anytime soon thanks to Diluc, placing a kiss to his damp hair, you decided to let him sleep for a little while longer. After all he deserved it.

[rviden]

➝ birthday headcanons

feat. ➝ xiao, childe, kazuha, zhongli, kaeya, diluc, albedo

note ➝ happy happy birthday to meeeeee — enjoy some headcanons of these wonderful boys on the readers birthday!

➝ xiao

he... tries...?

while he understands what birthdays are, he doesn’t really understand the big celebrations for it

i mean to him it just means one year closer to death for mortals

but when he sees that not only do humans hold these traditions close to their hearts

and tend to look forward to these days every year

it’s a way to show your love and appreciation for the person

so... he will try to learn more about the customs

xiao would ask zhongli what to do — if he should simply say ‘happy birthday’ to you and walk away, or if he should get you something

cough the answer is both cough

much like zhongli — my dude is broke, so whatever he gets you will be handmade or found

a crystalfly to be exact

and the rest of the day with him by your side (with a little bit better of a mood then he’s usually in!)

➝ childe

mans going all out and you know it

first of all, he’s rich

second of all, he’s rich

childe would take time (or as much as he could) away from his work, just to spend the day spoiling you

every few minutes he slips a happy birthday in, or boasts to strangers that it’s your big day, just so they’ll wish you a happy birthday as you pass by

keep him on a leash or else he might scream it out from the top of a building

expect a nice (expensive) dinner with a beautiful view

and a few dozen presents

alongside this, childe is on his best behaviour because after all — this day is about celebrating you!

i want a childe in my life goddamn

➝ kazuha

a little bit like xiao (only human) he gets what and why birthdays are celebrated, but he’s never really cared about it per say

he’ll celebrate sure, but when it comes to the day, he’ll simply wish the person a happy birthday before walking away

but you on the other hand

no, you need to be shown how much you mean to him on your birthday

from morning to night, he’s gifting you anything he can get his hands on — a heart shaped leaf, a small lizard, and plenty of kisses in between

while the gifts aren’t huge and luxurious like some get on their birthday

his gifts are a way to show your travels together and his utmost appreciation for you and everything you do for him

also expect a large group of pirates to come wish you a happy birthday

andddd a hug from the ever so lovely beidou<3

➝ zhongli

elegant celebration minus the money

despite not having enough mora to afford even a teacup, zhongli does what he can with what he has — and maybe asks childe for money just so he can treat you

a homemade dinner under the stars with the most beautiful view you can imagine

i can’t get this out of my head so here —

zhongli seems like the type that would find one of the rarest gems he could, carve a piece off, and gift it to you as either a necklace or some sort of pendent

you’re carrying something that he says ‘matches your beauty/handsomeness’

he’s more gifting with his words and affection over physical things

he’s have stories that remind him of you, or stories about birthdays and how traditions came to be

and at the end of the day — zhongli would be giving you his undivided attention and affection

➝ kaeya

if mondstadt didn’t know it was your birthday before... they sure do now!

kaeya takes it upon himself to notify the entire city of the day and it’s meaning

so, expect a few (lot) of strangers to come up and wish you a happy birthday

while kaeya technically could buy you many gifts, he gives me ‘would only buy or give one meaningful gift’

some of the fur of his coat turned into a little charm — that would be adorable

and in this, he would probably purchase (bed diluc) to give him the finest wine or grape juice to celebrate with you

kaeya wouldn’t leave your side, with an arm constantly wrapped around your shoulders, and his head resting against your own whenever he could

^ kaeya basically becomes one with you during the day

➝ diluc

much like kaeya, diluc is most likely a gift giver with meaning behind things

a map of mondstadt with mark locations of milestones between the two of you

^ the only think i can come up with srry

diluc isnot the most well versed in his verbal and physical affection, so while he’ll wrap you in his arm tightly and wish you many happy birthdays

he’s probably gonna be overheating

but if it means a good day for you... then he’ll put up with it

another man with a fancy dinner in mind — has the staff of dawn winery prepare a nice table inside by the window with your favourites on the table

diluc is still new to the whole relationship and having someone close to you, so as the years go on

he will be more and more able to truly show your worth to him through his words and actions

➝ albedo

another one who can grasp the meaning of a birthday, but just doesn’t care

^ he’ll wish you approximately one happy birthday

that’s what you get

albedo — as much as i want to say is a sweetheart on you birthday, probably treats it like any other day

‘happy birthday... can you come help me in the lab for a moment?’

sucrose or one of the other alchemists probably guide him to do more — treat you to a meal, talk more, or get a gift for you

so that’s what he does (with guidance ofc)

picture a tiny locket with a picture of you and albedo standing next to one another with the rest of the knights either behind or beside you

it’s small, minimalistic, but the photo itself holds some sort of importance to albedo

‘it’s the day we met, and the day you caught all of my attention’

[b-yeonder]

Bringing Them Breakfast in Bed (Brothers + Undateables)

LUCIFER:

When you walk in balancing the breakfast tray Lucifer is already sat up in bed checking his D.D.D for any important news from RAD, but his attention is quickly diverted to you. The spread you offer him? Buttered toast, two different types of jam in cute little decorative jars, a full wine glass, and a cup of tea. "Wine in the morning? What do you take me for," he chuckles putting his phone down. Grinning you tell him that it's just grape juice to which he laughs and accepts the tray from you with a sincere thank you. Finds it incredibly endearing and can't stop smiling - calls you his good girl/boy with a wink. Will definitely put him in a good mood for the rest of the day.

MAMMON:

"For me? All of it? Really?" Yup! He's flabbergasted, blinking stupidly with his mouth hanging open as his cheeks redden before eventually catching himself and clearing his throat, putting on his usual bravado. "Well damn, I definitely deserve this huh, being the Great Mammon after all!" Cheeks are still red despite his demeanor change. Takes the tray and starts tucking in with gusto. "Ya gonna help me with this right? Here, I'll feed ya a pancake look--" He does, insisting on feeding it to you by hand and is a happy bubbly fella all morning. Why? Because his human pampered him and he feels s p e c i a l. (Because he is, of course.)

LEVIATHAN:

Shakes off his tiredness in an instant when he realises what you're handing him. "Is this that Limited Edition Ruri-chan cereal!? WHOOOAAH!" A million thank yous before he takes a million pictures to post on his social media and is loathe to eat it but it looks so good and ohhh man he's caved already and it IS good! You can't help but laugh at him as he eats it with his eyes closed, humming happily. "I can't believe you got these. Just for me? Really? Like, the whole box, you don't want any at all?" Blushes reaaal hard once it dawns on him how difficult it must have been for you to get and that you made all the effort for him and him only. "What if I feed you a spoonful? They're really good." Blushy blush, hide behind that fringe cutie pie.

SATAN:

"Ohh well well well, what have we here?" A smirk as you hand him his tray. Freezes when he sees what's on his plate and his cheeks redden quickly. You can't help but grin as he just stares. Cat pancakes. Cat-head shaped pancakes with syrupy faces. "You okay there?" "I....they're..." He clears his throat and blinks up at you. "Cute right?" Your grin widens as he nods. "I don't know if I can eat them..." At his mumbled confession you laugh and plop next to him on the bed, offering to feed them to him which has him blushing more. What can I say, sleepy morning bedhead Satan is easily flustered.

ASMODEUS:

"Oh darling this is amazing! But really all you had to do was show up nude and that would have been all the breakfast I need--" "ASMO!" He giggles and licks his lips at the delicious looking spread laid before him. "G A S P, is this GLITTERY JAM!?" "Yes! Isn't it cool?" Squeals and tucks in, rolling his eyes in his head. "Oh my gosh it tastes as good as it looks. This would make a good lipstick colour, we should go looking for one later." Uses it as an opportunity to gossip and get a few little flirtatious moves in before the day has even started. Dabbing jam on your nose just to lick it off making you snort with laughter and shove him away.

BEELZEBUB:

Presented with a full English breakfast, a giant stack of pancakes, and orange juice his eyes are the size of saucers as his pupils flick from the food to you. "What's wrong, handsome?" "I'm trying to decide what I want to eat more right now - the food or you." Because yes the poor sausage is overwhelmed and gets hard with excitement over all the deliciousness before him. Ends up shoving some egg in his gob followed by a pancake and half of the orange juice before pouncing on you. "Lemme love you!" "BEEEL-!" He's grinning and smothering you with breakfasty smooches leaving you a giggling mess. (Would want to finish his breakfast with you wrapped in his arms after he’s had his way because hugs and food are the best.)

BELPHEGOR:

"I've never seen you eat breakfast so I didn't know what to make you therefore I am serving myself," you say, gesturing to yourself with a flourish. "Perfect." Instantly grabs you and starts biting and gnawing at you making you erupt in a fit of giggles and try to push him off. "Mmmm human, so delicious!" Keeps going, pinning you down and climbing on top. "BELPHIE STOP THAT TICKLES." Evil grin plastered on his face, eventually ends the antics with a kiss on your nose. Then bites it. "Just for future reference though, I love a good omelette. Make me one of those and I'm yours forever." "You're not already mine forever?" "No, you suck, make me an omelette." Collapses on top of you so you can't go and make one even if he wasn't just winding you up. 

DIAVOLO:

Has a massive grin on his face the moment you set foot in his room, getting even bigger when he sees you've brought food. You serve it professionally, pretending to be Barbatos and making him laugh. "Your breakfast, young Master."  "Ooo, my birthday must have come early?" Devours everything eagerly, insisting on sharing with you no matter how much you protested. "Come now, you deserve to taste the fruit of your labours. It's wonderful!" Like a big kid, smothers you with kisses when he's done. "I'll have to think of a proper way to repay you..."

BARBATOS:

Completely taken by surprise - it was usually him that was serving meals after all and here you were up at an even earlier hour than him handing him a breakfast tray? Doesn't know what to say at first, eyes roaming over the food you'd prepared for him until he spots the little flower-shaped strawberries you'd cut for him - something he'd done for you once to cheer you up when you were sick. "Seeee," you say with a playful nudge as you settle next to him. "I've been learning." "You have...this looks wonderful, thank you." He leans over to press a delicate kiss to your lips and you mumble a quiet you're welcome against them. The two of you share a rare moment of solitude chatting idly and enjoying each others' company before another busy day at the Palace begins.

SOLOMON:

Eyes you and the food suspiciously. "You trying to poison me again?" "Dude it was just gone-off milk it wouldn't have killed you. Also that was a whole year ago why are you still holding that against me?" "Yeah well..." Sniffs it just to be sure then flashes you a playful smile. "I'm just messing. This looks really good - thanks." Halfway through tucking in: "Y'know I'd offer to return the favour but you'd probably die so I won't bother." "Yeah please don't," you laugh, resting your head on his shoulder. "Although....what if you were my breakfast next time? Worth a thought," he mused, tapping his spoon against his bottom lip as you rolled your eyes.

SIMEON:

Oh...this is awkward... You both are bearing breakfast trays intended for the other. Burst into laughter you make your way to his room where you swap trays and tuck in. "I can't believe this..." "We're too in tune with each other," Simeon smiles, sipping at his tea. "Yeah, I guess we are." The food was delicious - heavenly even and you found yourself closing your eyes from pleasure while eating it. "This is amazing, Sims." "Glad you like it," he replied with a grin. "You've made these eggs perfectly." "I'll have to make them for you more often." "I'd like that a lot." Simeon definitely tries feeding you at one point, laughing sweetly at your eagerness to take it from him.

[ookami-tsun]

hello may i request number 16 with zhongli and diluc thanks <3

100 follower event

plot idea: ookami, writer: tsun

End date of event extended to 12 September

Hello~ This is Tsun here~ . I going to announce that matchups are closed for now, but we will be clearing matchups (T_T)( sorry for not doing it for so long... ) but request for any stories are still up, feel free to request anything. For the event, we are thinking of extending the ending date, so... another 7 days from this post? And the reason why I skipped one post release was due to the fact that I was having an examination and couldn't post..

Zhongli😭

You enter the bedroom and crawl under the blanket, upset about how your best friend misunderstood you after seeing you with her boyfriend outside.

Shortly after that, Zhongli enters the room and noticed that you were hiding under the blanket. Worried about you, he pats your back as he questions you about your unusual behavior.

Knowing that he is someone who you can depend on, you talked about how your best friend got angry when she spotted you walking around in town with her boyfriend to pick her birthday gift.

Understanding about your situation, he tells you to let him take care of it and explain to your friend as it will be much more suitable to let him be the middle man and resolve the problem.

He lays down on the bed with you as he lets you rest your head on his arm while he pats your back in a pattern which slowly puts you into sleep.

Zhongli suddenly started talking about how he spent the day with Childe who kindly helped him to buy stuff when he realized that he forgot to bring his wallet.

Finding it funny, you started laughing and slowly, you started to feel better and more relaxed

Soon you drifted into dreamland while thinking of how you should apologies to her after Zhongli helps to clear up the misunderstanding

Noticing that you are asleep, he quietly parts himself from you and prepares to leave the house to seek your friend out to have a talk about the misunderstanding.

Diluc😭

Noticing your red swollen eyes when you returned to the mansion after this trip one day, Diluc approached you as he normally serious face turns grim.

He questions you about your appearance which you noticed after he pointed out. Apparently your outfit was dirty and messy, something that you who as someone who is strict about appearance would never overlook.

Knowing how he will know even if you deny, you poured out everything about the incident, which was some girls approached you in an somewhat empty place and started insulting about your appearance and pushing you.

Diluc thought for a moment and told you to freshen up as he ordered some maids to accompany you after bringing you into the bedroom.

Thinking about how he is secretly protective of people that he cares, you know how he is planning on 'talking' to those girls, but soon, he came back with some grape juice and your favorite food while you talk to the maids which made you surprised and happy as he came back to you instead.

After eating a few bites, you noticed that Diluc was staring at you and this made you shy, so you tried to distract him by asking about Kaeya.

This made him frown as he started complaining about Kaeya and nitpicking about everything he did. Despite how much he complains, you know that he actually cares about Kaeya and this caused you to laugh as you know about how much he actually cares about him.

Feeling warm inside knowing about how he cheered you up, you happily made him eat with you.

[marblesphere]

Diary of Mafia Villainess 6

Pairing : Mafia Boss Gojo Satoru x Future Mafia Boss Reader

This is fluffy fanfic based on novel ‘Observation Record of My Self-Proclaimed Villainess Fiancée’ I used the MC’s reincarnated point of view instead of the main hero.

!!Warning!! Rom-Com, Fluff, Protective Gojo, Fluffy Gojo. All students character are aged up to 18, Dense reader. You can also read it on Ao3 under Tsumikio

"Principessa. It's time to go." Yae said.

"Okay." I took a last look at myself in the mirror. "Yep, nothing is out of place." The maids are doing a wonderful job.

"You are really going down that villainess path?"

"Yep. I have been waiting for this. Of course I am going to do it. I devoted my 18 years just to be the blooming evil flower. I won't back down now. I promised to give him a happy ending." I nodded.

"Fine… I will be rooting for you." She sighed.

"Thanks. Let's go. Let's get this show started." Today is finally my 18 birthday, and the day where I will be announced as a successor of the Sawada Family.

I am wearing a black dress this time, with some low-key accessories to match. Yae is wearing a navy blue dress. Megumi, Yuuji, Nobara and Maki are already waiting for us.

"Thanks for waiting." I smiled.

"Today is your big day. Break a leg out there." Maki smirked.

"Of course. Today is the beginning of my path as a blooming evil flower." I nodded enthusiastically.

"Ooohh!! Good luck, [Name]." Yuuji clapped.

"You don’t make a sense as usual." Maki sweatdropped.

"Her IQ is being turned off." Nobara added.

"Let's go, Kikufuku or we'll be late for your big day." My back bumped with something.

"Ah. Satoru." I blinked as I looked up to him. Suguru and he are wearing a black suit today. "The happy ending is near." I grinned.

He blinked owlishly, "Okay, I am waiting, Kikufuku." He grinned. He slides his hand into mine, "But first, we are going to be late."

"Ah." I blinked. ~"~

 We finally arrived at the party venue. "Scared?" My arm is hooked on his.

“Why would I? This is my party, is it not?” I blinked.

“True enough.” He chuckled.

I enter the party venue with my head held high. There's no need to be afraid or nervous. This is my own party. Not to mention I have support from my reliable friends. The hall quieted down as they stared at me. I walk from the entrance to my papa's side.

"Thank you for participating in this evening party I have hosted. As you know, today's party is to announce my heir. The successor of our famiglia will be my only daughter, Sawada [Name]." Papa declared.

The guests then clap their hands. I only smile while saying nothing. "Now, please enjoy the party." With that the party continued.

Some guests start approaching me while making small talk. Gauging your worth and forming connections. This is the true purpose of this kind of party. And, most of the connection they are after is actually not me. My family and Gojo's family. This is their true aim. Since that is the case, I will also not hold back on taking what can be used.

"Principessa." Yae whispered something to me.

"Sorry, I need to check on something. Please enjoy the party." I smiled and walked to the balcony, the one in the corner to take a breather. "Haaa…. Tiring." I sighed.

"Here. Grape juice." Satoru handed me a glass.

"Thank you. They seem to underestimate me not to be able to guess their motives." I sip the glass.

"You did a good job, Kikufuku." Satoru smirked.

"You told Yae to call me here, right? Thank you, Satoru." I rested my hands and head on the stone balcony, taking a side glance at him.

"Of course. We are your personal bodyguards today.” He grinned.

"Just for today?" I smiled amused.

"Well then, as long as you want." He smiled.

"Hehehe. You sure? Don't make a promise you can't keep, Satoru." I smiled, knowing he would prioritize heroine above everything after he began to realize his feelings for the heroine.

"You are doubting me, Kikufuku? How cruel~" He put on a faux hurt expression. I just look at him with a knowing smile. "Kikufuku?"

"Nothing.” I shook my head. “Then I will hold you to your promise then." I giggled lightly.

“Let’s go back. If the main character is missing too long. The search party will be employed.” Satoru extended his hand to me.

“Roger!” I laughed.

“Or maybe we should just go somewhere like this?” He casted a mischievous smirk to me.

“Hm?” I blinked owlishly.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t given you my present.” Satoru said suddenly.

“Present?” I tilted my head. ‘He prepared one? In the book, I think Yae said he gave me a bouquet of blooming rose.’

“Why do you look like it’s weird for me to prepare present for you?” He sighed.

“Is it flower?”

“…Nope.” He grinned.

“Then?”

“You curious?”

“Yep.” I nodded my head.

“Then let’s go!”

“Eh? Go where?”

“To get your present.” He cackled.

“Okay!” I nodded. ‘Rather than engaged in boring conversation with them, let’s just run away. Besides, all they talk is about Satoru anyway. Getting close to me as a bridge to Satoru. Somehow, it made me feel irritated. I am not that stupid.’

“Let’s go.” He easily jumped over the balcony and landed safely on the ground. Fortunately, the party hall is only on the second floor. With this kind of height, jumping down is not a problem, even if I am wearing a dress. “Kikufuku.” He stretched out his hands.

“Okay.” I took off my high heels, taking a bit of distance before I ran and jumped down. “Nice catch!” I laughed. “Eh? You are going to walk like this?” I blinked when I see no movement from him to put me down.

“Yep. It’s quicker this way.”

“More importantly, we came here by limo. Do you have a car here?”

“I do.” Satoru walked to the front gate, where someone is already waiting with a car.

“Boss.” He bowed and then opened the door to the co-diver seat. Satoru seats me down, put on my seatbelt and goes to the driver seat.

“Thanks.”

“Safe travel, Boss.” He smiled.

“Where are we going?” I asked when I noticed the familiar road.

“To your present of course.” He grinned.

“Isn’t this the way to home?” By home I mean Sawada mansion.

“Yep. Your present is waiting there.” He nodded.

The car finally comes to halt. “We are here!” he exclaimed excitedly. He leads me to my room. Inside my room, there is something that wasn’t here few hours ago. A fairly large crib, without legs in the size I can even sleep there comfortably.

“Is that my present?” I looked at him.

“Yep. Come and see him.”

“Him?” I took a peek inside the crib. There, in a bundle of big fluffy blanket and towels, a small snowy white furred kitten sleep. “So cute!!!” I exclaimed a little too loud. “Ah.” I quickly clamped my mouth shut in fear of waking it up.

The small kitten sniffs the air and opens its eyes. A pair blue eyes are staring back at me. “Ah.” It took my breath away. ‘They look similar.’ I extend my hand slowly to let him sniffs. The kitten sniffs a few times and licks my finger and then letting out a small meow. ‘Too cute!!!!’ I just want to take him and rub his cheek to mine.

I carefully lift him out from the crib. “Does he have a name?”

“Nope. He is just a few months old. He is quite intelligent and have been trained to potty. But, still haven’t given a name. You can give him one.”

“Really?!”

“Of course. This is the whole point of getting him for you.”

“Then, Toru. From now on your name is Toru.” I bopped his nose to mine. “Nyaaa…” he licked my nose.

“Let’s get along well, Toru.” I giggled at his response.

“Somehow… I regretted giving him as a present to you…”

“Sorry, what did you say?” I blinked.

“…No… nothing. I guess, as long as you are happy…” He sighed.

“Toru, say hi to Satoru.” I held him close to Satoru’s face. Toru lets out a small hiss and kicks him on the face. I quickly pull back, “Ah! Toru! You can’t do that!” I scolded.

“Nyaaa…” His ears dropped.

“Ah, sorry. I didn’t mean to sound too harsh.” I panicked. “Sorry.”

“Nyaaa.” He licked my lips.

“So cuteee!!!!” I rubbed his cheek to mine.

“Nyaaa…” He cried pitifully, pressing his paws to his stomach.

“Are you hungry?” I frowned. “Satoru what’s his diet?”

“I bought his diet, it should be on the kitchen.”

“Okay, I will go and get some. Wait for a moment, okay?” I kissed his nose and put him on the tatami.

“Nyaa!” With that I quickly ran out to the kitchen.

“Ah.” I walked back to the room. “Satoru.”

“Hm?” (The cat and Gojo are having a glaring contest)

“Thank you for the gift. As expected, Satoru is the best.” I beamed and ran again to the kitchen. ~”~

 “I am the best she said.” Gojo grinned smugly at the hissing cat.

“…grrr…” The cat turned his face away from him.

“Sorry for the wait!” [Name] came back with a small bowl of cat food and placed it in front of the kitten. The small kitten gives a small kitten lick to the content inside and starts eating slowly. “So cutee!” She gushed, completely forgotten the man beside her who is also carving for her attention.

“Tsk.” He clicked his tongue bitterly. Gojo was thinking giving her a cat with the same characteristics as him to remind her of him every day and this kitten is very intelligent. But maybe he should have chosen a less intelligent kitten after all. Well, there is this saying a little stupidity will make them look more adorable.

Of course, his Kikufuku is not stupid. It’s just she is a little too dense. Not that it bothers him. In fact, he is grateful. Because of this, she won’t realize if some unknown pests are making advance at her. It makes her adorable all the same. And as for those pests, he can just dispose of them if they are getting annoying and out of control. But, right now the most troublesome rival he wants to dispose is safely and perfectly under his Kikufuku’s protection. And he can’t do anything about it or else his Kikufuku will be sad. He doesn’t want that now, does he?

“Nyaaa!” Toru threw him a proud meow and took a glance at the sulking man.

“Hmph!” ‘This is war.’ He glared at the kitten.

‘Nyaaa!’ (Translation: ‘You are on!’)

“Is it my imagination or did I hear thunders?” [Name] tilted her head.

.

.

.

.

.

Entry 6

 I got the best gift ever

 Hidden entry 1

 I sent my love rival to my Kikufuku’s door. Now I have to think of a way to win this love war. There’s a saying all is fair in love and war.

[lovelyirony]

morgan doesn’t have to be a hero. she just has to know the family that was. 

(or me ignoring everything about infinity war and endgame) 

Thinking about how Tony doesn’t tell Morgan everything about Iron Man. There are books, of course. A couple of children’s authors and illustrators thought it would be nice if the kids could see heroes on something else other than a news source that also talks about casualties and how much they actually lost. 

It’s nice for Tony, too. 

No one saw the wormhole. No one illustrates him falling out of the sky, body plummeting and seeing what the future would be. 

It’s Morgan’s favorite book, seeing the team defeat the “mean aliens.” Her eyes follow each hero. She likes Hulk the best. She likes tracing along the pages, asking “whozat” every two minutes or so. 

She finds the old armor in the garage when she’s in her “investigation” phase, and correlates it to the book. 

She doesn’t think that Iron Man is that cool. She wants the armor to be pink and green, so dad loses out on “cool points.” 

She finds the armor that he’s building for Pepper, because he’s still paranoid and worried and he wants her to be safe. 

He survived one house of his falling, and he’s not sure he’ll survive another one. 

Morgan asks about the picture at the kitchen, the one where Tony and Peter are posing for Peter’s official internship. 

“That’s...that’s your family,” Tony says, because he can just picture how excited Peter would be at having a little Morgan around, crawling everywhere. “His name is Peter.” 

He never refers to Peter in the past tense. He doesn’t know if it’s for Morgan’s benefit or his own. 

He tells her all about Spider-Man. “Spidey” becomes easier to pronounce, so they go with that. 

Sometimes mom finishes those stories while dad goes to get juice pops. 

(And look at the photo for a bit too long.) 

Morgan asks him where Spidey is, once. More than once. But the first time it was...it was painful. 

“Where is he?” Morgan asks. 

“He’s...” 

Tony doesn’t know what to say. He’s not gone. No, fuck that. Peter isn’t gone. But he’s not here, and Tony doesn’t know where he is. He doesn’t know where anyone is. 

“He lives far away, so he would have to take a long time to get here,” Pepper says, smiling. “But now, we are going to travel for the kitchen for lunch! The menu today is carrots and celery with hummus, and some fresh fruit and a sandwich. What do we think?” 

“Is the fruit seasonal?” Tony asks, voice thready. “Points off if it’s out.” 

“You’re a nerd,” Pepper says. “Yes, it’s in season. Would you mind turning the washer on? I forgot to.” 

Tony nods, and Pepper grabs his hand, squeezing. 

He was so lucky to have her in his life. 

- 

And then the Avengers are reforming. Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, aka the weirdest superhero name he’s ever heard, has a theory. 

About time travel. 

He said he didn’t Back to the Future think about it, but he totally Back to the Future thought about it. 

The problem is that it works. 

That’s not the real problem. No, it’s not a real problem at all. He thinks about everyone returning and it’s happy and good again, and- 

He’ll have to leave. 

He hasn’t forgotten Strange’s statement. 

Only one situation where this doesn’t fail. Where we don’t fail. 

And it has to be him. 

You don’t come back from something like that. 

Usually, anyway. 

Tony’s determined that he’s coming back. That everyone is coming back. 

The whole plot of Back to the Future goes as such: Marty’s life sucks, his parents’ lives are boring, and they’re not supposed to change the future. 

They do anyways. 

And it works. That’s the thing. Out of every single “time travel is dangerous” trope, Back to the Future still shows that sometimes some changes don’t affect the future badly, it just changes it. 

Tony knows that that can be done. It has to be done, because there’s no way in hell he’s going to leave Morgan. He already pinky-promised her that they’d make a picnic for her fifth birthday, and pinky-promises are the most binding contract he’s ever been a part of so far. 

He doesn’t know what he’ll do if it can’t be done. 

- 

He has to go with Steve to get a stone. He doesn’t necessarily like that because neither of them are subtle and they’re going to see his dad. 

Which is just gonna be a ball of a time. And Tony looks like Howard, just a few slight changes, but it’s undeniable. 

As long as no one connects the dots, he’ll be fine. 

They’re both like bulls in china shops. Neither has ever been out of the spotlight, and neither have been trained very well in the art of subterfuge. 

“What, SHIELD just decide to set you loose?” Tony hisses as they’re making an escape. 

“Oh and you didn’t have any time to learn?” Steve snaps back. “Let’s go.” 

- 

Natasha almost doesn’t return. Almost. Tony’s terrified to think of what would have been happened had she still been there. 

“Dumbass,” Clint mutters. “Thinking you could jump and we wouldn’t have done shit about it. You’re stupid.” 

Natasha just has a graceful smile on. 

“You’re not allowed to be the stupid Avenger all the time, Clint.” 

“Okay I accidentally blew up a microwave one time and suddenly-” 

Tony laughs. 

Genuinely laughs. 

It’s been a while since they’ve functioned like a team. Been a longer time since they’ve been one. 

- 

They get the stones. 

Hulk gets everyone back. Bruce gets everyone back. 

He’s confusing. 

But there he is, Peter. 

Tony hugs him, and he tears up, and god he’s so glad that Peter’s back. That everyone is back. 

It feels nice. 

But they still have a fight to finish and a glove to play hot potato with. 

- 

Thanos is still formidable. He’s still skilled, still has an entire army. 

Well...they’re not outmatched for long. 

Dr. Strange opens portals, leading a whole new mass of people to help. And Tony sees Danvers, which he has yet to talk to Rhodey about. God, Rhodey had been right about her being alive. 

But that’s not important. 

- 

He’s fighting one-on-one. 

Thanos is confident that he’s going to win. 

See, that’s the thing about Tony: he may not have been trained in subterfuge, but he knows all about flouting expectations. He knows that everyone had expected so many things of him that when he did anything out of the ordinary, no one paid attention. 

This is just like that. 

Thanos snaps, only it’s not enough this time. 

It’s not going to be like last time, with Peter panicking and people screaming and tragedy lining the news for years. 

No this time? It won’t work. 

Because this is the time where the hero wins against all odds and there’s a happy ending. He’s going to make it so, no matter how much of a toll this takes. He’s getting back to Morgan and Pepper no matter what it fucking takes. 

- 

Thanos is gone. His army dissolved. 

And he is satisfied. He’s tired, but happy. And he’s fairly sure that the glove has taken its toll on his body, but he hopes to god that he’ll be okay. 

Pepper is running her hands through his hair, telling him it’ll be okay, and asking anyone for help with transportation. 

There’s one person important that didn’t get blipped, and luckily, she’s a personal friend: Helen Cho. 

Sure, it’s time-intensive. 

Yes, Morgan is mad that daddy can’t read her a bedtime story. 

But...she gets to meet Peter, torture him with forty questions a minute, and Tony gets the use of his arm back. 

So it equals itself out. 

- 

The world, for now, doesn’t need a lot of superheroes. Everyone’s still settling down, no one wants anything but normal. 

This means a lot of superheroes have no idea what to do. 

But Morgan does. 

When dad gets back and is up for playing again (which took forever), Morgan asks to see the team. 

If dad is Iron Man, then it only makes sense that he knows all the other ones. And she has a lot of questions. 

The Avengers are a...a team. God, that’s about the only thing they can call themselves now. They used to be a family but everything’s changed and stilted and awkward. 

Morgan knows none of this. 

So ergo, she decides the most amazing thing ever for her fifth birthday party is to have a picnic with the whole team. Writes them invitations and everything, makes her mom trace out the words she wants to write so that it looks “extra fancy.” 

Tony’s never been one to deny Morgan something she really wants. 

“You sure you wanna handle this? You and Steve aren’t exactly on the best of terms, and I don’t think the team has actually talked.” 

“Well, no time like a five year old’s birthday party to get to catching up.” 

- 

It’s...something. 

Morgan is blissfully unaware and everyone makes so that she stays unaware. 

This involves some...awkward conversations. 

But mostly just making peace with the fact that life happened. 

And Natasha finally has another niece, even if she’s not named after her. 

“You still should’ve,” she jokes. 

“We were thinking about it, honest,” Pepper remarks dryly. “But hey, thanks for coming. Morgan’s very excited to learn how to ‘be a spy’ in her words.” 

Natasha grins. 

“I’ll have her taking out government officials in no time.” 

“Or just teaching her how to disarm dangerous people, thank you very much,” Tony says hurriedly. 

“Didn’t peg you to be the helicopter parent, Stark,” Clint says. 

“Oh trust me, he barely left the house when she was born,” Pepper says with a laugh. “And he would check everything. I had to convince him that Morgan did actually need to sleep in her crib.” 

“She would’ve been fine by us!” Tony defends weakly. “And besides, you said you did want an office space!” 

“Working in the sunroom is fine enough,” Pepper says. “And you forget that you offered to build me one, which is an offer you still haven’t done.” 

“I saved the world, you know.” 

“Oh, did you?” 

Tony grins, popping a grape into his mouth as he sees the scene unfold. 

Morgan’s having great fun showing everyone her little hideout, and where she goes on walks. 

She’s made friends with Peter and introducing him to her stuffed animals. 

Yeah. 

Life is good. 

[paradisepointss]

(Platonic) Diluc/Kaeya Angst

"Surprise!" Diluc came back home from a long day of working at the tavern, he was happy to come back home actually, why? Because he was able to see his brother who said he had a surprise for him waiting, it was Diluc's birthday after all and this was the first time celebrating it together after they had parted ways. "Welcome home, Master Diluc" the maids said almost in a monotone voice as they moved out the way to let Diluc enter his beautiful mansion. The redhead was confused as to why they sounded so sad, but he ignored it for the time being. It only wanted to see his brother.

"So, my dear brother finally wants to come home? I was beginning to think you would never come, why do you even work on your birthdays, its ridiculous" Diluc's eyes widened as he noticed the blue-haired male sitting at the dinner table with some delicous looking food. "Hmph, I dont think I could go a day without doing something" Diluc admitted as one of the maids there took his coat. "So, whats all this?" He asked, "Hm? Well, I asked the cooks here to make something for you, and this is what came up, I know you haven't ate yet judging by your looks"

Diluc tilted his head and sighed, he was basically staring at the food, "Well, youre right, I'm actually really hungry right now" He admitted and sat down in the seat in front of Kaeya. "Well, let's eat, ah, before you say anything, that's grape juice, not wine" The other male smirked fiddling with his own glass. Diluc slightly pouted and looked down at his food, taking ahold of his fork. "Thank you for that, you know how I am with wine" Kaeya took a bite from the steak that was still hot and chewed with a hum. "Yeah, you can say I know my brother well" He said with a chuckle after he finished shallowing his food. Diluc looked around and saw all the maids staring at them intensely, it ticked him off a bit, it seemed like they were staring mostly at him. "You guys can leave" He took them, dismissing and waving them off. Most of them scattered away while a few remaining stayed. "How was today? I didn't visit the tavern together since I was planning this all day" Kaeya told the redhead as Diluc focused his attention back to his brother. "Hm? Oh, it was quite calming today, most of the people came in to wish me a happy birthday" He replied with a small smile, he thought it was nice having people that cared.

"Really? That's nice, really nice" Kaeya hummed a happy tune as he continued to eat, knowing Diluc enjoyed the silence while eating, especially after work. The redhead's ears perked up when he heard the maids whisper amongst themselves, what was this all about? Why were they acting all weird? Diluc finally had enough, "Hey, please, if you could just-"

"Master Diluc-"

Diluc raised an eyebrow at the maid who interrupted him. "What is it?" He questioned, setting his utensils down. "You have to let go, Master Diluc" The words seem to ring in Diluc's ears as he couldn't believe what he was hearing, nor could he understand. "What are you talking about?"

The maid walked closer to her master and frowned, her face was full of concern and sadness. "You have to let go of him, master, he's not here right now, he's not here anymore-"

Diluc looked at the maid with full confusion, before he turned to look in front of him, his eyes widened when he saw that Kaeya wasn't there, the food Kaeya was eating wasn't there, his glass of wine wasn't there, he just wasn't there. "Kaeya..." He mumbled his name as a tear streamed down his left eye, all that was in front of him was the vase Kaeya had gifted him, the rim of it had visible powder. No, that wasn't it. It looked more like.... "W-Where's Kaeya...?" Diluc asked the maid who stood by his side, his voice cracking, the tears only kept coming, running faster down his face.

"He's dead, Master Diluc, he's gone"

[master-sass-blast]

Children of the Gods: Part Three, Chapter Three.

The final installment of my 100th CHC fic!

Summary: The fallout of Artemis's reveal --that she's the daughter of your uncle and Alexandra--is nothing short of an emotional mess.

The wine makes it goes easier, at least.

Pairing(s): Piotr Rasputin x Reader, Alexandra Rasputin x Nikolai Rasputin, and past Alexandra Rasputin x Original Male Character (mentioned).

Rating: This chapter gets a T because while there’s mentions of emotional and childhood trauma, it doesn’t have the violence of the previous two chapters.

Word Count: 3.7k.

Set after “Children of the Gods: Part Three, Chapter Two.”

Taglist: @marvel-is-perfection, @chromecutie, @super-darkcloudstudent, @girl-obsessed-with-things, @leo-writer, @emma-frxst, @sadstone-s

Getting Alex off your uncle is no small feat. It takes both Piotr and Mikhail to manhandle her away so she can’t beat your uncle half to death –which, considering the situation, might be warranted—and then it takes a lot of soothing from Nikolai before either of her sons let her go.

Then Alex starts yelling at your uncle again, and he starts yelling back, and both their voices are so loud that they start drawing out other members of the X-Men, who wind up staring at the debacle with confused, alarmed expressions on their faces—

You clap your hands together. “Okay! Who wants to go back to my house for, like, so much wine?”

***

“You fucking piece of lying shit—”

“I didn’t lie—”

“A lie by omission is still a fucking lie!”

You grimace as you watch your uncle and Alex through the sliding doors. Told you so.

The two of them are currently out on the back deck. Alex is snarling at your uncle, who’s slumped into one of the deck chairs and generally looks like he wants the Earth to swallow him whole.

The rest of you are in the kitchen, gathered around the island counter --save for Allison, who’s tucked under a blanket on your living room couch to get some much needed rest.

(You’d offered it up upon seeing how haggard the teen looked, and Artemis had accepted on the girl’s behalf.)

You grimace, then start grabbing wine glasses out of the cabinet. “I think we’ve got some white left, and a bottle of rose tucked away somewhere. Who wants what?”

“You had concussion,” Piotr reminds you as he helps you collect enough glasses. “No alcohol.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’ll have grape juice,” you say, poking him in the side. “I just want it in a wine glass.”

Mikhail spins around on a barstool. “Anything heavier?”

“Nyet,” Piotr replies, shooting his brother a mildly annoyed look.

Nikolai shrugs and says, “Either is fine,” when you turn to him.

Illyana passes when you offer a glass to her, which just leaves—

Artemis, who’s standing stiffly at the edge of the counter (having returned from tucking her ward in and making sure she’s okay) and glaring at you so hard you’re surprised you’re not smoking yet.

Well, here goes nothing. You hold up a wine glass and look at her in question –and when she doesn’t answer (or so much as change her expression) you let out an annoyed huff through your nose. You grab the bottle of white, fill the glass halfway, and set it in front of her before looking her directly in the eye and saying, “I’m not here to be your competition.”

Artemis recoils slightly, clearly caught off guard. She sputters, eyes widening. “I –he –he abandoned me—”

“Which I already called him out on, and I’ll do it again when she’s done with him,” you say, jerking your thumb in the direction of the deck. “I’m not here to compete with you –and, what’s more, I’m not interested in you making me your competition.”

“‘Me making you my competition?’” Artemis sputters, face going red with rage. “Out of the two of us, you’re the only one he’s ever shown any interest in! He bent over fucking backwards to try and help you!”

“Yeah, and he was wrong to do that to you,” you say, spreading your arms as if to say ‘I don’t know what else to do here.’ “I’m not sure what else I have to do to get it through your head that I’m on your side.”

Artemis shakes her head, scowling. She picks up her wine glass, downs half of it, then grumbles, “I knew my father had replaced me, and it turns out my mother went and did the same thing. Fucking fantastic.” 

Illyana, Piotr, and Mikhail all recoil—

Nick interjects before a fight can break out. “I do not think that is good way to think of family.”

Artemis ducks her head, cheeks flushing in embarrassment. She takes another swig of wine. “You don’t know what it’s like to be forgotten.”

“I do not,” Nick concedes, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. “But, I assure you, you were never forgotten.”

“Reality says otherwise,” Artemis mutters through gritted teeth.

Nick watches her for a moment. He takes a sip of wine, then says, “November 15th is your birthday, da?”

Artemis looks up at him slowly. Her eyes narrow. “How would you know that?”

“Because Alexandra remembers,” Nikolai answers with a sad smile. He slowly swirls the wine around in his glass, watching the liquid spin before lifting his eyes to Artemis once more. “She has not forgotten once. You are thirty-nine this year, da?”

Artemis flinches like she’s been struck. She swallows visibly, eyes shining with unshed tears, and nods.

Nick nods, then takes another sip of wine. “She gets you present every year, things that she thought you would like or wished she could have experienced with you. She keeps them in box at our home. Every single one.”

“Why—” Artemis swallows hard, chin trembling. “Why did she never look for me?”

“Because,” Nikolai sighs. “To her knowledge, you were dead. She had no reason to believe you were alive --and, during that time, she did not necessarily have presence of mind to search for you.” His mouth tightens into a grimace, gaze going distant. “It was very bad time for her.”

You lean against Piotr, taking your hand in his.

His trembling fingers curl around yours.

Nick looks up at Artemis, gaze sharpening. “There has not been one day that you have not been in my wife’s heart.”

“And what about your heart?” Artemis fires back. The wine ripples in her glass, belying her shaking hands. “You married my mother, had a family with her, and now I’m back when you thought I was dead. I’m sure this is a big, ugly wrench in your perfect life.”

Mikhail, Piotr, and Illyana all stare at Artemis, then look to their father to gauge his reaction.

Nikolai’s lips tug into a saddened frown. “Is that what you have told yourself all these years?”

Artemis recoils, expression flickering between anguish and rage. “I—”

“Allow me to enlighten you on my ‘perfect life,’” Nikolai interrupts, voice hardening. He sets his glass on the counter, then braces his hands against the stone surface and leans towards Artemis. “I have watched my wife suffer every single day –if not from the aftershocks of being abused by KGB, then from trauma from being foisted over to mafia families as a weapon. We have had to isolate our children” –he puts an arm around Illyana’s shoulders when she steps over to him— “to ensure their status as mutants was not discovered, considering what had happened to Alexandra. Our life has not been perfect, or easy, or anything you have told yourself in making us out as your enemies.”

Artemis narrows her eyes at him –though there’s no missing the tears slowly working their way past her dark, thick lashes. “I appreciate your life has been difficult, sir, but the reality is most men aren’t too happy when random bastard children pop into their lives.”

Nikolai’s expression softens. He shrugs. “You have never been a bastard to me.”

“Your wife had me with another man—”

“Before she and I were together, and she told me about the relationship and what she knew about you,” Nick interjects. “There was no issue of infidelity –and, even if there were, I would not punish you for it.”

“So –what?” Artemis spreads her arms in jerky, agitated movements. “I’m just a part of your family now? No questions asked?”

“If that is what you want, then yes.”

“Why?” Artemis’s voice cracks as she asks the question. She swipes the back of her hand across her eyes, desperately trying to hide the evidence of her frustration. “You don’t know me. You –you don’t have a fucking stake in my life. Why do you even care?”

Nikolai goes quiet for several moments. He stares at his glass of wine –almost meditatively. He picks up the glass and takes another sip of wine, then says, “My mother had two rose bushes on our farm.”

Artemis rolls her eyes, face creasing with irritation—

“They were for her miscarried daughters,” he continues, ignoring Artemis’s annoyed expressions. “She planted roses as memorial, so she would always have her children close at hand.” He pauses when Artemis scoffs, then adds, “When Alexandra revealed she had lost you, we placed a third bush next to my mother’s roses, so that Alex could always have you close, too.”

Artemis’s face sobers, then creases again as she tries to keep from crying.

“Alexandra wanted hydrangeas, though,” Nick adds after a moment, almost as a nonsensical afterthought. “She did not like the look of roses as much.” He watches Artemis as she ducks her head in shame, then says in a soft, gentle voice, “My wife loves you very much. As such, I love you –not in the same way, of course, but it’s love all the same. And while I never suspected you might be alive, I have learned over the years that life can be very… unpredictable. I was always ready for possibility that you would show up one day, no matter how slim chance was; as far as I was concerned, if Alex ever found you and brought you home, you would be my daughter and grow up with my children. No questions asked.”

Artemis draws in a wet, shaky breath—

And then the sliding doors open.

Alex strides in, followed by your uncle (who looks properly mollified). She takes one look at the lot of you gathered around the kitchen island –and then her gaze lands on Artemis. She stares at her daughter for a moment, then spreads her arms in a shrug. “We have shit to talk about.”

Artemis scrubs more tears from her face and nods. “Yeah. We do.”

Alex jerks her thumb towards the deck, then follows Artemis out the back door. 

You wait until the sliding door latches shut –then turn and promptly elbow your uncle in the side.

“Fuck,” he hisses as he clutches at the ribs. “Punk –what the hell!”

“She thinks you picked me as a replacement daughter,” you snap back, glaring at him. “That’s ‘what the hell!’ Not to mention –you knew she was alive all this time!”

Nick’s gaze settles on your uncle, eyes cold and flinty. His mouth curls into a disdainful scowl. “This is true?”

Your uncle sighs, deflating as he plops down onto a barstool. “I fucked this up. I know I did.” He runs his hands through his hair, then spreads his arms in defeat. “Yes, I knew. Can I please have some wine now?”

“I’m tempted to say no,” you snark back while Piotr –ever the more hospitable of the two of you—pours him a glass. “Seriously, though… what the fuck?”

Your uncle sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “It’s complicated.”

“Does not seem complicated,” Nick says, voice going razor sharp while he glares at your uncle. “Not in terms of action.”

Your uncle pales, squirming slightly in his seat. “I… the birth was a shitshow. The U.S. took her in hopes of having a replacement for me, but she was a late presenter and they didn’t have the money for a training program, so they cut her loose into the foster system. I didn’t even know she was alive until she was nearly ten.”

“And then?” you prompt when he doesn’t offer up anything else. “Come on. You already told me. May as well rip off the bandaid and get it over with for everyone else.”

“And then… and then my life wasn’t fit for raising a kid. And then I was always on the run and the government knew her name and whereabouts and I didn’t want to risk them catching me through her or using her against me. And then…” He grimaces, expression shifting to something guiltier, more self-directed. “And then I was worried about my niece, who I knew my former handlers were looking at as a surefire replacement for me.” He knocks back a third of his wine, then says in a hoarse, exhausted voice, “She was out. You weren’t. I… I made my choices.”

Something uneasy settles in your stomach. You can understand your uncle’s motives, and that sometimes the current of life is beyond what one person can sail through on their own, and that sometimes things fall through the cracks because no matter how much you do, you can’t save everything, but…

It shouldn’t have had to be this way.

“Why not tell your daughter this?” Piotr asks, tone more diplomatic than anything you can conjure up right now.

“Being bad at confrontation runs in my bloodline,” your uncle mutters, slumping over the counter as he continues sucking down his wine.

“Bullshit,” you fire back. “I’m great at fighting people.”

“That’s not—”

“She thinks you replaced her with me,” you repeat, crouching down so you can look your uncle in the eye. You smile at him, raising your eyebrows as if to say ‘I’m only being nice right now because I’m too tired and sore to physically kick your ass so get your shit together, dickhead.’ “Take it from someone who knows: feeling like your parents don’t want you hurts. A lot.”

Your uncle flinches, grimacing. “That was below the belt.”

Illyana shrugs. “Seems to land just fine to me.”

Your uncle scowls, but doesn’t comment otherwise.

“All of that aside,” Nikolai interjects, staring your uncle down, “if you hurt Alexandra like that again, you’ll answer to me.”

Your uncle has the grace and good sense to merely gulp and nod in response.

Before anyone can say anything else (and really, how the hell do you follow that), the back door slides open and Alexandra and Artemis walk back into the kitchen. Both women’s eyes and noses are noticeably red and swollen, and Artemis is still wiping tears off her cheeks.

Alex stops short of the counter, holding her arm out to her daughter (who, in turn, tucks herself against Alex’s side like a baby duckling). She sweeps her gaze across her other three children, then says, “I’m sure you all have questions.”

“Otets and… Andrew covered most of it,” Piotr murmurs as he puts an arm around your shoulders (which you know is largely to comfort himself)

Alex looks to her husband, then nods when he nods. “Alright… do you… have any other questions? Comments? Concerns?”

“Are you two still in love?” Mikhail blurts, gesturing between your uncle and his mother –at least, until Illyana punches him in the shoulder. “Ow! Vyrezh'te eto!”

Alex merely smiles and rolls her eyes while Nikolai tuts at their daughter. “If I was, I wouldn’t have married your father.”

Your uncle, on the other hand, slumps down further and keeps draining his wine glass –until he realizes that all three Rasputin children are staring at him. He straightens up, sets down the glass, clears his throat, and says, “I’m very happy for your parents’ marriage, and I’m just as content to be single. Happy now?”

You roll your eyes. Fuck’s sake.

“What happened during birth?” Illyana asks (which makes both your uncle and Nikolai grimace slightly). “How did they manage to take her away?”

It’s a fair question, you suppose. Even with the immense task of childbirth, you still struggle to think of what would hobble Alex enough to keep her away from her baby.

Alex’s expression sours. Her gaze goes distance, right cheek twitching as she sifts through the murky waters of recollection. “...It’s not important,” she decides. Her eyes sharpen again, and she sighs quietly before rolling her shoulders to release tension.

“Then, why did you never tell us?” Illyana presses, expression pinched with confusion and worry.

Nikolai sighs, then kisses the top of his youngest’s blonde head. “Snezhinka…”

“It’s alright,” Alex interjects, assuring her husband. “It’s a fair question.” Her mouth quirks to the side for a moment as she mulls over just how to respond. “...It wasn’t an appropriate story for when you three were younger --and it’s… not a time of my life I like to remember.” She looks up, gazing passing over her other three children. “I am so sorry you had to find out this way. If I’d known, I would’ve told you.”

“It’s okay,” Piotr murmurs. “It’s not your fault.”

Alex’s gaze flicks over to your uncle (who’s doing a very good job of pretending to inspect the glass quality of his wine glass). She scowls, then smooths her expression back out when she looks back at her children. “All the same.”

“Is complicated situation,” Nikolai allows (and you’re starting to see where Piotr gets his diplomatic side from).

You all grunt in agreement; ‘complicated’ seems like a damn understatement at this point.

“What… what does this mean for holidays? Family gatherings?” Piotr asks in a quiet voice.

Alex looks to Nikolai, then at Artemis. “I think that depends on what everyone’s comfortable with.”

“I expressed that she” –Nick nods to Artemis—“will always be welcome in our home.”

“Your home isn’t just yours,” Artemis mutters, pointedly avoiding looking at the three Rasputin children.

Nikolai glances at his sons and daughter. “Chto zh? Chto vy dumayete?”

“I always felt like more of middle child than eldest,” Mikhail comments with a shrug. He knocks back the last of his wine, then looks over at Artemis and asks, “Is real name actually ‘Artemis?’”

“It’s a code name,” she answers, “for my mercenary work. The foster home I was raised in gave me the name ‘Maria.’ The supervisor liked using religious names to help ‘inspire us wayward souls to righteous living.’”

A bout of groans, ranging from unimpressed to irritated, goes up in the kitchen.

“At any rate, I don’t use it,” she adds. “Makes it too easy for US officials to track me down, since that was my registered name as a kid. Artemis is fine. It’s how Allison knows me, so it’s what I’ll be using. Keep things more stable for her that way.”

Mikhail nods contemplatively. “Good name for sister.” He raises his empty glass to Artemis when she looks up at him, startled, then reaches for the nearest wine bottle.

“I think,” Piotr says as he shifts the wine out of his brother’s reach (which gets an indignant grunt out of Mikhail), “that adjusting will take time, but… I am not opposed.” He offers Artemis a gentle smile. “You are family –if you want to be.”

Artemis nods back minutely, then glances nervously at Illyana.

The youngest Rasputin stares at the assassin for a long, silent moment, expression inscrutable. She slowly rounds the counter, until she’s mere inches away from Artemis. She sizes the older woman up for a moment, then says, slowly and clearly, “I have been only girl for nearly twenty years. If you leave me with these two dipshits” –she jerks her thumb back at Piotr and Mikhail, who let out offended squawks—“I will hunt you down and perform blood oath that will soul bind as family well into afterlife. Got it?”

Artemis’s eyes widen, but she manages to nod all the same.

Alex sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. “Fucking Christ.”

“I think that is ‘warm welcome’ to family,” Nikolai chuckles as he shakes his head.

“Is true,” Mikhail says as he fishes an apple out of the fridge. He takes a bite, then adds, “She shows love through death threats and pain.”

“Bozhe, zakroy rot, kogda zhuyesh',” Piotr gripes, dropping his head into his hands.

“Safe to say you’re in,” Alex says, sighing exasperatedly at her three other children before smiling at Artemis. She tugs her eldest in for a hug and gently kisses the top of her head.

For a moment, Artemis looks like she’s going to cry. She hugs Alex back briefly, then steps back and does her best to recover. “I –I need to get Allie home. She needs to recover.”

“Right. Where are you planning on taking her?”

You lean against your husband as the two women and your uncle start talking about safe houses and reconnaissance –then laugh tiredly when Mikhail starts trying to juggle knives while eating his apple, much to Piotr’s annoyance.

Such as it is, you wouldn’t trade your family for any other one on the face of the planet.

***

“Are you okay?”

You’re curled up in bed with your husband, nestled in each other’s comforting embraces.

The sun has long since set, plunging the world into the gentle night. The lamp on Piotr’s bedside table is the only source of light, bathing your bedroom in a warm, dim glow.

In the distance, you can hear cars rumbling by. Crickets chirping in the underbrush. Somewhere, an owl hoots overhead.

Now that you’re home, away from the evidence of the day’s chaos, you can’t process it. It feels like a bad dream. Or a really weird movie.

Piotr sighs. His fingers brush against your skin in slow, even movements up and down your arm. “I am alive. I have you. I think that is enough.”

“It’s a good start,” you murmur before pressing a gentle kiss against his burly shoulder. “How do you feel about Artemis?”

“Weird,” Piotr admits as he tucks some of your hair behind your ear. “But… not bad.”

“That’s alright,” you assure him. “It’s a big change; it’s okay to feel weird about it.”

“Your cousin is my half-sister.”

You let out a tired chuckle. “Yeah, that’s pretty weird.” You kiss his chest –then prop yourself up on one warm. “Can I see them?”

Piotr sighs. “Myshka…”

“I just want to check—”

“I am fine.”

“I want to kiss your ‘boo-boos’ better.” You give him the best begging look you can muster up, and even bat your eyelashes a little. “Please?”

Piotr relents. He strips out of his shirt, wincing, and bares his back to you.

His pale skin is mottled with deep, angry, plum-colored welts from where the gatling gun bullets ricocheted off him.

You barely let your fingers ghost over the web of bruises –you don’t want to risk hurting him since you know he’s sore—then shift up the bed so you can start kissing his injuries one by one. You start at the top of his left shoulder, slowly working down his back as you brush your lips against each bruised spot, murmuring “I love you’s” and other bits of praise as you go.

Piotr sighs into his pillow and slowly relaxes against the bed. 

[another-fantasy-world]

Hiiii! Can you write Alice Cullen x Fem reader in which Alice prepares her a birthday party and they give each other their first kiss? Something like that fluffy and cute. 😻🤧

||AN||: Most definitely! I'm so sorry this is so late. Online Classes are a bitch.

||AN2||: My first request and I'm already fucking it up. Damn.

||AN3||: Thank you Anon for sending in a request! Sorry this was so many days late, I hope you liked it! I really had fun writing this, It’s a nice break from the part 2 of strings!

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Pairing: Alice Cullen x Fem!Reader

Summary: Just Alice being Alice, oh and the start of a cute mortal x vampy relationship

Warnings: ...Fluff, lots of them

Word Count: 1,752 words

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It was around 3 am on a Saturday morning when the local seer Alice Cullen got a vision she was not expecting,At all.

“Why didn’t she tell me?!” Alice shrieked

“Alice?” Jasper stared at Alice in light surprise. He was just reading when Alice suddenly shrieked

“Y/N’s Birthday! It’s today! She didn’t tell me!” Her body shook with excitement and giddiness

And as Jasper stared at his adoptive sister, All he could think about was: “Poor Y/N”

It was your birthday, yes, but you didn’t want anyone to know. Not because the day had some painful or sad memories, but because you were too socially awkward to tell people that it’s your birthday. And besides, you’ve made peace with the fact that most people in your life just forgets your birthday, to the point where you just felt like it was irrelevant and that your birthday did not exist.

But of course, Alice just can’t let that happen, She refused to. 

“Y/N! Hey!” Alice’s bell like voice echoed in your eardrums as you walked into Forks High

“Oh, Hi Alice. Uhm...Uh? Rainy Weather we’re having?” You stuttered.

I mean, How could you not? Sure you’ve been friends with the pixie and her family for quite a while now and that definitely didn’t help the way your heart just stops and just takes off, running into Alice’s Hands. 

Weather? Really Y/N? Out of all the shit you could have said? You spoke with yourself, forgetting about the resident mind reader.

Edward was about to scold Y/N when he was cut off by the bell, and when they looked toward’s Y/N’s direction, she vanished into the sea of hormonal mortal teenagers

“We’ll find her later.” Jasper reassures Alice

And as Jasper said, They did find you later. Humming to yourself while reading a book in the school library. If they weren’t vampires, they could’ve sworn they couldn’t find you. 

You felt eyes on you so you looked up and saw the Cullen siblings there, you smiled and waved them over.

“Hi. Thought you guys were at the Cafeteria?” You ask them, curious as to why they were here

“Were you avoiding us?” Rosalie whispered

Contrary to popular belief, Rosalie was rather fond of you. She never really admitted it but you knew. You just did.

“No, actually, I was just reading a book. I’m not hungry.” you shrugged

“How’d you guys find me anyways?” you asked but then you mentally facepalmed when you realized

“Right. I forgot, I’m sorry.” You sheepishly rubbed your neck

“It’s alright, we were just wondering if you wanna come over later? Esme’s trying this new recipe and she needs you and your sense of taste.” Alice lies.

Well, half-lies, Esme did cook a new recipe, just not for the reason you think.

“Yeah, sure. I’d love to. Who am I riding with?” You ask, packing your things for you last period

“Alice.” They all answered together

“Well that’s not creepy at all.” You teased them before parting ways to go to your last class

Minutes went by fast and soon you found yourself sitting in Alice’s bright yellow car, sweating and nervous. You kept glancing on Alice’s hand that’s resting on the shift lever which caused her to roll her eyes. She grabs your hand, and placed it on the shift lever with her hand on top of yours so she could hold your hand and drive at the same time.

Your eyes widened for a second then you felt your cheeks grow hot.

“U-Uhm” 

“We’re here!” She giggles making you look up and lo and behold, the Cullen house.

“Why are all your lights off?” You ask as Alice intertwines your fingers. 

You noticed how she was barely containing her excitement since she’s shaking and also fidgets alot.

“We decided to let the sun illuminate our home” She grinned at you

“For a vampire, you suck at lying.” You teased her

“That’s not true! Maybe you just know me better than anyone else.” She winked at you

Was she flirting? She was flirting with you? No, that can’t be right? That’s just how Alice is to everyone. Right?

You were about to ask her about it but your thoughts we’re interrupted when a loud pop echoed throughout the room.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y/N!” Everyone in the Cullen Household, including Bella, screams at your face as Emmett releases the Confetti Popper

Your face held visible confusion, How did they know? You made sure not to think about it since you knew about Edward’s abilities. They smirked at your visible confusion and Alice liked it so much she decided to take a picture.

You just nodded and tried to enjoy your birthday. Well, as much as you can with Alice out of your sight. 

“For documentary purposes” She states while grinning and let her adoptive family whisk you away from her.

“If you’re wondering how we know, Alice had a vision of you celebrating you birthday pathetically with only bread and pancakes, so we decided to throw you a party.” Rosalie states as she poured you a glass of grape juice since Esme disliked the thought of you drinking alcohol.

You did admit it to yourself, just a couple months ago, that you indeed have a crush on the pixie-haired vampire. You liked everything about her, her smile, her bell-like voice, her cold comforting embrace, the way she knocks on your door when you miss school, the way she texts you asking if you wanna go shopping with her. Basically, you are completely smitten. And the thought of Alice is enough to make you smile.

But of course, like any other teenager, you decided to just keep your crush in and never think about it again. 

“Y/N, It’s gift time~” Alice suddenly appeared by your side, linking her arm to yours before dragging you away, with Rosalie following you two, barely keeping her smile in.

She pushes you to sit on the couch before shoving gifts into your arms

You cast her a concerned look as you squeezed her hand, knowing she’s having one of her visions.

“That one’s from Bella and Edward!” She says pointing at the medium sized gift.

“This one’s from Rosalie and Emme...” She drifts off, a blank look in her eyes. 

Jasper was the one who continued introducing the gifts to you as he helped you open them, since one of your hands are still intertwined with Alice’s cold fingers as she continued to stare into space.

“Is she okay? Her visions never stretch on this long.” You ask, noticing that 5 minutes have passed.

“She’s fine. I would say she’s enjoying herself.” Edward husks out, a smug smirk settling on his lips

“It’s not fair! How come you could see what she sees! I wanna be a mind reader too!” Emmett whines just as Edward widens his eyes and furiously shakes his head

“I did not need to see that.” He shivered, planting a kiss on Bella’s forehead before speeding off

“What happened?” You asked to no one in particular

“Maybe he saw something he didn’t want to see. He does that to get out of range.” Carlisle explains while he hands you his and Esme’s gift.

“What did you see anyways?” Emmett asked his sister, who’s now staring at you

“You don’t wanna know...” She grinned at Emmett

“...Now come along Y/N. I have to give you my gift.” She pulls your hand as she leads you outside

“Where are we going?” You ask her

“We’re taking a little walk into the woods.” She softly smiles at you and grips you hand

The two of you walked silently, just enjoying and basking in each other’s presence. It looked like Alice was enjoying herself, letting herself go as small rays of sun hit her diamond like skin. You stared at her, willing yourself to look away, but you just can’t. She looks ethereal, the way her golden eyes shine or the way her skin glows or maybe it’s just the way she’s talking to you. Yeah, she’s talking to you and you were barely listening.

“Y/N? Are you okay? You zoned out there.” She waved her free hand infront of your face. 

“You’re beautiful.” You suddenly blurt out. Your eyes widen when your brain finally caught up

“I mean- it’s not like that! Well I do mean it. I mean- You look beautiful like this- I-” You rambled on but stopped when you heard her laugh

“It’s okay, Y/N. Really.” She giggled

“You’re beautiful too.” She smiles before pulling you down to sit beside her under a tree.

You laid your head against hear shoulder, staring at the nest of birds chirping happily.

“I can’t take anymore of this.” She suddenly blurts out, then turns to face you. Her face inches before yours.

“Can I give you your gift?” She whispers

“What?” You whispered back, stunned at how close she is. 

She giggles at you flustered state before cradling your burning face in her cold hands. 

“May I kiss you?” She finally asks, gold eyes meeting yours

“Yeah.” You nodded, in a daze.

Slowly you both leaned in and you were freaking out inside. Was this really happening? Is your crush really about to kiss you? What did you do to deserve an angel?

But all of your worries were silenced when soft, cold lips touched yours in a gentle, surreal way. Leaving your body buzzing with happiness as your heart clenched. Minutes felt like hours, and soon you had to pull away because sadly, humans need air. You stare at Alice’s golden orbs and admired how the stars seemed to swim inside her eyes, or maybe it was just her looking at you in awe. 

I think it’s safe to say that this, was the best birthday gift you could ever have. Even though you had so many amazing gifts like Edward’s Old Classic Book that he wanted you to have, or Rosalie’s Necklace, not even Emmett’s Car Keys. (He restored a car for you) None of them could ever compare to Alice.

The two of you were too busy admiring each other that you don’t notice Emmett handing Edward and Jasper 50 bucks, since he bet on you making the first move and not the other way around, making him whine and pout.

And then suddenly, your birthday seemed really special, to you and your little family. And you just knew, that you’d be this happy for many, many, many years to come.