#happy women day animated gif for her

[lordprettyflackotara]

vixen || the proxies

‘lust and drugs, no intuition’

sum: after succeeding in a particularly hard mission, The Operator decides to gift the proxies something they need more than anything else: a stress reliever

tw: filth. pure filthy smut. minors dni. FOURSOME. double penetration, drug usage (don’t do drugs), prostitute!reader, mask play, lowkey humiliation if you squint, throat fucking, overstimulation on the low

a/n: this shit was sooo fun to write. happy 3k!!!

“This was a stupid ass idea.”

Hoodie grumbled, slouching dramatically in his seat. Masky’s side eye was cold, his eyes narrowing under his mask. “How often do we get rewards from The Operator? Besides, do you have a better idea on how to spend it?” Masky asked bitterly. Hoodie rolled his eyes, propping his head on his hand. It would be any moment you were scheduled to arrive, the stale scent of the hotel room making Hoodie cringe.

It wasn’t often The Operator gave his proxies some free time, nevertheless offered a reward for good behavior. Recently the three of them, Masky, Hoodie, and Toby, had somehow won The Operator over just enough for him to grant them some stress relief. “Kate had a better idea, she was smart enough to ask for a steak,” Hoodie grumbled unhappily. It wasn’t that he was unhappy with the prospect of fucking whatever girl waltzed through the door. More so that he had to stay around Masky and Toby to experience it. He and Masky were constantly at each other’s throats, while Toby just annoyed him to shreds. His patience was wearing more thin by the day.

“Kate is also borderline feral and rarely speaks comprehensive words,” Masky argued. While he was trying to keep his cool, his own nerves were becoming evident as he glanced at the clock on the wall. Where were you? “How m-many did boss get us?” Toby chimed in. He had been quiet up until now, Hoodies suspicious that it was due to his obvious inexperience with women. “I’d assume one for each of us, right? He’s swimming in money, it can’t be that expensive to get three,” Hoodie answered. He wondered if they’d fight over who got who. A soft knock at the motel door made the three of them go silent, Masky hesitantly stepping over to the door. He peaked through the peak hole, before unlocking it. To the trio’s surprise you were the only one standing there, your hand clutching your small purse.

“Hi um, i’m looking for the uh-” You paused, reading a crumbled up note you had been clinging onto, “the proxies..?”

Your voice was unsure, Masky giving you an affirmative nod and signaling you to come in. Toby had seen prostitutes many of times, on television at least. But you didn’t look like any of them, the stereotypes all wrong. “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding, there were supposed to be three of you,” Masky told you, gently shutting the door behind you. Your eyes nervously dragged to his face, staring at his eerie mask. “Right, about that, well-” You began, clearly nervous. Hoodie couldn’t help but wonder why you were more jittery than they were. “Your boss put on this note that this is a team exercise as much as a reward, the three of you meant to work together with, well, just me,” You explained.

Oh.

Oh.

No wonder you were shaking in your boots. Three masked men eyeing you like prey, whose mouths were borderline salivating at the thought of fucking you. Masky grabbed the note from you, reading it himself. “You have got to be kidding me,” He grumbled, reading the familiar handwriting. In annoyance he dug in his pockets looking for a box of cigarettes. “All three of us? Is he insane? Look at her, we’ll break her,” He said, gesturing to you. True, you were smaller in stature compared to the three men. Toby stood up first, putting his orange goggles on top of his head. He rounded you like a wild animal, soaking in as much of your body as he could with his eyes. “S-She does look a b-b-bit small,” Toby agreed. Hoodie tilted his head to the side as he studied you. He was always interested in watching how people reacted to one another.

To his surprise despite how intimidating he knew the three of them were, he noticed the light tint of pink that had spread across your cheeks. “Actually, your boss offered me the job specifically. Said out of all of my girls and I, i’d be the only one who could handle it,” You admitted. This confession made Hoodie rise from his chair, walking up to you quickly. His gloved hand squeezed your face, forcing you to pucker out your lips like a fish. “I don’t think you understand the gravity of your situation sweetheart. We’re not like the married men you pluck off of the streets. We can seriously hurt you,” He snarled. His ski mask stared down at you ominously, the tension in the room only becoming thicker by the minute.

“Actually, that’s why I accepted the offer,” You countered. Hoodie’s hardened facade cracked for a moment, his hand loosening. “Said you three with rough around the edges, but that you’d indulge in my darkest fantasies,” You confessed, your face turning a darker shade of red. Masky tossed the note aside, taking a step closer to you. “Oh yeah princess? And that’s that?” The brunette asked. Three sets of eyes stared at you intensely, awaiting your next words. “To be fucked ruthlessly by three mysterious men in mask,” You admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. Hoodie couldn’t hide his smirk, his eyes flickering up to his companions. “I think she’s starting to grow on me,” He purred, releasing his grip on your face.

“Before we begin, I also have these,” You say, digging into your purse and pulling out four pills. The boys rounded you in a circle, eyeing them suspiciously. “What’s t-that?” Toby asked. You scratched the back of your neck, as if you weren’t completely sure yourself. “Your boss attached them to the note. Said they’d help us all loosen up a bit,” You explained. Toby was the first to reach for one, popping the tiny pill without a second thought. “Well shit, if the kids doing it,” Hoodie grumbled, following his lead. You met Masky’s gaze, the last two pills sitting in the palm of your hand. “Ladies first, princess,” He said. You had taken ecstasy dozens of times before, but never with clients. You had known of The Operator for years, the girls you worked alongside serving his men on occasion. He had never requested you before though and he had never given his proxies an opportunity like this.

You hard swallowed the pill, cringing as it scraped against the back of your throat. Masky finally took the last pill from your hand, swallowing it as if it meant nothing. “You sure about this sweetheart?” Hoodie purred mockingly, admiring how flustered you already seemed. You shrugged off your trench coat, revealing nothing underneath. Toby’s eyes nearly popped out of his head, soaking in every curve that was exposed. “Knees, princess,” Masky barked, regaining your attention. You did as instructed, your knees scraping against the crusty old carpet. You couldn’t deny the bubbling in your stomach as the three of them surrounded you, undoing their belts in unison. The mixed clinking sounded like heaven to you, your tongue flattening out across your bottom lip.

Toby had taken out his cock first, your mouth gravitating towards him. You licked the bottom of his length from the bottom to his tip, kitten licking his slit. He visibly shuddered, causing you to grin. “You do that too much to the kid he’ll cum right now,” Hoodie snickered. Masky had casually lit a cigarette, tilting his mask up just enough to inhale the stick. “S-Shut up,” Toby argued weakly. Your hands found their way to Masky and Hoodies cocks, Masky more girthy and Hoodie longer. Toby was an even mix of the two, your mouth bobbing up and down on his cock. Your hands jerked the older proxies off, your eyes never straying from Toby’s face. The bottom half of his face was covered with a face mask, but his eyes. Oh, his sweet and delicious eyes stared down at you. You had captivated him, the way you took him to the base.

A rough hand grabbed a handful of your hair, yanking you off of Toby’s twitching cock. “Quit hoggin’ her,” Hoodie snarled. He shoved you onto his cock, your eyes welling up with tears as he hit the back of your throat. You struggled to keep up with his aggression, your jaw going slack as he face fucked you. “Shit, her mascaras running already,” Masky grumbled, inhaling his cigarette sharply. He rutted his hips into your hand, as he exhaled. Your core was aching, your thighs subtly rubbing together to create some form of friction. You could feel the ecstasy taking effect much faster than normal, your ultimate fantasy coming true before your very eyes. Fuck, you owed their boss big time.

Hoodie yanked you off of his cock, a string of saliva attached from his tip to your lips. “Open up your mouth pretty girl, let’s see if you can fit all of us at once,” Masky smirked. He could feel himself letting loose, his gloved hand grabbing your chin. You tried to open your mouth as wide as possible, the three of their cocks competing to shove their way in. “Can’t even suck three cocks? Pathetic. What’re you getting paid for?” Hoodie spat, a sadistic smile hidden by his ski mask. You struggled to breathe as they guided you onto the bed, Masky’s hand grabbing your chin first. “Either these drugs are really good or you’re looking really fuckin pretty princess,” He grumbled. He could feel warmth spreading through out his body, the exhaled cigarette smoke escaping through the sides of his mask. He loomed over you, leaning close towards your ear.

Your body was practically vibrating with anticipation, a chill running down your spine. “Maybe sometime i’ll have you for myself, just you and me,” Masky rambled, talking more than he usually did. A firm set of hands grabbed your shoulders from behind, resulting in your back colliding with the mattress. “You’re s-s-supposed to share, remember?” Toby asked, relieved at the sight of your bare breast. He eagerly leaned over, pulling down his mask. His gash was hidden on the over side of his face, his pale gray skin a light shade of pink as he took one of your nipples into his mouth. Your back nearly arched off of the bed, your nipples hardened and more sensitive than normal. “Hey loverboy, since you’re so in love go ahead and make yourself useful and stretch her out for us, will you?” Hoodie asked, tapping the head of his cock on your lips. Your tongue rolled out on instinct, licking the underside of his shaft.

Masky tossed the cigarette aside, using his gloved hands to pry apart your thighs. Your cunt was so wet it was almost dripping down your thighs, a sight so painfully mouth watering it took everything in him to not yank off his mask and dig in. Instead he took a deep breath, his body buzzing with euphoria. “Keep her mouth busy,” He replied. Hoodie smirked at his command, shoving his cock down into your mouth. With confidence you were unable to see him, the brunette slipped off his mask. He used two of his gloved fingers to open your folds, admiring your drenched sex. “Fuck, she’s so fuckin wet for us,” Masky grumbled, before attaching his lips to your clit. Your eyes fluttered shut, the pleasure almost mind numbing as he sucked harshly at your clit. Toby released your nipple, the bud growing only more sensitive from the abandonment of his warm mouth.

Toby reattached his mouth to your other breast, ignoring the feeling of your heart pounding against your rib cage as he sucked. “Feelin good sweetheart?” Hoodie asked mockingly, his ominous stitched frown staring down at you. His cock brutally hit the back of your throat, your moans vibrating his shaft further. Masky’s hands tightened around your thighs, keeping them pried apart as he devoured your cunt. “Awe does that feel good? Having Masky eat that pretty pussy of yours?” Hoodie continued, relishing in the sight of your thighs squeezing his partners head. The warmth spreading across Toby’s chest only made him more feral, his hips involuntarily grinding against the bedding as his teeth grazed your nipple. “This is what you wanted right? Your ultimate fantasy right?” Hoodie continued. His fingers were tangled in your hair, yanking ever so often. He enjoyed watching your body react to his every word, your skin littered with goosebumps.

“You’re trembling already. How are you gonna handle all three of us at once if you can’t handle a little foreplay?” Hoodie continued. He watched you attempt to keep up with his thrust, your mind spinning. Toby released your nipple, attaching his lips to your breast. “Awe you poor thing, the kids gonna litter you in as many marks as possible. Hope you like hickies,” Hoodie continued. You could feel your core tightening, Masky’s tongue relentless as he lapped at your clit. You could feel his tongue poke at your entrance, one of your hands flying down to his hair. Your hips grinded against his face, your breath shuddering as Hoodie pulled out of your mouth. Sinful moans instantly spewed from your lips, bouncing off of the motel room walls. “Sounds like someone’s close to cumming, how cute,” Hoodie grinned. He pulled your hair to continue looking up at him, preventing you from seeing Masky’s exposed face. “Go on sweetheart, cum on his face,” He cooed.

Toby released a patch of your skin with a pop, a shock of electric euphoria crashing down over you. Your back arched off of the bed as you came on Masky’s tongue, his hooded eyes watching your face as you shamelessly came. His gloved hands were harsh, keeping your thighs pried open. He continued to devour you until he was sure you were done, his chin coated in your juices as he emerged from your thighs. “I want her cunt,” Masky said instantly, claiming your pussy for his own. Hoodie grunted as he helped rearrange you, Masky pulling down his mask as he laid underneath you. On all fours you hovered above him, feeling Hoodies gloved hands pull apart your cheeks from behind. “Fine by me, kid you get her mouth,” Hoodie ordered. Toby was slowly jerking off cock, kneeling beside your mouth. “W-Why can’t I get her ass?” He bickered.

You could feel Masky’s hands slide down your hips, causing you to bite your bottom lip to refrain from whimpering. “Because you’re going to nut in five seconds and I plan on fucking her until she can’t walk,” Hoodie argued. You could feel Masky align himself with your entrance, before pushing himself inside. Your velvet walls clung to him instantly, your loud moan interrupting the arguing at hand. You grabbed onto his mustard jacket, feeling him bottom out inside of you. “Fuck princess, you feel so fuckin, warm,” Masky sputtered. He could feel his cheeks flaming red with embarrassment, the ecstasy hitting him far harder than he could’ve imagined. It was like he could hear all of you, your breathing, your heart beat, even the little whimpers that were clawing their way out of your throat.

For a brief moment he swore he could’ve met your gaze, Toby’s thin fingers guiding your face to his cock. You teasingly sucked the tip, feeling Hoodie shove himself inside of you. “We may need to take her home, shit, she didn’t even need any, fuck, prep,” Hoodie groaned, bottoming out as well. Your head was spinning, the taste of Toby’s salty precum dancing on your tastebuds. Your body was electrified with warmth and lust, your vision growing spotty as you felt Masky and Hoodie begin to move. You grabbed handfuls of Masky’s jacket, unable to stop your sinful moans. Even as Toby guided you to suck his cock, your unholy noises were still as loud as ever. Masky grabbed your hips, noting the way tears free flowed down your cheeks. He rammed upwards into you, noticing the way your eyes rolled back into your head.

“That’s it princess, you can take it,” The brunette praised, mesmerized by you. You looked ethereal, falling apart between the three of them like this. Your jaw had gone slack and was growing sore as Toby used your throat as he pleased, satisfied in the gagging he made you produce. Hoodies hips never let up for a moment, his brain on auto pilot as his body rammed into you. Insults swam around his brain, failing to leave his lips as he fucked your unexplored hole. The four of you were too high to play mind games, addicted the feeling you gave one another. You felt caught in the middle, completely cock drunk as three strong pairs of hands kept you upright. “Feels soooo g-g-good, motherfuckin- I can’t,” Toby whined, his hips stuttering. He hadn’t anticipated his orgasm, his body producing one without any warning. His cum flooded your mouth, your eyes fluttering shut as you swallowed all that you could. Toby watched, mesmerized as you continued sucking him half hard.

He was twitching in euphoria, his hands fallen by his sides as he soaked in the overstimulation. “Knew the kid was gonna cum first,” Hoodie grumbled, his fingers digging so hard into your skin they promised bruises in their morning to come. Masky felt like he was breathing on manual mode, his breath shallow as he looked at you. “Princess, touch yourself. We’ll hold you up. Cum on our cocks so we can fill you up,” Masky offered, his words much more softer than he meant for them to be. Dazed, you used your spare hand to slither down to your clit, drawing sloppy circles around the sensitive bud. Your body began to tremble, Toby’s cock falling out of your mouth as you dropped your head. Your moans were babbles and curses, your mind completely cock drunk as Masky and Hoodie fucked you at the same time.

“Ha, feel that Masky? She’s about to cum already. Filthy girl,” Hoodie snickered, pretending that he wasn’t on the edge as well. Masky’s smooth voice was like the light at the end of the tunnel, the only thing you could audibly hear. “Come on princess, cum for us. Cum for me. Be good,” He encouraged, fucking upwards into your g spot. Your vision became hazy as you came, sweat dripping down your forehead and body trembling in their grasp. Your knuckles were white from grabbing Masky’s jacket so hard, your body withering in euphoria. The boys didn’t take long after that, cumming inside of your ass and cunt as they pleased. The four of you were entangled messes, the ecstasy overriding any sense of pride or moral obligation.

It was Toby who spoke first, cheeks flushed pink.

“So, we’re bringing her home with us right?”

[demonpiratehuntress]

period madness (Straw Hats + Ace, Law, Kaku)

featuring - Zoro x F!Reader, Ace x F!Reader, Sanji x F!Reader, Luffy x F!Reader, Kaku x F!Reader, Law x F!Reader, Usopp x F!Reader

summary - it's that time of the month and they have...interesting...ways of dealing with it

warnings - none

a/n - I've done this with the live action Straw Hats so i wanted to do this with their anime versions too, plus the ones who aren't in the LA yet

ZORO

Zoro jerked awake to the sound of pots crashing and clanging in the kitchen. He was unaccustomed to that, because Sanji never let anyone in the kitchen but himself. That and the aggressive sounds were usually only caused by him and then cook during their arguments. So when he got up to investigate, he was not prepared for the sight before him.

You were throwing pots and pans at the cook, who was barely able to dodge your pinpoint accuracy. He was holding his hands up and shaking them, saying, "No, no, no darling!" or slipping into panicked French.

The swordsman found it difficult to hold back his laughter and ended up chortling, catching yours and the cook's attention.

"What are YOU laughing at?" You glared daggers at him, chucking one of the pots at him. It hit him smack in the head, and he glared at you before seeing the look on your face.

He had never been more terrified.

"You're both idiots," you grumbled, rubbing your uterus before storming out of the kitchen. Sanji sighed in relief, before you called out behind you, "I want another one!" He jumped and ran around the kitchen, desperately making something - whatever you'd asked for.

"What's wrong with her?" Zoro gruffly asked the cook.

"She's on her period," Nami walked past, beaming and looking unusually happy.

Zoro vaguely knew what a period was. He didn't quite know how it worked, but he knew that women became oddly aggressive and emotional during their week. He didn't know about the blood, though, until he walked into your room after you and saw red staining your clothes.

"What happened?!"

You jumped and turned around, "Zoro! Don't do that!" Then you groaned, doubling over in pain.

Over the next couple of days, the swordsman learned just what a period entailed. Very drastic, rapid mood changes, intense cravings and debilitating pain. He once claimed you were being dramatic, but that was the last time. He shivered at the memory.

He became more helpful once he fully understood what was going on with you. Threatening Sanji to make whatever you were craving for, bringing it to you, rubbing your uterus. That he could handle. Your mood swings, alas, were his undoing.

"I'm tired. Can I nap now?"

"No one asked you to do my chores," you grumbled.

He glared at you, "A thank you would be nice."

"Mhm."

He grumbled and crossed his arms, muttering something about your attitude.

"What?" Your nostrils flared.

That dangerous look on your face came again, and Zoro froze up.

"Nothing."

"Better be. Remember what happened yesterday?"

He flinched. The swordsman flinched. He didn't want to be reminded of your wrath, much less experience it again. It had been traumatic enough the first time.

Thankfully, you were much more docile when he was cuddling you after you had changed and gotten comfortable.

ACE

You weren't at breakfast one morning. Which was odd, because you were usually always there before him, saving him a spot because he was the one sleeping in.

"Where's (Name)?" He asked the other crewmembers, all of them shrugging because no one actually knew.

This was his sign to check your room. If you hadn't come to greet him and he hadn't seen you all morning, you were most likely still sleeping. Which almost never happened, since you liked to get up early and get a jumpstart on your chores around the ship.

He carefully pushed open the door to your room, and there you were. Curled up in your bed, whimpering and moaning in what sounded like pain. Immediately he grew worried, and rushed over to you.

"What's wrong??" He crouched beside the bed, trying to get you to look at him.

"Cramps," was all that you could say before another bout of pain hit you and had you changing positions. Nothing was comfortable, and you'd tried everything. "Hurts."

He frowned, but knew exactly what to do. Sure, maybe he'd forgotten that you started your period today, but he'd had enough experience with it to know what to do. He climbed onto the bed nd laid behind you, wrapping his strong arms around you. Heating his body just enough to soothe you, his hand settled over your uterus and started rubbing in comforting, slow circles. When he felt your body slowly relax, he knew it was working.

"Mhm," you hummed, sighing in relief, "Much better. Thanks, Ace."

"Anything for you," he grinned, burying his face in your neck. He continued rubbing slowly and soothingly, also enioying the closeness and intimacy that this brought. "I'll get you some chocolate later, okay?"

You managed a small laugh, "You know Thatch is not going to let you into the kitchen. You're practically banned."

"I stole ONE cake, one!" He protested. "And it wasn't even a big one!"

You laughed again, shaking your head in amused dismay, "You know you stole more than that. He knows you sneak in almost every night."

"Is that why the fridge is now locked?"

"Mhmmm," you turned your head slightly, "But it's a sweet offer."

"No, I will get you that chocolate," he insisted, making you laugh. "I will fight Thatch if I have to."

"Or," you started to suggest, "We could stop at the island that's coming up and buy our own?"

"Nah, too late," he nuzzled his face against your neck, "I went to get it for you now."

"You're too sweet to me," you sighed contently, your entire body melting under his touch, the pain dulling to a bearable ache. "What did I do to deserve you?"

"You love me," he murmured into your neck. "That's enough."

When you were sleeping, the second division commander gently disentangled himself from you and snuck off to get your chocolate. The next day, you woke up to the sweet treat on your bedside table, and a note saying that both Thatch and Ace were in the infirmary. Sighing, you got up to go see your idiot boyfriend, but a smile on your face told you that you weren't mad at him.

You could never be. He handled your mood swings like a pro, never once losing his temper. He got you whatever you craved, no complaints. And when you were in pain, he was more than happy to become your personal heater.

Every single period, he treated you with the utmost gentleness, and a patience that no one knew he had.

SANJI

Your cravings are almost impossible to deal with. If he wasn't such a great cook, Sanji might have cracked under the pressure. Every hour was something new, something strange. But whatever you want, you get.

You stumbled into the kitchen a few hours later, wondering where your food was. Only to see your boyfriend trying to fend off your captain who was trying to steal it.

"Give it to him," you grumbled, "I'll just make it myself."

Sanji's eyes widened in panic as he watched you move around the kitchen, starting to prepare the dish. He finally kicked Luffy away and rushed towards.you, dropping onto his knees before you and holding up the dish.

"No, no, no, my love! Here you go!"

You crossed your arms, "Do you think I am incapable of making my own meal?"

"No, not at all!" He shook his head frantically, his panic rising. "I just don't want you to do any unnecessary work while.you're in so much, when I am here to do it for you!"

On any other day, you might have melted and kissed him on the cheek. Today, however, that comment just pissed you off.

"So you think I'm too weak to handle a bit of pain?"

The cook was going to pass out at this rate, "No, no, no! I just don't want-"

"Because I'm a woman, is that it?"

His face kept getting paler and paler, "My love-"

"No, forget it," your mood flipped, tears brimming in your eyes. "I'm not hungry anymore." You turned on your heel and left the kitchen, and Sanji's heart sunk.

If he hated anything more than you crying, it was you crying because of him.

He got to work preparing several of your favourite dishes, mentally cursing the captain for this whole debacle. It didn't take him long, because he was also desperate and panicky, his urge to comfort you growing stronger by the second. The minute he was done he was walking to your room with all the dishes in a tray, and knocking on your door.

"Go away."

"But darling, I have your food-"

The door swung open, and once again your mood had switched and you were smiling at him like nothing had happened. You let him in, peppering his face with kisses as you immediately started to eat, leaving him with hearts in his eyes.

But also a little terrified.

After you had finished eating, he cuddled you and let you fall asleep on him. He was afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing again so he just held you, letting you guide his hand to rub your uterus soothingly.

He was a little panicky, but he always took care of you during this frustrating week.

LUFFY

He's practically immune to your emotional outbursts. He does get them from everyone on the crew almost everyday, after all. So the mood swings he can handle, he just laughs it off and hugs you or cuddles you or offers to give you extra kisses.

It's the cravings part that he has an issue with.

Luffy and food go hand-in-hand, everyone knows this. If he even so much as spots something to eat, he will gobble it down within seconds. That's why Sanji has a lock on the fridge and chains on all the cabinets, because your boyfriend cannot stop himself from eating the ship's entire food supply.

And more often than not, he will end up fighting with you about it whenever you're on your period, because he thinks it's unfair that you get more food.

"Luffy, stop bothering (Name)!" Sanji smacked his hand away from your food.

The captain pouted, "Why does she get more food?"

You glared at your clueless boyfriend, the temptation to smack him growing stronger by the second, "Luffy, you try ble-" The rest of your explanation was muffled by Nami's hand.

Luffy pouted even more as he watched you eat, confused about why you were looking at him like you wanted to eat him.

When you were done, you got up and walked away without even asking him to come with you. This was even more weird for him, and so he followed you on his own.

"(Name), what's wrong?"

"Nothing, just tired," you replied, but he knew you so well that he could tell you were lying as you sat down on your bed.

"Did I do something?" He came to sit down beside you.

You sighed, "Yes and no. Do I look fat to you?"

His eyes widened, "No, why would you say that? Who called you fat?"

"Me."

He frowned at your words, "Why would you call yourself fat?"

"Because you're always complaining about me eating more on my period and it makes me feel like I am!" You snapped, teetering on the edge of a breakdown.

"I'm sorry," he apologised quietly, sincerely. "I didn't mean to make you feel like that."

"I know, but Luffy..." You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose, "You have to understand. Women go through a lot on their period, okay? We eat more, we cry more, we snap more, everything we do is increased. So is our pain. It's just something that happens every month."

"You're in pain?" He asked worriedly, "Why didn't you tell me?"

I've told you many, many times, you refrained from saying, instead sighing, "Just...please be a bit more mindful, okay?"

He nodded, wrapping his arms around you, "I promise."

He really did try. The next day he even sat you on his lap just to hold you while you ate, and even though it looked like it was difficult for him, he stopped himself from commenting. He even started bringing you food, doing anything he could to be better and actually help you through your torturous week.

KAKU

He's not stupid. He's been around you and Khalifa long enough to know what to do and what not to and what to say and what not to say during your period.

Though he sometimes has his moments, where he forgets that you're in pain because you're so good at hiding it due to the nature of your job.

You were a day or two into your period so your cramps were really bad. But Spandam was annoying you about an assignment so you ended up snapping at him and accidentally broke his nose. Now you were suspended until further notice - although no one reprimanded you for punching him.

That's how Kaku found you, seething as you stormed through the hallways of the headquarters. He himself got a little nervous when he saw your furious look. Trained assassin or not, when you looked like that he would never dream of crossing you.

Of course, he did it unintentionally.

"What happened to you?" He asked, stopping you from storming past him.

"What do you think?" You snapped, your cramps becoming unbearably painful. You needed to get out of this interaction as quickly as possible.

"Hey, easy," he took a cautious step closer, "I'm not trying to fight."

You signed, "I know." Then you started walking away, only for him to follow you. "Kaku, not right now." Your voice came out strained, and this worried him.

"Something is wrong," he insisted.

"Wow, thanks, Captain Obvious," you rolled your eyes.

He sighed, "I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong."

"That's the problem!" You whirled around, "You never know what's wrong! This happens every month and you always seem to forget!"

You would later regret snapping at him like that, but your uterus was in the process of killing you so you were more than uncomfortable, and more than miserable.

A look of realisation dawned on him, and he lifted you up into his arms to carry you bridal-style to your room. Once he laid you down on the bed, he had water ready for you to drink and he lay beside you, pulling you close and enveloping you in his warmth as he soothingly rubbed where it hurt. Over the course of the last few months, he'd gotten better at helping you through the pain.

"Thanks," you mumbled, curling up against him. "I punched Spandam, by the way. Got suspended."

He laughed, "That must have been amusing."

"Mhm..."

Before you could word a proper reply, you were drifting off. This was comfortable, and his warm hand rubbing your uterus soothingly was lulling you off to sleep. He smiled softly and continued to hold you and attempt to soothe your pain as best he could.

You woke up later to find your favourite food and drink on your bedside table, and a note saying Spandam had given Kaku your assignment, which made you laugh.

LAW

Law saw the signs before you even noticed you were exhibiting them. He was a doctor, after all, but he was also your boyfriend and had memorised each symptom that you showed before getting your period. So he knew exactly when you were getting it, but he wasn't exactly the best at helping you through it.

Especially with how angry and emotional you got. He struggled to predict your mood, and in this struggle he found that he didn't know how to properly respond to or act around you. Which led to 97% of your arguments during this time. The other 3% was you picking fights.

"(Name)-ya, you're late," he frowned when you walked into his room after breakfast.

You glared at him, "Oh I'm sorry, I was too busy dying in my bed!"

"Don't be dramatic," he sighed. "You weren't dying."

Your nostrils flared, "Excuse me?"

The look in your eyes was downright murderous. For a scary moment even he was a bit intimidated, but hes stubbornly stood his ground.

"Maybe this month the cramps are worse," you shot back, voice raising with each word. "But you wouldn't understand, you never do!" You turned and stormed out.

"You manage every other month."

He sighed, following, "(Name)-ya, wait."

"No Law," you snarled, "I'm not in the mood. Go away."

He grabbed your wrist, though not enough to hurt you, "I'm sorry."

You rolled your eyes, even more irritated by his lackluster apology, "Okay. Now can I go do my chores?"

He let go a bit awkwardly, frowning, "I can have someone do them for you."

"No, I wouldn't want to be lazy or look like I'm getting favours because I'm your girlfriend," you crossed your arms.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, frustrated, "You are in pain, no one is going to hold it against you. Can you please just go back to bed?"

"Is that an order?" You glared at him.

He glared back, "Yes."

You finally relented, storming off to your room and making a show of being irritated. Law sighed behind you, following and making sure you did actually get into bed. Then he made sure you got something hot to press against your uterus, as well as plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you satisfied.

He did come at random points during the day to check on you, which you thought was sweet. He would stand by your side awkwardly and fumble his words, but it was the thought that counted.

And over the next few days, he got better at helping you through it. He let you do your tasks but was a lot more lenient, he accepted your affection even in public, and he was a lot softer than he would usually be. Anything you asked for, you got it - eventually. It might not be right away, but he did get it for you and that was what mattered to you.

But oh, the mood swings were going to be the death of him.

USOPP

Your period week scared Usopp. He made sure he memorised your cycle so that he knew when you would be a bit more...sensitive, to his words and actions. So he knew when the time came, what he shouldn't say or do around you.

The problem was that he tended to avoid you, hoping that would keep him safe from your mood swings and your violent tendencies. After last time, he was traumatised.

"(Name)?" He knocked on your room door, after hearing from Nami that you weren't up yet and it was late morning already.

"Don't come in!" You wailed, sounding miserable.

He poked his head around the door, curious as to why you didn't want him to come inside. You were rushing around the room in your underwear, making his face turn red. He tried to pull his head out, but knocked it on the door and yelped.

You whipped around, "Usopp!"

But to his surprise, you started crying instead of screaming at him. You sunk onto your bed, dropping your sheets miserably. He quickly came inside, closed the door, and sat beside you.

"What's wrong???" He asked, a bit panicky.

"There's blood everywhere!" You sobbed, "My pants got ruined, my sheets.got ruined, everything got ruined!"

"Oh..." He felt a but flustered, unsure of what to do.

"I know!" You cried, "You probably think it's disgusting." The thought had you sobbing harder, and he panicked even more when you reacted this way.

"No, no, no!" He shook his hands frantically, "You're not disgusting! Never!"

Eventually it dawned on him that he should probably get your things cleaned for you, and when he suggested it he saw you visibly relax and knew it was the right choice.

"Are you sure?" You mumbled, bottom lip trembling.

"I'm sure," he nodded, picking up your things. "Just relax, I'll go get you some (favourite food), and be back just now."

He did just that, ensuring you got into comfortable, warm clothes and then bringing you warm food and warm drinks any time you asked him to. You laid on your bed and asked him to tell you stories, which often succeeded in making you laugh.

He was more than happy to oblige.

[gloomwitchwrites]

Just Like Dad (4 of 4)

Content & Warnings: referenced military career, domestic fluff

Word Count: 957

Checking through his daughter’s backpack strikes up a difficult conversation.

Imagines & What If Series

ao3 // main masterlist // just like dad masterlist

Price has no idea where his daughter’s disorganization from, but it certainly isn’t him.

Opening her backpack, Price cringes at the mess. It’s all crushed papers, broken pencils, scattered crayons, and food wrappers. Sighing, Price turns the backpack zipper-side down, the contents crashing to the dining room table.

She is going to sit down tonight and organize this. No exceptions.

Frowning down at the wreckage, Price begins sorting through the papers, glancing at a few just to find some order in the chaos. He picks up a piece of paper and pauses, his gaze landing on the title.

All About Me reads the top of the page.

Price smiles as he starts to read over his daughter’s answers.

Favorite color? Blue.

Favorite animal? Dragon—all capital letters with lots of exclamation points.

Happiest memory? That one just says “ghostie tree.” Her teacher will have no idea what that means, but Price knows, and he laughs so hard he almost chokes.

Price’s daughter adores Simon, and whenever he’s around, she turns into a koala, hanging off every limb. It doesn’t matter if Simon is standing or sitting down. And how does Simon feel about it? He’ll act bored, like it hardly bothers him, but then he’ll strike, tickling her until she runs away screaming only for her to return minutes later to do it all over again.

Flipping it over, Price continues to read, pausing when he reaches information about parents and guardians. This is where he slows and observers her writing. She already filled stuff out about mom, and Price knows you’d get a laugh out of her answers, but the sections about him cool his amusement.

Her answers are idyllic versions of himself, nearly whimsical in the way she describes what he does and how proud she is that he is her father. That makes him ache, brings a tightness to his chest that pushes out all other feeling. Price is proud of his work, and of his career, but it is not a beautiful thing.

It is not sweet or kind or tender.

It is rough. It is hard.

It is heartbreaking.

He has lost so many people. So many good men and women. He’s done horrible things. Stained his palms with blood. These are difficult truths he faces every day.

But there are softer moments in his career of watching those he’s mentored be promoted, of victories and celebrations, of marriages and births, and of all those he’s worked with who have gone on to lead fulfilling, happy lives.

All of that, and this isn’t what stops him.

It’s her answer to the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?”

I want to be like my dad.

Price sighs and sets the paper down on the table.

How does he respond to that? Should he even take the initiative? Should he approach the topic at all?

Price isn’t certain.

“Daddy.”

Price starts at his daughter’s voice. He turns. She’s standing just inside the archway to the living room. She has a perplexed look on her face as she glances between him and the mess on the kitchen.

“What’ve you done with my backpack?”

Price blinks, and then chuckles. “It’s a mess, love. We’ve taught you better.” Her face flushes slightly as she slowly walks up to the table. “You’re sitting down and going through this. No exceptions.”

She nods sheepishly.

Price picks up the questionnaire. “Want to talk about this? I have to sign off on it.”

Her flush grows deeper. “Did you read it?”

“I did.”

She looks up at him expectantly and Price waits a moment to see if she’ll say anything. She doesn’t.

“You said some nice things about me,” he says softly, and she beams. It reminds him of your smile, and that melts his heart down to his toes.

“It’s true,” she says brightly, happy that he’s mentioned anything at all.

“You want to be like me?” She nods. “And what do I do?”

She blinks. “Didn’t you read what I wrote?”

Price barks a laugh. “Yes, love. I did. But I want to hear it from you.”

She squares her shoulders and looks up at him with fierce determination. “You protect people. I want to protect people.”

True. But not entirely.

“How do you think I protect people?” He can see her brain processing the question and attempting to formulate an answer. She chews on her bottom lip, shoulders sagging slightly.

“I don’t know,” she finally says. “But I know that you do. You protect me and mom.”

“That’s because you and your mother are mine to protect.”

Protect is not the right word. While his actions and the things that he does might prevent horrible things happening at a global level, doing so often results in pain and suffering. It’s just what happens even when he tries to prevent that.

“Can I not do that?” she asks.

“You can do whatever you want when you’re older.”

But military life? No. He doesn’t wish that for her, and it’s not because she’s a girl. He’d feel the same if she has been born a son. No parent wants to see their child in potential danger. Doesn’t matter what age.

“So I can be just like you?”

He wants to say “no,” but instead diverts the question elsewhere. “You can’t be anything if you don’t organize this backpack.”

She groans and starts rummaging around in the mess.

Price kisses the top of her head. When he glances up, you’re standing in the archway, a soft smile on your face. Did you hear the whole conversation? Or just the end?

You stride forward and reach out. Price meets your outstretched hand, threading his fingers with yours.

[queers-gambit]

Mother Knows No Bounds

prompt: you are Rhaenyra's daughter, married to Prince Aemond, and the subject of Alicent's hatred. one day, she takes it too far.

pairing: Aemond Targaryen x female!reader -> technically Velaryon!wife!reader, but you can pick and choose

fandom masterlist: House of the Dragon

collection masterlist: Poisoned Apple

word count: 5.7k+

note: 10,000 points to your Hogwarts House if you can find the Lord of the Rings quote

warnings: cursing, vilified!Alicent, Aemond needs his big brother. descriptions of potentially triggering content: miscarriages, natural abortions, toxic family being toxic; um is this technically neglect? abuse? potentially triggering description of medical phenomenons, i guess OC Aemond ?

please note again and do not proceed if you are triggered by any of the following content: descriptions of potentially triggering content: miscarriages, natural abortions, involuntary termination, depiction of medical procedure.

you are not missing anything by skipping this, please value your comfort!

The city had come to a screeching halt the moment extreme temperatures skyrocketed, citizens unable to bear the scorching sun during waking, working hours. It was only the brave, stupid, poor, or accommodated persons that dared venture about their lives when the heat index had tripled; silent, since the heat was so sweltering, nobody wanted to add to it by talking. Even the animals were quiet and scarce around the streets, most seeking shelter under any shade they could find.

Women skinny dipped. Children ran around without their clothes. Men forewent any and all armor, most even going shirtless.

The guards were on short patrols and constantly rotated to try and save them from heatstroke. The fishermen all left port to spend time on the water since it was cooler than being on land. Whores wore less than ever before. Vendors constructed makeshift fans for their own air current.

The temperature spike was truly murderous. At dusk, gravediggers traveled the city with a bell and horse-toted cart, announcing if anyone wanted their dead disposed of, now was the time. The heat caused any elderly to dehydrate, their hearts simply stopping; and for young children to overheat and catch too-high fevers.

It was a dreadful time to be alive in King's Landing because the city had next to no coverage, so, the sun beat down on citizens in a suffocating, unbearable, offensive manner. None stood a chance: the young, old, rich, poor, everyone was a target.

For some reason, the fat Lords of the Realm had demanded the King hold court to voice their complaints; temperatures making many operate on short fuses. However, due to his sickly, deteriorating state and wicked weather, King Viserys was unable to sit the Throne; the responsibility falling onto the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower. And because she was Queen, his daughter, Alicent was always in attendance.

Yet for some reason, she had sent guards and servants to retrieve her children - including you.

You'd been married to Aemond about 21 months, and while a seemingly short time, certain single days felt more like three when loved by a man you considered your best friend. You had known the One Eyed Prince back when he had no need for an eyepatch, sapphire, or silly nickname, and for years, you were decent friends before growing to attach at the hip. He was kind, sweet, intelligent, and best of all, he was a wildly good listener. Even as a child, he didn't talk too much, but still more than he did now; and all his life, he was simply a listener. It made for a peaceful and trustworthy marriage.

21 months of marriage, and now, (almost) 7 months pregnant.

Aemond was over the moon with pride, joy, and excitement when you told him the news. He was eager to meet the babe, and the moment he learned, Aemond started gathering whatever material and furniture he could. He commissioned 11 Septas to knit a series of baby blankets; most with Targaryen colors and / or design. Otto was happy to see his grandson looking forward to married life, and Helaena was elated for you both. She's always liked you like a sister, always thought you were kind, just, and fair, with a healthy balance of being stubborn - all topped off with heaping loyalty. To everyone's surprise, even Aegon sincerely offered congratulations to you both when you broke the joyful news, telling you and Aemond he was excited to meet his newest niece or nephew.

However, amongst the fanfare and triumph, two women remained permanently dismayed by the entire marriage that the prospect of a child genuinely angered them.

The first woman was your mother, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, but she was annoyed simply because she knew the Targaryen Curse was real and thought this was not something you should endure. You were her firstborn, her brightest star, her dearest love; she worried herself to the brim about you, and while she respected your marriage, she's never offered approval.

The second woman was Aemond's mother, Queen Alicent Hightower, who chose to silently seeth to herself (for a time) instead of voicing any opinion or emotion. Years ago, she and your mother were the closest of friends, and after she married Viserys, Alicent lost her friend and the tension has only festered from there. However, now that Rhaenyra was living on Dragonstone, you were the only person close enough to take the brunt end of Alicent's anger and she found new ways to project that. Simply put, she despised you - but she would've hated whoever "took" her (unofficial) favorite child "from" her; who became the leading lady in his life. Alicent's anger was justified, but only towards Rhaenyra - not you.

Yet communication and emotional intelligence was rare in this day.

Alicent knew you were innocent of everything. Yet somedays, she could not restrain her anger and would lash out like a dog chained-up; but you had thick skin. You always endured her quick jabs, sharp tongue, and snarling insults because you loved and respected Aemond too much to bite back at his mother. However, while most days, Alicent was amicable, some days, she was a downright bitch, and other days, she was absolutely diabolical.

Alicent's anger took over and when this happened, she was powerless towards impulse; resulting in usually terribly stressful events that honestly have no business being so fucking stressful - or even further, by becoming catastrophic. For example, years ago, when Luke cut Aemond's eye from his socket, she took the King's dagger from his person and tried to attack Rhaenyra. She ended up slicing the Crowned Princess' forearm, but far more damage was already done, and nothing would ever be the same.

Alicent's anger often blinded her and drove her to impulsive decisions or reactions, and this today, in this heatwave, she went too far.

You were sat in your bedchambers, Aemond at your side as you both listened to a sweating Grand Maester; both your hand and your husband's resting on the curve of your pregnant belly.

"Now, remember, Princess, in these conditions, it's important to lay low for the sake of your health and the baby's. Don't be on your feet in the heat too long, don't exert yourself, drink more water than you usually would, and rest as much as possible." He handed you a tea bag, explaining, "For the nerves before bed."

"Thank you," you agreed, taking what he offered. Aemond saw the Grand Maester out of your chambers as you sighed, using a handheld fan to wave cooler air over your face.

"It's criminal, this heat. Gotta get someone in here with a fan," Aemond mumbled to himself, leading you to a lounge chair to rest on. "Can I get you anything, sweet love?"

"Water, if you'd please," you smiled.

He agreed and stood, but just then, a knock sounded at the door. "Come in," Aemond permitted, moving to the table in the room to pour you a goblet of water. The guard who entered wasn't known to you by name, but Aemond greeted him casually, "Ser Mythos. What do we own this pleasure?"

"The Queen's requested you both in the Throne Room, my Prince."

"Do you know why?" Aemond grit.

"The Queen's requested you both in the Throne Room, my Prince."

"I've asked you why."

"The Queen's requested you both in the Throne Room, my Prince."

"Fuck's sake," you snapped, "we heard you! Yeah? Gods," you cursed, head tilted back in annoyance; eyes squeezing shut as your child kicked your bladder.

"The Queen has requested you both in the Throne Room, my Lady and my Prince."

Aemond glanced at you, sighed shortly through his nose, then turned to Ser Mythos to snap, "I will be along shortly, but my wife was told to rest in this heat for our baby's health. We'll need palms brought in for fanning."

"And the Queen has requested you both in the Throne Room, my Prince, both of you. Both, my Prince, both."

Your eyes rolled, telling Aemond, "I think the Queen wants us both, my love." Then shifted your glare towards the messenger, sounding as tired as you looked, "All right, fine, fine, fine, fucking fine, give us a moment to dress and we will be there presently."

"My Lady," the guard accepted, turned, and left the room.

"What could Mother want with us both?" Aemond snipped at you when the door shut with an echoing-clang.

"Does it matter? She's called for us," you frowned.

"They can at least call you by your proper title - we are married now. You are a Princess of the City, they should address you as such."

You waved him off, "Who cares about that? C'mere. Help me up, my love, please. Your kid's sitting heavy."

You and Aemond dressed for court in thin clothing before fixing your hair so it didn't cling to either of your necks. It was already far too warm to even think properly, and surely, nobody would judge if you attended court with your hair pulled up, nor judge Aemond for the fashionably bun you convinced him to wear. No make-up was used, no heels; no corset, nor any pinch of leather. Aemond didn't like the last bit, but you were stern in your worry, telling him that leather would retain his body heat and today was already stifling enough.

When ready, you vacated your chambers and walked to the Throne Room, seeing it filled with a sizable crowd that surely would do nothing to help the sticky heat hanging in the air. Aemond held your hand tightly with his head held high to lead you towards his mother, who stood at the base of the Iron Throne. When close enough, Aemond asked, "You called for us, Your Grace?"

"I did," she eyed you both. "This is a good learning opportunity for you both, I thought it best we were all here."

"Mother, it's too hot for - "

"We are all suffering the same heat," she cut Aemond off.

"Yes, but my wife is pregnant, Mother. The Maester told her to rest, not stand in court with a hundred bloody people."

"You mean to tell me she has a higher priority than - "

"Yes. That is what I am saying, Mother. My wife certainly has priority over everything else as far as I am concerned."

Alicent shook her head, "For as long as we hold places in court, we will attend court. All of us, as a united family. Now, pay attention, you both will hold places here after King Viserys, best you know this all now."

So, you stood there like an obedient dog as slowly, one person after another approached the Throne to tell Ser Otto Hightower their grievances. They yapped up all the advice and court rulings; Aemond standing at your side, and while he was listening to what was being said, he also kept an eye on you out of sheer worry. There was no air to blow, no window to open; mediocre fans and palms brought in to manually wave by a few sets of servants. Yet it wasn't enough.

Sweat bulleted on brows. Pale cheeks flushed with heat. Legs started to shake from stress. Clothes dampened and clung to skin.

You were all of the above and then some!

The heat felt criminally offensive, and you knew you wore your displeasure on your face. Discomfort while pregnant isn't easy to hide, your hand smoothing over your belly as you exhaled a slow, calming breath that did literally nothing to aid your tangible anger. The common folk still reported to Otto, but you knew this was far from over, trying to blink back your discomfort as your stomach churned; twisted; started to cramp with increasingly stabbing pain. The heat festered a headache and soon, the nausea set in.

Taking another deep, long breath, you focused on the man complaining about his neighbor stealing his crops, his silver, and how the other man was fucking his wife - in his very own barn! The man asked for permission to sentence the neighbor to trial by combat, and for the life of you, you could not understand why you needed to be present for this.

Another farmer came up, saying there were too many maggots in his fields and needed the King's coin to bring in specialized mulch for himself and all the farmers in all of the Riverlands - who were plagued by this contagious maggot infestation.

Some Lord of Some Lineage From Some Castle of Some Place came up and asked for an increased patrol of "the King's Men", sell swords sent to "keep the King's peace." A group with radically different tactics than Daemon's Gold Cloaks.

This "Some Lord of Some Lineage From Some Castle of Some Place" even presented his daughter, saying she was fit to marry the Prince Aemond. Eyes turned to you and for whatever reason, you felt embarrassed by the sudden attention. So, you shied away from it, shifting slightly closer to Aemond as Otto spoke with a bored expression, "Prince Aemond is wedded already. As is his brother, Prince Aegon."

"What 'bout the li'l one?"

"Pardon?" Otto blinked.

"The Queen's last son?"

"With respect, my Lord, our son is still a child learning the ways of the world and is no way fit to marry quite yet," Alicent cut in, your feet going numb and making you sway slightly. "The Crown has learned from other marriage pacts to examine all offers carefully," but Alicent's sharp words flew over your head as something in your stomach pinched sharply like a severe period cramp. Your breathing came out in shudders; holding onto Aemond securely as he looked down at you with worry.

Your entire face, neck, and chest glistened with sweat. It clung to your hair, raced down your chest, and when he got a closer look, he didn't like the discoloration to your skin. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong...

"Then it shall be a long engagement so you might consider my daughter well!" The Lord barked, laughing gruffly. "She is not a disappointment, my Lord Hand."

"The Crown will consider your offer, Lord Peregrin, but the Crown must weigh other presented offers before marrying young Prince Daeron to anyone," Otto spoke diplomatically.

"Aye, I'll offer her dowry. Twenty thousand good men for your army, and I can spare about 500 Gold Dragons."

"Our army? Are we at war?" Otto faked a chuckle, your vision starting to blur but you refused to cause a scene. Your mouth had cotton in it; tongue sticking to your roof and your cramps were getting worse. You sweat so much, it was running down your neck, forehead, shoulders, lips, thighs, chest.

"Well, no, perhaps not in this moment, Lord Hand - Your Grace - but we know the rumors about the King's lineage," the Lord spoke boldly, making your blood boil, but the pain was over-powering your ability to speak. Tears actually coated your eyes. "Prince Aegon should be named the rightful heir to the Throne, so, if the time comes that he needs an army, my daughter's marriage to Prince Daeron would guarantee those men and swords."

Otto sighed as you gulped harshly, wincing in pain, a single tear rolling down your cheek. The cramping intensified, the bolts of pain setting your muscles on fire and radiating into your organs - or so it felt like. The Throne Room was too hot for you to withstand much longer; there was no water, and you'd been standing there going on three hours. Not to mention, you had been throwing up terribly violent in the night and mornings, meaning, you were probably (very likely) very dehydrated and that wasn't good for you nor the baby.

The longer you stood there, the sicker you felt. The longer you stood there, the more Aemond worried. The longer you stood there, the more time you had to develop a strong resentment towards Alicent. Your hand went to your belly, trying to regulate your breathing, but even your dress gave you away - sweat darkening the hemlines. Since finding out you were pregnant, you and Aemond agreed you would no longer wear corsets, and for a whole weekend, he took you to Highgarden to visit the tailors. They created a whole new "maternity wardrobe" that was loose but still womanly by being formfitting. They were made of breathable material, since Highgarden was tropical and often warm; and Aemond adored the sight of your bump.

"Aemond," you whispered, your husband looking down at you but so did Alicent. "I'm not feeling well, my love. I-I need to sit, I need water."

"We're almost done - "

"This is not the time to distract everyone," Alicent snapped quietly at you. "Focus, and let Aemond focus, too, he's the Prince. You don't need him for your every whim."

You only nodded and closed your mouth, clearing your throat of emotion, knowing something didn't wasn't right. It was more than a gut feeling now, you just inherently knew something was wrong. Disconnected. Short circuiting.

The hall was too hot.

Stifling hot. Suffocatingly hot. Stuffy sort of hot.

Overwhelmingly hot.

Hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, so fucking hot!

Your nausea got worse to the point you were going to hurl at any moment. You know that feeling? C'mon, yes you do! You start to feel a little shaky, then your mouth starts "sweating" (or watering) and you even get a little clammy; maybe you even start to look gaunt? Maybe your skin changes color? That feeling? Yeah, that's exactly what was happening!

So, to keep calm, you just start taking long, deep breaths. The last thing you wanted to do was panic when surrounded by so many members of court... Then something that felt like urine raced down your inner thighs, yet you barely noticed it, too distracted with keeping upright. Blood puddled beneath your skirts on the stone but nobody noticed yet. More Lords came and went, some Ladies, more and more farmers with trivial disputes. Fathers, sons, uncles, neighbors, you name it!

However, to your earnest shock, when a particularly amusing man came to speak to the King('s Hand), Aegon had glanced at his brother with an amused smirk, but caught sight of you, requiring a double-take. "Brother," Aegon turned from his 'front row seat', showing a rare moment of emotion by looking concerned at your being. "Oh, Gods, fuck," he worried, looking ready to extend his arms to you.

"Fuck," Aemond breathed, turning you to face him. "Can you hear me, sweet love? Hey, hey," he spoke your name, "can you hear me?"

But it was as if you were in a trance. Waves crushed over your ears, sweat rolling down your skin, appearing clammy and as if not in your own body. Aegon jolted forward when your eyes rolled back in your head, knees buckling, forcing your husband to catch you before you began your descent to the ground. When he caught you, it revealed the blood from under your skirts, and when Aemond got you on the ground, he realized your legs were coated in slick, mucus, and both dried and fresh blood; indicating you had been bleeding for hours.

"Call the Maester!" Aemond barked. "Get the bloody Maester!"

"She's bleeding," Aegon pointed out.

"I have eyes to see, brother, I know she is bleeding!" Aemond snapped, his panic tangible. "Love! My sweet love, please, open your eyes, please. Fuck's sake, please, open your eyes - let me see them. Sweetheart, please, c'mon - FUCK! Brother! Brother, help, please, there's blood! There's too much blood! Aegon! What do I do!? Aegon, please! What do I do!?"

"Let her breathe, brother, the Maester's are coming, it's gonna be all right, I-I've heard this can happen. Okay? Just gotta wait for the Maesters, Aemond," Aegon nodded, reaching a hand to his younger brother's shoulder in comfort. Otto descended the Throne to get a closer look as guards surrounded your unconscious body and Aemond's panicked, kneeling form.

"What happened?" Otto demanded.

"She passed out," Helaena frowned in worry, looking as if tears would soon fall. "And there's blood - she's been swaying, I-I think she was ill."

"It's the heat," Aemond snapped, tears down his cheeks. "We were told she needed rest in this temperature, but no." His glare turned to his mother, "We were both expected here."

"You saw the Grand Maester?"

"We did."

"He told her to lie down?" Otto asked, looking and sounding confused.

"To rest," Aemond nodded, supporting your limp head and neck.

When the Grand Maester arrived, he wasted no time in demanding your limp form be brought to his chambers for monitoring and examination. Aemond picked you up and carried you, leaving everyone else behind - or so he thought. The Maester spent a grand total of 43 minutes conducting diagnostic tests, and when the last exam was brought up, he asked Aemond to step out of the room as the examination would turn more intimate.

When Aemond stepped out, he was surprised to see Aegon and Helaena standing there. Aegon instantly pushed off the wall, asking, "Well? How is she? What's happening?"

"One last test," Aemond answered in a low mutter. "What're you doing here?"

"We wanted to make sure you were both all right," Helaena, his sweet sister, answered.

"Mother didn't demand you stay?"

"No, Mother actually called an end to court," Helaena told Aemond. "Grandfather was very angry."

"He was?"

"Never seen him like that," Aegon agreed, telling Aemond of the words Otto raged at Alicent.

When the chamber doors opened, Aemond was invited back inside. He took to your side instantly, but there was a knowing look in your eyes. You never looked at the Maester, only at your husband, as it was explained that due to the heat, you had become dehydrated over time and then spending the day in court, it was just too long a time being on your feet without water or fresh air. You had toppled over the side of heat stroke, the lack of hydration causing you to involuntarily miscarry.

The child would not grow and for your safety and health, the Maester would have to preform essentially what is an abortion to eliminate exposure to rot. Aemond blinked in astonishment, feeling confused about the turn of events, but when he realized you weren't able to respond, he looked at you.

He made the decision, seeing tears streaking your cheeks and the dead look in your eyes.

You were prepped for the procedure and while the Master tried to escort Aemond out, nobody was able to move him from his place at your side. It took the better part of an hour, but when it was over, not only were you given an additional dose of Milk of the Poppy, but Aemond was also given several vials for you in the coming days. He was also given a plethora of herbs, spices, remedies, salves, therapies, and treatments; being given explicit instruction and detail about all he was given, being told when to use what to best help you.

Aemond stooped to pick you up, again, refusing to let anyone else touch you, and the Grand Maester held the door for him. Aegon, Helaena, Alicent, and Otto were all revealed, but Aemond didn't even so much as blink at them; whatever life might've been left lurking behind his eye being completely snuffed out. He made a direct beeline for your chambers with the intention to let you rest in a soft, familiar bed for however long you needed, but he was followed by his family and knew this would be anything but a peaceful time.

"L-Love?" You whimpered when your husband laid you on your marital bed. "Aemond? Aemond?" You asked a little more frantically, being soothed swiftly.

"I'm here, I'm right here, sweetheart," he hushed, ignoring the audience; one hand holding yours as the other pet your hair back. "Hey, just breathe for me, darling, I'm right here. I've got you."

"I-I might be sick," you complained in a whisper, eyes unable to open as sweat bulleted on your skin.

"'S all right," he assured, grabbing a basin to leave on the bed beside you so he could sit at your side. "'M right here, you're not alone."

Aemond watched the way you harshly gulped, a hand dragging up to press to your belly. "W-What happened?" You mumbled, making his heart clench. "I just... There was a lot of heat and then pain." Your eyes finally opened to meet his, "I remember pain, Aemond."

With a glance up at his family, Aemond told you stiffly, "You remember correctly, love. The, uh... The heat was too much for you to handle, sweet girl, and that wasn't your fault." He took a long breath, clutching one of your hands in both of his, "But it was just too much. We couldn't save them... We couldn't save her."

"I-It was a girl?"

"It was," Aemond confirmed, reaching for your other hand to hold tightly. "And you didn't do this. Hmm? You hear me? This is not your doing."

"But my body - "

"No," he refused with a harsh tone. Realizing you were not the one to take his anger out on, he cleared his throat, "Sorry, love, I just," he took a breath. "Listen to me, okay? No, my sweet love, we were told to rest - you and I were told this heat was too much for the babe and that you would need rest. We meant to, we had every intention to follow the Maester's orders, but..." Another pause as he fought off the emotion clawing through his chest. "But for some reason, royal obligation was more important than our family, and Mother refused to let us miss today's court appearance."

"Huh...?" You breathed, still relatively drowsy from the day. But the emotion was real, your husband saw your pain. "What're you talking about, love? Aemond? What's - What the hell happened to our baby? Where's our baby?"

Aemond's jaw steeled and a tear streaked down his cheek as he forced himself to explain, "The Queen demanded our attendance in court today. And standing in the heat for hours cost us our daughter's life. I am so sorry, my sweet love, but we do not have our daughter because she is... She isn't in your womb anymore," his hand laid over your belly, your own automatically following. "She can't ever join us, our family," he spoke slowly, then tearing his glare away from your tired figure to his mother, sneering, "because my mother can't let go of a decades-old feud with a woman no longer living in this very city."

"Aemond," you whispered, heart shattered in your chest but still managing, "do not take this out on her."

"No?" He snapped, still glaring at his mother but clutching your belly, "If not for her, our daughter would still be safe in her mother's womb and we'd still have the chance to one day hold her. But no," he spoke as slowly as he stood to his feet, pulling his hands away from you, "no, we were unjustly denied that chance."

When her (favorite) child faced her with such hatred, dread, distraught, soul-sucking eyes, Alicent frowned with tears in her own eyes. She had so much to say, but only managed, "I did not intend for this."

"This hatred you feel for Rhaenyra is literally costing lives! For the love of all the Gods, my wife is nothing like her mother! They are not one in-the-same, this does not make her your new target to unleash Hell upon - she has done no wrong and yet suffers these heinous consequences!"

"I did not intend for this! You must know that!" She repeated in desperation. "I only wanted you both to partake in your duties - soon, you will be the ones conducting business at court and you must be readied for what may come!"

"That does not give you the right to forfeit her health!"

"How was I to know - "

"The bloody Maester told us - but evidently, the word of the trained professional is not good enough for you!" Aemond raged, something in his heart snapping. "We are denied the right to meet our daughter because, what? What is it? You cannot reach Rhaenyra right now so you will take the closest thing - being my fucking wife!?"

"Aemond," Otto tried to step in, "perhaps this is getting out of hand."

"It was already out of hand," Aegon defended with a sharp snap, "the moment the Maester was ignored."

"You refuse to respect us," Aemond snapped at his mother, everyone silencing themselves when another tear fell down his cheek. "You refuse to respect us, to listen, and all for why? You think you know better than the Maesters? Or because she is daughter of Rhaenyra?"

"Aemond," Alicent warbled through her tears.

"You've gone too far," his head shook, devastation taking hold, "and I do hope you find deliverance from the Gods, because from me? I do not see how I can find a shred of ability to forgive such a sin."

It was quiet. Helaena's head was bowed, Aegon glared at his mother like Aemond; Otto frowned as he avoided all eye contact.

Imagine everyone's surprise when bare feet padded over the stone ground, two shaking hands raising to press into Aemond's stomach from behind. "My love," you mumbled softly, "please, do not speak so hatefully in this prolonged grief. We will do all we can do now and pray on this, but if we want to heal, we will need to learn to forgive. This was not a malicious, thought-out plan executed in partner with the co-conspiring weather; it was a terrible circumstance that the Gods have chosen us to endure. Your mother can pray for forgiveness, she's owed that right; and we will say our own, but I know that one day, we will be blessed and bring a child into this world. Because it's you and I, Aemond, and our child would be the full embodiment of the purest, truest love - and for something that perfect, we'll need time." You took a breath, looking sickly, gaunt; eyes full of tears as you ended, "But it is not this day."

Aemond turned to wrap his arms around you, insisting, "You should be resting." When he got you to turn to move for the bed again, he snarled at his mother, "She's the one who just lost a child and yet still defends you."

"Perhaps it's best we leave them alone," Aegon recommended. "We'll have meals sent for you both," he told his brother with a meaningful nod. "You both just take your time."

"Thank you," Aemond sighed, easing you back to the mattress; laying a single, thin sheet over your body. When Aegon had ushered everyone out, Aemond just stared down at you for a long moment, sighing sadly and whispering, "I'm so sorry, sweet love."

"Just lay with me," you requested.

He moved to strip himself of his linens, the heat still sweltering, and laid beside you; instantly cuddling you into his bare chest. Aemond knew you didn't want to talk, but this needed said, and he whimpered, "This is my fault."

"What?" You gaped, looking up at him in shock. You quickly pulled his leather eye patch off to force his full attention, holding his cheek and demanding, "What did you just say?"

"If you and I did not marry, if I had not pursued you - courted you," he shook his head, brows crinkled from restrained sobs, "we would not be in this position, you would not know this pain. We knew the tension in our family, we knew the hatred between our mothers, and still I wanted you. This is my fault, I shouldn't've done this - you should not have to endure this."

Your hand reached up to caress the side of his face; foreheads pressed together to breathe the same air, warm the same space, sweat onto one another, but never wanting to be apart. It was a sticky embrace but you both needed it, and you hushed, "I regret nothing about us. Nothing, Aemond. If I knew how this would play out, I'd do it all again because I know I love you beyond words. Beyond," you giggled lightly, "rational thought, even. Aemond, everything you are, I adore, and all we are together is... It's the greatest pleasure of my life. My greatest honor."

"I do not deserve a woman like you."

"Perhaps not," you teased, "but you have me anyway. And what do we do with rare women, my Prince?"

His lips found yours in a sweeping kiss that stole the breath from your lungs. When he pulled back, he whispered, "We love them well."

A week later, King's Landing would find relief from the unwavering, record-breaking heatwave - only to be blasted by a wave of dragon fire. It was only then the Prince Aemond was seen with his wife for the first time since "The Throne Room Incident", and both were dressed in the traditional color of funerals: black.

You were bestowed an incredibly small bundle of black cloth, and with the rest of the Royal Family following, ventured to a distant hill where a funeral was to take place. Because your daughter was still so very tiny, she was laid in a fiery basin with only you and Aemond to preside over; offering prayer in High Valyrian. He held you close, the wind from the coast whipping all clothing around, and just behind everyone, Vhagar landed with a distinct thundering thud.

You didn't move, staring into the flames.

Aemond looked back, and when Vhagar saw the tears in her master's eye, noting the way he turned back to comfort you and grieve over your daughter, the dragon roared. A roar so loud, it was heard from the Riverlands. A roar so powerful, it shook the ground they all stood on. A roar so terrible, it made a few throats swell in emotion. A roar so sad, ballads would be written about it.

King's Landing might've been relieved from the weather's temperature, but as Vhagar felt her master mourning his daughter, she released an angry flame into the air that the citizens all felt.

For years, on the contrary, the entire city would feel Prince Aemond's cold shoulder to his mother, Queen Alicent, but for now, the heat of grief demanded to be felt.

requesting rules and masterlist

HOTD masterlist

Poisoned Apple masterlist

[proseandpretrichor]

Entwined | Jinx x Reader

Word Count: 598

Warnings: none -> just a short little thought blurb I had to write so my mind would shut up so I can sleep

You were her opposite in every way. It was hardly fathomable– the crazed criminal somehow wooing such a quiet and kind person such as yourself. You did share her notorious ambitions, just existing as a simple botanist living in one of the few docile suburbs of the undercity. You were the type of person to leave bowls of milk and water for the stray animals roaming the streets, unlike your cloud filled mind of your partner often found too dazed by the whirlwinds of her own mind to focus on anything else. While she built mechanisms of chaos, you created simple melodies of plants into teas, tonics, and remedies. Often selling these little miracles for such a small cost it seemed as though you were giving them away for free, something that was nearly unheard of in a place like the undercity. And these products not only were affordable, they worked! They worked exceptionally well, whereas the working class of the Undercity were doomed to rely on shimmer to continue with the grueling pace of the labor demands to provide, to eat, and sleep in a sheltered abode, you offered a chance of true health, of hope, of rest, of peace. Naturally, those who knew you, cherished you, none more so than Jinx. While at first the coupling seemed confusing and odd it soon clicked and couldn’t seem to make more sense. Jinx protected you and cherished you away from the extortionists of the Undercity, seeking to take your gifts and extort them for profit. In exchange for no cost, you gave Jinx a real understanding of the concept of true love, healthy love, happy love – no strings or obligations attached. You accepted her as she was waiting patiently to understand her past, unraveling the strings that wove together the misunderstood woman who held your heart in her jittery hands. And when the pieces of the puzzle finally clicked and you stood back and made sense of the whole picture that made Jinx well Jinx, you didn’t cower away in annoyance or fear, but embraced all the parts of her, even the messy jagged broken fragments. Even though it seemed as though your intertwined existences seemed to cancel the other out, you didn’t try to change her or soften her. You allowed her the freedom to exist as she was meant to, and figure out her place in the world, even when at most times she seemed to want nothing more to destroy it and certainly did her best to. And she knew… she knew for every explosion made by her hands, you were somewhere else mending the cracks and sewing the holes into faded little scares. So it really didn’t matter, then did it? — is the conclusion most people end on. It didn’t matter that you two were so biologically different, not when somehow it made you fit together all the while better. Besides, it's not like anyone could successfully tear you two apart, not if Jinx had anything to say about it– and she certainly did, as long as she was breathing you would be by her side. It didn’t matter what the pair of you concluded the tasks of the day, you would find your way back to each other. Wrapped into an embrace, one that slowly recharged the energy the day demanded of the two of you, and in that little pocket of the Undercity, a place of the forsaken, there was perfection given to the most damned of all women. So perhaps that makes her all the more deserving of it, you decide. 

[hornedstorys]

aged up Neteyam x Human Reader - facing your fears

Warnings: Neteyam is injured, so description of wounds, otherwise rather sweet (?), mention of fear of heights

Synopsis: You were gathering berries and herbs with a few other women of the tribe when suddenly an Ikran you know shows up and you have to face one of your fears in order to help your crush

Reader does not wear a breathing mask in this story. Let's just pretend that Eywa chose her and she got used to Pandora's air as a result. She's been living with the Sullys for a while now (since she was a child) and that just helped her breathe the Na'vi's oxygen.

It was a pleasant morning in Pandora and it was peaceful and quiet for the first time. No annoying Lo'ak constantly teasing you. Kiri, Spider and Tuk were playing in the camp and Neteyam was hunting. So you had a day to yourself, at least until you returned to camp at noon.

You were out collecting berries with some other females from the tribe. Of all the tribe's tasks, you enjoyed the gathering and healing ones the most. You had enjoyed exploring the forests and learning new things about the healing skills of the Na'vi.

The brothers were very different from you, especially Lo'ak. He was always looking for adventure and he really went along with and started all kinds of shit. Something you really liked about Neteyam again. He tried to be an adult and a good successor to his father.

But you often had to explain to him that it was okay to make mistakes and that everyone learns something new. It was okay that not everything was the way he wanted it to be. He had really thought a lot about whether he was suitable as an Olo'eyktan and whether he would ever be ready for it. But each time you had reassured him that he would make it. And he was more than grateful to you for standing by his side; his best friend.

You had known each other since you were little. Your mother was a doctor and even took care of the Na'vi. To the astonishment of the scientists, you gradually tolerated the air in Pandora without suffering any damage. The Omaticaya thought it was a sign from Eywa. Nevertheless, Neteyam was sceptical about you at first, but he quickly opened up to you when he realized how cute you were. At least that was what he thought as a child. As teenagers, you liked to get on each other's nerves. Oh how much he annoyed you sometimes and then one day you suddenly saw him from a different perspective.

The maturity he suddenly radiated. His mischievous grin and the open ear he always had for you. You spent so much time together, you couldn't remember a single second when you weren't together. His pretty, cat-like eyes floated around in your mind and you didn't notice the grin on your lips.

He grew into a stately Omaticaya and you slowly had to admit to yourself that you had feelings for the older one. He even wanted to take you with him on his ikran, but you refused. You were afraid of the height and he didn't push you. “Take your time,” he said at the time and that was two months ago now. Somehow you felt guilty that you hadn't gotten involved yet. I'm sure he would be happy because he loved flying and he wanted to share that love with you. You sighed. Your fingers clutched the basket, which was already half full of berries.

Suddenly there was a scream and you almost dropped your basket when you heard another familiar cry. You immediately turned around and saw the other women flinch in fear as a large, green ikran landed in the clearing. What do you mean, landed? It almost literally lunged into the clearing. The animal continued to scream and looked down at the women. You recognized this Ikran.

“Hey!” you shouted and immediately the creature's large head shot in your direction. The small pupils immediately widened as the ikran caught sight of you and you held out a hand reassuringly as you put the basket down.

“Hey, it's okay,” you say, not even sure if that was true yourself. Slowly and crouched, you approached the ikran. Step by step. It was Neteyam's ikran, but there was no sign of him. The saddle was empty.

You hesitated because the animal was so restless and more shrill noises were coming from its mouth. You looked at its teeth, intimidated. You never approached an ikran on your own, it was far too dangerous. Because you lacked the bond and these creatures were almost untamable.

You breathed in and out deeply and tried not to look the ikran in the eye. As you drew closer to it. Your hand stretched out further. The image of him biting your hand off flickered in your mind's eye and you swallowed. You have to control your fear.

“Where's Neteyam, big guy?” you ask and as soon as he heard the familiar name, he calmed down for a moment. Now you were right in front of him. Eager eyes were on you. The Na'vi were probably waiting for him to kill you… but he didn't. You gently touched his cheek and the heavy snort entered your ears, synchronizing with your heartbeat. But instead, he nudged you with his head towards the saddle and you knew immediately what he wanted. He would fly you to Neteyam. You hesitated and the ikran screamed again.

You tensed your jaw. What if it really was a big emergency and Neteyam was lying somewhere badly injured or worse. You wrestled with yourself and then let out an annoyed sigh. “All right!”

Somehow you had managed to heave yourself onto the saddle. It was a strange feeling and yet interesting. “Woah, take it easy, big guy!” you quipped as the Ikran moved a little too fast. You grabbed hold of the thick leather strap and somehow managed to plant your feet. As if it had sensed it, the ikran shot off and a scream escaped your throat.

“A warning would have been good!”

The cold wind whipped at your face and at times you found it hard to breathe. But somehow you managed to hold on, even though the Ikran was really fast and the fear tried to keep you down. You held on to the leather strap as tightly as you could. Oh Eywa, it was so high.

The ikran flew purposefully towards a group of trees. You looked down and tried to catch a glimpse, but you couldn't see Neteyam anywhere. Suddenly, the ikran swooped down smoothly and you struggled to hold on.

You narrowed your eyes and a squeaking sound came from your mouth. Your slopes tensed and the next moment everything stood still. You opened one eye, then the next. You had landed! You exhaled with relief. You slid out of the saddle and knelt on the ground. “Oh wonderful earth, how I've missed you,” you gasped, trembling and clawing at the earthy ground.

“(Y/n)?” Neteyam's surprised voice snapped you out of your thoughts. You immediately jerked your head up and saw the tall Na'vi in front of you. You immediately ran to him.

“Oh, by Eywa, there you are!” you gasp, stopping immediately when you caught sight of his ankle. It was pinched in a trap that resembled a bear trap. It had to be a remnant from the sky people who were here many years ago.

“Oh God! What happened?!” you immediately looked at his ankle, which was now bleeding. Neteyam looked a little embarrassed, but you could also see the pain in his features.

“I was hunting and somehow I missed this thing,” he confessed to you and you were already thinking about how you could free his ankle from this ugly thing. You got up and looked for a thick branch.

“You actually flew, prrnesyul (bud),” he emphasized the last word the most and you tried not to blush as you came back with the branch.

“Yes, I am. Your giant flying lizard practically pounced on me and brought me here. And it actually didn't try to eat me. Can you believe that?” you joke, and the corners of Neteyam's mouth curl up. But as quickly as the smile had appeared, it disappeared again when he was overcome by another wave of pain.

You gently touched his leg and your eyes met. You absolutely had to free his foot. The wound could become infected and only cause more pain. Neteyam nodded and you could see his jaw tighten as you tried to get the stick between his metal teeth. And it actually worked. You started to move the branch.

“Okay, I'll try to open the trap now and you pull your foot out. All right?” you ask and Neteyam nodded with his brows drawn together.

“One,” you say and keep pushing. The metal moved very slightly.

“Two,” you grind through clenched teeth and put all your strength into your next move. There was only one more piece missing, then the trap would open wide enough for Neteyam to free himself.

“Three!” you shouted and Neteyam pulled his foot out after you had opened the trap with the last of your strength. Luckily, the old thing was already a bit battered. You took a deep breath in and out and threw the stick away.

“oe irayo si ngaru, tìlor” (I thank you, beauty), breathed the Na'vi and you could feel the heat rising in your cheeks.

“nìprrte, tanhì” (you're welcome, star), you teased him back and his grin widened as he watched you doctor his leg. The bleeding should stop soon. Good thing you found him in time.

“Maybe I should go hunting with you next time, Neteyam?” You raised an eyebrow with a smile and he rolled his eyes playfully.

“So you can see me make a fool of myself?” His voice broke a little and he looked disappointed. You knew it annoyed him that he hadn't seen the trap. You put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

“frawzo, Neteyam (It's all right), how were you supposed to know there was a trap there? That thing is ancient. I've told you before that it's okay to make mistakes. You learn from them, besides, it could have happened to anyone,” you gently stroke his arm, which looks so gigantic compared to your hand. Neteyam's ears twitched and you noticed how he relaxed. He gently placed his big hand on your little one.

“I'm really proud of you, (Y/n). You finally flew an ikran. You faced your fear,” he praised you and there was gentleness in his eyes. You smiled at him, even though you knew you needed a break from flying.

Then you sheepishly slapped his shoulder.

“Besides, stop flirting with me!”

“pelun?”

“Because you don't court me, skxawng (idiot). I remember how we used to just annoy each other in the past,” you giggle and help him to his ikran as best you can. Neteyam looked down at you as he held on to his ikran. there was something unreadable in his gaze. Courting you? That thought burned long enough in his mind…, far too long. He placed his palm against your cheek and watched your eyes widen.

“tìmweypey, prrnesyul” (patience, bud). It was a whisper but you understood it, as well as the meaning behind his words. Your eyes widened even more when he made you a promise he would keep.

[rafeysafterglow]

you needed me, but you needed drugs more

pairing: coke!head!rafe x gf!reader summary: you and rafe go out on a date but he keeps going to the bathroom every 10 minutes to sniff coke cw: drug use, angst, suggestive, fighting, rafe being an asshole, rafe flirting with other girls, no happy ending, one day spoilers a/n: was watching “one day” on netflix and when i saw ep7 i immediately thought it was so rafe coded :p

ttpd series masterlist ♡

the restaurant rafe chose was, frankly, too extravagant than what you were used to. your dress was too tight, constricting your breathing. or, maybe it was because of how nervous you were. you wiped your sweaty palms against the bodice of your dress. you followed behind rafe, hands connected in front of you as he lead you two to your table. as you sway through the tables, the other couples, you couldn’t help but feel as if you were out of place. everybody here looked as if they spend every other day having brunch on a yacht.

the room was warmly lit, the decorations upscale, and the buzzing noises of people conversing mixed with the low hum of the jazz band. when you finally reached your table, rafe thanked the waiter before pulling your chair out. you thanked him as you sat down.

“well... this is fancy,” you begin. truthfully, when rafe had filled in his promise of taking you out on a date night, you thought it would be just like any other date nights you two have been on recently. that is, following rafe around on his bike while he pays any debts he has, most of the time towards barry. maybe, if you were lucky, he would buy you an ice cream cone to shut you up when you complain before going home and fucking you until you forget about the awful night.

“i promised that i would take you out didn’t i?” he smirks, lifting your hand delicately from the table before bringing it to his lips. the gesture sent a tingle down your spine and a colony of butterflies in your stomach. this gesture also gave you hope. hope that rafe was changing back into the rafe you knew when you first dated, always attentive, always loving.

rafe snaps his fingers to flag down the waiter. he orders some oysters, meanwhile you choose the cheapest thing on the menu, fish and chips. when the waiter leaves you two alone, you open your mouth to start a conversation, but he cuts you off, excusing himself to the bathroom.

a few minutes later, he comes back, wiping and sniffing his nose. on the way back, he passed by a woman selling cigarettes. her silky hair pinned into a perfect bun, her ass peaking out every time she bent down, and her slim fingers trailing down rafe’s arms. he doesn’t push them away. he grins back, “two packs, please.” you force your eyes to look away from them, not being able to handle seeing him with other women. the butterflies in your stomach disappears, an empty pit growing instead. you suddenly feel claustrophobic, the walls of the restaurant caving in on you.

rafe eventually makes it back to you. as he sat down, you couldn’t help but notice his glassy eyes. something in you breaks but you push it down. you ignored it. you knew exactly what he did in that short time he was in the bathroom. but you couldn’t admit to yourself about the truth. you couldn’t ruin this seemingly perfect night.

thankfully, the waiters come to deliver your food. you didn’t have to think about the harsh truth. rafe begins to chow down on his oysters, while you pick at your fish. you tried to cut a piece but it was just too hard, uncooked, frozen even. on the other hand, rafe seemed to be enjoying himself, practically animated. he begins to talk about something, but you weren’t listening.

rafe stands up to go to the bathroom again. you let him, again. exactly four minutes and 32 seconds later, yes you counted, he emerges from the door. your eyes follow him, and you realized in his trail was the same pretty cigarette woman. her hand comes up in a gentle wave, “hey, nice seeing you again so quickly.” rafe stops in his tracks and his eyes widen.

“heyy... i was wondering, what time are you off tonight?” he asks. his hand lands on her shoulder, slowly caressing. you let out a small gasp, shocked at the audacity he would flirt with another woman while on a date with you, with his girlfriend just a few feet away. it was as if you didn’t exist.

you couldn’t hear what the woman replied with, more like you tuned it out. you didn’t want to know. now, you just want to run away and never come back.

when he comes back, specks of white sprinkle his top lip, and his eyes red. he noticed the meal on your plate still left untouched. “you okay, babe?” rafe asked, noting on the fact that you weren’t eating your food.

“um... yeah no, my food isn’t properly cooked, it’s practically frozen,” you explain. he reaches over and stabs your fish with his knife. he lets out an angry sigh, scoffing. he scans the room for a waiter, but when he found none, he lets out an irritated, “hey!”, attracting people around you.

when somebody finally arrives, rafe picks up your plate and almost shoves it into the guy’s chest. “yeah, my girlfriend’s food isn’t cooked, it’s literally frozen. i thought this was supposed to be a high-end establishment, or whatever, but clearly, it’s not. so, fix it, before i talk to ya’ manager, yeah?” the chatter in the room immediately stops, all the attention on the commotion.

the terrified guy leaves, his face red. you couldn’t help but feel bad for him. you tried to keep your head down, avoiding the intense stares of everybody else. your body felt like a thousand degrees, your appetite gone.

rafe noticed the gawking when he saw your embarrassed face. “hey! whatchu’ all looking at huh? nothing to see here!” instantly, everybody returned to whatever they were doing before. he thinks him shouting makes it better. it was quite the opposite, actually. his anger issues just heightened your embarrassment tenfold.

“are you crazy? why would you cause a scene like that?” you whisper-shouted, your face still burning hot.

he dismissed your annoyance with a sway of his hand. “oh, can you relax? i fixed your problem for ya’,” he rolled his eyes. his eyes, that were now not only bloodshot and glazed, but also vacant. it was clear he was not here, with you, in the present. the rafe you knew was gone, you had to accept it. the rafe now, all he cared about was getting high. you had enough.

you stood up, coincidentally at the same time as the waiter coming back with your fish and chips. your abrupt rise caused the plate to slip from his hand and fall to the table. the clanking noise drew the curiosity of everybody, once again. but, this time, you didn’t care. your anger, disappointment, and humiliation clouded your judgement. you took a handful of chips and threw it to his face. “fuck you, rafe” you whispered bitterly, pointing an accusing finger at him.

gasps erupted around you. all you could focus on was rafe’s wide-mouthed face. before he could say anything, you turned your back and made a beeline towards the exit. on the way there, the same cigarette woman rafe flirted with stood in your way, her eyes trained on your face. you side-stepped beside her, making sure to shove your shoulder against hers. you can hear rafe calling out your name but the last thing you wanted to do was listen to what he had to say. if you did, you would also had to confront the outrageous act you just did.

outside, the cool breeze contrasted the fire raging inside you. you started walking in a random direction, not knowing where to go because rafe drove you here, but you just wanted to be as far away as possible. your arms wrapped around yourself, you could feel the goosebumps on your forearm. behind you, you could hear rushed footsteps, which was certainly rafe. his long legs caught up to you in less than a second.

he grabbed your elbow, forcing you to face him. the moonlight shone against his beautiful face, the face that you once would stare at lovingly as he slept beside you. his dress shirt, which was no doubt very expensive, was covered in fish and ranch. the smell turned your nose up. “what the hell was that, huh? ya’ think you can just embarrass me and run away?!” he shrieked in your face, the hold on your arm tightening, him pulling you against his chest.

his very evident outrage made your heartbeat faster, fearing for yourself right now. you were speechless, no words coming out of your mouth to defend yourself right now. you took a deep breath, collecting your thoughts, before explaining yourself, “rafe... you think i don’t know what you keep doing in there? why you keep leaving me alone in that table, to go to the ‘bathroom’ and get high? you think i don’t realize that, rafe?!”

he looked taken aback, his grip on your arm loosening. you snatched your arm off his hold and rubbed the spot. he took a deep breath, “look, you know who i am. i’ve been doing that long before i met you, so i don’t know what you’re so mad at!”

“i know this is who you are, rafe, but i didn’t think that you would just do it while on a date with me, in a fancy place nonetheless!”

“ya’ think you’re so much better than me, don’t you?! well, face it, you’re not.”

“at least i don’t go around flirting with other people when my girlfriend is in the same room! but of course you don’t care, rafe, because this,” you gestured up and down his figure, “is not you anymore. you’re no longer the rafe i know anymore, the rafe you were when we first dated. and i don’t think i can... i don’t think i can continue tolerating this treatment.”

he doesn’t seem to know what to say next. you started walking backwards, distancing yourself from him. “i love you rafe, but i don’t think i like you anymore. this is done.”

[water-connects-all]

Shards.

What if Spiders mask broke?

Small mentions of neglect.

Eywa saw all, Eywa was all. Eywa saw how this little human respected her, respected her creatures, how Na’vi he was even with his human DNA.

Eywa rewarded those who deserved it.

And by Her, did this tiny one deserve it.

Especially after the way most of her creations treated him, for Hersake, could they not see her animals treat Spider kindly? That her plants protected him? Were they blind?!

So Eywa blessed him, years ago.

If only the boy wasn’t so careful…

Maybe a small intervention.

~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~

It had been two months since the fight, Neteyams death, and Spider saving Quaritch.

Kiri knew, Spider didn't know how but one day Kiri had just shown up and told Spider she wasn't upset.

That Eywa needed Spider to save Quaritch.

He didn't think anyone else knew.

The Sully's were healing, and had begun treating Spider better.

Spider swears he nearly fainted when Neytiri, who never cared for him, shoved a beaded necklace at him.

Ronal seemed to take that as a challenge.

Spider had been all but officially adopted into the Metkayinan family.

Supprisinly, it had been Ronal who went to him first.

She had seen this small injured human boy behind the Sully's, and decided he would be hers.

It took Ao'nung a day to decide his mother was right.

When they had learned about the treatment Spider had been given by the Sully, and frankly, most other adults, there were a few fights.

Ronal was outraged at this poor boys treatment, and Tonowari was angry for Spiders childhood. The siblings were mad that their little big brother was treated so awfully.

When he showed up wearing Neytiri's necklace, Ronal and Tsireya spent most of the night making him a top, he was wearing one of Tsireya's right now, from her childhood, it helped when he was in the sun all day, and when he was playing with the others.

Close to sunrise, Ao'nung had walked to his mother and sister, handing them a bead for Spiders top.

He had made this bead when he was a child, and had refused to allow anyone to even braid it into his song cord. The meaning did not escape the women.

Nor did it escape Spider, when he saw the bead he'd heard tales about in his new top.

He wore it with pride, happy, showing off his acceptance, (like the Metkayina didn’t already know), and bragged to everyone, whether they wanted to hear or not.

Like that, the war between the mothers was on.

~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~

Spider had been playing with his siblings, both sets, when it happened.

He grabbed Ao'nungs tail, in return Kiri shoved Spider, Lo'ak nudged Kiri, Tsireya shoved Loak, Ao'nung went for Kiri, and Spider tickled Tuk.

At least, that had been the plan.

Instead of tickling Tuk, he fell. Onto a rock. Mask first.

*Crack*

Everything stopped.

It would have been comical if Spider wasn't so frightened.

He could see so much clearer.

His mask was broke

All hell broke lose in a split second.

Kiri screamed.

Tuk cried.

Loak shouted.

Ao nung shoved his hands onto Spiders face.

Tsireya prayed to Eywa.

Jake and Neytiri were frozen.

Ronal was seconds away from fighting, probably Neytiri.

Tonowari was crying, holding Tuk.

Spider was-

Spider wasn't reacting.

He was more focused on the fact he was breathing.

Actually breathing.

He mask was shattered, and Ao'nung had cuts on his hands from pressing them into Spiders broken mask and face, and Spider was breathing.

Kiri was the first to react. It took seconds for her to realise her soul-brother was breathing.

In Pandoran air.

Ao'nung was next. He could feel Spider’s breathe against his bloody hands. Measured, even breaths.

He was breathing.

Ronal was next.

She knew Spider was special, could feel it. And now Eywa had proved it. Eywa had given her baby a blessing to help him survive.

Tuk, Loak, and Jake realised next.

Spider was going to be okay.

Tonowari and Neytiri realised at the same time.

Tonowari felt a huge wave of relief, his new son, his fragile baby, was okay, was a little bit less in danger.

Neytiri...

Neytiri was scared. There was this child she'd been treating as little more than a pet, and here was actual real proof that he was Eywa blessed.

This happened in the span of a second.

Pure silence encased a third.

The fourth second was chaos.

Konal and lonowari rushed torwards to him, grabbing him and spinning, thanking Eywa.

Kiri whooped with pure elation, her soul-brother would be okay and now everyone knew he belonged.

Neytiri couldn't think. Spider was blessed by Eywa and Neytiri had actively tried too keep him away, to make him leave.

Jake didn't know what to think. He knew he hadn't treated Spider the best, but he had tried right? Jake caught Neytiri, she had collapsed into him.

Jake held Neytiri, and turned to walk away. Spider was not their family, they had both seen to that. This was not their moment.

Loak wasn't really moving, he was just smiling. So so happy his brother was going to be okay.

Ao'nung laughed. He joined his parents in celebrating Spider, and dragged Loak and Kiri in to. Their baby older brother was okay! He didn't even flinch when Kiri spread some paste over his cut hands.

Tsireya picked Tuk up, smiling and giggling, and joined her family to celebrate. She didn't have to worry so much any more, her little brother had now well and truely proved to all Na'vi and everyone that he was Pandorian, he belonged.

All the eight of them could think in that moment was: No one could take him away now.

~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~

Spider spent the rest of the day with his siblings.

They played for hours, everything seemed easier now that they weren't worried about Spiders mask breaking.

Of course, now Spider had to learn to breath underwater, no longer able to rely on his exo-mask.

Ronal was insistent on there being a large cerimony for the Metkayina people, to celebrate Eywa's clear acceptance of her son.

Spider thought it was just to rub it in Neytiri's face. He was right.

He spent the night with his family. Tucked snugly in between Ronal and Tonowari, with Ao'nung cuddled behind him, and Tsireya at his front.

Ronal and Ao'nung had spent the better part of the evening touching, petting, and kissing all over his face, whilst Tsireya had worked on his stripes and hair, they'd been working on it for a while now, but he'd been so severely neglected she was only just getting through it. Tonowari made sure Spider was warm enough, and comfortable, and fed.

~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~ ~♡~

It wasn't his born family, or his grow-up family.

But this was Spiders family.

And that was enough.

Being able to breathe the same air was a blessing, one he would thank Eywa for everyday.

He slept that night dreaming of a dwarfed Tulkun, swimming along side him.

Inspiration for this fic here! Inspired by @meenawrites

(Again, this is a re-upload from an old account, it’s my own work, that I’ve copied here!)

~♡~

Feedback is always appreciated <3

Comments are my high.

They make me write faster.

~Läwei

[moonmaiden1996]

A Father's Love

A father will do anything for their daughter, even if it means letting you be with Rupert Campbell Black, if only to make you happy.

Your father was a man of few words. He had never been one for long speeches or grand declarations, but his love was woven into the fabric of every action he took. It was in the steady rhythm of his days—rising before dawn, working tirelessly under the Cotswold sun, his hands rough and earth-stained from years of toil. It was in the way he carried the weight of the farm, ensuring that his land thrived, not for his own pride, but for his family. For you.

When it came to your education, he made sure you had the best possible start. He was not a man of letters himself, but he understood the value of knowledge, of opportunity. And you, his bright and determined daughter, earned your place at the local grammar school for girls. He never said it outright, but the pride in his eyes was unmistakable when he watched you scribble away at your homework by the dim lamp, your brow furrowed in fierce concentration. He sat beside you when numbers tangled your thoughts, his presence a quiet pillar of support. He held you when cruel words from wealthier classmates stung too deeply, reminding you that your worth was not measured in silks or pearls but in the richness of your heart and mind- and you were oh so precious.

He attended every school production, every awards ceremony, sitting quietly with his large, earth stained hands, callused from years of work, folded in his lap, never seeking attention, never needing to. His presence alone was enough. See you was enough.

And then university came. You left home to pursue your dream—to become a vet, a damn good one. It was the perfect path for you, a life spent healing and helping, close to the land, close to the animals you had always adored. Your father watched you rush off at dawn, wrapped in an oversized duffle coat, your wellies splattered with mud. He watched you answer late-night calls, heading out into the cold and the rain with unwavering dedication. His daughter, strong and capable. His daughter, unstoppable.

Yet, he had never seen you truly happy.

You smiled often, but it was the kind of smile that never quite reached your eyes. You were content, perhaps, but never radiant, never bursting with unrestrained joy. There had always been something missing, something uncertain lingering beneath the surface. And that broke him more than he could ever admit.

Until six months ago.

Suddenly, you were glowing. You swept into the farmhouse with a bounce in your step, laughter spilling from your lips like a melody. There was light in your eyes, warmth in your voice. You hummed as you worked, as you walked, You smiled while you helped around the house You were in love.

"She is in love," your mother sighed one evening, curling up beside him in front of the television, her voice tinged with quiet amusement.

Your father lowered his reading glasses, glancing at her with skepticism. "Oh, and she told you this?"

"Of course not," she replied with a knowing smile. "But it’s obvious. And I clean the bedrooms. She has been given some pretty things."

His brow furrowed. "Hmmm. Like what?"

She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Ornaments. Trinkets. Beautiful things."

He let out a sharp laugh. "Hah! My future son-in-law is a fool, then. Throwing money at a girl who doesn’t care for such things. Our daughter has never been one for frivolities."

Your mother gave him a pointed look. "To you, she isn’t. You see her as the little girl who played in the mud. But she is a woman now, and women like to be given beautiful things."

For a moment, his expression softened. Then, as if realizing he was dangerously close to sentimentality, he masked it with a grumble. "Hmmm. Any idea who this young Casanova is?"

"No," she admitted, a small smile playing on her lips. "But she will tell me. She always does."

And she did. He caught you whispering to your mother, giggling—an unfamiliar sound from the girl who had always been so reserved. You were gushing, your eyes alight with something he had never seen before. Love suited you. Even when you cast half-stern glances at your mother for teasing you, even when your mother’s eyes gleamed with amusement, he didn’t mind. Because you were happy.

And then, you weren’t.

The light faded. The laughter stopped. The joy that had once danced in your eyes was replaced by shadows of sorrow, deeper than anything he had seen before. And it shattered him. Broke him.

He exhaled sharply one evening, hands balling into fists at his sides. "Just tell me, luv. This boy has obviously done something. All I want to do is speak some sense into him."

Your mother, kneading dough with unnecessary force, sighed. "Dear, it’s not that simple."

"Luv, I won’t do anything. I just want to—"

"It is between him and her," she interrupted firmly, slamming the pie dish onto the table. "Our daughter is big enough to look after herself."

He scoffed. "Luv, there is obviously some kind of misunderstanding…"

She stilled, her hands hovering over the dough. When she spoke again, her voice was quiet, but pointed. "Because of you, they broke up."

His head snapped up. "Me?"

Your mother nodded, her eyes filled with quiet sadness. "Your daughter loves you and doesn’t want to hurt you."

His throat tightened. "She could never."

She took a deep breath, bracing herself before she said the name.

"It is Rupert Campbell-Black."

The silence was deafening.

Then—

"That cad!" he roared, pushing back his chair so roughly it scraped against the wooden floor. "I will kill him for touching my daughter!"

Your mother threw her hands up. "See, this is why!"

"He’s old enough to be her father!" your father continued, his fury undeterred.

"Hardly," she countered, rolling her eyes.

"He ruins women. Uses them. Discards them. And he’s done it to our daughter."

"No," she said, voice firm. "He loved her. Treated her as a woman."

His laugh was bitter. "Oh, I bet he has. And now that he’s gotten what he wanted, he’s discarded her."

Her frustration was evident in the hard set of her mouth. "No, they broke up because they knew you wouldn’t accept it. Because they couldn’t bear to hide it anymore."

But he couldn’t let it go.

He was your father. And he never wanted you to be sad.

Xxxxxx

‘’Mr. Campbell-Black, a word."

Rupert turned slowly, his sharp blue eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of your father standing before him. The older man was composed but rigid, his broad frame tense beneath the worn fabric of his tweed jacket. Resting against his forearm was the unmistakable weight of a shotgun, though it sat there almost carelessly, more of a message than a threat.

Rupert swallowed the sigh that threatened to escape and instead offered a tight smile, though his jaw remained clenched. "Ah. I take it this is about..."

"Yes."

There was no need for elaboration. They both knew why he was here.

Rupert eyed the weapon warily but stood his ground. "Are you going to shoot me?"

Your father exhaled through his nose, then, with a calculated slowness, popped the barrel open, ejecting the cartridges with practiced ease. The metallic clink as they landed in his palm seemed to echo between them. He pocketed them deliberately before meeting Rupert’s gaze once more. "No… Do I need to?"

Rupert exhaled slightly, his fingers flexing at his sides as he waited

"I hear you were going out with my daughter."

"Did she tell you?"

Your father’s expression darkened, his lips pressing into a firm line. "No. But I know anyway... why I came to see you. She’s been unusually quiet. Sad."

A flicker of concern passed across Rupert’s face—there and gone so quickly it could have been missed. But your father caught it. He was watching the younger man closely, the way his body tensed, how his fingers curled into fists at his sides. He wasn’t indifferent, he was worried.

"Is she okay?" Rupert asked, and this time, the concern wasn’t fleeting. It was raw.

Your father studied him, dissecting his every move, every twitch of his jaw, every unreadable flicker in his eyes. Then, his voice was level, almost too calm. "Why did you break up with my daughter?"

Rupert inhaled sharply, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He hesitated for only a moment before running a hand through his dark hair, his expression conflicted. "Because I could see how much it hurt her to keep it from you. She didn’t want to lie, but she also didn’t want to hurt you. And I—" he stopped, exhaling slowly as if steadying himself. "I wanted to marry her. But she wouldn’t tell you. Not until she knew you wouldn’t hate me for it. I couldn't put her through more pain.''

Silence stretched between them, thick and oppressive. The weight of those words hung in the air, unspoken and heavy. For the first time in a long while, your father felt something he hadn’t expected.

Doubt.

Rupert Campbell-Black was everything he had feared—older, experienced, worldly in a way that made him dangerous. A man with a past riddled with scandal and recklessness, someone who collected hearts (an other parts of woman) like trophies. But standing before him now, he didn’t look like a careless playboy. He looked like a man stripped bare, vulnerable in a way that suggested he had already lost something he couldn’t bear to part with.

"You wanted to marry her?" your father finally said, his voice rough, like gravel grinding underfoot.

Rupert nodded once, his jaw tight. "More than anything."

Your father was silent, his mind warring against itself. He could hold onto his anger, his belief that Rupert was no good, that this was a mistake. Or he could face the undeniable truth staring him in the eye—this man loved his daughter.

After what felt like an eternity, your father inhaled deeply and released a slow, measured breath. Then, to Rupert’s absolute astonishment, he muttered gruffly, "Well then, I hope you haven't eaten yet."

Rupert blinked. "I—Sorry, what?"

"Dinner," your father said, already turning on his heel, heading towards the farmhouse without another glance back. "You’re coming home with me. I reckon we need to talk."

Rupert stood frozen for a moment, watching the retreating figure of the man who had just threatened him with a shotgun and was now inviting him to dinner. He wasn’t sure whether he had just been forgiven or sentenced to an even worse fate.

Either way, he followed.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Rupert barely had time to react before the sound of your delighted gasp filled the room.

"Rupert!"

The pure, unrestrained happiness in your voice was a sound your father hadn’t heard in far too long—one he had grown accustomed to before everything had gone to hell. From the doorway, he watched as you threw yourself into Rupert’s arms, clutching onto him like he was the only thing tethering you to the earth. Rupert caught you easily, arms winding around you with the fierce protectiveness of a man who had gone too long without holding what was his.

You pulled back just enough to look into his face, hands cupping his jaw. "If Dad finds you here, he will—"

Rupert smirked, his usual roguish confidence flickering back into place just as your father shuffled in, walking over to your mother and pressing a kiss to her shocked cheek.

"Luv, hope you don’t mind, but I brought a guest."

The sound of a chair scraping against the floor made your heart stop. Slowly, you turned.

Your father stood near the dining table, arms crossed, watching the two of you with an unreadable expression.

"Mr. Campbell-Black." Your mother smiled as she scurried to set another place at the table. "Ahh, yes, of course."

The silence at the dinner table was thick with unspoken words, every moment stretching unbearably. You could feel Rupert’s gaze darting between you and your father, sharp and cautious, while yours remained fixed on your plate, guilt swirling in your stomach. You had been the only person not to pick up your fork and tuck into the sumptuous feast in front of you.

Rupert, however, was the first to break the tension. "Sir, if I may—"

Your father raised a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. His piercing eyes flickered to you. "Why didn’t you tell me?"

You swallowed hard, fingers twisting in your lap. "Dad, I’m sorry… I wanted to. I just… I didn’t know how you’d take it."

"Is that right?" He hummed, his tone betraying nothing.

Rupert set his fork down with a decisive clink against his plate and turned fully toward your father. His voice was steady, sincere. "Sir, I take full responsibility for that. I couldn't keep myself away. There's something about her—something different. Something I can’t walk away from, not now, not ever."

Your father leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable. Then, after a long, weighted pause, he exhaled. "Hmmm… well, I suppose the only thing left to ask…when is the wedding? Only seems right I know, I have to get a suit and all."

The room froze.

You gaped at him. Rupert’s jaw dropped slightly. Even the cutlery seemed to go still.

"What?" You, Rupert, and your mother all spoke at once.

Your father took a sip of his wine, as if the declaration had been the most natural thing in the world. "I raised a daughter with a strong, sensible head on her shoulders. She’s a shrewd judge of character. I trust whoever she’s chosen."

A slow, radiant smile spread across your face, and beside you, Rupert let out a stunned breath before his own grin broke free—one of pure, unfiltered joy. His hand found yours under the table, gripping it tightly.

But your father wasn’t finished.

"However," he continued, voice carrying the weight of decades of authority, "I do expect plenty of grandchildren. I need someone else to spoil now you have stolen my daughter away. Let’s say at least two of each to start with—at least."

Rupert let out a low chuckle, squeezing your hand even tighter as he turned to your father, eyes alight with confidence and promise. "I can assure you, sir, that won’t be a problem."

"Oh, and Rupert… you hurt her, I will shoot you."

This was a story I came up with when I first starting watching Rivals but I honestly just don't have time during term time to write it. So I hope you enjoyed.

Like. Comment. Request

[schemmentisimpasours]

Daddy? Daughter Dance Pt: 2 (The Finale)

Wait a second! How do y'all keep doing this to me? I make a one-shot and it turns into a series. But can't be mad because I love more Mom! Melissa vibes

Summary: Amari has started to realize that maybe Melissa and Y/N are all she needs in her life.

Previous Chapter

Masterlist

-

You and Amari moved into Melissa’s house during that summer after Amari’s room was fully prepared. You had moved to a less stressful daytime job now that you were splitting the bills with your fiance and it had done wonders for your relationship with your daughter and Melissa.   Melissa and you had worked diligently over a month and a half making sure that everything was ready for your very opinionated daughter. Melissa and you had spent hours laughing and sometimes getting more of the lavender paint on your clothes than on the walls. However, after it was fully dry you both set to work making a wooden princess castle bed that you had to paint a dark shade of purple.

In moments like these when Melissa had her hair tied up into a high bun and her tongue stuck out in concentration you knew you were absolutely in love with this woman. Normally you would have fought with someone over building furniture but with Melissa, it felt like second nature. And you swooned at the fact that she had bought your daughter Karma’s world bed set knowing that it was her favorite show. She had made sure Amari’s stuffed animal cage was full of all of her favorite ones fresh out of the washer. 

Posters of Bluey, Karma, and Princess Tiana were mixed in with Michelle Obama, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Maya Angelou, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Melissa was determined to make sure Amari saw other strong black women that she would grow into. She had a little vanity filled with kids' makeup, brushes, and anything that she could think of. Pictures of her from dance hung in large frames including one of Melissa holding her in the air a huge smile on both of their faces. 

In the little cubbies on either side of her bed were her favorite storybooks that you and Melissa read to her nightly along with pictures of the three of you together, one of her and Ms. Howard, and one of her and her dad. It was an old picture from when Amari was only about three years old but it was the only one that you had. Melissa had wrinkled her face at the reminder of the man who no longer paid attention to your daughter but set it up with Amari’s baby bear. 

After the room was done Melissa wrapped her arms around you admiring everything that had been done. She kissed your cheek gently and you squeezed her closer around you. 

“She is gonna love it Mel.”

“You think so?” She asked but you could hear the anxiety in her work, “I just want her to be happy here.”

“Of course she is going to love it,” You replied turning towards her and kissing your fiance, “She loves the hell out of you and all she talks about is waking up to Mama’s cooking every day.”

When Amari came the next day she let out a high-pitched scream running to every single spot in the room admiring all the new things that she had. With every new thing, she would give Melissa and you a hug exclaiming how much she loved you. It was only at the picture of her dad that Amari gave pause. She pulled the picture out and then handed it gently to Melissa. 

“Could you replace this photo with one of you and Mommy? I want my real parents in my room not fakers,” Amari said bluntly and then went to do her makeup in the vanity before either of you could answer. 

Melissa took your hand gently and pulled you into the hallway picture still in her other hand, “What should I do?”

You shrugged, “You heard her. Replace the photo. We have to let her express who she wants and doesn’t want in her life.”

Melissa nodded and quickly replaced the photo with one of you and her from her actual proposal that she had done shortly after the dance recital. She showed it to Amari for approval who immediately put it back in the spot it came. She wrapped her arms around Melissa, “I love you Mama. Thank you for finding us.”

Melissa stifled back tears as she lifted Amari high in the air, “Oh my little cannoli thank you for finding me. I can not imagine my life without you.”

-

Taglist

@cupldscntrl

[underscorewriting]

stupid bracelet.

König x reader

Warnings: fluff, maybe a little angst

Hope you enjoy! :)

It was amusing to him how such little pieces of thread could calm him down. But they did. And here he was, his fingers mindlessly fidgeting with the thread of a bracelet. A red bracelet to be specific. One he would’ve called „stupid“ not too long ago. But now, could he even call it stupid if it had become a part of him in such a short time?

In the military many men and women had something that reminded them of home, of who they’re here for, who they’re fighting for or want to return home to. Some had photos. Yes, König did also have them, he had his pockets filled with small things that reminded him of her. Others had small stuffed animals laying in their rooms back at the base. And again, König, of course, had them too.

He loved having small things to remind himself of her, to keep himself grounded. His friends also knew better than to touch his stuff, especially the one teddy bear wearing small traditional leather pants holding a gingerbread-heart with a writing on it saying „Ich liebe dich.“, like it was tradition in Austria.

When it came to small reminders of his love at home, he was the one that had everything. Of course his friends thought he was crazy, but he needed those small little things desperately to get him through the day. The one little bracelet that had him fidgeting with whenever he was feeling slightly on the edge, as he was now, was one he got gifted early on in their relationship. He hasn’t taken it off ever since.

This little piece of thread, knotted together with some beads, was the most precious thing he owned.

A small smile tugged at his lips underneath his masks as his mind wandered back to how he even got it.

It was a late tuesday evening when she walked in with a bright grin playing on her lips. „Oh no, what’s going on in your head again, Schatz?“ He couldn’t help but chuckle. „We, my lovely boyfriend, will make some bracelets!“ The excitement in her voice was unmatched by anything he ever heard, he couldn’t say no, but he was tired.

König had just returned from one of the first missions he had ever since they got together and all he wanted was to snuggle down with her, have her in his arms reminding him that he’s not all he is out there in the field. He’s not s psychotic insane killer, not like his opposites think. Yes, he might be a war hero, but so we’re thousands of others. Yes, he was good at his job, but he was only as good as the next one.

He knew that whenever he comes home, that that’s where he’s most important and most needed. „Schatz…“ His voice was draggy, hesitant to tell her that he just wants to sleep.

Sleep all the pain and worry off.

Sleep all the nightmares snd blood off.

Sleep off ever needing to be away from her.

A soft smile replaced the overbearing grin on the girls face. „You’re tired, aren’t you?“ Guilt. It was the first thing he noticed in her voice, the quick change from barely manageable excitement to this unsure sound of guilt in her voice, made his stomach turn. He didn’t want to lie to her though, he also didn’t want to pressure himself into staying awake and possibly snapping at her if everything got too much.

He had the tendencies to do so if he was overly exhausted.

With a simple nod and an apologetic smile he opened his arms slightly, making room for her to lean against his chest. „How about that, ja? You can lean against my chest, make your little bracelets, while I hold you, watch you, maybe get a small nap in…“ His smile turning into a soft grin as the girl climbed into his lap.

She didn’t ask questions, she never did. She knew he wouldn’t ask if he wasn’t really exhausted. That’s who he was, he would do anything for her, even put his own needs aside just to make her happy.

Settling down onto his lap the girl took the thread and beads and placed them next to her, before getting to work. König couldn’t help but admire her more than the show she was watching. Small giggles escaped the girl as she bit her lips in concentration, her mind going god knows where.

She was adorable.

She was perfect.

She just fit right in his arms.

Soon his chin found her shoulder as he rested it against her. „Red bracelet, hm?“ His voice was soft, interested in what she was doing and what her beautiful mind had though of as an outcome.

Nodding she leaned towards him slightly, her nose brushing against his as both of them grinned like giddy lovesick teenagers. „It’s gonna look great and you know it.“ Going back to work he couldn’t help but chuckle softly at her enthusiasm.

Her enthusiasm and optimistic being was what he loved the most about her. It was what he admired the most and needed the most.

An hour passed, the loving couple was still all snuggled up. König was resting his eyes a little, he still held her tightly against himself. With a huff the girl threw the bracelet onto the couch after she was done, her movement waking König up.

A frown was settled on her face and he couldn’t help but reach out to caresses her cheek. „Whats wrong, mein Schatz..?“ He was worried, he hated seeing her upset. Anger and disappointment flashed up in her eyes and she shook her head, her hair falling into her face, making her seem even less at ease than before.

„It looks stupid… I made a mistake and now it’s all weird!“ König caressed her hip softly as he leaned over to pick up the bracelet. She threaded all the red beads onto the bracelet. „Where did you mess up?“ With a huff the girl pointed to a place where she knotted the thread wrong, it was barely visible under the beads.

A soft chuckle escaped König as he pulled her closer. „I think it looks great, Liebling… you can barely see the Knoten there.“ He turned her chin softly so she was looking at it and pointed to the at the barely visible know that was hidden underneath the beads.

“I see it, and I don’t like it…”

A moment of understanding silence fell between them. He understood her need to be perfect and to make everything the way she wants them to be.

“I see it and I love it, Liebling.”

His voice held a soothing tone, knowing it would help her calm her nervous mind.

“You do?”

“I do…”

With a soft smile and an encouraging nod he underlined his opinion. He loved it. A lot.

“Can I have it?”

A small smile formed on the girls face, excitement returning. Königs heart swelled up at the sight of her bright eyes searching for his. A disbelieving look on the girls face.

“Really?”

A soft chuckle left König as he kissed the spot between her shoulder and her neck while nodding softly. He knew she could get insecure about things she likes doing and the image she has of things and how they should look in her head, so it’s his job, and always will be, to make sure she sees that its perfect even if it doesn’t turn out how she wants it to be.

“Of course, would you please tie it around my wrist?”

With quick movements the girl tied the bracelet around his wrist, making sure it’s secure and wouldn’t fall off the next time he moved his hand. The bracelet was extremely visible on him,, making her unsure if he’ll actually wear it for a longer time.

A soft kiss on her cheek made her squirm but also cleared her mind from the doubt she was feeling.

He’ll wear it. She’s sure of it.

“Who knows, Liebling. Maybe Ghost or Soap will want one too if they see it, ja?”

A soft and quiet giggle made König smile proudly. The image of him threatening the two men just for them to call his girlfriend and ask her about the bracelet she made, was already imprinted into his mind.

Yes, he would even threaten them with his gun up to their head just to hear the excitement in her voice again, because whenever he heard it he felt like he could breath again.

With every small giggle that left her, he felt like his heart beat again.

With every smile or simple look she gave him, he felt like he was alive again.

On days when he felt depressed, couldn’t leave the bed because of all the things he had been through. She was there.

He’d be damned if he wouldn’t try to do everything to make her even the slightest bit happier.

In their quiet and precious moment, the girl turned towards König, straddling his lap as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hiding her face between it and his shoulder.

“Don’t lose it, okay…?”

It was a simple question, but the meaning behind it was something so deep that hurt his soul. This was one thing, one worry, he couldn’t take away from her. He hated himself for it.

“I won’t.” His hand caressed hee back softly making sure she knows he’s here.

Making sure she knows he’s going to come back home, like he always has.

“Colonel!”

The voice of one of the recruits snapped him out of his thoughts as he heard their voices all mix together. With a small smile under his mask and a last look down to the bracelet, his eyes softening at the thought of coming home.

“Like I always do…”

[hopeymchope]

First-world fandom problems: Cutesy figures/statues of badass anime girls

Here's my minor complaint of the day: I'm tired of seeing soft/pretty/happy figures of badass anime women. I want to see them ANGRY. I want them in MID-ATTACK. I want that BADASSERY.

I've been rewatching Re:Zero lately, which has reminded me again how much I love the character of Rem. So I was like "Huh, I wonder if she's got a Pop-Up Parade figure" since I have a small collection of those.

And sure enough, she DOES have one! But it's... this.

Hrm. I mean, I respect the use of the "ice season" uniform since it's more modest and less pervy-looking, sure, but this is....... definitely not what I was hoping for.

Okay, so what other Rem figures are out there? SURELY someone has......

.....what the fuck is this?

I get that Rem can often be a cute character. I get that she's a sweetheart at her core. But I thought we all understood that one of her primary appeals is when she sprouts her demon horn and starts growling with rage before splattering fools' insides across the grass with her morningstar.

We don't love Rem merely because she's some cute maid. We love her because she's a cute maid who has a tragic past who—most importantly—CAN and WILL absolutely kill motherfuckers.

See, THIS. This is what I'm talking about. I don't want a figure of Rem as some soft-looking waifu. I want a figure of Rem as an absolute BADASS. But I can only find ONE figure/statue of this Rem. It's (A) highly stylized and (B) like $350 fucking dollars. Hard pass, then.

But you know... sometimes, even when you get your anime girls to appear in mid-attack in their figure release, they're still smiling cutely about it....???

Behold the Pop-Up Parade figure of Mikoto Misaka from A Certain Scientific Railgun.

YES, I understand that this is probably based on the OP sequence from either the first or second season of the anime. But those sequences—which are not part of any canon narrative—are the only time you'd ever see Mikoto Misaka smiling while firing off her signature railgun. She typically attacks like this while she's pissed off. The figure should've looked like, y'know, THIS:

And yet, regardless of my issue with the facial expression, I still own the figure shown. Because at least she's still preparing to attack. ... It's a start. We're taking what we can get here.

[sofreddie]

Resigned 14

Summary: Back home in Austin, Jensen takes Y/N downtown where their pack participates in a protest march for Omega Rights.

Characters: Alpha!Jensen x Omega!Reader, Alpha!Jared x Omega!Gen, OE Gus Fowler (mentioned), Others

Warnings: A/B/O Dynamics, Omegas are second-class citizens/treated badly, Protest March, Fluff, Angst, Mass Arrests, Violence, Injuries

WC: 2,710

A/N: This chapter took me a while to write because I needed to get it just right. That somehow created a block in my mind, but I'm glad it finally came out. Also, the next chapter is almost complete, so that'll be posted next Sunday.

Series Masterlist

My Masterlist

Part 13

The convention had been a blast. Y/N enjoyed meeting and socializing with Jensen's friends and coworkers. If anything, it showed her that not everyone was hostile towards omegas. Through Jensen, she'd seen much more good in people.

Despite the fun and excitement, she was happy to return to their home in Austin. Jensen was due a break, and she fully anticipated the quiet reprieve of their nest. Jensen had been so busy with conventions, his campaign, and his constant activism for Omega Equality. She was looking forward to caring for her Alpha and hoped to convince him to take a much-needed rest.

Instead, Jensen surprised her, which admittedly he'd been doing a lot of lately. Their first waking morning home, Jensen announced plans for them for the day. His boyish grin and the way he bounced on the balls of his feet charmed her to no end. She'd experienced more activity and travel in her time with him than in her whole life. His excitement and eagerness were infectious; she knew she'd follow him anywhere.

Jensen carefully maneuvered and parked his truck in a crowded city lot. Several people were about with signs and other accessories. She noticed a small group of collared women walking and chatting, carrying handmade posters and signs reading: Omega Rights are Human Rights and Equality for All! She turned her curious gaze to her Alpha, and he smiled bashfully.

"It's a march for Omega Rights," he explained. "Ready to take the fight to the streets?"

She grinned, a buzzing energy of excitement and anticipation bubbling within. Her nerves were going haywire, which made everything a bit overwhelming. But when she took Jensen's offered hand as she exited the truck, she knew she'd be fine, because he was right beside her.

It was a beautiful, warm, and sunny day. Jensen dressed casually in jeans, a V-neck t-shirt, a ballcap, and sunglasses. His golden tan skin glistened in the unhindered daylight, sculpted arms on display. She had to resist the urge to jump him right there, onlookers be damned. She felt a little guilty about thinking like a bitch in heat at an Omega Rights event. Wouldn't it be her right to embrace that part of herself, too? Just not in public.

Jensen led her through the lot to a group of people waiting on the far end. Several cast and crew members she'd previously met were lending their voices and celebrity to the cause, mingling with the many who had joined the event.

Even though many scents were mingling in the air, she caught a hint of Jared's scent a split second before she heard him. It calmed her further, as they were a pack and he was her alternate Alpha. He came to feel like a brother as a respectful familial bond began to form.

Gen was with him, and once their small pack exchanged greetings and idle chat, someone came to Jensen and told him something, before he nodded and they walked away. The people around them began to move away as well.

"Come on," Jensen said, taking her hand as another person began loudly explaining instructions for the march to the crowd. "Go time."

The four of them marched in line, the two Alphas flanking the Omegas in the middle, ever protective. They were toward the front of the crowd, tall and a head above the rest. Maybe that was Y/N's perception alone, but it filled her with pride. Gen was alive and animated, chanting along with the others as they walked through downtown Austin. The chants were loud and strong, same as the ones she'd read on the signs - Omega Rights are Human Rights, Equality for All! - the collective energy and spirits high and proud.

More people than she'd ever personally seen gathered together. She noticed many groups with signs and insignia from other marginalized groups showing their support and lending themselves to the cause. Y/N had seen the uglier parts of society many times, and not just regarding Omegas. United we stand, divided we fall. It swelled her heart and uplifted her.

The planned route was about a mile, and she could see the destination as they approached the end. A small stage was erected opposite the Omega Enforcement offices, which happened to be down the street from the Capitol building, visible just off in the distance. There was also a line of OE officers in riot gear, forming a blockade in front of the OE building, but they seemed to be standing guard to protect the entrance to the building itself.

Y/N stood off to the side of the stage as various speakers took to the platform. Some gave rousing speeches looking to a brighter future. Some regaled with tales of their oppressive circumstances. All were loud and proud, determined to be heard by the organization that oversaw it all, and their representative officers stood in waiting.

Then, to her surprise, Jensen kissed her cheek and ascended the stairs to uproarious applause. Her Alpha had quickly become a face for the movement. She felt awe and bewilderment as she watched him on stage, his claim on full display and shining brightly against his tanned skin. Through their bond, she could feel his determination and affection for her as he spoke with passion. He was never more sexy to her than in that moment as he talked to hundreds, maybe even thousands, about belonging, equality, and human rights.

When Jensen descended the stairs - loud chants and cheers in the air around them - Y/N pulled her Alpha to her and crashed her lips to his, kissing him with passion and arousal and a touch of possessiveness.

"What was that for?" Jensen asked, a little breathless, pink staining his cheeks and the tips of his ears.

"Because you're my Alpha, and you're a great one, and I love you." Y/N shrugged and giggled at his stunned look of awe before stealing another kiss.

The elation was short-lived, however, as the crowd began to murmur, the upbeat demeanor quickly turning sour. Jared rushed over with Gen, his sight set on Jensen.

"Hey, they're saying the Governor just called for the OE to break up the protest."

"What?"

Jensen glanced around them, moving to speak with one of the organizers from before. Y/N glanced again at the row of armed officers, seeing many more pour out of the building, several speaking on their radios as the commotion picked up. As the amassed crowd grew confused and concerned, the OE presence increased by the second. The armed officers formed a blockade across the street in less than a few minutes, blocking the protesters from going that way.

Collective gasps drew her attention to the back of the crowd, where she could see and hear several detainment vehicles and various law enforcement gathering. Everything seemed frozen for an immeasurable amount of time.

"What do we do?" Y/N asked her Alpha.

The tension was growing, both with the crowd and the OE.

"Stand firm," Jensen responded, squeezing her hand lightly. "They're blocking us from the offices, but we can still be seen and heard."

The truth was, Jensen wasn't entirely sure what to do. It felt like a trap, but he didn't want to overreact, and he certainly didn't need to be an agitated and defensive Alpha, which could make things much worse. Many cameras, reporters, and news outlets were also present, recording their efforts and broadcasting them to the world. If anything, they needed to remain peaceful to hold their moral ground. He hoped the many officers would do the same.

Y/N's heart raced as uncertainty seized her. She jumped as she felt a hand that didn't belong to her Alpha and was on her opposite side to him slip into hers and squeeze tight. She turned her head, finding a smaller and much older Omega woman, with a well-worn dark leather collar and a nearly faded claim, smiling at her reassuringly.

"Stay strong," she spoke with a rasp. "Do not give them your fear. That's what they want."

Y/N was under the impression that this older woman, adorned in various pins for many historic causes, had been in this exact moment many times. It gave Y/N the courage to stand tall and hold her ground. She could feel Jensen's growing uncertainty despite their words and encouragement as his eyes scanned the blockade and the mass of people they'd gathered.

"They're boxing us in," Jensen said, worriedly glancing at Jared.

"Look," Jared said, nodding in the indicated direction.

Following his gaze, Jensen quickly caught on. Agent Gus Fowler, who had been in their home and assigned to their case, was dressed in armored riot gear like his colleagues around him. Jensen could swear the man smirked at him as he reached for a megaphone and climbed to stand on top of one of the armored trucks.

"The Governor of Texas had deemed this protest illegal. Every Omega present violates Omega Enforcement laws. Disperse immediately, or you will be arrested."

The assembled crowd shouted back - some with continued chants, some with more personal statements - all voices laced with anger and refusing to back down. Jensen muttered to himself for them to shut up, so stand quiet and peaceful and not give these armed assholes any reason to retaliate.

It proved pointless the moment the officers pressed forward and shot multiple canisters of tear gas into the crowd from both sides, sending the peaceful assembly into chaos.

Proud chants gave way to terrified screams as people scattered in every direction, attempting to escape the smoke and officers. As their pack huddled together, people kept bumping and brushing in their haste, pushing and pulling each other along with them. Jensen squeezed Y/N's hand firmly, their fingers interlocked. Any other time, she'd tell him it was uncomfortable and almost hurt. But now, it was a comfort, and she squeezed back even harder.

The officers pushed forward, and Gen screamed and struggled against an OE officer attempting to seize her. Jared appeared taller and broader as his Alpha defended his mate. Reaching over Gen's head, Jared punched the officer, not caring he was law enforcement, but that someone was hurting his mate—the force of which made the armored man release Gen. He recovered and attempted to grab Gen again, only to be thrown back several feet by the large, intimidating Alpha.

Two more officers forced their way through the crowd toward Jared, one of whom slammed the hilt of their baton into his temple. Jared fell to the ground unconscious, and Gen screamed and fought again as she was lifted off her feet from behind and dragged away from her fallen Alpha. As Jensen rushed to help his friend and pack Alpha, he released Y/N's hand to tend to him. OE Officers pushed forward into the crowd, dispersing and arresting with brute force. Jensen struggled to shield and rouse Jared amidst the chaos, fearing they'd be trampled into the ground.

Y/N's attention was pulled elsewhere as her other hand was tugged forcefully, alerting her that she was still locked with the elder woman, and that woman was being apprehended. The officers were rough and brutal, and Y/N felt a surge of protectiveness as the woman fell to the ground, shielding her head with her arms against the assault. With their hands still locked, Y/N tugged hard, bringing the woman to her feet. The victory was short-lived, however, as two officers pushed forward and grabbed Y/N and the other woman, ripping them apart and carrying them towards one of the many awaiting vans and buses.

"Alpha!" Y/N screamed with all her might as she was forced into the back of a van, fighting and struggling against her captors as much as she could, to no avail.

Jensen heard the call of his mate and was on his feet; his eyes frantically searched for her among the masses. Finally locating her, Jensen rushed toward her location, only to be stopped by another officer swinging his baton wildly and hitting several people, including Jensen, in the head. He fell back on the ground beside Jared, his vision blurred, and his hand returned red from the impact site. He could barely see as Gen, Y/N, and so many others were shoved into the trucks. Once filled, the doors were shut, officers pounded on the metal exterior to signal their leave, and Jensen could do nothing but watch them go.

Jensen struggled to keep his composure as he focused on Jared's wounds. The larger man started coming around, and Jensen was grateful as he helped them both to their feet.

"They took Gen and Y/N," Jensen explained to Jared as they slowly moved to the side, out of the bustle of people. "We need to find where they took them."

"We need to see a doctor first," Jared hissed, his head pounding too much to keep his eyes open for long. "We're no good to them if we're not strong enough to help."

Jensen took a deep breath and glanced over the chaos: people lay out in the street, some injured, and smoke made it hard to see and breathe, choking him and making him tear up. Jared was right. They needed to get patched up, and then they could find out where the women were taken and get them back.

Jared could barely see, and he was pretty sure he had a concussion. He could make out people running and screaming around them. He could make out the armored men working their way through the crowd. And he could make out what looked like a few camera crews filming the chaos, and one filming him and Jensen.

Jared pointed, and Jensen struggled to see what he was indicating until the two-person crew worked their way closer to them, filming every detail of the atrocities around them. Of course, they'd focus on him and Jared, well-known local celebrities, but, for a change, Jensen wasn't mad about it. If anything, it was a blessing. Jensen would ensure they got more than just what happened on the street. He'd give them the whole story.

-

The police station was larger than most but still overcrowded and busy, with a line out the door. A steady stream of people was flowing in and out of the building, as mostly Omegas were booked and released into familial custody with pending court dates.

As Jensen and Jared finally reached the counter, they were met by a bald and portly officer who appeared tired and bored. He repeated the same process over an hour, reciting the same script, and processed each individual arrested at the protest.

"Name," the officer asked, his voice monotone as he barely glanced at Jared.

"Padalecki and Ackles," Jared rushed out.

"One at a time."

"Padalecki," he repeated, fighting back an irritated growl. "P-A-D-A-L-E-C-K-I."

"Fifteen hundred dollar fine with a ten percent minimum down for release."

Jared pulled out his wallet and retrieved a credit card, handing it to the officer. His every movement was angry and hurried.

"In full, please," he added, returning the items to his pocket once processed.

"Sign here," the man tapped an electronic pad before Jared.

Jared was vibrating with negative energy. His Omega was taken, his pack torn apart, he was attacked, and now all the scents and energy of everyone around him made it incredibly difficult to keep himself calm and under control. Jensen wasn't doing any better.

The man printed a single paper and handed it to another officer: "They'll bring them out over there in a minute. Next!"

"Ackles," Jensen rushed, nearly pushing Jared out of the way as he was already reaching for his wallet. "A-C-K-L-E-S."

The man typed with a sigh, then paused and looked Jensen dead in the eye, which made him incredibly nervous because it was something different. 

"Y/N Ackles?" 

"Yes," Jensen confirmed, swallowing hard. Oh, God, he prayed, nothing happened to her. 

Was she okay? Was she sent to a different station? Did someone hurt her? Was she in the hospital? What could be wrong? 

He forced himself to remain calm. "Is there a problem?"

PART 15

FOREVERS:

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RESIGNED:

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[circeyoru]

The Boy & The Witch _ Part 2

[Human!Alastor x Witch!Reader]

Part 1 — Part 2 (here)

The boy, now named Alastor, came often to your little home in the forest. His attitude could be described as excited, eager, and twisted. You’d say that it was near your level and perhaps over as time goes by. You weren’t wrong

Alastor was more adapt in learning darker arts. While you can heal, Alastor shows no talent in such. Though as if to make up for it, he was extremely talented in shadows. A form of magic you have trouble with due to your abilities in the purer magic. Soon, his shadow came to life with glowing eyes and a crescent moon as its smile

You told him that he needs to control his shadow as it started doing it own thing when it came to life. It was harmless to you, but if anyone were to find out, there’d be hell to pay. It took a while but Alastor and his shadow got used to each other. When dealing with sentile beings, it takes time, you told him while he mediated, if he wants more control, he must be of sound mind and body first

Once, you were in town again, gathering on some supplies to stock up and saw Alastor. You were going to greet him, but you saw a women step into the frame. You figured it was his mother, but you were conflicted, his smile was genuine, familiar to how happy you saw him when he was learning and mastering the darker arts of voodoo magic

Thinking back, he never mentioned his mother to you, only his father that he loathed and seeked revenge on. The conclusion you came to was that he was doing it for his mother too, the mistreatment included her

You left, reminding yourself to talk with Alastor the next time he visited

“You know you can’t go to Heaven now that you meddle in voodoo magic, right?” You leaned against the door frame of your little experiment room, your arms crossed over your chest while you looked at the back of Alastor’s form. You noticed his shadow’s smile turned to a frown and shivered, but Alastor reminded focus on his task “What brought this along?” Alastor questioned as he grind down some animal bones accounting to one of your many books “The other day, I saw you with your mother I presume. She’s a nice lady that will go to Heaven and you’re damned for Hell.” You continued “You’ll be there with me, right?”  “Well, of course, I’m the one that brought you into this, so naturally. I think my family and relatives made some sort of clan down there. They living the life ther.” You chuckled, “And Hell is supposed to be a punishment too.” “If you’ll be in Hell as well, I can live without my mother there, she belongs in Heaven. I’ll treasure my time here now while I’m alive.” Alastor spoke softly Your eyes narrowed, a small frown on your face, you turned to leave but not before saying, “Then you shouldn’t be there with me. Go back home, boy.”

Like Alastor was listening to you, he didn’t come back the next day, or the day after. For a while, your home was void of the apprentice you took in and given the name of Alastor to. You’ll admit that you felt lonely and thought if you were being too cruel to him

You waited for a week longer to see if there was any change in Alastor’s visit to the forest. Oddly enough, there was no sighting of him. Why you say that because when he was younger, he’d play disappearance for a few days to catch your attention. You found him hiding within the tree branches when you went to look for him

But now it was a teenager, nearly adult. Some can say you two grow up together, you’re not shy to admit that he has grown to be quite the lady’s killer. He has gonna popular in school and town. Getting a nice internship at the radio station to prepare him for his future career

You knew that under his perfect front, how painful and cruel his life behind closed doors was. Not to mention his cruelty and heinous thoughts he habour to those that do him wrong. So you left your home when the sun was about to set to where Alastor’s home was. You peeked inside from one of the uncovered windows. It was all quiet. Too quiet

Securing your cloak and the deep hood over head, you went to the back door. Using your own shorted staff, you tapped the lock and unlocked the door as it opened on its own and closed when you entered into the house

You wandered around, coming to a stop when you passed the living room with a body laid on the carpet and another on the couch. You cautiously stepped forward, checking the mother to see if she was breathing, when she was, despite the blood from her head. You turned to the man, father of Alastor’s due to the resemblance, and checked his breathing. He was sleeping

Kneeling down, you hovered your hand over the mother’s injured head and healed her a bit. Then you turned your attention to the staircase and slowly made your way up. When you made it up, you scanned the doors that were all opened, except one. You stood before it, trying the handle first, locked. You did the same thing to the back door and unlocked it with ease

The door creeked with a whine, you eyes pierced into the room, bathed in the light from the setting sun. You noticed the motionless body on the bed and made your way over. You sat on the edge of the head, facing away from Alastor. “You know, your mother’s in a dying state. But I healed her enough to get through the night.”

Alastor merely flinched, enough of a sign to show you he was awake and listening

“I wonder though, still you let this father, this man, to rule over your life any longer. You’re not the only one suffering.” You spoke

You sat there playing with your shortened staff when you left Alastor get up and left the room. You waited for a while before you followed suit and went down. You weren’t surprised to see Alastor standing over the now dead body of his father and the blood staff in his hands

With a snap of your fingers, the living room was in a worst wreck. You walked over to Alastor, pausing to let him lean over you. “Don’t worry, this would be like your family was attacked by armed robbers. You’re going to sleep for a while and your neighbours will find out then alert the police. I honoured your revenge, now let me handle the aftermath.”

As if your words were what he needed, his eyes closed shut and his full weight crashed into yours. You carefully kneeled down to set him on the floor. Making sure he was just sleeping. You eyed his shadow and pushed the staff to it so that it was hidden when the neighbours and officers come

You stood on the branch of a nearby tree, its leaves hiding you while you watched concerned and nosy individuals crowd around Alastor’s house. The police set up the perimeter and medical officers brought Alastor and his mother’s unconscious bodies to the hospital

“Glad it wasn’t the young boy or the mother that’s killed.” “Yeah, would have been unjust.” “Now they can live peacefully.” “That’s good.”

So the father wasn’t well-liked already. You thought to yourself, your staff elongated to its original form. You tapped the end of it to the tree branch. All the better. You stared down as the deceased body was brought out. Makes for an easier target. I have to ask my family to catch his soul.

Note: Long overdue part 2. Since things have slowed down, I'm working on the requests meant for longer writing. The ones where I can rant or is just a short answers will be posted quicker~

Circe Y.

Other Works: MASTERLIST

Taglist:

@aconfusedwonderland

@crowleysthings

@donustellaron@mistpurpl3

[ddivilove]

─────── DON'T BLAME ME. . . OR SHOULD I SAY US?

━━━━ izek van omerta and rudbeckia de borgia. manhwa. how to get my husband on my side.

‣ yandere. suggestive especially the ending. ୨:୧

‣ masterlist . recent works . how to get my husband on my side. ━━━━

You had encountered the husband and wife during a ball and you have to say, you fell in love at the first glance. Though the fantasy of being a close friend or more with them seemed impossible you couldn't help but dream and hope.

Little did you know what the future holds for you was unlike anything you could've possibly imagined.

The duchess, whom you found out to be called Ruby, had come to you one day with the intention of befriending you. The talk between you two was something you cherished because well... You do like her.

The frequency of your talks started getting more and more when Ruby started inviting you to join her in the many events her friends hold for her. Though you soon realize that these so-called friends were a bunch of fake, toxic men and women that just wanted to humiliate the duchess. Specifically, Lady Freya who you learned to despise.

But what you didn't expect was Rudbeckia begging Izek to let you in to their relationship as well.

Izek wasn't so happy at that. Because Ruby's was his. But he could not say no to his wife.

At first you and Izek could not get along like how you and Ruby do. But before long he starts getting attached to you like how Ruby does.

Now came to the point that they refused to let you go anywhere or do anything without them with you like supervisors so to speak.

Tired of their nonsense, you run away in the middle of the night. Trying to ignore the frantic beating of your heart that beats so loudly in your ears as you prop yourself to slide from the window.

There's an overhang but you bounce smoothly onto the soft patch of grass. You rush along through the trees, listening closely for the many guards that roamed these gardens.

You just about made it to the gates when a shout is heard behind you. The sound of Ruby's voice calling for Izek and his men.

It doesn't take long before running feet and rustling of leaves take to the night air.

You rush out, running as fast as you possibly could. But you knew it was a risky choice.

A hand grabbed your wrist firmly as the person pulled you to him. Your heart is pounding in your ears as you see the crimson gaze of the duke.

He takes you onto the horse with him, turning the animal around as you two head back to the castle where Ruby stands, worried for you. As soon as she sees you, a certain beam of light comes on her face as she tugs you off the horse.

Izek gets off too and you three head for the bedroom. You knew what would happen next.

"My darling, why did you try and run away from us?" Ruby hugs you, her cheek against your own as she pulls you close.

"It is for your own good, Name." Izek speaks suddenly as he steps closer. His hand moving to unbutton his shirt.

"Perhaps we can give you a reason to stay, don't we Ruby?" "Yes, of course!" A happy banter between the two is displayed and you could feel your stomach churning with nervousness of what they could possibly have planned.

"Prepare yourself, beloved." Izek whispers as he moves behind you, causing you to shudder at the feeling of his hot breath. "Because by the time we are done with you, you won't be able to walk for weeks on end."

─────── NOTE?!

Suggestive shit. Woohoo. Anyway this is for a request.

request in question — here.

─────── INVITATIONS?!

@yevene , @nyrwve , @primordixl , @lvmxlee

[dracowars]

superhero(es) | steve rogers

pairing: steve x reader

word count: 3,9k

summary: where steve and y/n spend a morning with their little family

a/n: this goes to all my fellow women: you are so strong and powerful, beautiful and kind ❤️ (first steve rogers os, hope you enjoy!!)

warnings: none

universe: marvel

You can't tell if it is your maternal instinct or just your body playing tricks on you again, but as soon as you catch a glimpse of a dull, radial light through your closed eyelids, your dream ends abruptly and your exhausted body falls back into reality. A reality where your little three-year-old daughter opens the door to your bedroom, her bare feet padding over the paquet floor as she stops right in front of you, tightly clutching her favorite stuffed animal in her arms. Definitely your maternal instinct because the quivering of her lower lip can hardly be ignored and she does not even need to touch you with her tiny hands that you already open your eyes.

The moment your eyes adjust to the light coming in from the hallway and you see your daughter standing in front of your side of the bed, your heart breaks a little. Your inner alarm bells go off immediately and you lift your upper body up, propping yourself up with your elbow on your pillow. The heavy weight lazily swung across your waist does not move a single bit when you do so.

"Hey, hey, Grace-y, darling. What's up sweetie?", you ask her worried and reach your hand out to her, your eyes heavy despite the sudden rush of adrenaline due to seeing your babygirl wide awake in the middle of the night.

Her bottom lip trembles even more now that she tries to answer, trying to hold back her tears like the strong girl she is.

"Shh, don't cry. Come here, sweetheart", you prompt, grabbing her hand and pulling her closer in order to pick her up and sit her on the mattress next to you. Smoothing back her hair, you fondly smile at her. God, when did she grow up so fast?

"Grace, do you want to tell Mommy what's wrong?", you ask her again, your voice in a whisper and your heart aching at seeing your precious daughter this distraught.

"H-Had a bad dream", she responds quietly, adjusting her tone to yours as she quickly noticed that her father is peacefully sleeping next to you, unaware of what is going on.

"Oh baby, I'm sorry about that. But everything is fine now, okay? You don't have to be scared of anything anymore, we are here to protect you", you reassure her with a smile, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear while she is still clutching her stuffed animal to her chest. A single tear rolls down her puffy cheek as she nods and you quickly pull her into a hug, running your hand over her back soothingly.

"You can sleep here tonight, is that alright?", you whisper in her ear and, again, get a nod in response. "Okay, but try to not wake up Daddy."

In fact, it is proving quite difficult not to wake Steve up since his muscular arm is still splayed across your middle. Steve just returned from a mission yesterday and you can't even describe how much you have missed him. Even if it was not for long, you keep realizing that you can't live without him anymore. And his children missed him even more.

Every time he returns home, whether it is after a normal day's work or after a longer mission, he is so exhausted that you feel sorry when James and Grace immediately jump onto him. But he tells you that it makes him happy and, obviously, you believe him. Still, you do not want to disturb his well-deserved sleep which is why you try to move as little as possible.

Carefully, you set Grace down in the middle and lift Steve's arm so that your daughter can quickly squeeze in-between. Sniffling, she looks at you with her big eyes as you adjust the covers over her and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. Before you can settle back into your previous sleeping position, however, Steve stirs in his sleep, seemingly noticing that something changed as he wants to pull you closer to him. In doing so, he is not only pulling you closer to him now but also your daughter, who can't help but giggle at her father unintentionally cuddling her. While you barely move, hoping your husband will stay asleep, he takes one deep breath. After that, silence spreads throughout your bedroom.

"Do we have a visitor tonight?", Steve's deep, sleep-drunk voice suddenly asks into the dark and you startle a little.

"She had a nightmare, but don't worry. You can go back to sleep", you say, feeling his arm retract from you as he hugs Grace tightly instead, placing kisses all over her which makes her giggle even more.

"These bad dreams can't harm you, sweetheart. You know Mommy and Daddy will always be there to protect you", he whispers to your daughter, who is now cuddling into him, his chin on top of her head. Your heart beats faster upon seeing their interaction and you once again realize how lucky you are to have him. And you are so incredibly grateful that he gave you such wonderful children like James and Grace.

"Try to sleep again, alright? Daddy won't let the bad dreams disturb you any longer", Steve explains softly, running his hand over her hair to soothe her into dreamland. Gently, he kisses her cheek and motions for you to come closer in order to give you a kiss as well while not having to leave his position with your daughter in his arms. Smiling, you peck his lips and fall back into your pillow, the exhaustion hitting you at once. But when Steve's fingers graze your upper arm, you manage to still intertwine your hands before falling asleep again.

════════════

Scattered rays of sunshine tickling your nose, you move and slowly wake up. You do not even have to open your eyes and you know that you clearly have not had enough sleep to be fully rested. But you have to get two children ready for school and daycare and simultaneously make yourself presentable for work as well.

A quick glance at your alarm clock shows you that you woke up before the alarm, which is only supposed to go off in half an hour.

Sighing, you let your hand dangle over the edge of the bed before lifting yourself up completely, unable to get any more sleep anyway. Yawning, you sit on the edge and a smile creeps onto your lips as you turn around and are met with the cutest sight the world has ever seen.

Steve's entire bulky body is spread out like a starfish across his side as well as yours, his huge frame taking up most of the space. Meanwhile, Grace is sprawled across his torso, her stuffed animal in one of her hands, and they both snore away peacefully. You genuinely wonder how you survived a night with this little space.

As carefully and slowly as possible, you stand up and reluctantly tear yourself away from the sight which is going to make your heart fill with a lot of joy for a few more days. You tiptoe to the chair next to your closet, throw the clothes you have already laid out yesterday evening over your arm and disappear into the adjoining bathroom, but not without turning off the alarm clock first.

The built-in clock on the mirror reminds you once again how early in the morning it is, but you choose to ignore it and splash cold water on your face to wake up. After that, you take a quick shower and put on some make-up, styling your hair while enjoying the quiet that early mornings usually bring.

With two children, a family dog - a German Shepard named Sarge -, and a husband who saves the world almost every day, there is often not much time for rest. And you often lose sight of the fact that you also have a job and a life outside of your role as a mother and wife.

But you love this role, even if it drives you crazy at times.

Slipping into your clothes - today more formal than usual as you have an important meeting - you take one last look at yourself, and the clock, and then exit the bathroom. Grace and Steve have hardly moved in the meantime and it is not easy for you to destroy this moment. At least the shrill sound of the alarm does not do it.

Gently, you crawl back onto the bed and kiss your daughter's forehead several times, softly urging her to wake up. Steve receives the same treatment and while Grace wakes up pretty quickly, he remains fast asleep.

"Go wake up your brother, okay? I will be right there", you say to Grace, who looks at you sleepily but rested and she sets off immediately, the thought of waking up her brother exciting her.

"Babe, it's time to get up", you whisper, kissing his cheek, but he still has not moved. His hair is tousled and his beard is more than three days old. If you told anyone how difficult it is to get Captain America out of bed in the morning, they would probably never believe you.

But here you are, trying to shake the big man in front of you awake.

"Why, already?", he finally murmurs, waking up but clearly not wanting to as he reaches for you, pulling you on top of him. "I didn't even get a proper chance to hold you last night. I'm cuddle deprived."

At this, you let out a laugh and try to free yourself from his grip, but he does not let go of you and his strength exceeds yours by far. Super Soldier Serum and such.

Still, you do not even think about giving up and pull on his arm again, which is wrapped tightly around your waist.

"Steve, please. I need to help Grace brush her teeth and get dressed", you mention, but your husband clearly does not seem to care, as you can see from his expression.

"She's grown up. Besides, wasn't she supposed to wake James? He can help her", he winks at you and you let out a humourless chuckle, not believing his words.

"So you were awake, you-"

"I just can't get enough of your kisses, you know? And I gladly admit it, after all you are my wife and I do not have to hide anything from you", he smiles proudly, kissing you on the lips. "Otherwise, what was the point of marrying you if I can't kiss you whenever and wherever I want?"

"Oh my god, Steve. What's gotten into you?", you giggle, pushing him away from you as much as he lets you. Meeting his eyes, you feel a blush creep onto your cheeks because he looks at you like you hung the moon.

"Is that a blush? Did I actually make my wife blush right now?", he grins from ear to ear and you just roll your eyes as an answer, biting back another giggle.

"Shut up. You are an idiot, but you can be glad that I missed you so much", you smile and kiss him again, using his unwariness in that moment to finally free yourself from his grip, which is only accompanied by Steve's grumble. "Now get America's ass up or our whole house will be flooded if I let your children alone in the bathroom for one second longer."

"Yes, ma'am", he salutes you, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he tries to suppress a laugh. Rolling your eyes with a giggle, you set off to stop Grace from turning the bathroom into her own little water park.

It does not take long for you to get everything back under control and escort your children, and Sarge, who was woken up by all the turmoil, downstairs, into the open kitchen and living area, where they both sit on the huge sofa and watch their favourite kids show. This distraction allows you to prepare their lunch boxes while simultaneously getting some breakfast ready for Steve and you. Of course you also take care of Sarge by filling up his food and water bowls.

Laughter fills the air whenever the cartoon character says something funny on screen, and your heart fills with love at the sight of your two little bundles of joy. Leaning against the counter behind you, you wait for your coffee to be ready, tracking what is currently happening on screen.

All of your children's concentration is on the screen. That is until footsteps can be heard coming down the stairs and they both rush to stand up, jumping into Steve's arms before he even gets the chance to properly enter the room.

"Woah! Careful you two", Steve warns them immediately, but in such a playful tone that they do not even take him seriously. He lifts them both up with ease and bids them good morning with a kiss to the forehead. Sarge is also standing directly at his feet now, his tail wagging in glee.

"Daddy, Daddy! I didn't have any more nightmares", Grace declares proudly while, at the same time, James shares his super-cool, action-packed dream of being the superhero who saved the world.

Steve listens to both of them intently, as best as he can when they are talking to him at the same time, and sits them down on the stools by the kitchen island. The two only stop talking when they drink their orange juice, which you have put there beforehand. Drinking their juice, James starts explaining his dream to his little sister, babbling away.

"Good morning to you too, my beautiful wife", Steve greets you as he slowly approaches you and you can't help but check him out. Today, for your pleasure, he decided to put on a compression shirt, which emphasizes his muscular upper body and especially his upper arms, and combined it with a simple pair of cargo pants. His hair is perfectly styled the way you love it and he has kept his stubble.

He looks so incredibly handsome right now that you just can't keep your hands to yourself and touch his chest the moment he softly kisses you.

"I saw that", he whispers against your lips, flexing the muscles under your hand before leaving a little more space between your bodies. "How did you sleep?"

Since your senses are currently fully consumed by him - his fresh just-left-the-shower scent, his raspy voice, his body in front of you, his entire aura -, you have to swallow before being able to answer. Steve watches all of this with a slight grin on his lips that he is trying to hide, perfectly knowing what he does to you right now.

"Good. Fine. I mean for the sleep I got it was fine", you shrug, being used to not ever feeling completely rested. "I will survive."

"I never doubted that", Steve replies, placing both hands on the counter next to your hips, catching you between them. "But next time you can wake me up when the kids come over at night."

"I know, it's just- You were so exhausted last night and I just couldn't bring myself to steal your well-deserved sleep", you sigh with a sad smile, and, lost in thought, run your hand along his chest and over his shoulder, avoiding eye contact.

"That's why I love you. But", he starts, suddenly holding a cup in front of you. "What was this invented for, then?"

In disbelief, you quickly take a glance next to you, to where the coffee machine is, to where your coffee was just made.

"You are a thief", you say, offended when he actually takes a sip from it with a grin on his perfectly sculpted face.

"It doesn't even work for you", you remind him with your eyebrow raised.

"Hm, the thought counts", he winks at you playfully before placing the cup in your hands, pecking your cheek before filling himself a glass of orange juice as well. "By the way, you look beautiful."

"I tried my best", you snicker, sipping your coffee as you try to hide what is turning out to be yet another blush. "You don't look too bad yourself either, Mr. Rogers."

"Daddy, do you like my pigtails today?", Grace interrupts your conversation all of a sudden, apparently having enough of her brother's talk about superheroes.

"Of course! I love them!", Steve answers, leaning on the kitchen island to be able to reach out to her on the other side, twirling one of her pigtails around his finger. "It looks stunning. And would you take a look at these butterfly hairclips! Amazing!"

The big smile that then appears on her face mirrors that of her father and you can't help but smile too. It is moments like these that really make you realize how lucky you are.

Finishing up their lunch boxes, you ask your children to get their backpacks so you can put them in. The colorful boxes disappear into their bags and a glance at the clock tells you that you will have to get ready to leave soon.

"Do you think I can be a superhero one day, Daddy?", James asks, apparently still caught up in his dream. Steve smiles at him with so much adoration in his eyes as he takes his backpack and smoothes down his hair that you feel your heart beating faster.

"Of course you will, what a question!", Steve answers enthusiastically and takes Grace's backpack as well after checking the time.

"Because my friends don't believe me when I tell them that you are a superhero and that I will one day also be one", James continues, looking at his feet as he tells you this. Steve seems to be at a loss for words for a second and you also do not know what to say. It is not about what he said but about the way your son said it. With so much defeat in his voice.

Quickly, Steve and you exchange a sympathetic gace before he bends down to be on one level with James.

"Don't listen to them, buddy. We all know that you will be a superhero one day and that is what counts", Steve encourages him, rubbing over his shoulder in an attempt to lighten him up. "Am I right, Grace?"

"YES!"

Grace answers with so much enthusiasm in her voice that it makes you giggle. Grace has always been her older brother's biggest fan and when she goes over and hugs him now, telling him that he will be great, but that he definitely needs to get her a cool superhero costume as well, your heart skips a beat and you feel warm inside.

This is your family and they are the best thing that has ever happened to you.

Steve pulls both of them to his chest, hugging them as well before picking them up, one on each side. Apparently they wrap their hands around his neck a bit too tightly, because he is fighting to get some air. "Alright, alright, I may be a superhero but I still need to breathe. Who is ready to leave?", he announces and your kids giggle, loosening their grip on their dad. Sarge barks softly as a response, apparently also ready to go out.

Steve maneuvers both of them to the entryway, putting them down and helping Grace to tie her shoes. James, on the other hand, puts on his jacket and shoes in record time, visibly proud. You join them in the hallway, stuffing your lunchbox into your handbag and handing Steve his own.

"Thank you, my love", he kisses your cheek, patting down on his body to see if he's got his keys and wallet. "Let me bring them today."

"W-What? I was supposed to-"

"I know. But I want to. It's not long until my next mission and I just want to spend as much time with them as possible", Steve interrupts you, smiling while opening the door so the kids can already go outside. "I also need to proof to James' friends that his father is, in fact, Captain America. And you drive them every day, after waking up earlier, after helping them get ready, after making breakfast. Don't think that I haven't noticed that you are barely getting any sleep. I can practically see how exhausted you are, honey."

His words are spot on. Recently, when he was gone on more and longer missions, you indeed found it increasingly difficult to take care of two - three if you count Sarge - children on your own. Even with the help of your parents, and Bucky and Sam from time to time, you were still quite overwhelmed with everything. It actually makes you feel better, even if you do not want to admit it, that Steve is now taking this task off your shoulders. On the other hand, you love your children and can't bare to be seperated from them for too long.

Steve notices that you fall silent at his words and he steps closer, grabbing your hands tightly.

"You're the best mother on this planet and we can consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have you", Steve whispers, softly cupping your face before kissing your forehead. "You are the true superhero here."

"I sometimes really don't feel like it", you answer with a bit of despair in your voice, your two babys laughing in the background as they are already getting into the car on their own. Using the last few minutes you have before running late, you pull him into a tight hug, your arms wrapping around his waist while his are around your neck.

"I love you so much", he whispers into your hair, planting a few kisses there. "You're doing amazing. You've got this. Sometimes you just need to let the sidekick take over."

"Thank yo-"

"Mommy! Daddy!", James' voice interrupts your cute little moment, but before the two of you seperate, Steve steals a quick kiss from you.

"Alright, you need to get going or otherwise you'll be late", you giggle, following Steve out of the house after turning off all the lights and grabbing your bag, Sarge following your every step. You step to the back of the car and check if James and Grace are securely buckled in and then give both of them a kiss to the cheek.

"Have fun today and remember who's going to pick you up after?", you say, smiling as you watch both of them realize which day it is today.

"Uncle Bucky! Uncle Bucky!", both of them yell in unison, giggling. Waving goodbye, you close the door of the car and turn to Steve, who is ready to jump into the car.

"Take care and good luck for your meeting", Steve smiles at you, softly sneaking his hands around your waist to pull you closer and to give you a kiss one last time. However, he doesn't seem to want to stop anymore so you have to gently push him back.

"Mr. Rogers, I fear you're going to be late if you continue like this", you chuckle, caressing his cheek. "See you later. Take care. Love you."

"Love you, too. My superheroine", Steve winks, finally getting into the car and starting the engine. You watch as the car leaves and disappears around the next corner. Sighing, you do not even realize that you are not moving until Sarge begs for your attention. Smiling, you bend down and pat him.

"Oh Sarge, what would I do without all of you?"