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togenabi · 1 year

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with flowers under the stars

inumaki toge x fem!reader (royalty au)

♡—Toge does his best to impress you, even when others might not want him to.

previous♡— [PART 1]

word count♡— 4.1k words (oml)

genre♡— fluff, romance, royalty au

aged up characters♡— 18+

content notes♡— potential lovers to actual lovers, mutual pining, courtship, dating, everyone is a prince or princes, older brother!gojo satoru, no use of y/n, romance, very fluff, mentions of engagement and marriage, toge uses sign language, some characters may be ooc >< pls forgive me

author's note♡— after rising from the grave (I'm so sorry this took so long! buT! I'm graduating! AAA) I finally finished the sequel to my first toge fic. thank you so much to those who have appreciated my previous work! now that I'm back, I hope you enjoy this as well! (⁠ ⁠˘⁠ ⁠³⁠˘⁠)♡

Exchanging letters with prince Toge occurred frequently before you finally met again. He talked about many things, but they all ended the same way: mentioning how lovely you are and how he wishes time could run faster so he could meet you.

Toge's kingdom was a week on ship and a day by train away, so visiting was saved for important duties or events. ‘Maybe I should ask your brother to appoint me an official position in the council so I can stay in the palace.’ He wrote to you once. You reply that he doesn't deserve it, since he wouldn't be working with the empire or its people in mind.

He writes back that he fell for you a little more, and you trace that line an infinite number of times before tucking the letter away.

When the day of the banquet finally arrives, Satoru notices that you appear a bit more lavish than you usually care to look during events.

“Why! My dearest sister! How stunning you look! And for my birthday, no less! I love that color on you, your taste has improved so much!” He suddenly gasps dramatically and loudly—so loud, that the maid helping you with your earrings flinches.

“Are those... the earrings I got you last year? But I've never seen you wear them! I would give you a hug if it wouldn't ruin your clothes!”

You ignore him the entire time he fusses over you. He looks nice today, you admit. His hair is styled down which gives him a softer aura, and his white suit with gold details looks pristine. A midnight blue cape drapes over his shoulders and flows down his back. It would be difficult for anyone else to pull it off, but you don't tell him that. Goodness knows he would never let you hear the end of it.

You sigh as you watch him through the vanity mirror, but he only becomes even more giddy at your silence.

“Hey, give me that.” Satoru says to the attendant holding your brush. “Leave us.” He says as he stands behind you to brush your hair. You stare at him in disbelief.

Satoru knows you love when he brushes your hair. Even if you never outright told him, it was obvious that you enjoyed it when he cared for you. But because you were embarrassed to ask him as you got older, he hasn't done it since you were children.

He's silent and focuses on brushing your hair gently. The moment feels strangely emotional, and your resolve to ignore him cracks a bit.

“So...” Satoru meets your eyes in the mirror, then winks. “You and Toge, huh?”

You tsk, letting your resolve fully break. “I should've known you would notice.”

He laughs and places a hand on your shoulder. “Well, he wrote saying his father wanted to trade silk from their territory, and that he would like to stay at the palace to handle the negotiations.”

“...Add that to the letters you're receiving everyday, and it wasn't too hard to piece things together.”

You groan and cover your face in embarrassment. You and Toge weren't exactly a secret, but you didn't want your brother to know until it got more serious.

“So what now?” You dread having to ask. “Are you going to tell me to call it off?”

“Nope.” Satoru says, smiling. “Besides, if you're anything like your dear old brother—which, you are! Don't deny it!—I'll end up driving you into his arms if I try to keep you away.”

His eyes suddenly turn serious as he considers his next words. “He's a good kid... Good enough for you, though? We'll have to see.” He places the brush on the dresser, and takes your hand to help you on your feet.

“But what's important is to know yourself and decide for yourself. Don't let anyone else make that choice for you.” He looks sincere as he places your hand on his arm. “Shall we?”

“Satoru...” You call him, touched. He grins and kisses your forehead.

“And of course, if you end up marrying him, that saves me and the ministers the work of looking for your match!” You slap his shoulder, but he only laughs harder as he escorts you out.

The ballroom was sparkling when you arrived. There were already plenty of guests partaking in the revelries as the event had begun half an hour before. Satoru had insisted on the importance of being fashionably late. Normally, you wouldn't have let him actually be late, but you caved only for today.

“Entering, their Royal Highnesses, The Imperial Crown Prince and The Imperial Princess.”

As you descended the stairs with Satoru, the people bowed and you took that as an opportunity to look for a head of white hair, a mask or a high collar covering half the face.

“You're being too obvious.” Satoru whispered. “He'll show up, don't worry.”

He led you to the center of the hall. You were so caught up on looking for Toge that you had nearly forgotten you were to share Satoru's first dance; as he still wasn't engaged. The both of you took your positions gracefully as the music started to flow through the air.

“I'll spin you a few times.” He was grinning. “Try to spot him.”

And yet, the song ended without you seeing Toge anywhere. After giving a hasty bow to your brother, you went on with your search once again.

Your eyes caught princess Nobara the same moment she did yours. You were about to go greet her when her eyes trailed off to something behind you. When her gaze returns to yours, she's smirking and it makes you turn to look at what she saw.

Toge takes your breath away as he walks up to you. He wasn't wearing a mask, or a high collar like he had been during the previous ball. His suit was pitch black and every bit as elegant as him. Your eyes were immediately drawn to his lips and you blushed when he caught you staring. All you wanted to do was to dance with him so that you had an excuse to be close.

It seemed that he picked up on that, as he bowed and offered you his hand.

“It's good to see you again.” You greet him. He kisses the back of your hand with a smile before sweeping you away to dance.

Suddenly nervous, your words get stuck in your throat as the beginnings of a soft waltz reach your ears. “I... tried looking for you when I arrived.”

Toge leads the dance as effortlessly as he did the first time. It almost amazes you how natural it feels to move and sway with him. He seems pleased to know that you were paying him as much attention as he gave you.

Not wanting to simply dance, you took to asking him questions. “Did your journey here go smoothly?” Toge nods.

“When did you arrive?”

‘Today.’ He mouths.

“Ah. I'll have to take you sightseeing then.” You grin up at him. “Would tomorrow be alright?” You get your answer in the form of Toge grinning back, and before you could prepare yourself, he twirls you around and catches you in an embrace as the song finishes with a flourish. A number of people around you started to clap, and you couldn't help but blush in his arms.

After settling at the less crowded side of the ballroom, Toge explains, ‘I also tried to find you. I arrived as early as I could, and yet you and your brother were late.’ He looks at you almost as if to scold you, but you see mischief in his eyes. ‘I thought that you might be by the window where we met... So I went to check.’

“Oh, I see.” You respond, a bit embarrassed. “I should have warned you about my brother's flair for dramatics. He tends to do that when he's the star of the event.”

‘Do you have any remaining commitments here at the ball?’

That makes you think for a moment. “No, Satoru's the one the people want to bother today. Why?”

Toge gives you a look that makes you want to agree to almost anything he asks. ‘Will you allow me to whisk you away?’

And so you were both running, hand-in-hand and laughing, on your way to that secluded hall with the stained glass window. It shouldn't have been possible, but it felt more magical than before to be with him here again.

Toge slows his steps when you both reach the window. You realize that despite coming to cherish this place, you never sought it out when he wasn't around. Something tells you that would have only made you miss him more.

Looking at you with a serious expression, he begins to sign, ‘I know I have been very upfront about myself caring about you... But I want to ask this properly, because you deserve nothing less than the best.’

‘I would like—if it is alright with you, to formally court you.’

The smile on your face glows before you can help it, and you throw your arms around him.

“I would very much like that as well, my dear prince.” You lean to kiss his cheek.

Toge looks dazed and happy as if drunk on something you had given him. Maybe he was.

The moonlight shining through the glass paints him in a kaleidoscope of colors. Before, the only colors on him were the purple hues in his eyes. And now he stood before you, bright and shining.

‘You look beautiful.’

He took the words right out of your mouth.

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Satoru came to find you the day after the banquet. Naturally, he entered your office without knocking, and unceremoniously dropped a heavy document in front of the one you were already working on.

“What's this?”

“Toge's proposal...”

The floor seemed to sink, your heart and your breath gone along with it. “What?”

“—for the trade negotiations.”

It took everything in your power to not throw the block of papers at him. “You're unbelievable.”

Satoru only hummed. “So is your boyfriend. I can't believe he's making me work right after my birthday! He should be kissing up to me, not giving me paperwork!”

“Last time I checked, he's courting me. Not you.” Nevertheless, you take a few moments to sift through the document. It was very detailed and efficient. You note that the length of the proposal was due to the many alternative plans Toge had prepared. This would certainly help the negotiations go smoothly. Satoru and the ministers merely had to look at the options.

Looking back to your brother, you couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. What was he complaining about, when all he had to do was select the best plan and tweak where it was necessary?

“We're to begin the negotiations in two days. I think his plans have potential—” You couldn't help but snort at that, from what you'd seen, Toge was already excellent. (You were not biased. Not at all.) “But, I don't think the older ministers will be kind to someone who acts like a know-it-all.”

“Toge doesn't—”

“A-ah,” Satoru waves a finger at you, as if you were a child being told what you did wrong. You scowl at him but he ignores it. “This will be a test for him, to see if he's able to win against those old goons.”

“You mean yourself, then?” His expression drops at that, and you don't bother to hide how satisfied that made you feel.

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As the weeks flew by, Toge ended up being a lot more busy than you both anticipated. Despite officially dating, lunches together turned to having tea during breaks; then that turned to catching him in the hallway for a few moments before he had to go.

You didn't understand why his workload only seemed to grow, no matter how much effort he put in. Once, when you caught him just before he entered his chambers, you had asked him if anything was going wrong with the negotiations.

Toge looked exhausted, and yet he gave you a smile that made your heart melt. ‘No, the talks are going well, I suppose I'm just having trouble adjusting to the empire's work culture.’

You must have looked unconvinced, because Toge suddenly leaned in and rested his forehead against yours. Mischievously, he stared into your eyes until you were too flustered to be worried anymore. He laughed when you had to push him away.

That night, he bid you farewell with a kiss to your cheek.

‘Good night, darling.’

The next time you had Toge to yourself for an entire day, it was due to a holiday celebration. Everyone was too occupied with the festivities to work. You were supposed to be at another banquet Satoru had hosted, but you were determined to monopolize Toge's time today.

So you showed up at his door at the earliest respectable hour of the morning, dressed for warm weather and a picnic basket in your hand.

“Will you allow me to whisk you away?” You asked when he answered the door.

You took him on a tour of the parts of the palace he hasn't seen yet. Your office, the private library, and even some of the secret passage ways. His eyes lit up with curiosity when you showed him one behind a portrait.

You had lunch in the gardens, under a tree that offers wonderful shade. A soft blanket laid across the grass, with a spread of the empire's specialty dishes arranged all over it.

“This one,” You show Toge a cookie with flowers piped on top. “Has been my favorite since I was a child. It has just the perfect amount of sweetness, and goes beautifully with tea.”

You move to hand Toge the cookie, but he doesn't take it. Confused, you're about to ask him if anything was wrong when he leans forward and opens his mouth expectantly.

Wordlessly, you raise the cookie to his lips. The moment feels oddly intimate as he takes a bite without removing his gaze from yours.

Toge hums and moves his hands to sign, ‘It's indeed delicious.’ He leans to you and opens his mouth again.

You push the half-eaten cookie into his hands and turn away to hide your blush. “If you're able to tell me what you think about it, you can eat it yourself.”

He breathes out a laugh. Smirking at you while he chews the remaining cookie.

It was so peaceful, just sitting there with him. And it seemed as though you weren't the only one who wanted to sit with Toge. A tiny white butterfly fluttered about before landing on his knee. He looked so enchanted by it. Staring close, but being careful that he didn't move his knee or disturbed it.

The butterfly flying away made you want to explore too. Getting yourself up, you look over your shoulder and gesture for him to follow. He offers you his arm once he catches up, and you rest your hand on it. Birds chirp and leaves rustle in the wind as you walk towards the shimmering lake at the edge of the gardens.

Bracing yourself on Toge's arm, you kick your shoes off. You set them aside to dip your toes into the water. “It's so refreshing!”

Toge feels his chest grow as warm as the sunlight kisses your cheeks. He gets down on one knee to untie his shoes when he's abruptly hit by a splash of water. Flabbergasted, he looks up at you, blinking away the water droplets in his lashes.

Of course, Toge isn't one to back down from a challenge. The result is the both of you shivering and drenched by the time the sun has set. Your maids fuss all over you when you get back to the palace, and the other staff almost faint at the puddles that trail after you and Toge.

It was useless to insist that you could walk alone and that you both should get cleaned up at the soonest. Toge didn't leave your side until you entered your chambers, your gazes only being broken by the door once it closed.

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You got the most dreadful fever after that day with Toge. Satoru, wanting you to rest properly, made you swear not to lift a finger for work related reasons until you got better. Which, you followed without complaint. You took a break for a few days.

Toge did his best to see you, but he only got busier. His eyes looked more and more tired, dark circles under them when you caught him in the library one morning. He stayed there to work overnight. You were barely able to convince him to rest.

On another night, one of your maids caught him trying to sneak in your room, screaming and kicking him out. You could have sworn half the palace had woken up to that, and you couldn't help but hide under your sheets due to the embarrassment.

What irritates you most, however, was that the first thing you heard when you get back is, “Oh. Finally decided to return to your duties, eh?” from a delegate who spent most of his time gossiping, and whose biggest contribution to the empire was refilling the inkwells in the conference room...

The conference room has five inkwells.

Those ministers and court members were proving more and more to be nuisances. You gave them an earful when they had assumed you were slacking off when you were sick.

Not to mention, you suspected that they have been making Toge do more work than he needs to. Even if he never complains, you don't fail to notice how some courtiers turn their noses up at him just because his kingdom was distant and smaller compared to the scale of the empire.

The thought of Toge being belittled makes you pause during work, frowning at a chart of kitchen expenses as if it's done something offensive.

Dropping your pen, you head out of your office with brisk steps. You had to speak to Satoru.

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“Overworking Toge? Why, dear sister, I can't believe you're accusing me of such a thing!” Satoru puts a hand to his heart as if he was wounded by your words.

“Maybe not.” You're not going to let him weasel out of this one. “But you let the other ministers and court members walk all over him! Is Toge supposed to just sit there and take it? He's a prince, damn it!”

“Listen,” Satoru leans forward, his elbows on his desk as he uses his hands while explaining. “The ministers are just a bit frazzled, that's all. They think he forced you to skip the holiday banquet, and that he got you sick. He's good at his work, sure. But in their eyes? He just looks like a bad influence on you.”

You scoff.

“Now,” Satoru interrupts before you can say anything, “They were going to try and match you with prince Megumi—”

“Megumi's already engaged.”

“I know, I know. And that's why they're planning on pitching you with prince Yuji or princess Nobara.”

“I'm already with Toge.” You say sternly. “And what happened to not letting others make my decisions for me?”

“As far as those old goons are concerned, Toge is only the third best for you. ‘For the greatness of the empire’ and all that.” It doesn't escape you that he dodged your question. “They're going to try to push you apart until you break up or get hitched.” He leans back, crossing his arms on his chest. “Whichever comes first.”

“Why don't you stop them?” Frustrated, you run your hands through your hair. “Tell them I really like him and that they should leave him alone!”

“Sweetheart,” Satoru's tone becomes deeper, and you hate how it instantly makes you shut up. “The thing is, if Toge isn't capable of handling this, or if he backs out of your relationship because of it, he's not worth your time.”

You stare at him, unlinking. The thought of Toge leaving you had never occurred to you before, and Satoru could tell.

“I told you I would test him.” He shrugged. “It seems I'm testing you too.”

Rushing back to your office, you grab a piece of parchment and your pen from your desk. Not bothering to sit down as you write: Meet me at the gardens, by the tree. Midnight.

You fold it and hastily stuff it into an envelope. Delicately melting wax, you stamp your seal onto it before calling for your most trusted maid.

Handing her the letter, you instruct her, “Deliver this to prince Toge and prince Toge only. If anyone hinders you or attempts to read it, report back to me immediately. Go.”

She bows, and exits the room.

That night, Toge arrived before you. You note that he has a penchant for being early as he reaches to squeeze your hand. He looks you over to check if you're alright, and despite seeing nothing of concern, he asks anyway, ‘Are you okay?’

“We need to talk.” You nervously purse your lips. “The courtiers, the ministers... My brother. They've been making your work difficult.”

He sighs. ‘You found out.’

“You didn't tell me!” You rest a hand on his cheek, absentmindedly grazing your thumb over the marks near his mouth. “Do you understand what they're trying to do?”

‘Testing me.’

“Yes.” A lump forms in your throat. “Satoru said it's until you give up on me, or if you... propose.”

Heart racing, your hands can't stop fiddling with things. His face. His hair. The fastenings of his suit. “I'm just so worried. I care a great deal about you, and I just wanted to ask if you're enduring this because you want to.” You bite your lip in thought. “If it's because you're sure about... me.”

You can't look at him. You suddenly feel foolish. You should have given it a night and slept on it to gather your thoughts. You should have—

Toge embraces you. Everything stops.

You take in the view of the gardens over his shoulder. It was dark, and there was barely any light save for the stars twinkling above. You closed your eyes and let yourself be held.

Pulling away, he doesn't seem as fazed as you do, if at all. He turns to you slowly, and after taking a deep breath...

‘Marry me, then.’

You choke on air.

“Wh-what?!” A warmth creeps into your cheeks. “What are you—”

He places his hands on your shoulders and stares into your eyes. He gives you a look and mouths, ‘Breathe.’ And you do.

Once you've calmed down, he begins to explain.

‘We can come forward and make a statement that we've been seeing each other with marriage in mind. Which...’ He pauses, suddenly shy. ‘I have. I've been thinking about swearing everything to you... Intertwining my future with yours.’

‘I know it's only been a few months, so we could have a long engagement if you want. For us to get to know each other more. And if—’ Toge's hands freeze, his movements are slow as if the next words pain him.

‘...If you decide to break off the engagement, I will not force you to stay with me.’

You immediately stop his hands, holding them tightly with your own.

“Toge... I wouldn't even consider this with anyone else,” You feel genuinely happy as you smile at him. “But I'm willing to try. With you. Only you.”

He glows in a way that reminds you of when you first met. His expression is soft as if he's melting, and he smiles at you brightly. You think of how lucky you are that he looks at you this way.

‘This isn't the way I wanted it to happen, but...’

Toge picks a small, white flower from a bush nearby. It faintly reminds you of the butterfly that had flown to him the last time you were here together. His eyes are focused and he frowns in concentration as he fiddles with the stem. Your heart stutters as he makes... a delicate ring.

He kneels.

You say yes.

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A letter from you and Toge arrives on Satoru's desk the next day.

‘Dearest brother,

Please approve this statement that prince Toge and I have been seeing each other, and that we have decided to get engaged. You will find the formal document stamped with our seals attached to this letter.

We expect your approval posthaste, and I will not consider any objections. Please let us know when you will be available to discuss the engagement ceremony.’

“Your highness, what should we do with these documents you had forged?”

“Oh. Hand them over.” Satoru waves a hand to dismiss the attendant after retrieving the files.

He gets up from his desk and walks to the fireplace. “I can't believe he proposed before I could falsely accuse him of treason.” He tsks and throws the documents into the fire.

His eyes find a framed photograph on the fireplace mantel. It was of him and you as children. Satoru was laughing after you ran to him for a hug. His gaze grows sad yet understanding... He won't be the first person you'll turn to anymore when you get married.

Sighing, he considers that he should be thankful you chose someone determined and true like Toge. But then Satoru grins.

“I suppose I can always mess with him as his brother-in-law.”

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#inumaki toge x reader #inumaki toge fluff #toge x reader #inumaki toge oneshot #jujutsu kaisen fluff #toge fluff #inumaki toge imagine #inumaki imagines #inumaki x y/n #inumaki x reader #jjk fluff #jjk x reader #inumaki toge royalty au #jujutsu kaisen x reader #toge x you #togenabi-toge-02

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sporadicthingcollection · 6 months

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Paint Job (Buggy the Clown x F!Reader)

Summary: In which Buggy indulges his two favorite hobbies: doing your makeup and driving you crazy. Pairing: Buggy the Clown x F!Reader Rating: General. Word Count: ~1k. Warnings: Pregnancy. A/N: my birthday was yesterday so i wrote this for myself

Your belly button popped out. He had no idea until you stripped your clothes off for a nap and fell asleep cradled in that dumb pregnancy pillow you use instead of cuddling with him.

He squints at it. It looks funny. Round. Sticks out. Kinda like...

...hmm.

The intrusive thought hits him like a fish jumping out of the water and into a boat.

You'd look so cute and he'd get to show off his artistic talent. Not to mention that everyone would know whose baby is in your belly. Not that there's any doubt, of course, but he has to mark his territory somehow and he suspects that you wouldn't appreciate being peed on.

(The obvious answer of putting some jewelry on those naked ring fingers of yours has occurred to him many times, but that thought is somehow scarier than fatherhood. So he ignores it.)

Grabbing his bag of tricks from the vanity, he tiptoes to the bed. He sets himself down slowly, gently, carefully. The bed squeaks as he eases his weight onto it, but you don't stir.

He works quickly. First some white greasepaint, squeezed onto his wrist and dabbed onto your belly with a makeup sponge. Follow that with a bit of black paint, applied with a careful stroke of the brush. Then pigment sticks for the detail work and outlines...

The baby seems to enjoy it. It occasionally moves in response to his touch. Nothing herky jerky -- just little shifts and nudges. Makes his heart melt. He can't wait to meet the little rugrat.

And now the piece de résistance, a dab of red right on the mound of your navel.

Et voilà. Perfection.

He leans back to marvel at his artistry as he wipes the extra makeup from his hand. In another life, he'd have made a damn good painter. Hell, maybe he should invest in some acrylics and canvas. Start a money laundering scheme.

Buggy notices that your eyes are open. Two little windows into a warm, dark abyss. The same color as falling asleep in a cozy bed on a cold, dark night.

“Having fun?” you ask.

“Tons,” he says coolly. “How was the snooze?”

“Great, ‘til your kid started tap dancing on my bladder.” You lean back on your elbows as you stretch your legs out, splaying your toes out like Richie does after he wakes up from a nap. Your belly rests on your thighs now. Try as you might, you can't see over the top. “What were you doing?”

He hops off the bed and offers you his arm, easing you to your feet. He guides you to his vanity with a hand on your waist. Your gait has gained a wobble and, while he's never seen anything hotter, being on a constantly rocking ship makes him nervous.

Your eyes go wide when you see his Jolly Roger painted across your stomach, your belly button forming the nose. You twist this way and that, your smile growing with each shift.

He rests his head against yours. “So everyone knows just who put you up the pole,” he murmurs.

“As if there's any question with how handsy you are,” you snort. You turn that warm smile to him. “Love it, Bugs.”

He didn't think you'd be upset, not really, but hearing you happy eases his nerves greatly. “I decided to take an impressionist approach,” he says. “You can tell from the brush strokes and my liberal use of white.”

You were right, that night you first spent together: you laugh like a gaggle of News Coos. Clattery, loud, inelegant. It's his third favorite sound in the world. The second is that snort you make when you're trying not to laugh, and the first is... Well, his pursuit of that sound is what led to your current condition.

He pushes the gag a little further. “Made it during my Alabastan Period, where I was influenced by--” You push your lips against his. He keeps talking, just to annoy you. “--traditional geometric patterns of nomadic--”

You grab his cheeks and shove your tongue in his mouth. Once he's runs out of breath, you pull away with a big red splotch across your smile. “Shut up,” you say.

“Never.” He moves behind you. He pops his hands off to lace his fingers underneath your belly as he drapes his arms around your shoulders. "How's that?"

You sigh in relief as the weight is lifted off your organs, your spine, everything. "Fucking hell, thank you," you breathe.

He makes a mental note to thank the old ex-con who told him the trick. Surefire way to make your old lady love you forever, she'd said, grinning at her husband. How else you think I ended up with having six kids with this knucklehead?

The thought of six little humans running around fills him with dread... but at the same time, everyone loves a family act. Matching threads for everyone, him in his best and you all dolled up like a work of art. Suits for the boys and little tutus for the girls.

Six little faces looking up at him in adoration, six little creatures to do his bidding, six little people guaranteed to worship the ground he walks on...

You snap your fingers in front of him. "Hey. Clown."

That's enough to bring him back to earth. He hopes to every god that will listen that it's just one in there. "Just distracted by your beauty," he says.

You give him a dry look. "Liar."

"Alright, ya got me. I was thinking about your tits." Buggy rests his chin in the crook of your neck. “How much longer?”

You reach up to pat his cheek. “Couple months.”

He groans. “But I wanna meet Buggy Junior noooow-wuh,” he whines.

Your smile vanishes. “Over my dead body you name my kid that.”

“Why not? It's a great name. Buggy Balthazar Zebulon Xerxes Mixolydian Macadamia--” You pinch his lips shut with your fingers, but he keeps talking. “--Jeremiah Jubilee--”

You turn and shove your tongue in his mouth again. He shuts up for good this time.

---

To the "Curious Courtship" Masterpost | To the Mastahpost | Tip Jar

#buggy the clown #buggy x reader #buggy x you #buggy the clown x reader #kiss marry kill #one piece x reader #one piece #one piece live action #fan fiction #one piece fanfiction #reader insert #x reader #emberly writes #smash or pass #the curious courtship of buggy the clown #dad buggy

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pandorafallz · 10 months

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Vampire AU | Learn to See

After a quick breakfast in his human body from supplies from his fridge than the fire-cooked stuff, Jake was glad to stretch out in his Avatar. Though his body was very displeased by the missed meal by the grumbles growing in his gut he was met with Jake was surprised to see a wrapped Niktsyey of veg waiting for him beside his hammock with a cup of water. So he chugged the water down and then ate it happily.

Jake had barely gotten his new shorts and shirt on by the time his curtain moved and N’deh popped his head around the edge, a little cautiously before he realised he was in fact, dressed. Barely.

“Jakesully.”

“Thank you for leaving some food for me,” Jake said appreciatively because there was only one person who had the time to make and leave it for him by the time he had linked back up.

N’deh just nodded. “I knew your body would be hungry, unlike Sky people, I have no way to feed empty bodies. Leaving your food was your next best option when you didn’t return”

Jake’s head tilted though he felt a little…touched that the man was willing to feed an unconscious body if it were possible. A…unexpected expression of care. “Still... I really appreciate it.”

N’deh nodded again in acknowledgement though his eyes took in his mauri carefully though his face fell a little. “You have not decorated much, I see? I hoped by now you would have added expression to your home.”

Jake craned his head about. “Not...really? Right now, this is simply for storing my avatar. My decoration is mostly in with my human body.”

N’deh frowned lightly. “But this is also your body. You should care for it by leaving it in a place of pride. No one leaves their belongings discarded on the ground after use. Be…respectful of what this body provides you.” He lectured lightly. “It may be small but there can be much done to make it your home. Come, I shall show you mine.”

Jake blinked in a little bemusement at the Na’vi’s abrupt disappearance and attitude but followed after. In all honesty, it hadn’t occurred to him to decorate more than hanging his clothes up. He got up, changed then left for the day, only to return at night change and let his avatar rest. He hadn’t found much reason to change when it worked out quite well.

In all honestly, peeking into N’deh’s mauri was a surprise; it wasn’t what he expected. He had never ventured into N’deh’s Mauri before. He expected N’deh to have a bow up and a good few arrows lined up or jewellery like the woven navy blue and teal collar he always had on, which it was an unusual colour given Tsu’tey and most male Omatikaya had red or maroon chokers now that he thought about it.

But, N’deh’s mauri had…lots of human trinkets in it. A bookshelves of books, a watch, and bits and bobs, but what stood out to take was the art pieces and the…pictures that laid upon the woven surfaces.

Jake’s eyes lingered on the childish handprints of fingerpaint and childish hand-drawn writing but his attention was to the photographs.

Many were from the school, clearly. Many of the kids, Augustine at the front in one, touching both her blue ears and the writing behind her looking to be describing elements of the body in English. The photograph was taken from the back as many students were mirroring Augustine.

A few were of the other students, some posing and some not. Jake recognised Neytiri in one in a hug-together picture with a taller, and slightly older girl… with a familiar necklace he had seen Augustine’s avatar wear. There was certainly a…resemblance between Neytiri and this girl. Was this…her sister? The one that had...died at the school?

One photo was much closer to N’deh’s hammock. Dr Augustine with one arm slung around N’deh’s shoulder, his arm around her waist while her arm was around his as well and both grinning at the camera.

“You were…at the school?” Jake couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes, Eytukan thought it would be…wise to have me there to supervise the children.” N’deh said, “he was still a little…suspicious of the sky people and what would be taught so to settle his feelings, I would go and accompany them up until my banishment, a year prior to the closing.”

Jake nodded, though bent down to read the spines of the books.

Complex Mathematics, Classroom Edition

Wonders of Earth (2019 Edition) by Geographical Nature

Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare.

A Botanist’s Vocabulary

Elements of the Philosophy of Plants; Containing the Principles of Scientific Botany of With a History of the Science, and Practical Illustrations… by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle

The Human body.

The Wonders of Pandoran Plants, By Grace Augustine.

Advanced Reading Comprehension and Writing.

The Lorax

Jake blinked a little at the range of books N’deh had. He could see a few more books piled on the side, but the spines were away but it was clear to see…N’deh liked to read. He liked to read human books and…liked elements of their culture, by the looks of it as well. He had pencils and… had a chess board tucked away, between his Na’vi appropriate belongings, a small loom set off to the side next to his personal rack.

“The point I make is that I’ve decorated my space with my interests, by things that were given to me or made for me,” N’deh said, touching at one of the children’s finger paintings he had pinned up. “Kim and Jerome have as well. Just because you vacate this body often, it doesn’t mean it should be left on a shelf until it’s convenient.” N’deh placed his hands on Jake’s chest. “As I said before, have some pride. It is your home.”

Jake met the steely yellow gaze and he all he could do was nod once.

“Hey Jake, Come help me collect mud and clay! I have an oven I wanna you to help build!” Nadine called from down below, waving her datapad with designs over her head at him.

Ruby’s tail flickered irritably as she set about adding more rock texturing paint across the windows of her home; the ones that weren’t going to be used for viewing. Although her hands worked on muscle memory, her mind was…distant and uncomfortable.

Vampires.

It should have been a funny fucking joke. A story for their amusement and now…they were real?? Like what the fuck? When were vampires a thing and how the fuck did they get onto this goddamn planet without anyone noticing? How come she didn’t…remember anything? What did the bloodsuckers do to them in their lapses of memory? Sure, their blood but…did they enjoy them in more than that way?

Ruby didn’t know and in all honesty, she didn’t know if she wanted to know. Blood was certainly taken, that was fact given the light Kendra had shone on them showing them the markings of being feasted upon.

Ignorance was truly bliss; she’d be much happier not knowing and living out here in peace and quiet. Why did Sully have to tell them? What was the point? It wasn’t like it was their problem now, was it?

“If Hell’s Gate finds out, then the vampires can leave then we’re on the menu. We’re not so protected. The Na’vi cannot protect us against these creatures.”

Sully did have some…logic, she supposed. She had squat to work on if these things came for them. They had Garlic. She could trade some for potatoes from their camp for some and get that growing. The Na’vi might be interested in Garlic as well which meant they had to get a lot more grown for the clan as well. It wouldn’t take long. All the plants seemed to grow and grew like weeds so it was likely to be harvested sooner than they would have been on Earth. A plus for them.

“You okay, Ruby?”

Her head turned, looking down to Zeke who barely came to her hips. He was dressed down into a tank top and shorts today and there was mud all over his hands and a large rough blue-ish rock in his hands.

“I’m fine.” She said, putting the wooden end of her brush into her mouth to dab some paint away with her pinkie.

“Wanna check out this sweet rock I found?” Zeke offered. “Copper ore!” he held out the rock to her.

Ruby turned to him though curiously peaked as he held it out. “Metal ore?” The Na’vi weren’t going to be happy about that. He set it into her palm when she knelt and set her paint pallet down, allowing her to turn it about.

“It’s… well I didn’t mine it. If it’s free game along the surface like any of the rocks they make for beads and weapons, then we can use this. We know why they follow their laws and we can follow the intention behind it after all. This isn’t much worse than their stone beads or stone arrowheads, after all.” He answered.

Even so, Ruby had a feeling it wouldn’t be welcomed but… he had a point. The Na’vi that used stone for tools clearly used some non-renewable resources. Plus, she supposed they could smelt this down and they weren’t doing what the RDA were doing.

“Collect what you can, sparingly,” Ruby said, handing it back. “If the rivers hold ores, we should be careful on how the rivers and plant life handle the minerals. I’ll make adjustments to our water filters so we shouldn’t have to worry about copper or metal poisoning.”

Zeke gave her a thumbs up. “I know sorta how to make a small smelter but gathering the tools will take time. I’m no engineer.”

“We can hold off on that until we can get to the other shacks.” Ruby mused. “It’ll be a pain going back and forth as there’s a lot but…we should probably think like hoarders and get what we can. We can split up the goods with the others.”

Zeke cocked his head to the side. “If you wanna think like a hoarder, just leave any junk behind and take the whole shack?”

There was a pause.

“The whole shack?”

Zeke nodded thoughtfully, “It’s just...an idea. Like, it’s a whole breathable atmosphere inside the shacks. More shacks, more space for us to have without masks, right?” He offered. “We can link the shacks together, or with someone engineering, we could cut a few up to make a bigger space than a module city.”

Ruby blinked but she felt the lights of ideas run through her mind at the…possibilities. She hadn’t thought of that; only of the stuff inside of what would be useful. Hell, Trinity’s group was using two shack modules for all of them while they got the lab. It had been a debate on which group got which but Ruby had won the Rolab for the basis of science; space needed to ensure that the thing they were eating would be safe or could be constructed in the RoLab or in an emergency situation, a sterile place for surgery. Not that they thought they needed it but they kept the lab clean for a reason. They had their living space and link-beds attached but it was separated by an airlock.

It would…be nice. Zeke could have his own personal shack as well. She could fuck Zane as loud as she wanted without giving their third wheel an eyeful or keep him up all night. Reza said they had wiped most and that left… at minimum forty shacks dotted about, excluding the numbers that had dual or more modules, which could up the shack numbers to maybe sixty or seventy modules. A lot of space; breathable space.

“Where could we put them?” She wondered.

“I don’t know but… I’m sure we could put them into some underground caves for storage in the meantime?” Zeke suggested, rubbing the back of his head. “Like, it’s risky and we have to use the Samson’s but…the prizes would be worth it.”

Ruby nodded softly. “It is…tempting. But we’ll need to run this past the others. If we take shacks, we’ll need to figure something out for everyone. Sully and Reza have a Samson, I heard the camp had an older one but it’s long dead. We can use that for parts. We have two Samson’s between our two camps. That’s three altogether. One can lift a single module. Two for a RoLab.”

“One for security.”

Ruby hummed, tapping her arm lightly with her brush and not realising it was the wet end. “Get these ideas written down for tomorrow, we can discuss with Sully on organising at least getting two modules. We can negotiate on the content.”

Zeke perked up. “Yep! Yep, that sounds fun.” He clapped her knee happily and with the copper held up, he dashed straight inside.

She watched him fondly, her earlier concerns remaining distant. Less relevant. Vampires weren’t a problem for them so why make it a problem for now? Ruby bent down to get back to work then tittered loudly as she realised her arm was covered in paint.

Wonderful.

The oven was surprisingly fun to create, Jake found as he was Nadine’s able hands as she set tasks upon him and Morgan with her direction. They coated a wooden surface with clay and let that sun dry with the sand. N’deh had been immediately against having them set a stone brick and mortar base as it was against the third law of Eywa; ‘setting stone upon stone’. Too similar to building a ‘house’ so they had to improvise with a portable clay oven. The bases were made of the Pandoran version of Bamboo shoots which were coated in clay in a square structure to act as the main firewood storage. It was bigger than planned to account for their portion sizes. So by the time lunch came, almost all the pieces of the oven were done, the rest had to dry. Like the dome’s ‘piping’ was still drying out before they could form the dome. But they had the dirt ready and waiting.

Lunch was a simple meal, Jerome cooked a simple stew but this time with spice now that they knew their avatar bodies could take it well. Kim looked positively gleeful and practically inhaled it and a second bowl as well. “I was craving something, didn’t think it was the spice” was all she had said.

N’deh had watched in amusement as he ate his own bowl of stew—Nadine had saved him some last second before the spices were added since he was the only pure-blooded Na’vi who couldn’t tolerate it.

Jake fed himself in his human body after that, did some stretches then returned to his avatar to help with the mother loom with N’deh and Kim.

Even after a month and a bit with this, Jake’s skill was not the best but he had seen improvements in the quality of his work which was very satisfying to see. Plus, working the threading was easier when he had made it as well. They were carrying on with a large mauri piece, so the loom was fully extended and the weavings were large and tight. Kim remained diligent in keeping the tension with the crank while Jake helped with the large shuttle and made a few minor corrections to the weave pattern.

“…as I said, sorry for not believing you, man.” Jerome’s voice reached them before either Avatar or Morgan arrived. Jake’s head craned towards them briefly but returned back to work when the shuttle came his way.

“I get it, but… thanks, Jer.” Morgan clapped the man on the leg. “Shame you can’t test and see if you were nibbled on any more. Seems the avatars weren’t part of the menu.”

Jerome snorted a little. “Yeah… kinda glad I don’t know. Who knows how long they’ve been here? But, it does make sense in the manner of how they’re doing it and why…from a scientific standpoint.”

Morgan gave him a weird look. “You really don’t mind them eating us? Attacking us? Wiping our memory?”

Jerome frowned, “I don’t know the mechanics of their abilities. I don’t condone it either but… they still have to eat at the end of the day. The fact they’re not hunting avatars, Na’vi or… well, the wild animals seems to say that they can’t. They have to rely on the human population. I’d rather have them fed and happy, with all humans accounted and healthy than any of them starving and going on a rampage. Anyone who’s died on Pandora seems to be killed by Pandoran wildlife or accidents at work. Even before I left, there were no injuries or death-related injuries where blood loss and bites were part of it.”

Morgan frowned. “Well, as someone who was bitten many, many times. I ain’t on board with that so…don’t go singing their praises to me.”

“Vampires are predators. Sky people are their prey.” N’deh called, also having been listening in. “It is natural for resentment. You fear them. Our prey species run from being hunted as well, just as much as the Na’vi run from Palulukan.”

“That’s different.” Morgan deflected. “The animals we eat aren’t sentient…or have any Sight of Eywa, as your people would understand. These people hunt on sentient prey. Us. They know we don’t like it.”

“And you wonder why they remove your memory?” N’deh remarked dryly, not looking away from the thread adjustment he was doing.. “But, they have not killed. That shows restraint. They do not wish to kill you. They may not be Na’vi or a human, but it shows that they are rational and thus, have their own culture and lifestyle that is beyond hunger-fuelled death. If they can only feed on humans, ignorance must be essential for peace otherwise they will starve, thus they remove the memory of their feeding.”

Jake eyed N’deh for a moment but opted to not stroke that fire. Clearly, as someone who wasn’t prey to these creatures, he didn’t see them the same way. If anything, he sounded fascinated by this species, more so than Jerome. Which again was weird. These people were capable of wiping out the entire Omatikaya clan within an hour alone if they wanted to; that knowledge alone should be terrifying. One vampire could kill twenty armed warriors within 5 seconds. No stone wall to stop them or the distance between even if they made a run for it. Humans were pursuit predators back in the day. But these things could outlast them. Human technology couldn’t outlast them either.

Morgan wrinkled his nose. “I’m sure you’ll feel differently after they get inside your brain.”

“Are you worried that they fed from you or that they may have taken more from you?” N’deh asked, gently climbing down the loom.

Morgan’s arms crossed over his chest. “One seduced me into my bed.”

N’deh cocked his head to the side. “Did this vampire touch you in a sexual manner in the time that you recall their feed?”

Morgan sucked his teeth but shook his head a little. “No.”

“Then it seems their interest is more for your blood, than your body. Perhaps there is culture in their feedings, they may have seduced you but not for sexual activities as you believed.” N’deh spoke calmly. “I cannot know for sure but.. I’m sure you would tell if someone took advantage of your body.”

Jake secured the shuttle then gently climbed down and took his leave—this was not a conversation he wanted to be a part of or one he wanted to think about—so he headed back towards the camp, treading carefully as usual to avoid footprints and thankfully, he spotted Neytiri but to his surprise, she was not alone as she jumped off Seze’s back. Tsu’tey also was with her with his own Ikran, peering into his shack curiously.

“Hey!” He waved happily, though he eyed Tsu’tey a little longer when he got close. Neytiri was an often visitor but not Tsu’tey. Clearly, something was up. “Is everything okay?”

Neytiri nodded, “Of course. I spoke to my father and he agreed to allow me to train you to be a hunter. Your human days at Hometree will be your rest days to allow your Dreamwalker to rest, but there can be…changes to account for your home chores.” She added, gesturing to his shack.

“You’re to watch gleefully from the sidelines, aren’t you?” Jake said, directing this to Tsu’tey had had since smirked a little; clearly knowing what was in store for him.

“Yes.” Tsu’tey agreed.

“Tsu’tey is here to get more accustomed to your home, he has only come to pick you up before now but had not learned its layout and purposes. There’ll be times when my duty as Tsakarem pulls me from your training. Tsu’tey will take over on those occasions.”

Jake eyes the warrior for a moment, not sure if that was for better or for worse. Neytiri was smart, brilliant and beautiful. Tsu’tey was grumpy, paranoid and looked like he’d take great pleasure from his suffering. He wasn’t sure if Tsu’tey could ‘teach’ anything.

“When shall we start?”

“Tomorrow. You’ll be in your Dreamwalker at Hometree then. Ashelysloan has also requested to be trained as a hunter along with MingxiaWu and Trinityharper. Tsu’tey will tend to a portion of them when they arrive but I will accept them as students as well.” Neytiri said though remained a little uncertain. “If they can keep up.”

“Don’t be too harsh,” Jake added, mostly to Tsu’tey. “Our human bodies aren’t…designed to navigate this world like yours. Things will be difficult, they will be slower because they’re smaller and we haven’t had a tree to climb in generations. The moment you start judging on their inabilities, you’ll get a lecture.” He promised because he was sure that of all the people who needed to hear that warning, it was Tsu’tey.

“They will learn.”

“I’m sure they will.” Jake agreed, though made way towards their storage supplies where he knelt to find where Nadine left his cloth and sewing supplies. Parts of a loom N’deh was crafting were still about—later’s problem. “So, the others are at our main loom working on pieces for Kim and Jerome’s expansion for their mauri if you want to see them. She wants to get it done before she gets too pregnant to scale it correctly.”

“Many pregnant women work with our mother loom with no issue,” Tsu’tey remarked.

“I don’t doubt their abilities, but she’s carrying two babies which will double her efforts. Plus, she said as much to me anyway.” It wasn’t like he was judging. Kim knew her limits and they were respecting it. From what he had seen, Na’vi pregnancies were a little lighter on the Na’vi body than human pregnancies. Women hunted up to at least a week until they gave birth and even then, they could hunt after. They have better joints and movements so they weren’t as fragile and much more durable, and while the pregnancy was about the time in length, the Na’vi babies looked to pop out much more developed than humans. “You know, she’s having two girls?”

Neytiri’s head cocked to the side. “Now do you know? They’re not born yet?”

“No, but sky people have the technology to see into the womb.” He said, “We’ve used this technology for almost…two hundred years. It helped us diagnose babies’ illnesses or deformities before birth, allowing some doctors to operate and allow the child to grow into health prior to birth. We can see their faces or… see if it’s a girl or a boy.”

Neytiri looked a little perturbed but also intrigued at the notion. “So you are able to see if the babies Kim carries are healthy.”

“Yes, I think she plans to bring the scanner when the doc from Harper’s camp comes down to help explain it better. Any human who gets pregnant is gonna want that technology to monitor their pregnancy. Pandora is…different. It may affect our babies in ways we don’t know yet and our babies are already born premature as it is.”

“I suppose we’ll find out how our pregnancies are alike or different at some point but now, it’s hardly a productive conversation. To my knowledge, sky people don’t have babies in our world.”

“I haven’t seen any but that doesn’t surprise me. The Sky people tend to have rules against relationships. Not that it stops anyone; it’s a formality.” He was a marine; he knew what went down and he was certain that a lot was happening behind closed doors. Ruby and Zane, for starters. He bet for one, Quaritch has a routine to get someone in his bed if he so desires it.

“How sad,” Neytiri replied.

Jake soon showed Tsu’tey around mostly; their growing plants in the ground that had sprouted well and on their way to be growing food in a few months tie and the weed was growing very healthily and taller everyday which he was excited for, he showed the Mauri’s; which was his mostly. Though getting to his own shack on the ground, he showed the pair how to work the door safely; if there was an emergency then how to shut down the link bed.

“It’s an emergency stop, but I have been warned by Ashley and… by some of the drivers, that this can hurt. Jerome said it had even killed an avatar once in the early days of avatars but… sometimes an emergency doesn’t care and it has to be done. If the RDA find my camp and I’m in here, they’ll hit the button to get me out regardless.” He had explained. Neytiri had worried a little. Tsu’tey had surprisingly lightened up a little.

“You trust us with this information?” he had asked. “You know I do not like you, even if you do provide our clan aid.”

“I don’t care that you do not like me. I know you do not hate me otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.” Jake had pointed out, “We’re… on neutral ground, I would say. I can trust that.”

The two didn’t stay too long after that and left, but Jake didn’t miss the lingering look Neytiri gave to him as she jumped back into Seze’s back.

“Once Captain Hale leaves for the night, we’re clocked in for the night shift.” One woman said quietly. “Everything’s on standby. Conner’s already got the schedules down and equipment loaded. Let’s do this quickly, quietly and go like we’re leaving for a shift. Put any extra clothes on underneath your current ones to make up for any space you’re lacking in your bag. Once we’re gone, we’re not coming back to do some shopping.”

“Sounds like a plan. But where’s the endgame?” a man asked.

“Right now, doesn’t matter. The night shift isn’t as tightly watched. They don’t find out till morning so we have to put distance between us and then in that time. We’re not taking a ship or anything. Gates got us the scent shit so the wildlife will leave us alone.” The woman said, eyeing the group. “This ain’t gonna be an easy trip. It’s still a high risk out there but…given there are a good few people gone and no bodies back, shows that we can survive. We don’t need Hell’s Gate or any of their bullshit. So, folks, Let’s live a little and thrive. Humans stick together, after all.”

Ten miners, one SecOps and one SciOps left after dusk.

They did not return.

Jake woke sharply to a knocking on his window, sitting up, and fumbled along the wall for the bar light before he squinted to see Neytiri’s face peering through the window at him, her rider mask on.

“Tell her to fuck off. Imma sleeping.” Nadine grumbled, having also awoken by the sound. Rolling over but her snores echoed a few seconds later.

Neytiri pointed to the link bed through the window, enough to give Jake an idea of what she wanted before he slowly made his way out of bed, turned the light off behind him and got into the link bed.

He blinked into the darkness of his mauri though his avatar was tired, it was still good so he clambered out and down.

Neytiri was on Seze though he greeted her tiredly.

“This is kinda late. Can’t it wait till tomorrow?”

“Possibly, but my mother said now was a good time before your training starts.”

“Good time for what?” Jake cambered up, his hands coming to her sides though his heart gave an odd squeeze as she lurched up and Seze took off, forcing him to have a tighter grip on her.

Neytiri didn’t answer but the answer came when the sight of a strange, glowing forest of pink trees with long willow-tree-like branches but without leaves that appeared in the distance and crawled close. He could feel Neytiri’s reverence in how she flew and how Seze touched down.

Jake slipped off softly as well, though he felt a little…awed at the beauty of these trees. He had never seen these ones before. It felt…certainly felt special.

“What is this place?” he jumped a little as a flurry of fan lizards were equally startled by his presence, his eyes following them as they circled about them.

“Utral Aymokriyä” Neytiri spoke, her eyes alight with fondness as she led the way. “You would call it… Trees of Voices. A very sacred spot.”

Jake’s eyes widened. “Am…I allowed here?”

“Only for the reason we are here tonight. Nothing else. You are not one of the people.”

Ouch, but Jake didn’t disagree. He was an outsider which meant this was clearly very important.

Neytiri led the day, taking a shallow breath in doing so, reaching for the tendrils that seemed to shiver and move as they got inside, reaching for them almost but never touching until Neytiri extended her arm and let her fingers touch the tendrils lightly.

“When an Omatikaya has given birth, a child’s first Tsaheylu is immediately set with their mother. This bonds them emotionally as parent to a child with unconscionable love. Our second Tsaheylu is with Eywa when infants are a few months into life and able to…understand and experience the love our Great Mother gives to each of her children.” Neytiri spoke, her eyes ahead as she came to a spot close to some large roots. “We typically go to the Tree of Souls, which is further out but some would choose these trees as their first connection with Eywa.”

Jake’s eyes took in the trees with some awe, noting the few woodsprites that danced along the tendrils.

“Warriors and hunters come here often. We bond with Eywa before events, so our memory and soul will be preserved within her should we perish.” Neytiri pulled her tswin from behind her, coming to connect it to the tendrils in front of her. “This is also a place for prayers to be heard…. Or answered.” Her beautiful yellow eyes remained open, her pupils seemed to dilate a little in response. “Our ancestors can be heard for generations. It is how they live. Within Eywa.”

Jake swallowed as she turned to look at him, unable to help himself as she reached a hand for him and allowed her to guide him to sit down at the roots where a few tendrils lay down close. His heart thumped a little, in an odd sense of anticipation.

“Is…it possible I do it wrong?” he asked, a little worried.

Neytiri chuckled softly, disconnecting her tswin to sit beside him. “No. This will be your first…communion with Eywa. She will understand.”

“Am…I the only one doing this?”

“My mother has come to the agreement that a single Dreamwalker will commune at a time in a single night. My father was against it but saw reason.” Neytiri spoke, “he saw how proof of your vampires changed their attitudes quickly to belief. If…all those with Dreamwalkers can See, then I sense those without may follow but…we are extending a lot of trust by bringing you here.”

Jake didn’t feel less anxious by that fact alone. Sure, he could definitely see this was a huge deal….he hoped he didn’t fuck it up. Of all the things to fuck up, this should not be part of it.

“I-I won’t break it.” He promised faintly, “Just…what should I do?”

Neytiri reached for the tendril and pulled it forward. “Your tswin will curl around naturally, close your eyes and keep your mind blank of thought but allow yourself to follow what direction you’re pulled in. You will hear the voices of our ancestors first but try to seek below their presence. She will sense why you are here and respond.”

Jake took a steady breath, pulling his braid from behind over his shoulder until he gripped near the end, allowing the hair to fall away from the pink tendrils that still kinda freaked him out if he stared at them for too long. Couldn’t be too hard to mess up putting A to B, right?

Right?

Jake felt her hand on his arm yet remained quiet as he guided his tswin to the tendrils and closed his eyes.

At first, he felt a soft echo of noise in his…ears, yet he didn’t feel them twitch towards any direction. The sound, he realised was voices; barely catching enough to understand what they were saying. A singing song, a weaving chant—a child giggling happily. Yet, there was something else below that.

He could feel the soft pull and reminded himself to flow with it. He could…feel the soft pulsing, like a heartbeat that echoed around him that was subtle and quiet and lulled him onwards… but it was quick as he felt the teetering edge of something. Beyond the voices that these trees were renowned for, it was like his very being was…being guided.

The teetering stopped as he allowed himself to cave and fall. It felt the dam of emotion suddenly wash through his very veins, a warm and…connection that he hadn’t experienced before seemed to light through his soul. He felt…

Not alone.

An unfamiliar sensation.

The beating of the heart was loud, as was the soft breath.

Jake was…accustomed to being alone. Loneliness. The absence of people. He had gotten better, he had reconnected and while he struggled to balance his camp mates, there was that distance he had kept in his heart that…had a shred of loneliness. The absence of what he had needed.

Gone by the death of his parents.

Gone by the death of his twin brother.

It was just him. The last Sully of his bloodline on Earth. How lonely that was in the population of 20 billion people. How could he not be alone with that? Years before Tommy had died, just after his chair, he was used to it, the growth of absence when Tommy had vanished for years with little to talk about when he was training to come here. He had missed out on talking to Tommy. Missed out on his last few weeks of life. How little he knew of what had become of Tommy before his death. The RDA’s non-disclosure didn’t help.

His connections to his war group had dwindled with each of their losses, though he had taken great pleasures with Nadine in their time in the war; it was in most part to relieve stress but… he had closed that connection after what had happened to the both of them. He had gotten used to her absence after that, but they had connected back.

Jake was used to loneliness.

So feeling the sense of…warmth and connection was quickly overwhelming. He was aware his breath was shuddering, but he didn’t want to find his way back.

He could feel the pulsing warmth of…simply her.

It…wasn’t as strong as he expected but in some part, of why was simple; this place was not for such emotional visits like this; the Tree of Souls would serve a greater and more spiritual connection.

This was enough.

He could feel the connections were like a binding web, of voices of the dead, fragments of life still lived between both spirit and material. It went beyond where he was sitting. A delicate balance between predator and prey, the…unfamiliar love that seemed to connect even to him now to this balance of life.

Eywa’s presence was simply there. Under and around. Breathing with the wind or ratting through the leaves.

Now you see.

Jake opened his eyes, realising for a moment that he was crying softly but he couldn’t find the strength to disconnect as he seemed to surface back towards the voices. Not knowing if the absence would remain or not.

“Jake.” Neytiri’s voice echoed.

“I see.” His whispered.

Masterlist

#avatar #avatar au #avatar james cameron #grace augustine #avatar the way of water #jake sully #mo'at #avatar rda #neytiri #neytiri te tskaha mo'at'ite #tsu'tey #eytukan #norm spellman #vampire #vampire au #vampire grace

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ismaet · 3 years

Text

Housekid AU Part 3

Part 1 here

Part 2 here

Idea: Casita raises Mirabel

Perspective shift

Mirabel was the first to break. Again.

She had been making Kuya Mariano a looser shirt (his Guard training was giving him so much muscle it's getting ridiculous) one afternoon, finishing off the last of the adaptation stitches (she loved making him new clothes but repairing the arms everyday was such an annoyance) along with some cleaning ones, when the 13 year old himself strolled into the sewing room holding two cups of Chocolate Santafereño.

He sat down beside her with a heavy thud, then whistled in appreciation at the elaborate bucks prancing on flower paths stitched in a beautiful asymmetric pattern from the shirt's shoulders down to the waist.

"Ay, Miraposita! You're getting better everyday!" He smiled, offering her one of the cups as he gently ran his fingers over the finished parts of the embroidery. "It's so cool!"

Maybe it was the sweet smell of the drink, maybe it was the soothing tiredness that came with accomplishing a task, or maybe it was the genuine appreciation in his tone for her work- Mirabel will never know.

"You really think so, hermano?"

Not missing a beat- because he's big old, adorably dumb, supportive and caring Mariano -the older boy nodded furiously (not at all noticing Mirabel's panic). "Of course! Look at the detail! The color and- see? The shine! You're so talented, hermanita!"

Then with a wide smile, his hand reached out and ruffled her curls.

"I can't wait to wear it!!!"

(Her mother was laughing at her, she just knew it. If she didn't then, she definitely did when the same thing happened with Senora Guzman and it took poor Mirabel until 3am in the morning to realize.)

"Good night, Abuelita!"

"Buenas noches, nieta!"

Mirabel, 8 hours later, waking up in a cold sweat: "Wait-"

(Ugh, Mami! Can't you see I'm busy dying inside?)

Somehow, the acknowledgement of siblinghood between the Guzman boy and the youngest Madrigal girl made the following months a hectic storm of fun, bizarre, and strangely educational chaos.

With the increased comfort they had in each other's presence, Mirabel had taken to teaching Mariano parkour, while Mariano had taken to pulling a Casita and deciding that teaching an almost 7-year-old how to use a machete was good payment for her free-running lessons.

Suffice it to say, they had given Senora Guzman more than enough near heart attacks to last a lifetime.

"Hermano! You think you can jump that?"

"Mira! You gotta swing- no, not like- yeah! That! Put all your weight into it! You gotta mean it!"

"Yano, no, you have to duck your head and roll. And- wait! Don't land on your heels!"

"Swing! Up! Down! Swing it, Mira! Swing! Woah, don't over do it- ACK!"

"Catch me, hermano! Ha! You think you can just- wATCH ThE TILE!"

"Okay, just like that, you have to take good care of your machete, otherwise you're just gonna be swinging around an extra hard piece of wood."

"Repeat after me- Yano, please -Don't lock your knees. Ever. ¿Comprender? Buena."

"Okay, it just occurred to me that you are small (Wha- ow! Hey! It's true!). So, how about you try moving your entire body with the swing, not just your arm? Like...hmm... come here, Mira, let's try this..."

"Yeah, yeah! That's it, hermano! Fly, Fly!"

"Dance with me, hermanita. Let your blade sing."

Of course, they didn't stop with just Parkour or Machete fighting- no no. Mirabel then taught Mariano the art of sneaking around, making his footsteps so light they could be mistaken as the scuttering of rats. Mariano, in turn, taught Mirabel all sorts of things his Papa had taught him: hunting with a bow and arrow, repairing things around the house, riding a horse, etc.

You would often see the two children popping in and out of random points in town, either training a skill or learning a new one. A common occurrence during days when Mira didn't have a sewing lesson was a race from La Casa Guzman to a chosen house. They would take turns on using the rooves, horses, or pure speed and endurance on the roads- sometimes, they'd even get other children to join in on the fun. Now, those days were just an utter maelstrom of befuddlement and confused joy.

Though, no matter how chaotic a day would become, Senora Guzman could always count on her two children to return home safe and sound.

Either it be Mariano carrying his precious sister in his arms, or Mirabel riding a horse with a snoring Mariano securely, comedically tied down behind her- it didn't matter. Both would be images forever imprinted onto the old woman's mind, and she was once again thankful for little Mira's sudden, literal drop into their lives.

What would it have been like, if she hadn't?

Casita was very, very pleased with her Candelita's growth. Her threadwork was improving, her Gift was developing quite nicely (she can already feel it shifting sources), and she had even started her ascent to becoming the Madrigal Matriarch- she emotionally adopted two people already!

And that's not even mentioning her better social skills and mental state!

(happypridelove)

Ah, they grow up so fast. One moment she's fumbling with a mop handle and the next she's dancing with machetes.

Hmm... Her little Candelita's birthday is almost upon them again (so soon?). And it wouldn't do anymore, for it to be celebrated by two people alone. But her daughter has yet to reveal her identity- though, not for the lack of trust, mind you. Just simply the lack of a proper moment.

Casita checked the state of her magic.

It's stable enough (though, the piece of her in the Lantern feels strange- she'll have to investigate that later); the Flame's not flickering, the cracks small and slow... it's probable.

Casita grinned then, focusing on young Mariano's location.

Time to make a proper moment.

Her daughter won't have to be alone for another birthday anymore, no senor. Not on her watch.

Mariano was panicking.

Did he do it right? Does it look okay? There- that's good right? Wait- is that a strand or- no, that should be darker-

"Mijo," His mother said, amusement in her eyes. "She'll love it." Her hand was a comforting weight on his back.

"She could do better, honestly." Mariano nervously laughed.

"She could," A light tap to his forehead. "But that's not the point now, is it?"

Mariano looked at the door to the sewing room. Then to the calendar. Then back to the door.

"You sure she won't hate it?" He repeated.

"She won't, Mijo."

Seconds ticked by. He inhaled. "Okay."

With only a bit of fumbling, he hid the present behind his back, and knocked on the door.

"Mira?"

"Come in!"

Mariano walked in, eyes instantly drawn to his hermanita's latest work. It was a shawl, dyed different shades of light green in an asymmetric gradient, embroidered with roses of darker emeralds. As always, it was breath taking.

"Hey, Yano! Abuelita!" Mira greeted, smile already putting the almost 14-year-old at ease. She raised the shawl, presenting it in various angles. "What do you think?"

"It's very beautiful, nieta." His mother said, hand reaching over to caress the detailed stitching. "Such threadwork! Who's this for?"

Mira giggled, then with a twirl and a flourish, handed it over to his mama. "Surprise!"

If he wasn't still nervous, Mariano would've laughed at the flabbergasted expression on his mother's face. In the end, he settled for a fond smile.

"For... me?" She asked quietly, grabbing the shawl with a gentleness that should've been reserved for fragile glass. Mariano couldn't blame her. The first professional level stitching Mira had allowed him to handle, he had done the same.

Mira's grin turned a touch bit shy. It was adorable.

"Yeah...um, as thanks? For letting me learn here. For letting me use the sewing room. For the breakfasts and fabrics and -f-fo-for everything. For teaching me." She fiddled with her hands as she anxiously awaited Mama's response. They were probably very sweaty.

Mira didn't need to worry though, Mariano thought as his mama's eyes glistened. The hug that followed between the two certainly confirmed it.

"Oh nieta! Thank you! And it was an honor being your mentor, mi pequena costurera! You were the best student I've ever had! This is beautiful!"

Mariano couldn't help but quip. "She's the only student you've ever had, Mama."

"Even better!"

Mira's laughter was of twinkling bells. There was relief, joy, and- most plentiful -gratitude emanating from her little body as she was spun around and around in his mama's arms, the shawl trailing after her in her grip like ethereal, wispy wings.

That image was what stripped away the last of Mariano's nerves; and so it was with a puff of air that he grinned wide, catching his hermanita's eyes.

"Hey Mira?"

"Heheha- ye-yeah, Yano?"

"You're not the only one with surprises today, you know."

"Huh?" The little seamstress blinked, confused. Mariano's grin got a little bit excited.

"Yep! Last week at training, someone told me something very important. In fact, it was so important I rushed home immediately to do something about it. Do you know why that is?"

Her face should be illegal. It should be against the law to be that cute.

"...No?"

Mariano softened, and with a flourish and a twirl similar to her own just a few minutes ago, presented his gift.

"Happy Birthday, Mira."

A butterfly crown made of yarn, thread, and the softest of fabrics.

His hermanita gasped softly.

Seeing tears, Mariano gently lifted the crown above her head, and placed it upon her curls with the gentleness of the early morning breeze.

Mira's eyes practically sparkled as she looked at her reflection on the mirror mama had prepared. She was beautiful.

"You... made this... for m-me?" She whimpered, echoing the earlier words of her abuelita.

Mariano smiled. "Of course. It's not as good as it could have been, especially if you had done it instead, but... I hope you like it, Mir-oof!"

Who knew the little 7-year-old had such strength?

"Happy birthday, Mira." Mariano repeated as he hugged her back. She was so small, so precious.

Mira's grip was tight. She mumbled something against his shirt.

"Hmm? What was that, hermanita?"

She mumbled it again, a bit louder. He felt something... loosen in his mind. Or- that's not quite the word- perhaps, more accurately, unlOCKeD-WhereDidShECOMEFROMWHO'SFAMILYDOESSHEBELONGTOWHOAREHERPARENTSSHEHASBIGBROWNEYESABIGADORABLENOSESHORTCURLYHAIRSHE'S-

"Mirabel," She looked up at him, afraid, happy, grateful and relieved.

"My name is Mirabel Madrigal. And I love it, hermano, thank you."

(Later, after the revelations, explanations, acceptance and proper celebrations were done, the Lantern Flared- while the Candle Flickered.)

Perspective shift

"Knock knock knock knock knock, knock on wood," Casita's little Seer muttered under his breath, watching the Family breakfast the morning after her daughter's 7th birthday.

A birthday that has, like her 6th, not even been noticed.

"Juli, Gus, what are you doing?" He asked, knowing the answer.

His hands rhythmically tapped against his table, quiet enough to be mistaken for the scuttling of rats. The vibrations accidentally knock off a few wood shavings onto the floor.

"Your Butterfly's flying away," He said somberly, sadly, "The Flame's led her to the Deer in the forest, she's leaving, she's leaving."

His hands sought activity- finding it in the chisel that laid inert near an unfinished, yet still beautifully crafted crown. Clearly a labor of love.

"You're not following, you're not, you're not," He lamented. "You should be right beside her, sharing currents, the sky, but you're not. Everyone does, will, have, though. I Saw. Unfair, unfair to her."

He looked at the ceiling.

"Unfair to you. Why didn't you tell them?" He asked again, also still knowing the answer.

Casita clacked her tiles with him in unison.

"You shouldn't have to," He groaned in acceptance, gently dropping the chisel and switching to ruffle his head of hair. "I know, I know, but, but, but- this is a problem, needs, needs to be addressed."

Casita hummed in bitter, sad amusement; then drummed a few bamboo into a question.

Would they listen?

At that, her Seer looks down, hair in a tight grip of frustration.

"Juli, Pepi- they would, they should, but," He trembled, "We wouldn't be having this talk, if, if they did. Too tight. Too tight. Mama's holding too tight. I'm choking, Casita. We're choking, Casita. My mouse, my mouse, she's not, not yet, but the noose is still there, Casita."

He looked up at the ceiling, this time pleading.

"Can I still follow my mouse, Casita? Can I still call her my mouse, Casita? My vision, my vision. Will she know that I left for her, Casita? My mouse, I miss my mouse, Casita. Am I too late, Casita? Is the rat left to rot, away from his mouse, Casita?"

Casita had only one answer.

His door shook, then glowed bright.

(It's about time for the rat to come home.)

Perspective shift

Mirabel associated her Tio Bruno with the ticks of a sped up clock. His Gift only justified that fact.

He knocks on his wood, he taps his feet, he clacks a finger against his teeth. It's all quirky little rhythmic ti-ti-ti-ti-tap-taps; his own variation of a custom, really. They signal his presence in a room, they allow you a peek into his current train of thought- it was one of the things that Mirabel loved about her Tio.

"Ay, little Mouse, that's not all. You see, she's also his... Cousin!"

"Knock on wood. Just in case. Do salt, too. If nothing else, it'll hit Camaleon in the eyes. That last prank of his was uncalled for. Hmm? Oh, mi pequena nina, tiny, petty acts of revenge are absolutely allowed."

"Do you see this mierda, my little Mouse? Why would my Gift show me the death of a fish? What? No, it's not April 1st, and my Gift is not sentient."

"The key to being a good performer, little mouse, isn't your skill- no no no. It's Confidence and Flair. You can be the best at acting all you want- but if you're not entertaining yourself or your audience, are you really a performer?"

"Ratoncita, I love you, okay? Gift or no Gift. I love you. I love you. Your Tio loves you. You're my mouse. You're special, mi vida. Nobody's just seeing it yet. But while you wait for them to open their eyes, you also gotta do the same. See yourself. You gotta be one of the first to believe. I already do...."

It was one of the things she missed about her Tio.

...she missed her Tio.

It was nice to know he loved her though. Loved her enough to tell her that fact before leaving.

She sometimes wondered what would've happened if he didn't, though. Would he and Mami raise her together? Or, more funnily, would Mami raise them together? Tio had been very mischievous, after all. Sometimes even rivaling Camilo.

...she missed her Tio.

Sighing, Mirabel puts down the shirt she'd been embroidering for herself for the past few weeks, and stretched; the bones in her spine crackling just right. She then rapidly blinked her eyes to quickly get rid of the extra zoom. They went a little teary.

Ugh, she supposes that was the result of being hunched over and squinting over the tiniest details.

"The devil's in the details, little Mouse. It's the details, the subtext, the double entendre; that hit you where it counts."

Ay, Tio.

Gently caressing the little Hourglasses she had added, she wondered where her Tio was now. Maybe he's started a family, maybe he's alone in a forest, maybe he's still on the road.

Or maybe, Mirabel hoped, he's safe and sound- like the broken clock that reminded her of him in Senor Baltasar's living room. Safe and taken care of.

She hummed.

Maybe it's time she added green to her dress. She'd always been a little bit of her Tio's, even after the Ceremony (He told her so; she can still feel phantom fingers ruffling her curls fondly).

Heh. She could already imagine all the 'fights' he and Mami would have over who got to have the most of their color on her.

Knock knock knock knock knock, knock knock knock- plunk.

Mirabel froze.

Tick-tick-tick, tick-tick-tick, tick.

No way.

Tap, ti-ti-tap-tap, tap.

"A pretty little room for a pretty little mouse. But where's the pretty little mouse for the pretty little room?"

Mirabel had never jumped over her railings so fast in all her life.

The next few weeks are spent catching up with each other. Stories upon stories dripped out of their mouths; right into open, eager ears.

But the day they had met again was somehow even longer than that stretch of time- for Bruno, having this as his first direct human to human interaction in the 2 years he spent behind the walls, spilled to Mirabel all he could.

His reason for leaving.

"A vision of you, my precious mouse. Can't tell, can't tell specifics, but you're the catalyst. Save or destroy. Or both. Or none. But you know, you know. Bad luck Bruno. Bad Luck Bruno. Had to leave for you. Couldn't let them know. They'd see you wrong."

His watching of her growth through the walls.

"I saw, and I Saw a lot of you. Proud. Very. Play Pretend with me sometime. I'm, I'm broken a bit, but I still have a little confidence, a little, a little flair, mi preciosa ratoncita. Remember? Remember? Confidence and flair. Also, also, your work, I love it. Casita took care of you good. You're flying high, little butterfly. Could, could this rat ask of his mouse, some of her work? Your magic's warm."

His missing of her two birthdays.

"I hate, hate, that I couldn't give you company. Casita gave you her present, your Gift and Door, and I was happy! Happy for you. But you were also alone. And I was right there. Also your 7th. Not alone anymore. The Deer, they took you in, you took them too. They follow you. Happy, but also sad. I wanted to follow you too. Wanted to follow you so much. Even if only behind walls. But you were far. Couldn't reach you anymore. Asked Casita if I could still follow you. Still worthy, somehow, in her eyes, that she allowed me here. Am I still worthy of you to you though, my little mouse? Am I your rat still? Here, here, your gifts. I made you still. Even with the chance we would never meet. Thought that counts, they say. But, we met. So here, gifts. I love you."

And all throughout this, there were lots of tears. And hugs. And more tears. And more hugs. In fact, one hug lasted so long they both fell asleep in Mirabel's couch, the little girl right on top of her uncle.

(It was a sight Casita had outright demanded of Mirabel's butterflies to immortalise on photo. They were all too happy to comply.)

Ever since then, the two had been attached at the hip, eager to make up for their 2 year separation. Mirabel had informed her brother and grandmother that she had something important to take care of for a while in advance, and thus she was free to dive straight into work.

The first thing she had noticed the moment she was emotionally stable enough to had been her uncle's unruly hair, and so that was what she began the recovery and catching up weeks with.

She cut his hair (having learned how on a whim after seeing her abuelita doing it to Mariano) short and clean, helped him shave his beard to a more tasteful state, then later awed at his uncanny resemblance to Abuelo Pedro.

"Huh," Tio Bruno had whispered, almost reverently, as he looked at his reflection in the mirror, "I, I... I think I'll keep this, this look. I'll keep it, Ratoncita."

Next, Mirabel set to make her precious Tio a proper set of clothes. No more too long Ruana, no more same, drab color shirt and pants, and no more of said shirt and pants being way too loose and baggy. No more; not under her watch.

The outfit she eventually settled on was a vest with back tails, a shirt with medium-length arms, slightly form-fitting pants, formal shoes, and a fancy cloak.

All appropriately colored in matching shades of his green, of course.

(And laden to high heaven with protective and locator threads. She's not loosing him again.)

"Confidence," Her uncle had said, awed, as he slowly turned around in front of the mirror; eyes sometimes lingering on the elaborate stitching. Then he suddenly grabbed an edge of his cloak and twisted to strike a sweeping pose, "and Flair."

His grin was wide, a little mad.

"Oh, my creative little mouse. You spoil me sometimes."

And finally, the hard part: helping his body and mind heal from his time in the walls.

Here, Mirabel had asked her Mami for help (she knew enough to know that she can't do it all on her own- she's still a 7-year-old, after all. Raised by a non-human magical entity yes, but a 7-year-old nonetheless), and the entity had been all too happy to oblige.

They began small.

Mirabel sleeping with her Tio at appropriate times in his part of her Room (that she made immediately after learning he's been in the walls) to force him into a healthy sleep schedule as well as help curb his insomnia with company, Casita helping her daughter cook a full meal for every eating time of the day, Mirabel practicing her parkour with her Tio around to force him to learn with her (and thus have exercise) just so he could keep an eye on her better, etc, etc.

Those little manipulations stacked up quite nicely in the 4 months it occurred in, excitingly leading to her Tio having built himself a lean, strong, and agile healthy body. In fact, amazingly, about 5 weeks in, when Mirabel left for her weekly visit to her brother and grandmother, her mother had happily reported that her Tio had set to practice parkour without her presence. It was great news; he was gaining confidence, he was getting better!

Mirabel was proud of her Tio, if you couldn't tell.

And she became even more proud at what happened 3 weeks later: her Tio asking to meet the Guzmans!

"You trust them enough to reveal your identity, little mouse," idly, Mirabel cheered at his recovering speech, "and I trust you and your mother. Besides; I want to meet the family that, that, treated you well. I want to meet your suns. Casita, she's your soil, your shade. I want to meet the people who made you bloom."

Mirabel could barely hold off on just dragging her Tio straight to La Casa Guzman after that little declaration. Could you blame her for being excited at the prospect that her little family (not her bigger one was she still a part of it even?) was becoming one member bigger?

Luckily, her mother set her straight (amusedly), and so that night, she went by 'herself' only- for hopefully the last time -to prepare and explain what might occur in the next few days.

Her hermano and her Tio got along like a house on fire (no offense to her Mami).

With one a poet and one a performer/writer (he had to be, with those brilliant telenovelas Mirabel could remember being shown to her before he 'left'), was there ever any doubt?

Their bond had even grown in the same room Mirabel's had with the two Guzmans; in the sewing room of the house (Mirabel found that fact very amusing and awesome).

With Tio freed from the usual tasks that came with trying to survive in the walls of a sentient building by being her Roommate, suddenly there was a lot of Free time in his daily routine. Free time that he immediately spent by sitting with his niece's embroidery classes; at first to also learn, but then slowly devolving to what was essentially competitively making a novel on the spot: excitedly spewing storylines, dialogue trees, character backstories and plot-points with said niece's hermano.

Their growing connection was a sound Mirabel and her Abuelita had quickly found to be the perfect background noise to their sewing; the strands of stories their ears catch as they fade in and out of the zone very captivating, her mother's reactionary clicks and clacks of boards and tiles a varied but charming melody.

Though, personally, the little Madrigal girl found it the best when all 5 were interacting. The chaos created by a family in sync was something she could never get enough of (something she wished for with her bigger fam with the rest of her fam La Familia Madrigal).

It all came to a head though, when 3 months after the initial meeting, Abuelita suggested that Tio Bruno finally go out in public- under a disguise, of course, maybe something like Mirabel's Glamour Ruana except preferably without the accidental mind-screwing (sorry, hermano) -to show off his amazing and often enrapturing plotlines, and the man in question lit up with the younger one right behind him.

"Your stories are too big to have just our little family of five as an audience to enjoy them, Brunieto," Abuelita had cooed, "Besides, the Encanto could use a little excitement, what with all the peace. I believe your 'Quién soy yo para ti' series, especially Season 4 episode 27, would do that quite nicely. Bet you; people will be theorizing about it for days. I still am!" She chuckled.

The look that the two literary-leaning creative males had shared after the suggestion made Mirabel instantly, happily, know that this was it- this was the point of no return.

Mariano's little squeal of "Dios mio, Tio, if we're really doing this, you have to include-" only served to fuel her sudden burst of joy.

(The Lantern Flares, Bright and Fiery.)

Her Tio was now officially part of her little family, and he didn't even notice! Ha! Exactly like she had before!

(The freakout he was going to have the moment he does realize will be a moment Mirabel awaits with baited breath and a tub of popcorn.)

Oh, Mirabel was so happy, she was practically buzzing with energy. Actually, maybe she was! She was warm and all tingly all over! (There's a sheet of electricity right under her skin- it's comforting, it's empowering, it's- it's Magic.)

The fact that they were also going to have their first ever Family project soon (she could hear the word 'costumes' and knew it was gonna be hers and Abuelita's job) was just the delicious cherry on top!

(The Candle Flickers, Sputters, Fragmented. Someone looks on with sadness, worry- and maybe a little bit of disappointment. Someone finds the Lantern's brightness bittersweet.)

Casita, while happy at the fact that a Madrigal finally followed the rightful Matriarch, winces as one of the larger cracks in her walls made up for the healing littler ones by deepening. It's hot, it's searing- it's a knife, it's a claw, it's raking it hurts it hurts it hurts ithurtsithurtsdamnyouAlma and it's all she could do to keep her precious Candelita from knowing, noticing. It's too early. There's... There's nothing her Little Miracle could do; not yet at least. Casita screams yelps shouts whimpers groans in pain.

Bear it for her.

Do it for her.

Casita loves them, despite all. Her daughter though especially. So, she Stands. She Stands for them. She Stands a little more for Her. She'll Stand until she cannot anymore.

(It helps though, when her daughter smiles. When her daughter laughs. When her daughter is Bright. Because she knows she's the root cause. Because she knows she made that happen. Because she knows she allowed that to happen. She's raising her right, if nothing else.)

(If she was going to Fail, let it not be at being a Mother.)

------

(Part 4 here! Hope you enjoyed this! I made it extra long to make up for the gap of writing silence. Also, Bruno's here! A Madrigal finally joined Casita's chosen Matriarchal Heir!)

Also Bonus concept art(???) of the Guzman Boy and the Madrigal Girl:

#encanto 2021 #encanto au #housekid!au #mirabel madrigal #mariano guzman #the family madrigal #casita #au #senora guzman #extra long post this time because we had an internet problem and my love for this movie is so great I was actually productive #with a WIP for the first time in my life #self fanart to come for Housekid!Bruno soon #as well as Housekid!Mirabel #really maybe all of them #bruno madrigal #Bruno is a writer in canon with those telenovelas of his you really think he's not gonna speak all fancy for fun #He spoke fancy to himself for entertainment #and now it's his speech pattern ha!#also being a 7-year-old raised by a Magical entity always comes with a bit more maturity and plus it's canon to life that kids are #just really smart so that's why little Mirabel's the way she is #hope i didn't give her too sophisticated a vocabulary #either way Mami Casita's proud of her so i guess it doesn't really matter

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supernovafeather · 2 years

Text

Sisters (Part 2) (18+)

Leto Atreides x F!Reader

Content : smut, unprotected sex, public sex, vaginal sex, mention of oral sex, dom!Leto.

Words : ~2000

Please read PART 1 before !

Please reblog if you liked it !

The sun is high in the blue sky, embracing this planet warmly. It's good to welcome it again after days of grey days submitted to the dark clouds.

Like the other Sisters, you are praying, your kneels on the ground made of marble, hands resting on your thighs. You are looking down, the tenets repeated over and over in your head with a soft yet firm voice.

Your body and soul are shields to House Atreides.

Silence and words are your weapons.

You shall protect father, son, mother, daughter till your life's sunset.

Obedience is the key, discipline is your anthem.

Bring the light from the shadows.

Anonymous and holding their name higher than moutains tops, remain unknown.

Your eyes shall not cross this bloodline's.

Kneel, bow, nod, obey.

Usually you can focus fully on them, never getting tired of these words you have already seen thousands of times in your life and will in the future for at least a million other times. The memory the Duke let in your mind is still fresh, and your mouth is salivating at the thought of it.

This event never got discussed with your Sisters. They only asked you how you felt afterwards, and you answered that you were alright. And it was the case. Staying anonymous then getting noticed in such a way by a man with such a high esteem in your mind... is complicated. You accepted how eager you were to please him by now.

Your body and soul are shields to House Atreides.

How true is this one. Your flesh having to take a blade or poison to protect them, and your soul risking to fall into pieces at any traumatic incident that could occur during your quest. To be honest with yourself you would be happy to offer your body to this man.

Silence and words are your weapons.

Maybe he would like something in-between, moans for example ?

You shall protect father, son, mother, daughter till your life's sunset.

What would happen to a Sister if she becomes the mother of an Atreides heir ? Does she still have to be the protector, or would she be protected by the Sisters ? You never pushed your thoughts so far on this matter. You should ask.

Obedience is the key, discipline is your anthem.

Maybe that behind his clean appearance the Duke loves more messy things. He does appreciate it when people obey and you sure are disciplined all to listen to him. But what if you disobeyed ? Just once ?

Bring the light from the shadows.

He looks so lonely in your mind despite his power. No human mind can handle it well. You may never had crossed his gaze, never seen his face, but... you just suspect it, he must wear a dark gaze all the time. Serious, drowned in his responsibilities that became a second skin to him. You made him feel so good when kneeled before him.

Anonymous and holding their name higher than moutains tops, remain unknown.

Everything needs to be done for his glory and honor and you love to think about it right now. A bit too much as you press your thighs discreetly against each other. You are praying for the sake of your Order and for this House. You shouldn't think of those things but... yes, it's distracting not to have the opportunity to touch this throbbing clit hidden behind barely any clothes. After all you are only wearing this long white dress, the thin fabrics kissing every part of skin available, from your shoulders to nipples perked due to your impure thoughts to warm thighs.

Your eyes shall not cross this bloodline's.

He must be a handsome man. It could be a lie of course but you heard many childish giggles from you g maidservants in the hallways. They act like little girls having a serious crush, admiring any of his actions. A bit like you maybe ? Do they feel this intense warmth in their belly ? Do they bite their lip too at the simple thought of having his between your legs to reward you ? It must feel so good to have a skilled tongue caressing this oversensitive clit. It must be skilled by how good he is with words. And his voice, his tone... he must be divine to hear as he pounds into you, praising or scolding with some taunting. Just a little smirk as you fall apart beneath him, your blindfold being the only thing covering your sweaty skin as he tells you how sensual you are, how beautiful your voice is as you moan his name and repeat how loyal you are to him, and his hands caressing your bouncing breasts as he admires them...

Kneel, bow, nod, obey.

You open your eyes suddenly, your body tensed to the extreme before it starts shaking, oxygene lacking in your burning lungs. That heatwave is impossible to control and you tighten your grip on your thighs as you remain miraculously silent as your back arches the slightest, your hips rolling twice before stopping. Fortunately no one noticed anything as your Sisters stands up from the ground, the silent prayer over. They don't need to know and won't. After all you haven't touched yourself despite the embarrassing sensation of your wetness leaking from your entrance.

Finally comes the day you have been expecting more than anything else. The day he comes during your collective prayer. It is an unplanned visit. You understand what is happening as black blindfolds are handed to you all, right before you kneel in your white dress. The prayer starts in complete blindness for other Sisters, but you are guilty of not following the rhythmic silence. You don't count the number of times you repeat your tenets. You don't respect the tempo. You don't care about it as you detect the slightest footsteps a few ranks away from you.

The way Leto Atreides walks closer to you is meant to sound like a delicate feather. But to your overtrained ears, it grinds the slightest pieces of rocks brought there by your own shoes, the tiny little stones covered of invisible dirt now reduced to dust under his weight. He is invisible yet anchored to this ground you are kneeling on. He doesn't stop there though and you make the mistake of following him with a slight head movement. The slightest, your eyes still turned to the ground. He stops as you redirect your head correctly. You weren't expecting his eyes to be on you. They should have been on another Sister's due to how far he is from you now. Well not anymore as he comes back at you.

He stands there, his feet planted firmly right before you. You know he is staring down at this submissive and devoted form half bowed at him.

No Duke has the right to interrupt a Sister prayer. No Emperor even if you talk about pure theory. But after all is it a crime if the Sister wasn't even praying ?

While the Sisters may be at their silent 20th or 30th prayer in a row out of 50 you still have not even one repeated as a firm hand catches you by your throat. The Duke is not pressing, just grabbing what he want to see close to his eyes. You stand higher, higher, higher, your lips half opened.

There is something than can interrupt your other Sisters in their prayer. A simple sentence lost in an old book he must have found, more precisely in the Blade's Testimony From The Unnameable Times.

"The Dukedom demands its tribute," he says in a loud and clear voice breaking the peaceful, "the Duke demands his shield."

This spiritual and sacred moment shatters as you hear your Sisters standing up violently one after the other, the Duke's breath caressing your lips as you feel your heart pounding.

"My Lord." Yalenah says by your left with a failed attempt to sound polite. "You cannot summon the Dukedom right. It is prohibited, the worst blasphemy you could ever make. Even killing one of us wouldn't be as disgusting."

"It is prohibited. In your former sanctuary. Not in this one, that is a part of my castle."

The doubt rooting in their mind is enough to stop them from intervening as you moan, a warm and wet mouth exploring your throat, eager and firm hands already rubbing your back. The Duke just announced his right to impregnate one of the Sisters. You.

"My Lord." Another Sister speaks up as you let the Duke lifting your white dress. "My Lord we need time to address this matter. This must be a rule making any further collaboration impossible."

"What do you know about ancient texts Sister ?" He scoffs at her before pulling you through the sea of offended Sisters, your back hitting a wall. "I've read them all. I still have the right to take what I want."

You nod. This was directed to no one of your allies. Not to any Sister. It was your consent given away to this Duke now pressing hard against you now that his pants dropped, your dress revealing your intimacy dripping from desire. His lips devastate your throat and lips, his hands target your entrance as you feel something pushing against your flesh. Your grab his shoulders.

"Sire." Another one warns him right by your left.

Her mouth gets shut as you let a whimper out as the slow and careful hip thrust penetrating you, your wetness making him feel so good that he lets this low moan out already. Then he thrusts a second time at the same pace. Then a third time, his thick shaft entering you completely with wet sounds.

"She loves it Sisters." He comments as you hide your face against his shoulder. "She knows I'm right about the book. Am I, Sister ?"

"You are, sir." You croak as he starts to pounds harder inside you. "You are right."

"And did you know about that rule ?"

The only answer he gets is a pleased moan as the noises get more and more dirty by each second passing. Your Sisters can try to sound as dangerous as they wish, they don't count. They would have intervened if they were sure they weren't about to commit some horrendous crime by stopping the Duke using his right to take you. Even the sound of the front of your dress getting cut off by a sharp knife doesn't make them react, nor your struggling breath as he kisses you deeply, a hand grabbing an exposed breast firmly. They know he is taking you roughly against a wall like you are some animals in heat and no respectful individuals but they don't do anything. They listen to your pleasure mounting so high that you let this delighted scream as he sighs at your ear. He keeps pounding, harassing your clenching pussy with merciless hips looking for the second coup de grace ready to trap your mind around him. And when they do, you know that as the chosen one, you are welcoming the much estimated Atreides seed in you.

Your eyes shall not cross this bloodline's.

You would love to cross his gaze, the one of the potential father of your child. But that is impossible.

- - - - -

@salome-c @stevenngrant @lavenderluna10 @one-hell-of-a-disappointment @dailyreverie @thecursivej @lady-targaryen @general-latino @harrys-tittie

#leto atreides x reader #leto atreides x you #duke leto x reader #duke leto x you #duke leto atreides #leto atreides

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sleepingdeath-light · 3 years

Note

reading the crossover headcanons for TOH was amazing!

i wanted to request a crossover with TOH and Steven Universe if possible! (also with Hunter x Reader) You can decide between reader being half-gem, like Steven, or fully gem! If you can't or don't want to, that's okay! Aand I really love your headcanons! You make them long and detailed! It's truly amazing.

Crossover Headcanons | SU x TOH [Hunter x Gem//Hybrid!Reader]

thank you for requesting, anon

These are written with a gender neutral reader in mind and have a general chronology from the reader’s last moments in little homeworld until they end up with Hunter, so apologies if this gets long!

Note : this is the first time I’ve written for the SU canon, so I’m not as experienced with that universe. Also my portrayal of these characters is still pretty rocky, so I may rework this in the future.

The first few months you spent in Little Homeworld had felt almost like a dream come to life; freedom to be yourself and explore a world full of organic life without the restrictions placed on you by the diamonds? It was fantastic! However, that feeling of unrestricted feeling soon started to grow stale as you realise that the growth of the small colony had already started to stagnate—and that not all humans were welcoming of intergalactic immigrants like your kind.

So to ease your mind you opted to take the warp to the next star system over—craving that same sense of excitement that you had during the gem war

Simply standing on the warp again was enough to get your blood pumping with a reignited vigour for exploration

A feeling so palpable that you failed to notice the array of spindly cracks that spanned the surface of the device, and the way that a sickly dull light pulsated beneath your feet (the sight accompanied by a warning hum far too low for you to notice)

Though you couldn’t ignore the way the warp didn’t immediately go off like usual, nor could you neglect the searing pain that spread through your veins and constricted your throat; leaving you in so much pain that you couldn’t even move or scream before your vision was engulfed in a glitching, sickeningly bright light

It must have been several hours later when you woke up, based on how high the sun was in the sky… was the sky that red before?

Your head was pounding and although your vision was blurry, yet you couldn’t ignore how different your surroundings were from the earth you were used to

The sky was a faint red and the ground beneath your feet was dusted with deep maroon grass—it was soft and warm under your fingertips but with how much organic matter there was you knew that this wasn’t a colony

Hell, you didn’t even arrive on a warp on this end, so either you had been transported to somewhere else because a malfunction (unusual, but likely) or someone had taken you from the receiving warp and dropped you off in the middle of a clearing (far less likely)

Suddenly struck with worry, you sat up and moved your clothes to get a good look at your gem, letting out a relieved sigh when you saw it undamaged (clearly you’d landed where you woke up as most organics would have tried to remove it from your body before dumping you)

Realising that you were mostly safe you slowly rose to your feet and decided to explore your new environment, hand hovering near your gem in case you needed to defend yourself from whatever creatures had made their home here—trying to make yourself appear as small, quiet and unnoticeable as possible as you went

However, your efforts seemed to be in vein as you were quickly greeted by an excitable and loud human girl who practically screamed her welcome to you

You were torn between fleeing and fighting her when she offered her hand and introduced herself as “Luz the human”, her demeanour quite closely mirroring what you’d heard about Steven when he was younger from his mothers—it was almost endearing how much she tried to hold in her joy at seeing another “human”. You almost didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth as she walked you back to her home.

You were accosted at the door by an organic tube with an owl’s face that quickly and gleefully introduced itself as Hooty—the creepy, but rather friendly, house demon

Luz made an effort to hastily brush him off and hurry you both inside where you met with the other two inhabitants of the home as well as Luz’s “awesome girlfriend”, Amity.

Eda, an older witch with grey hair that hardly suited her age, greeted you with muted suspicion, not even taking her eyes off of you as she addressed the human at your side—seemingly unsure of your motives but trusting herself to be stronger than you (if her grip on her staff was anything to go by)

King, however, was much more brazen and blatant in his distrust of you, stomping over and pointing an accusing claw up at you as he threatened you in every way he could muster (even if all that got him was a halfhearted coo from you that left the creature more frustrated and downtrodden than before)

The guest, Amity, meanwhile, looked over at you with disinterest before she caught a glimpse of your (colour) gem peeking out from your clothing—immediately pointing it out and questioning you about it, much to your chagrin

This inevitably led to a very long and semi-complicated conversation discussing the intricacies of your species and how, no, you’re technically not a human

No you weren’t trying to deceive Luz, either, you just felt too awkward to correct her

But when all was said and done (and you were all out of steam after a several hour session of intense questioning and frustration at miscommunications) they seemed much more relaxed around you—even willing to let you stay with them, at Luz’s request, so long as you pulled your weight around the house and helped to keep them safe

And, really, how hard could that be? You fought in an intergalactic war so taking out a few organics should be a piece of cake (as Steven would say)

After spending a few weeks in this strange new world you had come to realise one specific thing; it wasn’t easy. It was, in fact, the exact opposite.

If you had to bubble one more guard you were going to scream

What had they done to make this Emperor hate them so much?

It felt as though half of your time was spent bubbling, blocking or disabling people that had made their way to the Owl House—and the rest was spent painstakingly explaining your abilities and species to Amity, Lilith and Luz

Granted, that wasn’t the most stressful part of your stay

That was hands down the stresses that came with visits from Luz’s friends from Hexside: the endlessly kind and protective Willow and the ever-curious and annoyingly quick witted Gus

That being said, you did appreciate their enthusiasm to learn about and accommodate you—even if the look Willow gave you when you spoke about the empire’s treatment of organic life did leave you rather shaken

So what little free time you had was spent learning about the local culture and sharing your experiences with them

Training with Amity and Eda

Helping Willow with her plants in whatever way you can based on your gem

Creating gem clones to help Gus perfect his illusions even further

Teaching Lilith and Luz about your abilities as well as those of your fellow gems, even helping the latter learn to write using gem glyphs

It was heartwarming to see others so passionate about your home, even if their insistence on pushing you to your limits could be rather frustrating (especially early in the mornings when your patience ran thin)

However, the longer you spent there the more members of the Emperor’s Coven (amongst others) you ended up coming across. One particularly memorable instance occurred when you were escorting a fretting Amity through Bonesborough with the twins (who’s presence you had grown rather fond of as their visits became more frequent).

Ed had dragged Em back to the library a good few minutes ago, leaving you and Amity to your own decides as you weaved in and out of the foot traffic—only to stop completely when the youngest Blight suddenly froze before grabbing your hand and darting off to an adjacent alleyway

As you went to protest, she promptly clamped one hand over your mouth and gestured rather violently for you to stay quiet before nodding towards a figure just a bit away from you

From the golden mask and white cloak you knew they were a member of the Emperor’s Coven—but you’d seen them before, on the posters littered around the city, each exploring passersby to join their coven

Golden Guard

That was a definite threat

So you passed the girl a spare cloak and did what you could to mask your own appearance before carefully making your way back home, shopping be damned—one hand over your gem just in case he happened to notice you

Though thankfully he didn’t

Not that it stopped you from filing him away as someone to be wary of anyway; he was the emperor’s right hand man, after all, so there was no such thing as being “too cautious”

And for a while that’s exactly what it was, not that you saw much of him that is, but from what you’d been told about Luz and Amity’s run ins with him you were glad to have never seen him face-to-face. If you had, you were almost certain he wouldn’t come out unscathed—teenage protege or not.

So with all that in mind, the last that you were expecting to see on a relatively peaceful Saturday evening was the unmasked Golden Guard practically unconscious and leaning on Luz and Eda for support as they burst through the door

Completely ignoring Hooty as usual as they carefully laid him down on the seat beside you (after you’d hurriedly gotten up, that is)

He looked to be in an awful state, with his visible skin bloodied, bruised and scarred whilst his usually pristine uniform was tattered and caked in dirt and what seemed to be even more of his blood

Seeming to notice your distress, Eda briefly addressed you and her sister before sending you all off to gather supplies (or heal if your gem allowed it)

“The kid’s been through a lot, but he’s with us now. Trust me, I wouldn’t have carried him all this way if I had any doubts about it.”

And that was that

It took Hunter (as he introduced himself) over a week to even be able to get out of bed and walk around unassisted—and whilst he actively avoided speaking about what had happened to him, you had a feeling that Belos was somehow involved

Though things were still rather tense for a month or so after he arrived, no matter how hard Luz tried to integrate him (and no matter how polite and welcoming Willow and Gus tried to be)

And you didn’t even want to recall the shouting match that occurred when Amity saw him in the living room with Luz….

It seemed as though he was just more content to shut himself away with L’il Rascal and only interact with Luz and Eda; the former to learn from her and the latter because she wouldn’t let him get away with anything but

That wasn’t even mentioning the palpable tension between him and Lilith (she would only say that it was from their time in the coven—and Luz suspected he’d annoyed her a bit too much—but nothing else would come of it)

But the others were worried about him, so you were sent in as a neutral party to talk with him about… things. You weren’t really told what and you didn’t have the time to ask.

Initially he was incredibly closed off and would only address you briefly, barely even acknowledging your presence as he gave his full attention to the scattered papers on his desk, each depicting a different spell and each ever so slightly off

So, as gently as you could you took the quill from him and drew a simple glyph on a spare scalp of paper, carefully leading him through the motions before leaning back and activating the spell (and smiling at his much more openly interested expression)

That then sparked a deep conversation about different types of magic—specifically wild magic and glyphs—as you shared what you knew about the topic with one another, every so often breaking off into laughter or patient silence as he’d run across the room to show you his notes or books he’d found

Naturally this would lead to him asking you about where you came from and you discussing your origins with him

Homeworld

The Diamond Authority

The gem war

Colonies

Soldiers

Shattering

The Crystal Gems

Everything

He was incredibly easy to talk to as he listened with a genuine intensity to what you said, nodding along and even asking well thought out questions about your world where appropriate

Depending on how close you were, he may even ask to see your gem and ask about its purpose

If you let him touch it, he’d be so very gentle, almost treating you as though you were made of glass—maybe even sketching it down and noting down your abilities and weaknesses in his personal notebook and apologising if it was weird

This mutual interest in magic and your shared experiences of either having to conform to a specific role your whole life [full gem reader] or feeling out of place and weaker because of your shortcomings [half gem reader] would be the basis of your friendship turned relationship. The transition between the two would be so incredibly seamless and slow that you wouldn’t even notice it happening—one moment you two were best friends sparring and the next you were hiding your blushing face in his neck as he hugs you and apologises for hitting you a bit too hard with his magic.

Your relationship would be sweet and slow and genuine

Hunter is new to receiving any kind of affection, so you’d probably have to teach him a thing or two—but he’d learn quite quickly so don’t worry

He’d spend hours studying your culture and language just to write you notes or offer you affirmations in ways unique to your culture, even calling you “my (Y/n)” after a while

Likewise, the first time you called him “my Hunter” he was left red in the face for the rest of the day (he loved it, though, so don’t stop)

But the moment someone makes a teasing remark about how soft he’s gotten (usually one of the Blight siblings or his own younger sister figure, Luz), Hunter will partially revert to being cold in public (whilst still being affectionate and openly touch starved in private)

In short, your relationship with him would be built on a foundation of mutual trust, affection and understanding that sprouted from friendship and honest conversations about your passions and pasts

#reader insert #sleepingdeath hub #hcs #headcanons #steven universe #su #toh x su #the owl house #the owl house x reader #the owl house golden guard #the owl house hunter #toh #toh x reader #toh golden guard #toh hunter #hunter x reader #golden guard x reader

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flightlessangelwings · 3 years

Text

Special

Din Djarin x gn!reader (no use of y/n)

Word count: 1.9k

Warnings: non really, fluff, pining, feelings, soft!Din, Gorgu being adorable

Notes: This one is dedicated to one of my best friends: the lovely @ollypopp, happy early birthday babe!! Thank you to @we-can-be-himbos for beta reading for me too!

The hull of the Razor Crest hummed quietly as you sat with Grogu. It was a rare moment of peace and quiet in your crazy life with the little one and the Mandalorian, and you came to treasure these moments whenever they occurred. You had just escaped from another bout with a group of bounty hunters who were after Grogu, and this time you felt lucky to have made it out in one piece. But that was thanks to the Mandalorian, who always looked after you and the child and did anything within his power to keep you both safe.

You gathered together three small plates of food while the little one watched with wide eyes. When you felt his gaze on you, you grinned at him, “I know buddy,” you told him softly as you put the finishing touches on one of the plates, “I’m almost done.” You heard him coo softly as he looked down with a little pout and it almost tore your heart out. The kid knew how to pull at your strings for sure, but you didn’t mind at all.

Then, as you held a piece of fruit, you got an idea.

“Grogu,” you called his name with a grin and waited for him to look back up at you.

He answered with an inquisitive coo and immensely lit up when he saw that you held out the fruit for him.

“Come on, you can do it,” you encouraged him as you watched his eyes squint in concentration. A few moments of tension went by as Grogu focused his energy into channeling his powers.

You whispered soft words of encouragement as he worked to summon the piece of fruit in your hand, and when he finally did, you erupted into cheers, “Yes! Good job!” You jumped with joy as Grogu happily nibbled on his prize with a grin of his own on his face, “You snack on that while I bring this up to Din.”

Grogu happily munched without a care in the galaxy as you grabbed one of the trays and went up to the cockpit. You knocked on the door before you let yourself in, a habit you developed without a real reason to. Din never minded when you joined him, and never asked you to knock before you entered. Yet you did anyway, just in case you caught him without his helmet on. That consideration was something Din really appreciated about you, among other things.

“Here, this is for you,” you set the tray down next to where he sat. The two of you stayed in awkward silence for several moments as you fiddled with your fingers.

“Thank you,” he finally broke the silence with a nod, and his breath caught in his throat when your face lit up with a smile. Din loved to see you smile, and he would do anything to see it every day.

You bit your lip and nodded, “I’ll leave you to it then,” you lingered in the doorway for another moment before you finally went back down to join Grogu. Din watched the doorway for a time before he let out a heavy sigh and turned his gaze to the tray you lovingly prepared for him.

Lost in a dreamy haze, you were completely unprepared for the sight that met you when you came back into the hull. Grogu had not only summoned his tray, but yours as well and he sat surrounded by knocked over piles of food. He sat contently as he munched on the various pieces you had set out. He had made a mess, but he didn’t seem to care at all.

“Grogu…” you chastised him playfully as you rolled your eyes. You couldn’t help but laugh though, and he quickly joined in your laughter.

You grabbed a cloth and wiped up his face and tried to clean up around him. Grogu watched you as he took another bite.

“You’re really special, kid, you know that,” you said with genuine care as you pinched his cheek lightly, “Special just like your dad.”

He cooed at you and tilted his head to the side, which made you feel the need to continue, “You’re both so strong in your own ways, and you both have a will like no other. No wonder you two bonded so well,” you flashed a sad smile, “I don’t know what I’d do without either of you.”

Grogu cooed happily as he reached out for you with a wordless plea to be picked up. With a smile, you complied with his request and cradled the little being in your arms as you went on, “I feel so lucky you chose me,” you said to him in a soft voice as you nuzzled his forehead with your own, “Both of you,” Grogu giggled at the mention of Din, “That Mandalorian has a good heart under all that beskar,” you placed a finger to your lips, “But that’s our little secret. We won’t let anyone know that the big tough Mando is secretly a softie.” That made Grogu chuckle again, and you joined in his laughter.

Unbeknownst to you, Din had come down into the main hull and heard everything you said to the kid. He felt conflicted; he never wanted to eavesdrop on you and break your trust, but every word out of your mouth went right to his heart. He stayed perfectly still and listened in silence as you poured your heart out to the little one, and he could tell that you meant every word you said. The earnesty in your voice made his heart melt under the beskar, and Din wanted nothing more than to reach out to you and hold you close.

When you suddenly turned around, you gasped loudly when you were almost face to face with the Mandalorian. He quickly reached out to you as a reflex to protect both you and the child in your arms, but retreated back into himself just as fast when he realized you were startled with his unexpected presence.

“Din…” you breathed as you held tight to Grogu, “How… I… We… Ummm…” you stumbled over your words as you tried to formulate a complete thought. He stood silent as you cleared your throat and started again, “How long were you standing there?” you finally asked in a hushed tone.

Clearly you were nervous about how much he had heard, and when he tilted his head down in response, you knew he heard everything you said. Your eyes went wide as you dropped your gaze down to the floor. You tightened your grip on the child as a rush of nerves ran through you.

“Din I…” you took a step back as your voice quivered.

He interrupted you with your name, “Wait,” the sound of his voice stopped you in your tracks and you looked up to meet the gaze of his visor. Both of you fell silent for several moments, and the tension could be felt in the room. “I’m sorry,” he finally said, “I didn't mean to eavesdrop.”

You bit your lip and nodded, “It’s ok,” your voice was barely a whisper but you knew he heard it.

Din took a breath before he added, “You’re special too.”

That made your eyes widen and you felt the way your heart pounded in your chest. If the child felt it, he didn’t show it and he just watched the two of you in silence. Maybe he sensed the emotions from the two of you and decided to stay quiet and let you both work it out on your own.

“I’m glad you’re with us too,” he added as he took a tentative step towards you. He was covered head to toe in beskar armor, and yet Din had never felt more vulnerable or exposed than he did at this very moment. He wasn’t used to dealing with feelings, be it his own or someone else’s, but he felt it too important not to let it go. You were too important to let go.

No, Din would face this head on like he did everything else in his life.

“You’re stronger than you realize,” he went on as he took another step closer when you didn't back away, “You keep us together,” Din chuckled softly, “And I don’t know what I would do without you,” he echoed your words to Grogu earlier and your breath caught in your throat.

Din carefully reached out to cup your face, gentle in his touch so that you could push him away if you wanted to. When you didn’t, he slowly wrapped an arm around you and rested his arm on your waist. It felt better than he ever could have imagined to hold you close like this, and when you let out a heavy exhale, he knew you felt safe and comfortable in his embrace.

You leaned into his chest and placed your free hand on the beskar plate in front of you. When you finally let your breath go, you felt Din hold you tighter and suddenly everything felt right. With Grogu in your arms and you in Din’s, you felt like the pieces of the puzzle finally came together. The three of you stayed like that for some time, just comfortable with each other.

This time it was you who broke the silence with a soft giggle. When Din questioned you, you peeled yourself off his chest to meet his visor again, “I was right.”

He tilted his head to the side in a wordless question.

“You do have a good heart under this,” you patted his armored chest and your heart skipped a beat when you heard him laugh softly.

“That’s supposed to be your secret,” you heard the grin in his tone and it made you smile even brighter.

Din used the hand that stayed on your face to lean your head forward a bit while he tilted his helmet down to meet your forehead. You let him guide you and you let out a sigh of relief when you felt the coolness of his helmet against your face. Din rubbed his thumb across your face in a comforting manner and you could feel his affection even through the layers he wore. You could have stayed like that forever, but a coo from your arms called your attention.

You glanced down at Grogu to see him rub his eyes and yawn, “I think he wants to go to bed,” you said to Din as you looked back at him. You couldn’t help the yawn that you let out as you suddenly felt tired as well.

“I think we all could use some rest,” Din said as he dropped his hand from your face and held it out for you to take.

It took you a moment to realize what he meant, but you lit up and took his hand when you did. The three of you all got settled in the little bunk and it didn’t take long from there for you all to fall asleep. And it was the most restful, peaceful sleep you all had in a very long time. You all were safe and secure together, just as you should be. And you all had never been happier.

#the mandalorian x reader #din djarin x reader #the mandalorian x you #din djaren x you #din djarin

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myrulia · 3 years

Text

"Are they bothering you love?" - Kokushibou x Reader

.｡.:*✧Synopsis: You are out with your demon of a lover, hiding in plain sight in modern times as you both are simply walking in public to enjoy the night sky. All comes crashing down when a bold male approaches you, yet Kokushibou is there to protect you for he is your one and only.

.｡.:*✧Warning: Stranger with no filter

.｡.:*✧Word count: 1,647

It was such a beautiful night, unlike any other for that fact. After endless amounts of begging to Kokushibou, he finally agreed to going out with you. The moon seemed to radiate brilliantly in the night sky, all the while beaming down on the two of you who had a rather hard time struggling to hide the fact that you were demons. It went as far as Kokushibou closing the top and bottom pair of his eyes just so that the two of you could wander around safely. It was awkward to say the least - since you are used to seeing all 6 of his inscrutable eyes look at you with such love and adoration - but it was something that you adjusted to quickly.

Now walking side by side, out in the wake of the night, you both were simply enjoying each other's company, disregarding anyone else who was also out in the bustling area of the city, for there was multiple fairy lights hanging above the certain street you chose to wander about on that caught your attention, so you basically dragged Kokushibou along with you.

`` It is very pretty this time of night, `` you stated in your usual soothing voice to your much taller lover who was staring bright eyed and bushy tailed at the sheer amount of lights above your heads. It was bright to say the least but it really caught his attention, which made it the experience mean so much more to him. `` I must agree with you, it is beautiful, but I do not think it is as beautiful as you. ``

To Kokushibou, the compliment was normal and he said such words with ease as the poetic statement rolled off his tongue without struggle. You on the other hand was notably having a hard time keeping your composure, for the end of your ears became a scarlet red at his words. `` You believe that wholeheartedly? I mean look around, this place is absolutely beautiful. The sakura trees are even blooming. ``

`` [Y/N], how could you believe I do not actually mean that? You are beautiful and that's that. `` Looking down at your smiling face, the demon could not help but to smile ever so slightly in return at your flushed ears. He knew just what to say at just the right time to make you a flustered mess in a matter of seconds. He really did have a way with words.

Time seemed to fly by effortlessly, due to the both of you spending most of it window shopping and actually entering the multiple ones available for entering. Courtesy of your behavior, you dragged Kokushibou along with you into a plethora of stores that had all types of clothes to choose from. It was mainly due to the fact that you have never seen him smile this much before when the both of you are out. Usually he does do a pretty good job of keeping up a stoic expression, but this time, watching him struggle was adorable.

In a particular men's clothing store, you had your demon of a lover try on many different styles and options that you picked out yourself. It was almost like a mini fashion show with how much you really made him wear - but the Upper Moon One could not complain one bit. Your smile itself never faltered and so his resisted doing the same. Seeing you so cheerful just made him want to make sure you never stopped, even if it meant embarrassing a big man like himself in public by wearing a few questionable items of clothing.

After your little fashion montage, you both exited the store once the less than approachable store manager seemed to become aggravated with how you only tried on things instead of buying them. Just as you were finishing letting out a small giggle in reaction to the chain of events that occurred, you eyed a particular shop that seemed to have colorful clouds on a stick. What were they? You had no idea.

`` Cotton candy, `` you heard a testosterone-heavy voice say. You knew all too well who it was so looking up at Kokushibou, you eyed his gaze, but to your surprise he was looking at the same colorful clouds you were also looking at. `` Lets try it then! ``

And with that, you grabbed his hand, intertwining your much smaller fingers with his and, and soon enough the both of you were now entering the store with bright eyes, even brighter than earlier. You looked around hurriedly, trying to see what others in the store were doing so you could understand what you are supposed to do with the cloud-looking objects. Kokushibou unfortunately looked just as confused as you, who eyed anyone else in the store until it finally hit him - and his senses for that matter.

`` Love, "cotton candy" is a food. You are supposed to eat it, `` he said in a calm manner, all the while pointing at a certain mother and her son indulging in the sweet smelling treat. `` Then I guess we are trying something new..~ ``

Pulling out your wallet, you walk up to the counter and swiftly paid for the sweet treats you yourself was definitely excited about trying. The sweet smell flooded your nose and it was becoming unbearable, so turning around, you are met with the shocking sight of Kokushibou already holding a [F/C] one and a purple one. He held an obvious smile on your face that really allowed you to appreciate how handsome he looked when he wore his emotions on his sleeve. `` You seem eager to try them, `` you teased while grabbing the stick that held up the cotton candy from him.

`` How could I not? It smells wonderful. `` Now having your sweet treats in hand, you both exited the candy shop, now being back on the bustling street that had many pedestrians who looked just as happy as the next person. It was refreshing to say the least, being out with the one you love the most and being able to enjoy your time together. It felt utterly amazing.

`` Lets bite at the same time. 3, 2, 1- `` as soon as you hit one, Kokushibou pulled off a chunk of the cotton candy and placed it inside his mouth, allowing the once soft substance to melt on his taste buds and overflood his senses once more. He lets out a surprised hum of satisfaction and turned to you taking a rather large bite out of the cotton candy instead of pulling a piece off. Your eyes doubled in size at how it melted inside your mouth, the sugar taking over on your tongue, and so you also let out a hum. `` It is delicious! Let me try yours! ``

Lowering his arm, you grab a piece from Kokushibou's cotton candy and stuff it into your mouth as well, letting out another content hum that made your husband smile. `` Enjoying yourself? `` He teased.

`` Yes indeed I am!- ``

`` I can make you enjoy yourself in other ways. ``

Your eyes left from Kokushibou's to where the mysterious voice originated from. Looking wide eyed, you swallow a hard lump that clogged your esophagus as you tilt your head to the side, being obviously confused with what you just heard. `` Excuse me? ``

`` Aside from being sexy, what else do you do for a living? We might have the same profession. ``

At that point your eyes actually tripled in size at the boldness of this complete stranger. To even think someone would have the audacity and mindset to do such things really ticked you off, so letting out an obviously sarcastic laugh, you were about to say something until he spoke up once more. `` Come on beautiful there's no need to say anything. How about we go on a date here? ``

You felt sick to your stomach and before you could properly react, Kokushibou's hand grabbed your wrist and pulled you moderately behind his body, giving you his cotton candy afterwards. He was now standing in between you and the random stranger who damn near ruined your date. Kokushibou is both obviously tall and intimidating, and being 6'3 does have its perks - especially in situations like now. Although, he did have to lean down, just a bit, so he could properly speak to the douche bag.

`` Are they bothering you, love? `` He spoke in that same aggressive tone that sent shivers down your spine with just how heavy and deep it was. You peaked from behind your lover's shoulder to really see what was going on, and to your surprise the male who was previously doing a horrible job and hitting on you now had his eyes damn near pop out of his socket. `` Yes, they are actually. ``

Kokushibou now changed his smiling expression to a more darker one, now having his 3 pairs of eyes open only for the double bag to see. He leaned forward and that caused for the stranger to step back, huffing out and crossing his arms. `` Who the hell are you? ``

`` This beautiful woman's husband, `` and that was all that came from his lips before Kokushibou took another step forward, and just like that the stranger is suddenly running in the other direction. It took every nerve and fibre in your being not to laugh at the situation that just unfolded and ended just like that, and so stepping out from behind your husband who hid his other two pairs of eyes once more, you look up at his expression once he is finally standing up tall and proud. `` Well thank you darling..~ ``

`` Do not say it in that tone or I will make you thankful for another thing in a few seconds, `` Kokushibou teased back while grabbing his cotton candy from your hand, going back to indulging in yet another piece as you two continued your walk down the bustling street.

`` You enjoyed that, didn't you? ``

`` How could I not? I had to tell him you are mine, and mine alone. ``

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Fun fact; I looked up pick-up lines to use🏃🏾‍♀️

#kokushibou #kny kokushibou #kokushibo x reader #kny imagines #kny x reader #demon slayer kokushibou #kny kokushibou fluff #kokushibou fluff

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lokiskitten · 3 years

Note

Will you do a sequel of the Valentines Day fic like you mentioned at the end of part 4?

Loki Laufeyson | affliction pt1

Loki Laufeyson x fem!reader

A/N : this imagine is meant to follow the events which occurred in my previous series :”Valentine’s Day”!! You can find it lower on my page.

plot : A couple of weeks have passed since you’ve first slept with Loki. However, after learning that you are pregnant, you find yourself forced to reveal it all to your partner. Unfortunately, his reaction doesn’t turn out to be the one you expected.

warnings : very light smut, angst, fighting/arguing.

Loki and you had been seeing each other since a couple of weeks now. You had managed to keep it a secret, and that from anyone in the kingdom which obviously- and certainly- included your parents. You couldn’t truly explain why and how Loki never failed to make you feel so good, but you knew that you did not wish for those sensations to end any time soon. You two were meant to be together, wether the royal family wanted it or not. Though, shortly after your little unprotected frolics occurred, you had progressively started to become sick here and there. Your doctor had easily established a diagnostic which he promised to keep to himself for now, and that no matter if Loki was Prince. You were pregnant.

Pregnant with Loki’s child. What worst could potentially happen? Now, it was sure that you would have to annonce that to you respective families- something you didn’t feel ready to do. Or at least, certainly not alone. Therefore, you felt like the young man should be the first person to learn about it, especially as he was the father and you trusted him more than anyone else. Little did you know, there was still a lot of things you needed to learn regarding your boyfriend.

[ ... ]

It was a lovely spring afternoon. You and Loki had decided to reunite in his room in order to spend some time together. As you laid down on top of the young man, lovingly grinding your hips against his in order to make sure that his member would be coming in and out of you at a pleasurable pace, Loki had his arms wrapped around your back. His hands were soon to move down to your bum, digits digging into the soft flesh as if he wished to guide your hips through the intercourse. His thick thighs tensed upon sensing his nearing orgasm, soles now resting against the mattress instead of being on the loose.

It didn’t take long for white sperm to spray out of his urethra, staining your walls and cervix as both of you moaned in harmony. It was nothing too intense, but you always enjoyed spending time with him in that way no matter what technic or pace you two used. You allowed Loki to fully wash out his orgasm before you could get off him, your silhouette slipping underneath the covers as you pulled the sheets all the way up to your chest. Your breasts were now covered, as well as everything which came underneath.

Turning around, the male’s arm wrapped around your body as his chin rested onto your shoulder, his lips pressing delicate kisses against your warm flesh in order to let you know that he loved you. As his eyelids closed, yours remained clearly open as your brain wouldn’t stop thinking about how you were meant to annonce such a tragic piece of information to him. “Loki?..” you finally found the strength to speak up, though it would probably take you a large amount of time to finally arrive to the point where you would annonce your unwanted pregnancy.

Opening his eyes upon hearing his name, Loki was now ready to dedicate his entire attention to your seemingly tired self. You turned around and allowed your body to face his, the tip of your fingers nervously tracing shapes against his bare chest. “Yes?” He asked face to your lack of constructed sentence. “When we make love.. what happens?” You asked shyly, hoping that he would understand that you were hinting towards the natural fertilization process. Ending face to face with such a peculiar question didn’t seem to disturb the demigod who, instead of answering you right away and as seriously as he could, simply lowered his body in order to rest his head against your chest. A smirk displayed on his features.

“A lot of good things~” Loki purred, hand squeezing your waist in a possessive manner. You couldn’t help but sigh face to his answer, though you remained aware that getting mad at him so soon probably wasn’t such a wonderful idea. Instead, you tried to explain the matter in another way. “No. Look, when two persons make love, what happens to the woman? Inside of her body.” You asked him on a determined tone, hoping that he would understand that you weren’t joking around. Though Loki remained silent, cluelessly looking up at your face. Again, this sight managed to irritate you.

“Jesus. I’m pregnant!” You announced on a frustrated tone, staring right into Loki’s eyes to make sure that he would understand that it was an absolutely serious matter. An awkward silence settled in the room, the two of you making eye contact as you desperately waited for your boyfriend to say something. But instead of speaking up about the matter, he calmly turned around and sat down on the edge of the bed before getting up and walking over to the window. Face to this peculiar yet thankfully passive reaction, you sat up and frowned. “Loki?..” you solicited him shyly, scared that any of your words could now cause an outburst.

“It’ll kill you.” He ended up affirming, back still facing your silhouette. You frowned even harder. “What do you mean?..” you answered hesitantly, suddenly becoming scared of the situation due to your partner’s remark. You couldn’t seem to understand how a fetus could be responsible for your death. “It’ll kill you, freeze you from within.” Loki explained further, causing chills to appear on your back face to this terrific announcement. However, you decided to carry on fighting his statements. “Loki this is our child... Nothing will happen to me.” You affirmed softly, hoping that this would manage to make him change his mind about all those rather creepy thoughts and suppositions. You obviously had no idea that he was a frost giant.

Loki knew that in order to prove you wrong, his only remaining option was to show you what he truly was. A monster. Turning back around, his eyes were the first part of his body which switched from green to red, skin and hair soon following as the young man turned into a frost giant before your bare eyes. It was an unexpected, impressive, and intimidating sight all at once. You didn’t know how to react, fearing that any negative remark would cause the young man to get offended. “See me as I am. The monster your mother used to tell you about back when you still were a child.” Loki spoke sternly, which betrayed the fact that he felt ashamed of what he truly was.

Gasping anxiously, your hands gripped onto the bedsheets in order to contain the amount of fear which travelled through your organism. However, your brain was soon to remember that the man who stood before you, and who you loved, would never do anything to hurt you. Meanwhile, Loki made sure to regain a normal appearance as himself felt ashamed of his true nature and didn’t wish to remain in that form for too long. Now this managed to reassure you entirely. “Get rid of it. And try to stay discreet. I wouldn’t want the entire kingdom learning about our frolics.” He finished, words as cold as his birth specie.

Those statements broke your heart. You could barely believe that such cruel words had escaped Loki’s lips- though little did you know it all came from the personal and internal sufferance he was forced to deal with. Instantly you got up from the bed, taking decisive steps towards the man who found himself backing away out of surprise. Your hand harshly landed against his cheek, his head turning to the side in a rather violent manner. “How dare you! You’re talking about our child..” you spoke, tone turning from angered to saddened. Your voice was filled with sorrow.

A harsh sigh escaped Loki’s lips, his green eyes landing onto your face again as he barely managed to find the words to express himself face to such unexpected violence. “You’re acting just like your father.” You ended up adding whilst taking a step back, body soon crouching down in order to reach for your clothes as this statement managed to pull Loki out of his shocked state. He was now as angered as you were. “He’s not my father, and I’m nothing like him! How dare you-“ the demigod began, though only to be stopped in his track by your silhouette which moved back up on its feet.

“Then why are you acting like him?” You responded sadly, pulling the straps of your dress over your shoulders before turning around and beginning to take decisive steps towards the door. Again, the raven haired man was left in a state of shock before he finally managed to get back to reality face to your departure. “Where are you going?” He questioned calmly, muscles flexing underneath the sun of Asgard which penetrated through the large window. “To see your mother.” You answered, hand reaching for the door knob before you opened the door and exited his room.

You believed that if Loki refused to understand, his mother surely would manage to feel empathy face to your distress. The young man was left alone with nothing but his own distress as painful company, stomach growing knots due to anxiety taking possession of his organism. He didn’t fear his mother’s reaction at all, and expected her to be happy for her son. However, Odin surely wouldn’t appreciate to learn that the girl who was formerly meant to go to the ball with Thor had been stolen by his youngest son, and that on top of that she was pregnant.

I hope y’all enjoyed this! Feel free to let me know what you’d like to see in part 2! Sorry for being kinda inactive. Love y’all ❤️ requested tag : @delightfulheartdream

#loki #loki laufeyson #loki laufeyson fanfic #loki laufeyson fluff #loki laufeyson imagine #loki laufeyson smut #loki laufeyson x reader #loki laufeyson x you #marvel #marvel imagine #tom hiddleston oneshot #tom hiddleston x you #tom hiddleston imagine #tom hiddleston x reader #tom hiddleston smut #tom hiddleston fanfic #tom hiddleston #Tom Hiddleston roleplay

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mystic-shadows42 · 3 years

Text

Allure {Part 2}

Warnings: None

Aslaug and her sons gathered around to have their meal just as they always did around this time of the day. They had all been unusually quiet. Aslaug had noticed that they never were lively with you gone

So to get them to open up more, she turned her attention on Ubbe.

“When are you going to marry and have children?”

Ubbe sighed loudly. This conversation has come up quite a few times much to his displeasure.

“This again mother?”

“I am curious as to why you haven’t found yourself a suitable woman. They’re plenty here to choose from.”

“I don’t intend on marrying anyone anytime soon.”

Ubbe had lost his appetite at the thought of having to marry. His mother has always been adamant that he should lead his brothers by example.

He didn’t want to marry to lead by example. He simply wanted to live his own life without being questioned or pushed to do so.

“That’s because he’s waiting for the inevitable to happen. We all know she’ll never marry him.”

“Whom do you speak of?” Aslaug asked curiously. She hadn’t seen any of her boys stick with one woman for long.

“Y/N,” Sigurd stated in an obvious manner.

“Shut up Sigurd!” Ubbe stated, throwing a piece of food at him. Aslaug felt like she was starting to lose control now that her boys were starting to fawn over you.

“I don’t think the daughter of Lagertha would be a good choice, considering her mother was once with your father.” Aslaug wanted their attention directed elsewhere other than on you.

“I’m surprised you’re actually denying a candidate for marriage.” All the boys grumbled in agreement.

“I want the best for you. She seems sweet but I’d rather you go with...someone else.”

“You sound bitter.”

Aslaug ground her teeth and turned to look at all her sons who were now focused on her.

“I have no reason to be, it’s just that there’s always someone better. I figured Bjorn and Lagertha would object to such a pairing considering the circumstances. Even if you were to be with Y/N there’d always be complications. It can’t always be-”

The doors had opened abruptly making all of them turn their heads to see who had interrupted their conversation. When they saw it was you at the door, they all sat up straighter staring at you with surprised looks on their faces.

Your arrival had been unknown to them.

“Oh, you’re all having dinner. My apologies, I was just looking for Bjorn.”

Ubbe stood up from his seat immediately. “Don��t go. Have dinner with us.”

“I don’t think I should.”

“Please,” you couldn’t help it when all of them looked at you like that. So you gave in and nodded to them.

One of the new thralls was quick to give you a seat that was on the other end. Before any of the boys could say anything to you, Aslaug jumped in.

“So, Y/N, we certainly weren’t expecting you to come here today.”

“Which she’s always welcomed to at any time.” Ivar chimed in winking at you.

Aslaug bit her tongue not liking how quick they were to come to your defense. She didn’t hate you, she just didn’t like how you had the power to make or break her sons. That uncertainty is what unsettled her.

“My visit won’t be long. I plan on going back to Hedeby.”

“You don’t have to leave so soon. My boys rather enjoy your company. I myself don’t even know that much about you other than you being Lagertha’s daughter.”

You slightly tilted your head at Aslaug. “Something tells me that you know more than you’d like to share. You see my mother told me of your particular outlook on things that haven’t happened yet. She’s shared something with me when I was but a little girl still. One that I didn’t understand until I became a woman. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. It was, after all, your vision.”

Aslaug hummed. She was impressed with your quick wit.

“What vision do you two speak of?” Sigurd was quite curious as well as his other brothers. He had grown accustomed to the fact that his mother had visions. One that foresaw him having a defect in his eye making it look like a snake.

“It’s nothing.”

“I want to know now,” Hvitserk spoke while leaning forward. His food had been long forgotten now that you were here.

“It wasn’t my vision.” You stated looking to Aslaug. You knew she never told any of her boys what she saw. She figured if she never said anything that you might be forgotten somehow. “You can tell them.”

You nodded once more to Aslaug to let her know that it was okay to continue. All the boys then turned their attention onto their mother who was debating whether or not to tell them.

She knew it wouldn’t affect the outcome either way but still, it felt as if she was admitting defeat.

The gods personally had you under their care because they favored Lagertha. It was set in the stars that Aslaug would bear Ragnar’s children. It was a bitter-sweet twist of fate.

Not one person could truly live in happiness once the gods had plans for them.

She knew her time would soon be up. She had her sons and raised them well. She wouldn’t grow old, no, she would leave this earth soon but did she really want you around her boys manipulating them when she’s gone?

“My vision occurred when Y/N was just a little babe. She had this...presence about her. An aura if you will. I knew then that she was under the protection of the gods. How else would you explain Lagertha having a baby after so many failed attempts of conceiving? That wasn’t all. I saw that when she became a woman that all you boys would flank to her side. Be with her even when if it went against everything you believed in.”

Ubbe scoffed and threw a piece of meat down on his plate. Aslaug raised her eyebrow at his reaction.

“What? You don’t believe me?”

“You know I don’t. While I do believe what you see has some truth to it, I believe everyone acts on their own free will. Your vision changes nothing. My brothers and I do what we want and we’ll continue to do that until the day we die.”

“Oh, so you don’t think you’re overly fond of Y/N here? Do you not wish her to be your future bride?”

Ubbe’s smug smile had dissipated.

“In your vision mother,” Ivar quipped. “Do any one of us have her to ourselves?”

Aslaug sighed aloud. “I only saw her with all of you kneeling down to her. It was all just a bunch of quick flashes.”

“I hope you didn’t see everything. I’m quite a giving lover, that I’m proud to admit.”

Hvitserk was all smiles at what he said with only Ivar smiling at his joke. Aslaug was annoyed more than ever with her sons.

“Not all of you can have her. If any one of you were to marry it’d have to be just with one. Marriage is sacred.”

“I know it’s customary and ideal to marry but I don’t plan on doing such a thing,” you chimed in.

Aslaug clicked her tongue and patted her mouth with a cloth.

“May I ask why?”

“I’ve never seen one marriage in my life that worked. There’s no sense of love or loyalty. My mother told me of her previous marriages and they all failed some way or another. I made a vow to myself that I won’t be like that. I’ll make my own decisions on what I think is right.”

“Well, that seems a bit harsh. Don’t you want to elevate your status? You’re very beautiful and I bet you’d be capable of marrying an earl or even a king.”

“None of that is fitting for me. Marrying an earl or king would mean that I would be under their thumb. Those of high power are used to being in charge. They’d probably have very little patience for what I say and do.”

“I do admit it takes some getting used to but that’s what husbands are for. They’ll give you children and life goes on after that.”

“That doesn’t seem much of a life for me.”

All the talk of marriage between you and Aslaug had been a strain in the brothers’ eyes. Not one of them wanted to marry, but when the mention of you possibly marrying someone else in a made-up scenario just didn’t sit right with them. It would have to be one of them or no one at all.

Hvitserk reached for your hand and stroked it with his thumb, offering comfort and support.

“Don’t worry marriage is a tough subject for us too.”

“Perhaps we should go for a walk outside?” Ubbe mentioned wanting to get away from all this talk.

“Yeah, but Ivar can’t come. He’ll only slow us down if we have to carry him.”

“Sigurd,” Aslaug warned.

“What? Do you really think a cripple like him has a chance at being loved without women feeling sorry for him? I doubt he has any chance of having children. Though, I think it’s probably for the best.”

“Sigurd! That’s enough.” At the sharpness of your voice, Sigurd backed down.

Everything was hitting Ivar all at once. His anger towards his brothers began to surface. They had always doubted him. The rage and jealousy hit him tenfold.

“Y/N, did you know that my brothers here have all shared the slave girl, Margrethe? That’s all they’ve been doing since you’ve been gone.”

After Ivar made his announcement Ubbe nudged Ivar’s seat and Hvitserk’s eyes grew wide. Sigurd was flabbergasted. They all were at a loss for words.

Now Ivar was the one with the smug look.

All three brothers were glaring at Ivar before turning their attention to you.

You retracted your hand from Hvitserk then watched them all before briefly turning your attention on the thrall whom they were speaking about. Her eyes were cast downwards while shuffling her feet in obvious discomfort.

“I appreciate you being truthful Ivar but your brothers can bed whomever they want. They can do whatever they want. They’re free right? Now if you’ll excuse me I have to find my brother.”

“Y/N, please,” Ubbe spoke up but you didn’t even turn to acknowledge him.

“Well, brothers it seems like I’m going to be favored and in Y/N’s good graces. Good luck trying to win over her affection.” Ivar smiled boastfully.

“She said we can do what we want.”

The brothers all looked at Hvitserk shaking their heads.

“Poor Hvitserk, so slow to catch on,” Ivar chuckled.

“Would you be okay with Y/N sleeping with someone else?” Hvitserk shrugged. “Other than us.”

That’s when Hvitserk’s expression changed. He didn’t like that thought at all.

“Yeah, I can see why she’d be upset.”

“I think it’s for the best. You all should keep your distance with her.” Aslaug had no problem voicing her opinion on the matter. She was actually glad her boys were focused on someone else at the moment.

“Why’s that?”

“She is the daughter of Lagertha after all. She’s probably turned her into a good manipulator seeing that she is a beautiful seductress to you all.”

“I don’t care who her mother is. I only care for her,” Ubbe spoke up.

“I suppose that’s why you slept with the help then,” Ivar couldn’t help himself. He wanted to revel in their misery which worked when Ubbe stood up and stormed off with the meek thrall following after him.

Everybody else dismissed themselves after that, leaving Aslaug all alone while they all scurried after you.

Tagged: @belovedcherry @lordsexmachine @lol-haha-joke @mariaenchanted @ethereallysimple @bababasti @ir-abelas-telanadas

#Lothbroks #Ragnarssons #Ubbe #Hvitserk #Sigurd #Ivar #Ubbe x reader #Hvitserk x reader #Sigurd x reader #Ivar x reader #Ubbe Lothbrok #Hvitserk Lothbrok #Sigurd Lothbrok #Ivar Lothbrok #Vikings

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yunhoiseyecandy · 4 years

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✕ 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞; 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞

✕ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞; 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭, 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟

✕ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠; 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢 ◆ 𝐟.𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

✕ 𝐰/𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭; 𝟐.𝟓𝐤 — 𝟑.𝟎𝐤

✕ 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬; 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐱, 𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥- 𝐟.𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐧𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞, 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠- 𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐥, 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲

✕ 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬; 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲

[𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭]

𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐲!!

@multidreams-and-desires , @latte-fairytaekwoon , @tinkerbellwoo , @hanatiny , @vocalyunho , @cloudyyeonnie , @little-precious-baby , @galaxteez , @sunshinesanflower

─────

you were never really one to believe in love, just the mere thought of falling so hard for someone making you cringe.

but despite your many efforts to block out all those confusing emotions, there was one person who just might’ve been your hardest catch yet,

song mingi

you remember the first time you walked into the small and cozy coffee shop, the smell of hot chocolate welcoming you as soon as you stepped inside. it was a quiet place that people went to either catch up with a new friend or work on things that they should’ve had done by now.

and more than often, you found yourself in the tucked-in corner next to the tinted windows, fingers grazing over the keyboard of your computer while you sipped on your coffee. which to you, meant nothing more than a late afternoon study session that had you on edge due to your professor’s late assignments that he’d sprung out of nowhere.

you found this little shop to put you at ease, which is exactly why you spent most of your free time here alone, taking in just how good it felt to let go every once and a while.

of course, you did bring a friend along with you sometimes, but they never seemed to appreciate all the little things you did.

the different kinds of people that would come and go, the way a chalkboard ran across a whole wall and people had an opportunity to write down how they were feeling that day. and one of the things you found most attractive about it here would have to be the selection of cakes and cookies they had on display at all times.

it made you feel like a kid all over again, and it didn’t help the fact that they let you taste test some of their newest additions. but that might’ve been since you’d visited them so often, which came to no one’s surprise.

but one thing you had never truly came to see, was the pair of eyes that lingered over you whenever the bell on the door would jingle at around four pm. or the small smile that painted their face when you sat down at your usual spot.

mingi had come to know you since you’d moved into the area, only ever making small talk when you ordered your usual coffee with three sugars and only a dash of creamer. it was like you made this job ten times better, but he wasn’t sure if he’d ever tell you that.

and as if you were reading his mind, the sound of a bell ran through the shop as you smiled warmly at him. he tried not to seem too happy about your presence, looking at you from the corner of his eyes to make sure you didn’t catch him checking you out.

his arm nudged san’s, nodding his head over to you so he knew to take your order. “dude, are you kidding me right now?” san said, his voice laced with amusement. “you need to talk to her, not me.”

mingi scoffed, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” but they both knew exactly what was going on, and mingi’s pride would never give in. he didn’t know what was wrong with him, he was usually the one to make the first move when it came to dating.

but there was something about you that made him shy, and he was starting to get confused about all his emotions. you were too pretty to him, and he was scared that if he said one thing to you, you would call him out and not want anything to do with him.

so he decided to do the one thing he knew he’d have a chance with; beg san to find out more information about you. though now that he thinks about it he made it easier for san to find a way to flirt with you, and that made him want to punch his best friend for even suggesting anything.

san looked at him, sighing when he saw mingi was trying to cover up how panicked he was inside. “fine, but I swear to god this is the last time.”

and so it was. mingi still remembers the way san asked you question after question, and he couldn't lie and say he didn't feel bad for bombarding you with them.

but it was worth all the cringey and awkward conversations because that night, about an hour past the whole in the wall shop closed down for the day, mingi sat across san with stars in his eyes as the older one talked to him about every he'd found out about you.

your favorite color, what you're going to college for, your hobbies, and just about everything he could fit in before heading home for the night.

it made a shy smile spread across mingi's face, and it didn't seem to leave. well, that is until he fell asleep.

but as much as he felt like he could talk about you all day, just going off of the things san said, it would make him feel even better if he'd actually be able to talk to you.

and not just from taking your order

"it's not that hard, man." he said to himself, a horrible attempt to use the small amount of courage he'd been saving up. "you've done this before, it'll be just like a walk in the park."

and now that he thinks back on the whole mess of a situation, he laughs at how shot his nerves were that day. considering where you both are today, it's like he'd been worrying over nothing.

as soon as you saw a glimpse of his red hair moving towards your direction, you felt a jolt of happiness in your body while you moved a piece of your hair out of your face.

you heard him cough, and you took that as him making you aware of his presence. "uh, it's y/n— right?" he said, his words coming out rushed even though hed told himself to be calm.

you turned your head to the side, hands playing with a napkin on the table. "yes, I am. can I help you?" you saw him shift uncomfortably onto his other leg, and he shoved his hands in his pockets while his eyes fixed on your lips.

"do you think we could hang out sometime? there's this really good italian place down that street that opened not too long ago.."

little did you know, that restaurant would end up being one of your favorites.

—

mingi's eyes fluttered open, taking in the light that was peeking through the curtains. he'd be freezing if it wasn't for the heavy blanket pulled over both of you, but he only really cared if you were warm enough.

it's been almost a year since you both had started dating, and if you were honest it's felt like much longer than that.

you were at the happiest point you think you'd ever been, and never in your life did you think someone like mingi would love you endlessly. it was a perfect match, and never in did it truly occur that people this perfect actually exist.

he felt your body dip into his touch, your back against his chest as he smiled warmly at you. "are you awake, baby?"

you groaned at him, not wanting to wake up just yet. his fingers traced shapes on your thighs, soon making their way up to your stomach and running over the stretch marks that lay on your skin.

"mm, mingi." your voice was low as you spoke to him, and you couldn't help the soft moan that slipped past your lips when his hand played with the hem of your underwear, teasing you.

you felt him smile against your neck, his lips soon attaching themselves to the skin below your ear and he kissed the area softly. "yes?"

without any more words, you grabbed the hand that was teasing you and pulled it up your body, slowly guiding it up your shirt and making his large hand squeeze your already hard nipple.

he caught on to what you wanted quickly, grinding into your ass while his lips and hand worked on your body slowly.

you'd always loved how his lips felt on you. whether it be on your own, your neck, or any other part you couldn't help but want more when he'd pull away.

and he knew what they did to you, which is why he always made sure to take his time kissing your body before anything else. "mingi, I need more."

a sharp gasp left you when he pushed the covers off of you both, moving to lay between your legs as he caught notice of what you were wearing.

it was one of his striped black and white shirts, only one button holding him back from adoring your body. "I don't remember saying you could use my clothes," he kissed up your stomach, "do you think I could have it back?"

you giggled, doing him a favor and slowly taking off the shirt all while keeping eye contact. he felt his cock grow harder when he saw the wet patch on your panties, and he couldn't help but spread your legs open as he layed down on his stomach.

"lay back," you did, but couldn't help and look down at him while he did what he does best.

his hands slid up and down your inner thighs, stopping once they reached the top of your underwear and pulling them down painfully slow. he'd always loved how sensitive you were, and it always made him so impatient with how wet you got when he's barely even done anything.

maybe it was because of how hard it was starting to get for him to control himself that he let himself go, or it could've been because he's always wanted to taste you, but without any warning his mouth connected with your core and he moaned into you.

"ah, fuck!" you moaned, throwing your head back as your back arched. at this point you didn't even care that your neighbors might hear you, and that thought left as soon as it came when he wrapped his arms around your legs, pushing you even harder onto his tongue.

your mouth was wide open, eyebrows furrowing when he slipped a finger in you as his lips closed around your clit, sucking on it harshly.

"so good, you taste so fucking good." his breath was hot against you, and a silent cry left your mouth when his finger curled up inside you.

you were close, and the more his movements sped up the harder it was getting for you to hold on. "mingi— I'm gonna cum-"

as soon as those words came out you regretted it, and you watched him pull away fast before leaning back on his legs.

but it's was impossible for you to get frustrated, because the view in front of you was more than enough to push you over the edge. his hand moved over the bulge in his shorts, slowly moving up and down as his head fell back.

"god, I can't wait to fuck you." his eyes roamed your body, taking in the way your hair stuck to your forehead. "hold your arms above your head, doll."

trying your hardest to ignore the slick that lined your inner thighs, your arms raised and you gripped the pillow covers while you watched him pull his shorts down.

no matter how many times you've had sex with him, his cock never fails to make your core throb with anticipation. the tip was bright red, and a vein ran from underside the base all the way to the tip. just the thought of tasting him had drool pooling in your mouth.

he took one of your legs and placed it on his shoulder, gripping your calf as he ground down into you. "you're always so good for me, and you never fail to make me weak,"

"my valentine."

he pushed in slowly, watching your every movement to make sure that you weren't in any pain. your eyes screwed shut, taking in the way he filled you up perfectly. it was like you two were made for eachother, a perfect fit.

his hips soon found a rhythm that had you both seeing stars, the only thing being heard throughout your shared apartment being your moans and his grunts along with the sound of skin on skin.

his skin was warm against yours, beads of sweat trickling down his chest and onto his abs the flexed with every thrust he gave you. "mingi, right there!"

he payed attention to the way you squeezed around him, not wanting to cum just yet and trying his hardest to feel you cum first. "you close, sweetheart?"

you nodded your head, unable to form proper words with the way his cock kept hitting your sweet spot. "f-fuck,"

your lower half felt numb except where you both met, and he dropped the leg that was on his shoulder so he could lean down and reach deeper inside you.

it was the way the tip of his cock hit your cervix multiple times that made your legs twitch, your body going numb as you came with a loud moan. it was too much for mingi to handle, and he could feel himself slip over the edge when you screamed his name.

his hips slowed down, pulling out of you and rolling on his back beside you. you were both exhausted, but as much as you wanted to snuggle into his chest and let sleep take over you, you both really needed to get cleaned up.

"I'll go turn the shower on," he said, kissing your lips and sitting up. you couldn't help but laugh at him, it was like he knew what you were thinking.

"thank you, mingi."

he could feel your eyes on him when he stood up and made his way to the bathroom, and some part of him made him feel all shy like he hadn't just ruined you five minutes earlier.

"if you keep staring at me like that, I might have to go back in for round two." he laughed out.

you giggled, pulling the blanket over your body, "happy valentine's day, baby."

─────

#mingi smut #mingi fluff #mingi angst #ateez smut #ateez fluff #ateez angst #kpop smut #kpop fluff #kpop angst #ateez #kpop #ateez scenarios #ateez fic #ateez mingi #ateez x reader #kpop boy group #kpop fanfic #mingi scenarios #happy valentines day

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ikeromantic · 3 years

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Uncomfortable Questions

A Mitsuhide Akechi fanfiction occurring after the events of the romantic epilogue! Approx. 3000 words of fluff and stuff.

First: Mitsuhide and the Maiden

Previous: Friends and Frenemies

Miyake was nervous. He did his best to hide it. His job today was to stay with Lady Akechi, to keep her safe and happy. Normally, he’d consider it an easy task. A pretty girl, a new place to explore . . . but this was his Lord’s wife! And . . . other complications.

He swallowed.

“Do you want to go shopping too, Miyake? I see you’re wearing another of Sasuke’s t-shirts.” The lady smiled back at him as she asked.

“Nope! I’m good. I like this shirt. And the ninja took me out for some pants that fit too. I'm just here to keep you safe.” He glanced up at the tall tall buildings to their right and left. “Where, uh, do you want to go?”

Her shoulders sagged. “It’s not so much what I want to do as what I should. I need to stop by the clothing designer here - the place that hired me. To apologize for disappearing like I did.”

“Think they’ll be mad?”

“I hope not.” She mumbled something else, something Miyake didn’t catch.

“What was that?”

“Oh. Ah, just that I imagine they won’t be nearly as hard to apologize to as my family.”

Miyake nodded. Families were tough. He’d left his own to go serve Akechi, and never looked back. Not everyone could or would do that.

The lady stopped at a gift shop to pick up flowers for her former co-workers. Miyake didn’t let her lift a thing. Better safe than sorry. He even offered to carry her bag - her purse, she called it - but she wouldn’t let him.

Then they rode the train - which would have been fun if there’d been a seat for the lady. Standing, Miyake spent the whole time worried she might fall. Every little lurch made his jaw clench.

She seemed to notice his concern, and when they got off the train, stopped. “Miyake, I’m not that fragile. I don’t know what Mitsuhide threatened you with, but I promise, I’m perfectly capable of carrying things, walking, and standing on my own.” She laughed. “I’ve been doing it for years.”

“I know, my lady. But it just seemed like . . . in your uh, your state . . .” He gestured helplessly. Neither the lady nor his lord had said a word, and it seemed wrong to just put it out there before they did.

“My state?”

Miyake tried to hide behind the bouquets in his arms. “Ah, maybe it’s the wrong word. But hey! Isn’t that the shop you’re looking for?” It was a two-story building. A large sign hung above the double glass doors, with a spool of thread and a needle.

The lady turned. “Yep. That’s the place.” She squared her shoulders like a soldier going into battle. “Let’s do this.”

Grateful for the topic change, Miyake followed her across the street and inside.

The woman at the front counter recognized her immediately. Rather than anger, her face lit up with a big smile. “You’re ok!” She called out, “Hey ladies, our new hire just showed up six months late.”

Lady Akechi blushed deeply.

Three heads peered past the corner and then the other designers filed into the room. Besides the young lady at the counter that recognized Lady Akechi, there was an older woman with red cheeks and a round face, a short, thin girl with ponytails, and a tall woman that looked like she might arm-wrestle in her spare time.

There was a round of re-introductions between the five of them, hand shakes, and bows. Lady Akechi apologized several times, and then came the barrage of questions.

“Is this the guy you left us for,” one asked, coming over to inspect Miyake.

“N-no, he works for him though. Oh! And those flowers are for you.” She gestured for Miyake to hand them out.

He dutifully gave out the bouquets under the speculative stairs of four strange women.

“Huh,” said another. “So you found some rich guy and now you don’t need to work? Lucky!”

“This one’s pretty cute though,” the older lady said.

The short one with her ponytails smiled bashfully. She hid her smile behind her hand.

Lady Akechi stumbled over her words. “Oh - oh, I still work. I just do commissions now. And ah, ah, that’s Miyake.” She pointed to the older woman. “Miyake, this is Aiko.” She gestured to ponytail girl, “And Masako.” She nodded to the girl from the counter, “Takara,” and then to the tall woman, “And that’s Kei.”

“It’s a pleasure,” Miyake bowed. He felt himself blush under the weight of their gazes. He hoped this apology and leave-taking wouldn’t take too long, but that was a futile dream.

The women invited them out for tea, and promptly closed the shop. They walked, chattering together, to a cafe nearby.

Masako hung back to walk beside Miyake. She kept glancing up at him, shy but forward. After a block or so, she shoved a piece of paper into his hand and then hurried back up to join the other women.

Miyake looked at the paper. It had some numbers on it. Some sort of code? Was Masako a kunoichi? He studied the paper. Ten digits. Three numbers and a dash, three more numbers, a dash, and then four more numbers. The number 2 repeated. Huh.

He put it away when they got to the cafe. The place smelled strongly of coffee, a bitter beverage that people in this era seemed to enjoy. Miyake preferred tea. There were glass cabinets with sweets on display too. Things he didn’t even begin to recognize.

“What would you like,” lady Akechi asked. “I’m getting a cold coffee and some financiers.”

Aiko laughed at the expression on his face as he scrutinized the display. “You look like you’ve never been to a French bakery before.”

He nearly admitted he hadn’t, but he knew better than to give information away. Instead he just smiled. “It all looks so good. What do you recommend?”

Takara shrugged. “If you like sweets, the macarons are great. Otherwise, get a croissant or some brioche.”

“I like the crepes,” Mayako added.

He wound up getting the crepes and a tea. While the girls continued their chatter, now asking lady Akechi about her whirlwind romance and her future plans, he focused on his plate. Miyake prodded the food suspiciously. What was a crepe made of? What was in it and on it?

Miyake picked up the fork the way Sasuke taught him, cut off a piece of fluffy golden crepe and some of the fruit and poofy white stuff inside, and then stuck it in his mouth. The flavors hit him all at once. Sweet and buttery, the texture smooth as velvet, contrasting with the tart fruit.

“I think he likes it,” Aiko grinned.

“I know how to make crepes,” Mayako spoke up.

Takara elbowed her.

Kei laughed. “Men don’t usually order stuff like that here. Glad you’re not shy about what you like.”

Lady Akechi gave him a gentle pat on the arm. “He doesn’t go out for sweets often.”

Miyake nodded, feeling his cheeks flush again. Going into battle was easier than sitting through tea with a bunch of women, he thought.

When the ladies returned to their conversation, he felt safe enough to polish off the crepes, and order a second round. By that point, Aiko and Kei were giving lady Akechi tips on how to keep her man, and Miyake wished he could turn his ears off.

The conversation finally wound down, and the group returned to the clothier shop.

“You know,” Takara said, eyeing lady Akechi, “if you’re going to be around at least a few weeks, I have a commission or two you could pick up. Since you’re still working.”

“I’d love that!” The two of them headed to the back of the shop, and Miyake followed.

Masako gestured for him to stop. “That’s not for customers.”

“I’m not a customer.” He stopped though. From here, he could see lady Akechi and the other woman chatting beside some bundles of fabric.

The girl squinted up at him. She was, he thought, exceptionally short for a grown woman. “Are you some kind of mafia guy? Yakuza? Are you in a gang?”

“What?” Miyake’s eyes widened.

“I won’t tell anyone. Just me and Kei thought, the way you follow her around, you must be hired muscle.”

“I work for Lord Akechi,” he said slowly. “He is not . . . any of those things. I think.”

Masako frowned. “Fine. Don’t tell me. At least, don’t tell me yet.” She tugged at a ponytail, pulling it over one eye. “Maybe you can tell me when you . . . when you call me.”

From behind them, Kei snorted. “That is not how you flirt, Masako. You sound like a salesman.”

“I do not!” The shorter girl bristled. “Just because I’m not pushy like you!”

“Guys like pushy. Makes it easy for them to say yes.” She was standing pretty close, Miyake realized. She’d come up behind him and now he was trapped between the two women. He turned to look at Kei.

This was the wrong thing to do.

When he turned, she grabbed the back of his head and kissed him. It was . . . not a bad kiss. She was clearly experienced. Still, he gently pushed her away.

“See? Now if I gave him my number, you know he would call me.” Kei smiled smugly.

Masako looked furious. “I can’t believe you just did that!”

Mikaye understood now that he was the cause of this bizarre argument. A few days ago, he might have enjoyed being fought over by two attractive women. Not today. Today, he knew who he was going to marry and it surely wasn’t either of them. “I’m sorry ladies. I am already spoken for.”

“Oh sure! All the hot guys already have girlfriends.” Masako threw her hands up.

Kei chuckled. “What she doesn’t know, hm?”

“I ah, appreciate that, but -” He looked down the hall toward lady Akechi. She was lifting one of the cloth bundles. “My lady, no!” Miyake pushed past Masako. He lunged into range and grabbed the cloth out of her hands.

“What are you doing?” She looked stunned. A few bits of thread still stuck to her fingers.

Miyake grimaced. “You can’t be picking things like this up, my lady. It’s not safe for the baby.”

The four shop women all gasped at the same time. “You’re pregnant?” The question was a chorus of sharp disapproval to happy surprise.

Lady Akechi’s hands went to her hips. “No! Not, not as far as I know. Miyake?” One eye brow lifted and the expression was so like Mitsuhide’s that Miyake nearly handed back the bundle of cloth, certain he was wrong.

But he knew she had to be with child. Otherwise the dates wouldn't add up. “I - sorry my lady. I know you didn’t announce it yet.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Miyake took a deep breath. “Well. Yesterday, you know how I got quizzed by those professors?”

“Mhmmm.”

“They said I’m going to marry your daughter. Lord Akechi’s daughter, I mean. So I assumed . . .”

The four women burst into a whole new round of excited questions and now Miyake was the focus.

Lady Akechi came to his rescue. “I think Miyake’s just being . . . metaphorical. Yes. Not literal. Because I’m not pregnant. And anyway, ah, it really is time for us to go! But I’ll be back in a few weeks with the evening gown you commissioned. Thanks for that!”

Saying goodbye still took half an hour more, but they did get out and back onto the street alone.

Miyake snuck a look at his lord’s woman. She looked angry. Or worried. Maybe both. She kept touching her belly as if to be sure there was nothing new there.

“I’m not pregnant,” she said after they’d walked a little way back toward the train station. “I think I’d be able to tell. I mean, Mitsuhide and I, we don’t . . . you know, we just . . . but it takes awhile to make a baby, right? Like, lots and lots of . . .”

He swallowed. “Uh, sure? I mean, I knew some girls that got babies after one night with a man, but, I don’t know?”

“But not me. I'd know,” she said more firmly. “But . . . let’s stop at a pharmacy before we go home.”

***

Mitsuhide was having a fantastic day. He and Sasuke were riding the train out to the university. He tried to memorize the map of train stations, and even took a snapshot of it on his phone before Sasuke showed him how to download the ‘app.’

“Are you planning on traveling places on your own? I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Mitsuhide smiled obliquely. “I don’t know yet. But that is the problem for me here. I don’t know many things.”

After a moment, the ninja nodded. “And that is also why you agreed to come with me today.”

“Yes.”

Sasuke bowed slightly. “It would be my honor to teach you whatever you want to learn in this modern day.”

“You have me at a disadvantage but do not seek to exploit it?” One white eyebrow lifted in a gesture his fiancee was mimicking half a city away.

“No. I wouldn’t do that to the man my modern era bestie loves.”

Mitsuhide pressed. “This, despite working for my sworn enemies, Takeda and Uesugi?”

Sasuke’s shoulders tensed. “Yes. And technically, they are Nobunaga’s sworn enemies, not yours. And in this day, they are dead.”

“I see. You are desperately balancing your allegiances and rationalizing your actions to suit the situation and your preferred outcome. Are you sure you aren’t interested in a job?”

“You aren’t in a position to hire me.” Sasuke’s mouth quirked into what Mitsuhide was realizing was his smile.

The warlord nodded. “True. Perhaps I will ask again when we return home. Which will be . . .”

Sasuke flushed. “I am not certain. Perhaps, three months? The magnetic device I put together to predict and to enhance the conditions surrounding the wormhole was destroyed when we were pulled through.”

“So we could be stranded here.”

“Yes.” Sasuke’s voice was very quiet as he agreed.

“You seem unusually disturbed by that. Yet, this is your home?”

The ninja shrugged. “It was. We should be going now. The professors will be waiting for you, and we still need their help.”

Mitsuhide knew he hadn’t gotten to the reason for Sasuke’s unhappiness at their current predicament. He needed to know why the ninja was perturbed, but good intel took time. Instead, he spent the rest of the trip to the university solving the mysteries of bank cards and how to operate a smart phone.

The university was a pleasant surprise. A vast complex of buildings dedicated to furthering knowledge and culture. There was one entire center given to poetry and literature. Another to medicine. One to agriculture. Walking through them made Mitsuhide miss his friends. He thought of Ieyasu and Mitsunari, of how they would enjoy the time to page through these endless shelves of books and scrolls.

He thought too, of his lord, and the oceans of blood they shed to reach this place. This time. Mitsuhide could not help but wonder if there was ever another way to get here, to this, or if war and sacrifice was the only way forward.

It was with these troubling thoughts in mind that he sat down across a desk from two aged men. One of them looked deeply distrustful, while the other seemed excited. The excitable one was Sasuke’s contact, and they greeted each other familiarly before the ninja introduced him.

“Professor Fukuda, this is Akechi Mitsuhide,” Sasuke bowed to his friend. “And this is Professor Sakai.”

The men greeted one another and then the questions began.

“So you claim to be the historical figure, Akechi Mitsuhide? The traitor of the Oda?”

“I do.” Mitsuhide smiled sharply.

The enthusiastic professor Fukuda nodded, interrupting. “No need to be hostile to the man. Just ask your questions. For verification.”

“Hmph. As if I can verify an impossibility. But . . . the other one, Hidemitsu, he was very convincing. Alright.” And he proceeded to ask about minutiae. Random details. The color of this, the material of that, the name of this or that scribe, and so on.

Mitsuhide wore his patient mask. The face of the eager servant, he called it. He answered the questions as fully as he could until finally, the skeptical Sakai ran out of steam.

“Are you satisfied, sir? Do you believe me now?” Sasuke waited for a reply.

“I suppose I have no choice. Besides, Professor Fukuda was showing me the formula for your time travel theorem. I’m no physicist, but it looks solid. And . . . Mister Akechi answered everything correctly. Down to the last detail!”

Mitsuhide took a breath. That was one obstacle down. “Now that I have your confidence, are you willing to make a deal with me?”

Fukuda took a breath. “Sasuke already gave us a list of your needs -”

“Yes. He provided the beginnings of our requirements. There is more.”

“Well? Go on then,” Sakai gestured.

Mitsuhide nodded. “I require unrestricted access to your libraries and data - databases. I will require an assistant to teach me how to navigate your net-work, and may also need to use your laboratories, which you will allow with proper safety measures in place.”

The two professors exchanged a glance and then nodded. “Done. Is that all?”

“No. I’ve one more request. I may at some time, need,” he glanced to Sasuke, fishing for the word from his new vocabulary. “Scholars. Scholars’ ships.”

“Scholarships. For special situation admittance,” the ninja added helpfully.

“Yes, that. Three of them.”

Fukuda leaned forward on his elbows. “Is it for more of you people from the past?”

“No. Let’s say, as a reward of sorts for some of those assisting us. I am not in a position here to offer them places in my retinue or at my castle. But I will provide for them.” Mitsuhide’s eyes were hard. This was not a negotiable point.

“Why not,” Sakai waved toward the window. “We have people drop out of programs all the time from the stress of studies. It shouldn’t be a problem to put three people in.”

Mitsuhide relaxed back into his chair. “Then we have a deal.”

*In IRL history, Miyake marries Mitsuhide's daughter and takes the name Akechi Hidemitsu so I decided to include that tidbit!

Next: In the Spotlight

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen mitsuhide #mitsuhide akechi #ikesen sasuke #otome guys #otome #fanfiction #fanfic #fluff #hc

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thebadboyfanclub · 4 years

Text

That’s My Girl (Emmett x Reader)

This was requested by an anon and it did hit home a bit since I’ve struggled with body image issues since I was 13 and it does take a lot on finding a balance and it’s a long and painful process. Enjoy!

T.W+ Statement. I am in no way, shape or form taking lightly the case of body image issues that will be mentioned on this imagine, it is a real struggle and so many people suffer because of it, I’m just trying to bring some light and show what I think the said character would do at this particular scenario

(Y/n) was always the bigger one of her family, weighted more than her sisters and wore two sizes bigger than her sisters, yet her sisters were the only people that had her back. Her own mother made it a mission to bring up calories and carbs every time she saw her eat something.

As she entered her teen years, things started to change and grow bigger and in her classmates eyes... uglier, fatter. She was bullied a lot and also quietly, she felt like even if she did speak to her parents they would take their side and tell her to do some extra workouts.

Eventually she did, she worked out more and counted calories and fasted, even had a few trips to the bathroom, anything that would work and get the weight of her body and her shoulders. It became a vicious cycle, she would gain and lose and do the same stuff all over again. Until she met Emmett, his face was the first thing she saw when she opened her eyes after fainting in the schools parking lot. Edward had warned him about your thoughts of feeling dizzy and thinking “get to the car” over and over again.

“Welcome back pretty lady”

It sounded corny, yet it was one of the sweetest things she had ever heard. She smiled at the best of her abilities and started looking around, slowly realizing what had occurred

“Don’t worry, no one saw”

“Except the entire school, this is so embarrassing”

As she got back up on her feet as fast as she could, darkness engulfed her for a second, a second was enough for her knees to go weak and fall into Emmett’s arms, who was more than lucky to have her there, her short and delicate human body brought him anxiety he hadn’t felt in... decades.

“Sorry about that”

“No don’t apologize, you are my damsel in distress”

“Really? then how should I repay you?”

“A date might make up for my heroic act”

Since then they had been a couple, she didn’t really have a choice since Emmett would show up everywhere and help her do anything and everything, he had even endured 2 hours waiting at the hair salon for her.

(Y/n) was on cloud 9, finally a man that treated her like she had only seen in her movies and cared for her. Also the fact that he was extremely handsome was a big bonus, as well as a source of anxiety for her appearance, she was so overwhelmed by her new relationship that she had not seen that she had gained a bit of “relationship weight”, for her though this was a disaster. In her mind she was already overweight, this just was the cherry on top to her maliciously rude mind.

“Babe are you ready yet?”

“5 more minutes”

Emmett was getting a bit suspicious. She had been in there throwing clothes around the room, groaning and grunting for almost 2 hours, (y/n) would usually be ready once he was there, she hated not being on time.

She hated this, nothing fitted her the way it was supposed to, she looked fat and ugly into every single outfit, nitpicking herself apart in every single piece of clothing. She was basically tip toeing around a mental breakdown, just as she was about to zip up yet another pair of jeans she heard her bedroom door open and reveal a concerned Emmett.

“Get out I said I’m not ready”

As he closed the door he looked around and took in the chaos that was her room right now, (y/n) was usually very tidy so this couldn’t mean anything good.

“I know that’s why I came in, what’s going on baby girl?”

“I have no clothes that’s what’s going on”

“Weird, I could swear I see some right there on your bed”

He tried to make a light joke that didn’t really get a great crowd reaction out of it. As (Y/n) ran around to find a shirt Emmett stood there looking at her, trying to piece things together and maybe find a way to help her.

“If you want maybe I can Alice to bring you a few pieces”

“Alice is s literal model, I will tear anything she has”

She snapped back at him. He was stepping on shaky ground and felt helpless, something that (y/n) quickly realized that she had created. She let out a deep sigh and placed her fingers on her temples, slightly massaging them

“I’m sorry, I’m just... stressed”

“About what? talk to me”

Emmett took a step and sat down on her bed, waiting for his girlfriend to come and take a seat on his lap. As she instinctively did exactly that she tried to keep some of her weight by keeping herself on her toes. Emmett didn’t even think twice about placing her entire weight on him and bringing her close to his chest.

“Do you think I’m fat?”

“What? what are you talking about?”

“I just... I am so much bigger than Alice and Bella and let’s not even go to Rosalie, they are all like... stick status and I’m just this cow that’s dating a body builder”

Emmet was left stunned, speechless. He could not believe what he was hearing, his true mate, his little delicate human, his short girl that he loved to bring into a hug and feel her getting lost in his big form, was thinking of herself as fat? They couldn’t be talking about the same girl he would pick up like she was a feather and the girl he would worry about eating and being healthy.

“(Y/n) don’t ever say that again, you are beautiful and why does it matter if you are bigger than Bella, I’m bigger than Edward too... are you calling me fat?”

“Noooo”

“Yes, yes you are. I knew it that you would leave me for someone thinner”

“Stop, I’m being serious”

“Look baby as long as I can throw you over my shoulder I will see nothing wrong with you”

His response did make her feel better but it wasn’t all fixed up, it didn’t work like that. Although it did feel nice to hear him say those things. Emmett leaned in to steal a sweet little kiss from her lips in hopes to make her feel better and comfort her the best he could.

“You are my perfect small girlfriend, I bet you look like a toothpick standing next to me. In all seriousness I have never and I will never see anything wrong with your body, you are perfect”

She smiled at him as she let her head rest on his shoulders, letting his words sink in and process them. He truly embodied everything she wanted in a boyfriend, he respected her and appreciated her to the max.

“Now, what to do you think about wearing a nice outfit and going to the movies with me?”

“Alright”

“That’s my girl, I’ll wait outside”

#emmett cullen one shot #emmett cullen imagine #emmett imagines #emmett cullen x reader #emmett cullen x you #emmett cullen x oc #twilight imagine #twilight one shot #twilight headcanon #twilight #twilight x reader #emmett x reader #emmett cullen headcanon #cullen imagines #emmett cullen

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fatefulfaerie · 3 years

Text

Domesticity

Zelink Week 2021 prompt #5/7 @zelinkweek2021

Word Count: 1,951

Incarnation: Breath of the Wild 2 (post)

Additional Prompts Followed: Hearts, Family

No Trigger Warnings

“Is one of us dying?”

The feast was definitely unsettling to Wendie, and although she was mostly joking, she couldn’t help but think that such a nice dinner at such a random time of the year was odd. Of course her dad was a great cook, but this was a step above, despite there being no family birthdays for at least three months and no holidays for five.

“No,” her mother said as she placed on the table a large bowl of goat-buttered mashed potatoes, one of Wendie’s favorite foods. She had said it with a slight motherly laugh and a warm smile. “No one is dying. We’re just having a family dinner.”

The mother, who went by the name Zelda, had aged gracefully over the past twenty years, blonde hair highlighted with streaks of white that her husband would often call angelic and ethereal when she would doubt her beauty. At the moment, her age-hued hair was swept into a single braid behind her head, messy yet secure.

“Our family dinners aren’t usually this elaborate,” Wendie observed. “You made mashed potatoes and seafood rice balls—which is Elyjah’s favorite food—grilled carrots, meat pie, mushroom skewers and you have an apple turnover on the counter for dessert!”

“Nothing gets past you,” her father said, putting a bowl of baked and salted radishes on the table. His blue eyes looked over to Zelda. “I think we raised them too smart.”

“Nonsense,” Zelda said, walking forward and using the rag that was just draped over her shoulder to wipe a smattering of flour off of Link’s forehead. “Where’s Elyjah?”

Wendie made a sound that sounded a lot like a lazy “I don’t know” while shrugging her shoulders where she sat at the table.

“He can just eat when he gets home,” Wendie reasoned. “There’s more than enough food.”

Wendie didn’t see her parents exchange glances, the seventeen-year old not caring in the slightest that her twin brother wasn’t here to ruin her first dibs on dinner.

“I’ll try and find him,” Zelda said with a sigh, Wendie looking back up at her parents. Link nodded as Zelda departed. Wendie once again questioned what was going on.

“Ly!” The father and daughter heard outside, Zelda from just the doorstep of their modest Hateno home calling out to the entirety of Hyrule. Link sat down across from his daughter, elbows on the table and arms folded into each other. The deep thought he was in concerned Wendie greatly. He wouldn’t even meet her glance. Was she in trouble?

“Okay, okay, I’m coming.”

Elyjah.

Of all the people to be in trouble, surely it was him. He had never gotten into anything truly bad but he was the biggest prankster in Hateno. The only shop he wasn’t banned from was the dye shop. The green-eyed troublemaker was here nonetheless and Wendie prepared herself for another fun show. Zelda moved to sit down next to Link at the table but Elyjah stopped as soon as he saw the table, mouth popped open and body frozen.

“Is someone dying?”

He had looked over to his sister when he asked the question.

“Yeah,” she said. “You.”

“What?” Elyjah asked, almost believing it.

“Wendie, that’s enough now,” Zelda said, before looking over to her son. “No one is dying. We would just like to talk to you both.”

Elyjah sat next to Wendie with the same bewildered look as her, trying to figure out what it was before their parents spit it out. It was like Hylia’s Day presents except they didn’t have a good feeling about this, especially when Link took Zelda’s hand and looked at their children, ready to address them.

And yet it was Zelda who started.

“Do you two remember the fairytale we used to tell you?” Zelda inquired, her voice shaky. “The bedtime story? Of the princess and the knight?”

Neither Elyjah nor Wendie had any clue of the relevance, but they both remembered the tale well.

“The one with the weird ending?” Wendie asked nonetheless. “Where he rescued her and then that was it?”

“Yeah,” Elyjah said. “Didn’t they just stare at each other in silence? After all they had been through, it seemed like there should have been more.”

Link dove his hand into his forehead.

“Zelda, you could have given them a better ending,” Link suggested.

Zelda scoffed and put her hands on her hips.

“It was a lesson in imagination,” she said. “And clearly none of you have any.”

“But that’s besides the point…” Link said, prompting Zelda in a different direction.

“Yes,” Zelda said, nodding at Link and returning her gaze to their children, confused as ever. And yet she smiled at them.

“You both have grown up so fast,” Zelda said. “We both love you very much and cannot believe that you have blossomed right before our eyes into adults.”

Zelda’s smile became sad and she bowed her head.

“You see it’s a lot easier to lie to children.”

Wendie’s brow furrowed.

“Lie…” she repeated from her mother.

When Zelda’s head tilted back up, green was glazed with waves of coming tears, making the emeralds that Link fell in love with a hundred years ago shine even brighter.

“That fairytale…” Zelda said. “The princess who used her sealing power to keep away Calamity Ganon and the knight who slept in a ruined Hyrule for a hundred years in order to recover from his injuries and save her…”

Zelda stopped herself. Twenty years of keeping it in and it seems it wanted to stay in. She wrestled with her conflicted heart, kept it at bay long enough for her to blurt it out.

“It’s true,” Zelda said, no weakness in her voice, no lie, no apprehension. “The knight and the princess really did fight the calamity, really did survive a century to see it through and then some. Once they tracked down the cause of the anomaly, destroying the true form of Ganon, they settled down in Hateno. They got married and eventually gave life to twins, a boy and a girl.” Zelda’s eyes were proud as she looked upon her children, although they glistened with tears. Her heart hurt to see their faces in shock, but the outspoken truth felt better than she could have imagined. She felt Link’s grip tighten around her fingers.

“You both have royal blood in you,” Zelda said. “Even though I stepped away from the throne in the search of a simpler, more fulfilling life, you both still have claim to the titles of Prince Elyjah and Princess Wendie. We wanted you to know in case that path would prove fulfilling for you and…well, now that you’re adults you have the right to know the truth.”

Wendie stood up and walked out of the house, her parents not daring to stop her. Elyjah, however, just sat in shock, piecing it all together in his mind. Link and Zelda both could see his green eyes working, much like his mother’s did when she went over schematics or theorized about plant life.

“The story,” he finally started, “everything you went through…the pressure…you wanted to protect us from that…you wanted to give us the childhood you never had…that neither of you had.”

Link nodded.

“That’s right.”

Elyjah pursed his lips and nodded. Sometimes he was just like his dad. He shrugged.

“Okay,” he said, replacing his empty plate with the one filled with the seafood rice balls meant for the whole family. “Cool,” he continued, or at least it sounded like the word “cool”, his mouth mostly filled with rice.

Link raised his eyebrows and looked over at Zelda.

“Apparently we’re…cool.” Link said the last word as if it were completely foreign.

“Not all of us,” Zelda reminded her husband. She started to stand up. “I’m gonna go talk to her.”

Yet Link placed a hand on her arm.

“I’ll go,” Link said. “You stay and enjoy the food.”

Link found his daughter on the banks of Firly Pond, knees hugged close to her chest and water lapping at her bare toes.

At first he waited with his hand on the bark of the near apple tree, pursing his lips. Sometimes he was thrust back in time twenty years, when he felt he had no idea how to be a dad. This was one of those moments.

Link saw in his mind’s eye Wendie’s big blue eyes staring up at him, stubby arms reaching for him. He smiled. She grew up so fast.

“I know you’re there,” he heard Wendie say. She didn’t turn her head away from the pond. “Did you come to give me a speech?”

Link walked towards her.

“Maybe.”

He sat down next to her and Wendie only gave him the smallest of glances.

“I feel like I don’t know my parents at all,” she finally said.

Link nodded.

“I understand.” He said. “I don’t agree, but I understand.”

Wendie looked over to his profile, trying to ascertain how he could be serious. The calamity was real and her parents fought it. Sheikah technology really could heal fatal wounds and the goddesses power really was wielded by a mortal, not to mention her own mother, who never seemed like a princess in the slightest. Her father was a knight in a kingdom that really did exist and she?

Well she was a princess. This whole time, she was a princess. The girl who was called the “ugly duckling” of the family as a child was a princess in peasant’s clothing. She almost wanted to go brag to the town, but that seemed petty for just a small ounce of appreciation from the people her age who used to tease her when they would play as children.

Her parents were legends and in comparison, what was she?

Definitely not a princess.

“You know us as what we became after everything we went through,” Link finally said, having taken the time to get his words together. “The people we were before…”

He hesitated.

“We were nothing more than what the kingdom wanted us to be…statues, legends, weapons…we were never fully ourselves, and we could never afford to be ourselves with an entire kingdom looking at us to save them from a calamity. The slivers that were left of us found a friendship in each other, one that grew into love in time. After everything was settled, we began to truly find ourselves, basking in the freedom to do so. It’s something that usually occurs in a fifteen year old but your mother and I were a hundred and twenty years old when we solved the identity crisis. She did not want to be royalty and I did not want to be a knight. When we finally did not need to be those things, we took our first breaths as Link and Zelda. We wanted our children to take those breaths from the very second they were born, and that is why we let you grow up before we told you the truth. We wanted royalty to be an option for you two, not a necessity. We wanted you to become yourselves, not tiny versions of us. I only hope we have…at least I think we have.”

Wendie smiled.

“You have,” she said. “If you want your daughter to have absolutely no idea what she wants to do with her life.”

Link brought his daughter closer by hugging her far shoulder, bringing her close enough to kiss the top of her head.

“That’s exactly what I want,” he said. It sounded strange but Link didn’t mean it as a bad thing. “Because finding out your passion for yourself is the most exciting thing in this entire wild land.”

#zelink #zelink week 2021 #zelinkweek2021 #botw #botw 2 #but like twenty years after #hateno

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