#he was always going to love Thena

[softquietsteadylove]

I was wondering if you could do a toxic AU? One where like they're dating, but really bad for each other (like cheat on each other, make the other cry, or something just toxic) and they just can't let each other go. I know it would be kind if impossible because it's THEM, but because it's THEM, and they're obsessed with each other it kinda makes it possible😭

"She's here?!"

"Will you keep your voice down?" Gil attempted to shush Minerva, which of course only made her more upset.

She threw her purse to the ground. "Are you serious right now, Gilgamesh? First, you have some weird moment with Thena behind closed doors seconds before her wedding. Then, you stand and protest the marriage. And then you follow her after she runs off, and I have to find out she's in my home--our home?!"

"It's still my apartment, Minerva," he hissed at her, hand on his hip, solidly blocking the doorway to their bedroom. "You moved in with me, and Thena is my friend. What was I supposed to do, let her go back to that jackass's place alone?!"

"You don't bring the woman you're obsessed with into the apartment you share with your girlfriend!"

She was still in her wedding attire. So was he, suit still on, tie hanging around his neck loosely. "I am not obsessed with Thena."

But she dug her heels in, pointing up in his face. "You are. I should have listened when my friends told me what a red flag it was that you couldn't let go of her, even when she got engaged. I wanted to believe you when you said you weren't in love with her!"

"I never said that."

She reared back as if he'd struck her. "You what?"

"You never asked if I was in love with Thena, you asked if I was cheating on you with her," he clarified, even knowing what he'd get for it. "Which I didn't."

Her slap held nothing back, cracking against his cheek in the otherwise silent apartment.

It stung. "Okay, I deserve that."

"And more," Minerva choked, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Why the hell would you do this? Why did you agree to move in with me? I thought you were going to propose."

He kept his face passive. She didn't want any more lies, and he was tired of lying to her. "I figured 'why not?', that's why."

She stumbled back again. "Was-Was anything you've ever told me in our relationship true?"

"Yes."

"You fucking liar!"

"I'm not lying," he insisted. "I never lied. You asked if I'm obsessed with Thena, I'm not. You asked if I was cheating on you--if I would ever cheat on you with her, and I wouldn't! And Thena would never do that to you either."

"Maybe that's the worst part," she laughed coldly. "Why did she pretend to be my friend all this time?"

"She didn't pretend," he stated so straightforward he was starting to sound like Thena. "She doesn't pretend to like people, I told you. She wasn't lying when she told me she liked you, which you kept insisting was some mean, backhanded lie."

No, instead it was her boyfriend who was lying (according to her). Minerva swiped at her tears, dragging the mascara off her cheeks. "So, you're not cheating on me, you just brought the woman you've loved your entire life home after her failed wedding out of kindness."

Gil sighed. "That's right."

Minerva's tears began anew. Her petite shoulders folded in on themselves, her dark hair tumbling around her in long curls. "You love her."

She deserved this much--the real, whole truth. "Yes."

"You've always loved her," Minerva continued to ask questions he knew she wouldn't like the answers to. "The whole time?"

He stood up straight, dragging his tie off completely. He didn't really like orange, but Minerva insisted they match. "From the first day I met her when we were kids."

"Then why wouldn't you just go be with her?" Minerva demanded, even pointed to the bedroom door where her unseen enemy was lying in wait (according to her).

But he shrugged. He had asked himself these questions for a long time, the answers didn't have any pain left in them. "Because our lives went in different directions. Because we've always been best friends--too good to complicate it. We knew it wouldn't have worked when we were young so why try and break our own hearts?"

It seemed her tears were drying quickly the colder her eyes became. She crossed her arms at him. "So, you've always been in love with her. And you dated me anyway."

"Yes."

"But not everything you told me was a lie?" she scoffed. "And you expect me to believe that?"

"It doesn't matter if you believe it or not." She flinched again, and he did feel bad. He did care for this woman--they had been together for two years. "I never lied to you, Minerva. But don't ask me to choose between you and her."

Because he would choose her. He was choosing her over his girlfriend standing in front of him right now. "I see."

He crossed his arms as well, still planted in front of the door. "I'm not sending her to some hotel. Her brother and Phastos and Ben are probably helping get her stuff out of Eros' place as we speak. Once I know she's safe and has a place to go, you can come and get your stuff."

"That's it?" She was done--the line was cut, the bridge burned and floating down the river.

"Yeah," he also deflated. He didn't think what he was doing was noble by any means. And he deserved every horror story Minerva would tell about her nightmare ex who was always in love with his friend he had told her not to worry about.

Well, she wouldn't have had to if Thena had gotten married. If she had never told him that she couldn't go through with marrying Eros because she had always loved him. She was guilty of that, but he could bear that sin for the both of them.

"Fine," Minerva stated finally, drying the last of her tears.

"I can leave you the apartment, if you want," he added lamely. He really didn't want to.

"Don't offer me your pity," she spat back at him, and he admired her for it. "I don't need a homewrecker's space."

He was a homewrecker, that would stick with him. But he still couldn't bring himself to regret so long as he knew Thena was lying on his bed, crying.

"Go to hell," she hissed at him, picking her purse up and not even bothering to take anything on her way out. "You and your precious Thena."

"Watch it," he grumbled back at her. She could curse his name for generations to come, fine. But he wouldn't let her speak badly of Thena.

That was the last straw, and she slammed the door behind her as hard as she could.

Two years of his life, down the drain. It was a happy relationship, for the most part. She had always excitedly wanted to advance their relationship, take new steps together (like moving in). But looking around the empty apartment, he didn't care. She could come and take the furniture she had picked out that he didn't like, she could take all the stuff on the walls. She could take the stuff that wasn't hers if she wanted. What mattered wasn't out here.

Gil opened the door gently. Thena was sitting up on the bed, a towel around her shoulders and wearing the old shirt he had left out for her to wear. Her wedding dress was lying unceremoniously and disdainfully piled outside the bathroom. "I didn't like that dress either."

Her voice was hoarse as she looked at it. "His mother insisted."

He sat beside her, taking her hand in his, "forget it. Forget her, and her asshole son--never think about them again."

Thena looked at him, turning those big green eyes on him that always made him forget the entire rest of the world around him. Her eyes filled with tears. "She deserves better."

She was talking about Minerva. But he brought her hand up to his lips, "I know."

"She deserves to hate us," she whispered, her lip trembling.

"Probably," he brushed off, focused on pulling her big, ugly, stupid engagement ring off her. She didn't like it anyway--it was just one garishly ugly stone on a tiny band. It was always getting caught on things, always getting turned around on her thin little finger. She hated the attention it drew.

The ring tumbled and rolled as Gil tossed it away.

"I shouldn't have said anything."

"No," he whispered, still kissing each of her fingers. Either way it was true; no, she shouldn't have said anything, but no, he didn't want her to say that now, either.

"We always said we shouldn't do this," she whispered back, crying freely as he weaved their fingers together.

"I know," he conceded as he finally leaned in to kiss her. It was the worst time to do it. They were both crying, it was the worst day of her life, and both of their lives were about to never be the same because of it.

But Thena kissed him back, and they kissed like they had always been doing it. "Why couldn't you tell me earlier not to marry him?"

He laughed, although there wasn't much genuine mirth in it. There wasn't much in her smile, either. "Why couldn't you tell me you loved me sooner?"

She laughed as well, just as sadly. She tilted her head as he swiped her tears away with his thumb. "We're both terrible. We got this wrong, right from the beginning, didn't we?"

"Yeah," he kissed her again, more softly, more sweetly. "But I won't anymore."

[artethyst]

~ Shadows Bathed In Moonlight ~

Azriel x Youngest Archeron Sister!Reader x OC

Little Ezekiel was not like his cousins.

Nyx, older only by two years, was cheerful and outgoing, curious like his mother and with an unbridled fearlessness just like his father.

Baby Thena, the youngest of the three, who had only just began to walk- toddle, already had the will of both her mother and father.

Cassian’s mischievous grin with Nesta’s piercing gaze.

Ezekiel, however, was just like Azriel.

He was very shy, in fact, he preferred to hide behind his mother’s legs and cling onto the shimmering skirts that pooled over them than chase after his cousins.

Rest his curly mop of raven hair against his father’s neck who was more than happy to scoop him up and carry him around, protective over the innocent child who had yet to be tainted by Prythian’s cruelties.

It was no secret Azriel preferred it that way, Rhysand and Cassian often teasing his parental axiety and overbearing behaviour, reminding him his son was an Illyrian after all.

Just as Illyrian as he had once been- delicate wings folded against his little back but with unblemished hands and love in his heart.

Azriel would keep it that way.

His Mate knew it was because of the innate fear of the Mother snatching his happiness away- as though he had never deserved it.

Ezekiel was a little miracle.

Not only were Fae children rare, the dangerous birth had put his mother in a coma, and him confined to the Healer’s for the first month of his wavering life.

It was the worst time of Azriel’s centuries long existence.

If he had been protective before, he was a hundred times worse now

When the other children played, Ezekiel was happy to curl up in another adult’s lap, to which many of them had no qualms, as Ezekiel was just the “cutest” according to Mor- a tiny version of his father that the Inner Circle could squeeze and smother with kisses.

Feyre often scolded Nyx for dragging the poor boy around, but Ezekiel held no grudges, a small blush on his face as his cousin tugged him along ranting on about whatever a child of his age had to rant about.

But now it was time for him to leave the nest.

The one his parents has so throughly wound.

“Ezekiel,” his mother bent down to his eye level, twinkling hazel eyes wide and scared. “Mama will be back soon okay?”

The little boy’s lip wobbled and tiny fists came to rub at his eyes which quickly filled with tears. His silent sobs broke her heart, Madja had always said he was an easy baby, like his father.

And even now- when he cried, he tried to hide it.

It worried her- that he would never throw a tantrum or openly seek comfort- but hide it as though he was ashamed to feel.

He choked back little cries as his mother had to force away her own.

She hated to think her little boy felt the need to internalise his feelings- especially from her.

Azriel had assured her it was okay- that he had been that way too, even when his own mother had shown him nothing but love.

“You’ll have lots of fun my Little Shadow,” she pressed a deep kiss to his wet cheek, gently brushing away his tears, trying not only to convince him but herself. “Nyx will be with you-“

“Yepppp! Come on ‘Zekiellllll!” His cousin’s voice sang in anticipation, not understanding why the boy was so reluctant to play with toys and read funny picture books all day.

Ezekiel continued to cry and so his mother picked him up, cradling him against her chest as he sobbed without restraint.

Unusual for such a well-behaved child such as he.

“D-Don’t leave me mama!” He wept. “I-I pwomise I’ll be good p-pwease don’t give me away!”

Her heart broke as he trembled and her free hand came to stroke at his curls, the way she had done to comfort her own husband many a time.

“I would never give you away my darling, and you have not been bad,” she smoothed his raven locks, “you are a big boy now, just like Nyx. You are old enough go and play with all other children-“

“I not a big boy I-I still a baby!” He cried and that was when his father appeared, face just as torn as his mother’s.

The boy did not giggle as he usually did when his father’s shadows came to tickle against his cheek, his cries coming out in small hiccups as she looked to Azriel in pure misery.

He wordlessly plucked the child from her arms, his own chest tightening at the sound of his only child’s pained cries- crying under the belief he was being abandoned.

Azriel had vowed his child would never feel the way he had, unloved and nothing but a burden the Mother was so cruel to burden the equally dismal world with.

His Mate had changed that outlook.

And now his greatest treasure- a part of them both, homage to their fiery passion and proof the Shadowsinger was indeed capable of love.

Ezekiel continued to cry as Azriel’s shadows were equally as unsettled, trying their best to cheer up the little boy who quivered so violently, he might have fallen from his father’s arms had the older male’s grip been so secure.

He would rather suffer burns across his entire flesh- take Truthteller to his heart than have his son feel unwanted.

“You know that your mother and I love you- more than anything. More than the sky above.”

Ezekiel sniffed, his little head nodding pathetically as best it could smushed into Azriel’s chest.

“You are our little star Ezekiel. You are the most precious thing to us- in all of Prythian. We would never let anything or anyone harm you, you never have to be afraid of the world as long as I am here.”

Feyre stood in the distance- letting her brother-in-law share the moment with his son, knowing just how heartbroken Rhys was at the same situation.

The difference was, Nyx hardly gave him a second glance- sprinting into the unfamiliar building with a new sense of reverence and promise of adventure.

“D-Daddy stay?” The boy became hopeful as Azriel shook his head, running a hand lovingly through his son’s inherited locks- a sense of pride and indescribable love overwhelming him at the sight.

Before he could come up with some semblance of comfort, Feyre saved the day. Pressing a wet kiss to her nephew’s cheek with an infectious smile on her warm face.

It wasn’t that she thought her own sister incapable, she just knew the poor woman was just as worried as Azriel.

Their forced smiles and glossy eyes hardly convincible even to a child.

“Hmmm, a little shadow told me that Uncle Cass has a surprise back home waiting for his best Spy…”

The boy paused, his little face red and besmirched with tears but an undeniable curiosity to his eye.

“Spies don’t cry Zekie!” Nyx chimed in as his mother sent him a gentle look of reprimand. “Come onnnnn, the faster we get home, the faster we get the suprise!”

“You like painting, don’t you Ezekiel?” Feyre continued, distracting the boy enough for him to perk up in curiosity, loosening his little balled fisted grip on his father’s leathers. “Would you like me to show you the art room?”

Azriel- albeit reluctantly, lowered his son to the ground, gently encouraging him towards Feyre who happily received his little hand in hers.

The Shadowsinger took his Mate into his arms as replacement, the loss of his son weighing heavy even on his own marred heart.

The boy had never once been out of their sight for so long.

And as Feyre guided him into the Nursery, her sister mouthing a watery ‘thank you’ as a tear cascaded down her cheek, Azriel couldn’t help but let one of his own slip as Ezekiel passed through the doors and out of his sight.

Hesitant in his little steps, but with his cousin there to help him along.

Just as Rhysand had done for his father.

[swiftieblyth]

Piercing Snow

warnings- Murder, Coryo, toxic ish family, typical Hunger Games stuff

"They're sending me away tomorrow," your boyfriend explained, sitting on your bed one night.

"I know." You breathed, head resting on his shoulder.

"I'll write to you. I promise." Your boyfriend promised, making you look up at him.

"Coryo, you don't know that for sure. You don't even know where you're going to be sent to."

"I know. But I'll find a way to contact you."

"But even if you can, he won't let us, Coryo. This is his fault! He's trying to ruin us!"

"I know, I know." Coryo cooed, wiping the tear off your cheek with the pad of his thump. "But it's only a four year sentence. And when I get there I'll work my way up. Work my way back to you."

"But he won't let you."

"He can't stop me either." Coryo ordered. "Baby, I'm going to come back to you, I just need you to wait for me baby."

"I will Coryo! I will wait for you forever if I have to!"

"I know you will, baby." Coryo sighed, kissing your head, as you leaned into his chest as he cradled you. "I love you, baby."

Just then you heard the door creak open followed by little sniffles.

"Thena?" You asked, looking up to see your five year old sister, Delythena, come walking in with tears staining her rosy cheeks, making your elderly sister instincts kick in.

"Sissy?" She sniffled, making you bolt up and watch her close the door.

"Thena, what's wrong?" You asked, scared this was your step fathers doing.

"I had a bad dream." She cried.

"Oh, princess." Coryo let out, making her look up at him realizing he was there.

"Cory?" She asked, brightness filling her teary eyes. It was adorable to you just how much your boyfriend and little sister got along. Delythena looked up to Coryo like he held the stars and Coryo always treated her like she was the princess of Panem.

"It's me, princess." He cooed, reaching his hand out to her to help her on the bed.

"It was scary." She cried as she climbed up.

"How was it scary, princess?" He asked, sitting her on his lap as she clutched one of her little hands to his shirt, and the other still wrapped around little bunny plushie that you got her when she was born.

"It was storming and I was all alone and lost and no one was coming to get me." She cried into your boyfriends chest.

"Aw, Thena," you cooed, stroking her wet cheek with your thumb. "That's not going to happen. I'll always come looking for you. You're my little sister, and I love you."

"I love you too, Sissy." She let out, voice soft as she pulled away from Coryo. "And I love you too, Cory."

"Aww, thank you, princess." Coryo smiled, looking at your little sister. "I love you too. You and your sissy."

"Sissy loves you too." She explained proudly.

"Does she now?" He asked, smile on his face, pretending to be surprised.

"Yes!" She exclaimed, proudly. "She tells me all the time! She says she loves you almost as much as she loves me."

"Almost as much?" He asked her, looking at you, making you hold in a laugh at the fake hurt in his eyes.

"Well," Coryo pretended to whisper, leaning closer to your sister. "Between you and me, I love your big sister too. Very very much."

"More than you love me?" Your sister pouted with her big eyes that got Coryo every time.

"No." He explained, wiping a tear that had just fallen on her cheek. "Never. I love my princess of Penam more than anyone!" Coryo explained, making your heart melt.

"How about you get some sleep." You suggested.

"Can I stay with you and Cory?"

"Oh course, honey." You smiled.

Coryo woke early the next morning curled up in your bed with you and your sister, saddened by the fact that he had to say goodbye. He looked at your sleeping sister on his chest and you sleeping curled into his side.

He had one arm wrapped around you, and the other around your sister. "Baby," he whispered, rubbing his hand along your waist, staring you from your sleep.

"Coryo," you mumbled slowly fluttering your eyes open. sorrow filling your eyes when you realized what was going on. "No," you whispered, tears coming to your eyes, as you tried not to wake your little sister.

"I have to. I don't want to, but I have to."

"Coryo."

"I know, baby." Coryo sighed, carefully sitting up, trying not to wake Thena. "But I'll come back to you. I'm going to come back."

"I don't want you to go."

"Cory," Thena quietly asked, shifting in Coryo's arms and looking up at him with her big eyes. "Where are you going?"

"I'm just going on a trip, princess." Coryo said, not wanting to tell her the truth.

"When will you be back?"

Coryo looked at you for help with this one.

"It'll be a while honey. That's why I'm sad."

"Cory, don't go! I don't want Sissy to be sad!"

"Aw, honey, Coryo has to go." You explained.

"Do you have to?" Thena asked with her big eyes.

"I do, princess." Coryo explained, brushing the hair out of her face. "But I'll be back as soon as I can. Can you do me a favor while I'm gone, princess? Can you take care of your sister for me?"

"Yeah! I'll take care of her!"

"I know you will, princess. Thank you." Coryo smiled, kissing her head, making her smile as big as she could.

"I love you Cory!"

"I love you too, princess." Coryo smiled, giving her one last kiss.

"Okay, Thena," you let out, playing with her hair. "How about you go back to your bed before Mother and your father wonder where you are."

"Okay," Thena let out, looking up to Coryo. "You're coming back to us right Cory?"

"Of course I am." Coryo smiled, wiping a tear off of her cheek with the pad of his thumb, trying not to let his own tears fall out. "I can't leave the love of my life, and my princess of Panem, now can I?"

"No." Thena smiled. "When will we see you again?"

"As soon as I get back my princess."

"I love you Cory!" Thena said, throwing her arms around his neck.

"I love you too." Coryo explains, hugging her tight to his chest, finally letting a tear fall, breaking your heart even more.

🌹🌹🌹

ONE YEAR LATER

It had been exactly a year since that night. The last night you had spent with your Coryo. Your love. You hadn’t heard from him since and it breaks your heart.

But that didn’t stop you from trying, and you know he tried too. Your step father was the one keeping you apart. Ready to marry you off to money so he didn’t have to work as hard anymore.

“Oh Coryo,” you cried, tears staining your face and hitting your bed, as you cried looking at the picture of you and Coryo from a little over a year ago.

“I miss you so much. Gosh, I hope you’re doing okay. Please come back to me, Coryo. Everyday is just getting so much harder and harder. The only things that’s keeping me going, from keeping me surrendering to my bed everyday, is Thena. She is still true to that promise she made you. She takes care of me without even knowing it. She misses you, Coryo. She always asks me when you’ll come back. She's gotten so big, Coryo. She's six now, but still loves her Cory.

My stepfather is trying to marry me off to Arachne Crane's older brother Eiran. I have to meet up with him and the whole family tomorrow so our parents can discuss wedding arrangements. Oh Coryo, I don't want to marry him. Please Coryo. Please come back to me. Please come save me. I love you."

"Sissy?" You heard your little sister ask, looking up to see her poking her head in. "Why are you sad, Sissy?"

"Oh, Thena." You let out, watching your little sister, walk over to you. Though she has grown in the last year she is still so young and small. "Don't worry about me."

"But you're crying. I don't want you to be sad. I told Cory you won't be sad."

"See, that's the thing, hun. I miss Coryo." You explained, snuggling up with your sister in your bed. "That's why I'm sad."

"I miss Cory too. When will h be home?"

"Soon. I hope." You tell her, the later part under your breath for her not to hear.

🌹🌹🌹

"Mother, please don't make me do this," you begged as your mother finished getting your dress on you.

"I'm sorry Y/N, but I have no choice. Your stepfather owns all of us. Our life is up to him, until you get married and belong to someone else."

"But Eiran Crane?" You ask. "Mother, he know's nothing of love. It would be a miserable, loveless merging. The only love in my life be those of the kids he would bestow upon me for his heirs. But even then I could not love them fully like they would deserve because they would be half of a man I could never love."

"Oh hush!" Your mother ordered, moving on to your hair. "You should never say such things. Eiran is a good man, and you should be honored that he and his family is even considering you to be his wife."

"But Mother, I would be throwing my life away. He is so much older than me. He's already finished the university, and if I am to marry him, I would not be able to attend for I am to be the dotting house wife."

"And you wouldn't be if you were to marry that young Coriolanus Snow? The one to broke to even take care of his old grandmother."

"Do not disrespect the Snow's like that. They are wonderful people, mother."

"Be that as it may, marrying the young Snow would only ruin your life. There would be no money, and your step father would never provide you with any."

"I don't care!" You yelled, trying to jerk away, making your mother burn you with the curling iron.

"See, look what your childish behavior made me do." She hissed when you yelped out in pain.

"But I won't marry him. I won't marry Mr. Crane, I just won't!"

"You hav no choice in the matter my darling."

"Father would have never done this to me."

This seemed to work. Indeed it did do the trick for you mother softened and carefully put down the curling iron, setting down next to you.

"I know. I know he would never. And I do wish your stepfather would never do this to you. But I am just his wife, there is nothing I can do about it."

"If father did this you would have talked to him and stopped this, yes?"

She sighed and looked down. "Darling, this is different. Your father and I married for love. We were both equal. But after he passed, and the money left behind ran out, I had to do what was best for you. I had to marry Mr. Sorin. For he had money, and could provide for us."

"But you don't love him."

"No. Nor does he love me."

"Then why did you do it?"

"Because, I had to take care of you. I had to do what was messed for you. I had to give you a better life, then being poor. And when Mr. Sorin offered to take care of us, should I let him be in control of us, I just had to do it. I had to do it to give you a better life."

"But, is this what you would call a better life? Me being bid to see who would be interested in me, and who would pay Stepfather the most money for me?"

"When I married hi, and put our lives in his hands, I did not know that he would do this to you. I wish he wouldn't. But I can't stop him, and neither can you. For he owns us."

"He might legally own me, but he won't control me, Mother. He just won't."

🌹🌹🌹

You were walking in the garden of your home with Eiran Crane, while his parents were talking with your mother and stepfather, while Thena was playing and entertaining herself with her dolls in the gazebo.

"So, Y/N," Eiran started, as they walked along the garden. "After the marriage, I will own you-"

"So everyone says," you let out.

Eiran stopped, and looked down at you. "I will own you. That's how it works. And when we do get married, you will no longer attend the university, instead you will being the doting house wife, and as soon as we get married, you will start trying to give me heirs for you to take care of, nurse, rase, and love."

"And what about you?" You cut in. "Would you love your kids?"

"That is not my job. That is the mothers job."

"No. It is both parents jobs to love and rase their children. I will not grant a man whose wish is for me to drop out of the university to have children if he shan't even love his own children."

"They are not my children, they are my heirs. And your children. We will have at least one of each no matter how long that takes you-"

"Takes me? You sir are the one who decides the sex of the child. Do you not know anything of how reproduction works?"

"Now, listen," he ordered. "You will grant me with how ever many heirs I bless upon you. Our eldest son will be granted my company when the time comes, and our eldest daughter will be named Arachne after my late sister, and her late aunt. Do you understand?"

You went to answer but were cut off before you got the chance to.

"Cory!" Thena yelled, gaining everyone's attention as she got up and started running.

You looked in the direction she was running and there he was. Right there, he was right there, still in his peacekeeper uniform. But he was there.

He was finally home.

🌹🌹🌹

Coriolanus' POV

Coriolanus took a deep breath as he made his way up to your door. He knocked on the door and smiled when he saw your favorite maid answer the door.

"Mr. Snow." She smiled. "Oh, it's been so long. Mistress. Y/N has missed you so."

"Where is Y/N?" Coryo asked, trying to look around to find her.

"Oh, she's in the garden sir. The whole family is out there."

"Thank you." He smiled, making his way to the garden.

When he got there he stopped in his tracks, heart breaking at the sight. You were standing in the garden, talking with Eiran Crane, while your parents were sitting in the gazebo, talking and drinking tea with the Crane's while Thena played with her dolls.

Coryo didn't know how long he was standing there, but right when he was about to walk away Thena looked up from her dolls and her face lit up, with the biggest smile going from ear to ear.

"Cory!" She yelled, getting up and running to him, making his heart fill with happiness and pride as the little girl ran to him.

Coryo bent down and opened his arms wide as Thena ran into them. "Oh my princess!" Coryo smiled, wrapping her up in his arms and spinning her around in the air.

"Cory, I missed you!"

"I missed you more my princess." Coryo explained, holding her in his arms, balancing her on his hip while she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Look, Cory," she smiled, mouth wide to show him her smile. "I lost my first tooth!"

"Oh, my princess is growing up. You've gotten so big in a year."

"Sissy, missed you!" Thena let out, turning her head to her sister. "Sissy, look! Cory's back!"

Coriolanus turned to look at you, seeing the shocked expression your face.

"Coryo?" You whispered, tears in your eyes as everyone watched you. Your mother was surprised, and your stepfather was lived, along with the Crane's confusion.

"I'm back."

"Is it really you?"

"It's really me, baby."

"Coryo!" You yelled, running to him and throwing your arms around his neck, he wrapped your free arm around you, holding you close and tight as he kissed you with all the love and passion anyone could hold.

🌹🌹🌹

Two Years Latter

"Congratulations, Mr. Head Gamemaker," you smiled, leaning up and kissing your long time boyfriend, who was just granted the honer of head gamemnaker.

"Thank you, my love." Coryo smiled, looking down at you.

It had been two years since he came home, and you both finished the university, and Coryo was able to get your stepfather to cancel your engagement to Eiran Crane.

It was now winter, and the Capitol was shining with snow, as small flakes peacefully fluttering down from the night sky. falling around your face and sticking to your hair.

Coryo was smiling down at you, moving one of his hands up from your waist to move some of your hair out of your face, and cupping your cheek.

You leaned your face on his hand, smiling at the warmth. You shivered as another gust of wind came, pulling your big furry coat that Coryo got you tighter around you.

"Are you cold my love?" Coryo asked, wrapping your cheek with his thumb.

"A little," you ament, sheepishly smiling up at him.

"You're adorable," he stated, looping his arm around your arm, and putting the opposite one on your gloved hand. "I know you don't like the cold, let's get you in for our dinner reservation."

The two of you got to your table in the fancy restraint, Coryo pulled our your chair letting you sit down, making you let out a soft giggle.

"Thank you, Coryo."

"Of course my love." He smiled, kissing your temple and taking his seat across from you. "How was your day my love?"

"It was good Coryo." You smiled, looking at him with bright loving eyes. "Thena wanted to go out and build a snowman so we did that and we played in the snow some, which of course made her think of you."

That made Coryo smile as he grabbed your hand. "It has been a while. I've been so busy my love, but I do mean to see her soon."

"I know Coryo. And she knows that too. Besides she's usually at school or in bed when you get the chance to come over."

"I do miss that little princess though. Perhaps tomorrow I can come by."

"Oh she would love that Coryo, but I don't think that would be a good idea?" You said, your smile quickly fading.

Coryo saw the look on his face and fear only grew. "What is it?" He asked, squeezing your hand, trying to stay calm. "Did he do something to you, Thena, or your mother?"

"No, no," you quickly let out. "It's just," you trailed off with a sigh.

"What is it love?" Coryo pressed with a gentle voice.

"I heard him talking about needing a commander down in 3, and I'm scared he's going to send you."

"My darling he wouldn't do that to us. Not anymore."

"But Coryo, he would. And he could."

"Well it would look bad for him, sending his future son in law away?"

"What?" you asked.

"That's not how I meant for it to come out." Coryo explained, getting up and coming over to you, getting down on one knee making you gasp.

"My darling love, you are the love of my life, and I need you like I need air to breathe. You are the other half of me. You keep me good when it's hard and everything I do I do to protect you or to do what is best for you. My love, I love you so much, and you would make me the happiest man alive if you will marry me?"

"Oh Coryo!" You cried, jumping up and flying yourself onto him as he stood up, almost knocking him down. "Of course I'll marry you!"

🌹🌹🌹

You weee a nervous reck trying to get ready the next morning. The whole family was home so you and Coryo were going to tell them about your engagement. You took a deep breath and slipped your ring on, right as you heard the familiar sound.

“Cory!” Thena yelled, making you smile and leave your room. The moment you walked out the door your smile grew at the sight.

Your boyfriend, no, fiancé was walking towards your room with your sister in his arms. Smiling down as she talked to him.

“Well isn’t this a lovely sight.” You smiled, walking to them.

“Sissy!” Thena let out.

“Hi, my love.” Coryo smiled, pecking your lip.

“Hi.” You smiled, turning your attention to your sister. “Why don’t you go find your parents okay, hun?”

“Okay, Sissy!” Thena let out, as Coryo put her down.

“She’s getting so big.” He let out, rapping you in his arms as you watched her run.

“I know. Before we know it she’s gonna be in the Academy.”

“Not yet, love. She’s still a kid.” He smiled.

“I wish she could stay this way.” You breathed, leaning on him.

“I know my love.”

“I hope she doesn’t have to go through what I was supposed to.”

“She won’t. I wont let her.”

“Thank you.” You let out. “You know, you’re going to make a great father one day.”

“Thank you my love.” He smiled, kissing your temple. “You are going to make a great mother one day.”

“Sissy!” Thena called. “I found them.”

🌹🌹🌹

“What is all this about?” Your stepfather huffed, as you were all sitting in the sitting room.

“Darling,” your mother started. “What’s that on your finger?”

“It’s my engagement ring mother.” You smiled, trying to hide your nerves for your stepfather’s reaction.

“Oh my darling,” your mother gasped a smile spreading across your face.

“This is unacceptable!” Your stepfather grumbled, making the smiles fade, as you held on tighter to Coryo.

Coryo’s jaw tightened as he rubbed thigh reassuringly. “Why might that be, Mr. Sorin? Your stepdaughter is her own person and she gets to choose who she loves. And might I remind you, that if all of this outrage is about money. I am the Plinth heir, after the tragic death of Sejanus Plinth.

“Coryo,” you breathed, trying to get his attention. He continued so you quickly looked to your mother to cover your sister’s ears.

“The death that could easily have been avoided if you didn’t send me to the districts, making him fallow me so he wouldn’t have to be stuck without his best friend. But because of you my best friend is dead, and I hope you live with that on your conscience. That you are the reason my best friend is dead.”

“Coryo,” you let out, squeezing his hand, gaining his attention. You gave him a stern look, signaling to your little sister.

“I’m sorry, my love.” He whispered, kissing your head. “I got carried away.”

“So when’s the wedding?” Your stepfather smirked, making confusion seep over you.

“As soon as possible,” Coryo let out, not playing into his games. “And then we’ll have the honeymoon of course.”

“Of course.” Your step father nodded. “And where will you go?”

“We don’t know yet.” Coryo explained. “But afterwards we will need time to adjust into my penthouse.”

“Naturally. How long do you think that could take?”

“As long as we need it to.”

“I need a commander down in 3. I was hoping you’d be interested. After your all settled of course.”

🌹🌹🌹

“I cannot believe him!” You yelled, slamming your purse down on the table in the front room of Coryo’s penthouse.

“Darling,” Coryo let out, nonchalantly, trying to keep his voice down, knowing the Grandma’am was taking her mid afternoon nap.

“I mean it’s total bull-“

“Darling,” he let out again, grabbing your shoulders. “Grandma’am is trying to sleep.”

“Sorry.” You sighed.

“It’s okay. Why don’t we go have some tea? Does that sound good?”

“It does, Coryo.” You sighed, fallowing him as he headed to the room.

"I told you he was going to try and send you," you sighed, taking a sip of tea.

"He won't my love."

"How can you be so sure?" You asked, looking at him with big eyes.

"Darling, we don't have to do this. It's interlay up to you," Coryo explained, cautiously grabbing your hand.

"What are you thinking, Coryo?"

"I get you pregnant."

"Coryo," you let out in a small gasp.

"We don't have to. I know it will be hard, but it's the only thing I can come up with for him not sending me away."

"But Coryo, you're the head gamemnaker now, is that not enough? Is there nothing else you can do?"

"Darling, that doesn't matter when it comes to the up roar in the districts. In fact people may think it better for me to go if it's not during the games. My love, we don't have to do this, it's your choice."

"But what if I do get pregnant and he still sends you away? Then will I be on my own during my pregnancy? Or will he just send you after the baby would be born?"

"Darling, hopefully by then it will be all over and he won't need me."

"Do you think we should do it?"

"I do. But I'll only do it if you're going to be okay with it.”

🌹🌹🌹

Months later

“Coryo,” you mumbled trying to find him in bed one morning. “Coryo?”

“Hi, my love,” Coryo whispered, kneeling by your side of the bed, gently putting his hand on your arm.

“Why are you up?” You murmured, tiredly moving your head to look at him. “‘S too early.”

“I haven an early meeting, my love,” Coryo explained, smiling softly and lovingly at you.

“why?”

“Because they’re busy the rest of the week.”

“but we were supposed to spend the day together.” You pouted.

“And we will. I promise we will my love. Just go back to sleep and I’ll be home by the time you wake back up, okay?”

“Okay.”

That would’ve been true if you hadn’t woken up three hours later with your stomach churning and ready to get rid of everything in it.

you bolted up and rushed to the bathroom, one hand on your stomach as you prepared to throw up. You threw up what was the first bit and flushed it, letting out a sigh. After it flushed, you rested your head on your arm on the toilet waiting for the rest to come.

You heated the door open but didn’t even bother to look up, knowing it was your lovely husband the second he sat next to you and put his hands on your back.

“Is the baby upsetting your stomach again my love?” He asked, sweetly rubbing your back.

Yiu nodded and let out a sigh.

I’m so sorry my love.” He let out, kissing your head and holding your hair as you let the rest out. “All done?”

you nodded as you landed back into him. “I hate throwing up”

“I know my love. I’m so sorry.” Coryo cooed, pushing your shirt up (well technically it’s his shirt) and resting his hand on your tiny bump.

"Coryo," you breathed, looking down at his hand.

"What is it my love?"

"I'm scared to be a mother." You breathed, tears coming to your eyes.

"Oh my love. You are going to be an amazing mother." Coryo let out, kissing your temple.

"I'm worried I'm not going to be good."

"You have nothing to worry about my love. You practically raised Thena, and look at her."

🌹🌹🌹

Everything was going great. You and Coryo were as happy as ever and he couldn't wait for the baby to be born, he was more than happy when you started to show, barely able to keep his hands off of you. That is until your step father sent him away at the start of your third trimester.

You quickly became bed redder, weak without the strength of your husband there with you. You missed him, needed him. But he was stuck in the districts because of your stepfather. You didn't have the energy to do anything. You laid in bed, skin growing pale and weak. Your body thin except your baby bump.

You were laying in bed one morning, about a month after Coryo left, blind to everything in the world. Your hands were subconsciously on your bump as the tears slowly fell down your face.

"How is she looking?" Your mother asked the doctor.

"She's very weak. The baby is healthy still, for now that is. but if she keeps this up we'll be lucky if either one survives birth when the time comes."

"What can we do?"

"She needs to get her strength back, get stronger and healthier. If there's anyway you can even do that."

🌹🌹🌹

“Please, bring him home!” Your mother yelled that night. She was in her room and fighting with your stepfather about bring Coriolanus home.

“Absolutely not! I need a commander!”

“And my daughter needs her husband!"

"Does it look like I care?"

"No! You don't care! You've never cared about her! But for once in your life please just do something for her! She's dying, and the only person who could possibly save her is stuck out in the districts because of you. Please just for once in your live take care of her."

"I am taking care of her. I'm taking care of all of Panem by having Coriolanus as a commander."

"If you don't bring him back I will!"

"You would never!"

"I would! I would do anything for my daughter and grandchild!"

🌹🌹🌹

A few days later

You were laying propped up in bed one afternoon, Grandma's sitting on the side of your bed, trying to spoon feed you some soup. As per usual you were unresponsive, staring off into space, hand on your stomach.

"Please, Y/N," Grandma'am begged. "Please eat for me dear."

After trying some more Grandma'am put the soup down on the bedside table, and sighed walking out the room.

Grandma'am closed the door behind her and turned around to a blessed sight.

"Oh Coryo!" She exclaimed, hands going up and cupping her grandsons cheeks. "Oh my Coryo. We've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too, Grandma'am. How is she?"

"Oh, she's not doing too good, Coryo." Grandma'am sighed. "She's not eating, she barely leaves the bed. She's pale and skinny, Coryo. And oh, she just won't eat, I was just in their trying but she didn't even respond."

"It's okay, it's okay, Grandma'am." Coryo cooed, trying to clam his grandmother down. "I'm back now. I'll take care of her. You go get some rest okay."

Coryo opened the door and saw what a pitiful sight yih were and his heart broke. Your mother told him what would happen if you didn’t get your strength back and that broke his heart. He couldn’t live with out you, he just couldn’t.

“Darling, he let out, walking to her and gaining your attention.

Your eyes got big and tears came to your eyes as you reached out for him. “Coryo? Is it really you?”

“It’s me.” He explained, sitting in the bed next to you, and cupping your face in his hands. “I’m right here.”

“Coryo!” You yelled, doing your best to throw yourself on him and give him a hug.

“I missed you my love. Yoh and our baby.”

“We missed you. Oh, Coryo,” yiu tried to talk but only more tears fell.

“Shh. Shh. It’s okay. I’m back now. But we got to get your strength back so you can properly take care of our baby okay?” Coryo explained, grabbing the bowl and leading the spoon to your mouth. “Okay, my love, eat this for me okay?"

🌹🌹🌹

"Coryo," you let out, leaning all your weight onto him as he tried to help you walk around.

"What is it my love?" He asked, hands firmly holding, one hand rubbing your belly.

"I want him died."

"What?" Coryo asked, stopping in his tracks.

"I want him died. All he ever does is hurt us. I don't want my baby to have to deal with that. Please, Coryo, kill him like you did Highbottom. Please Coryo, please."

"Okay, I will my love." Coryo breathed, kissing your head. "Come on, you've done beautify, but let's get you back to bed now."

🌹🌹🌹

“Good morning love,” Coryo smiled, playing with your hair, as you slowly fluttered your eyes open.

"'d Morning, Coryo," you mumbled, looking at him through half open eyes, one hand resting on your stomach and the other going to play with his curls.

"Did you sleep well, my love?"

"Yeah, did you?"

"I did, darling, thank you. How are you feeling today?"

"Good, our little baby let me get some good sleep last night." You smiled, making him smile to, placing a hand on your stomach as well, leading you to intertwine your fingers.

"That's very good my love. Do you have any plans for the day?"

"No. I was thinking I could take the day to rest?"

"I think that is a very good idea. You've been working very heard, and the doctor is happy with your strength. I'm very proud of you my love, you deserve a day to rest."

"Thank you, Coryo. Growing a child is no easy task."

"I would imagine not, my darling. But you are doing such a great job at it."

"Thank you, Coryo. What do you have planned for today?"

"Well, I have to go into the office for a little bit this afternoon, and I was thinking on the way home I could stop by your family's house, and have tea with your step father."

"Really?" You gasped.

"Are you sure you want me to do it?"

"Yes, Coryo! Please, I want him died."

"Okay, my love, then I'll do it. How about your mother and Thena come over today then? I don't want Thena over there when I do it."

"I don't either. I miss her so much, I would love to see her."

🌹🌹🌹

The news shoot through the Capital like a rocket.

Pierce Soran Killed by POISON

Coryo had done it. He killed the man who caused so much hurt for you and him. When Coryo came home that night you were all sitting in the sitting room when he walked in, tears on his face and coughing up blood.

"Coryo?" You asked, doing your best to get up, as fast as you could with your mother's help, and then waddled your way over to him. "My love, what happened?"

"I'm so sorry, darling," he choked, spitting more blood into his handkerchief.

"What do you mean?" You asked, guiding him to his chair. "Darling, what happened?"

"I went to have tea with your step father, and someone," *cough* "Someone poisoned the tea."

"What do you mean?" Your mother asked, face the same, as she grabbed Athena's hand.

"We both started to cough up. blood, but before the medic could get there he dropped daed. I'm so sorry."

"Don't be sorry. This is not your fault." Your mother explained.

"Mother, what does Cory mean?" Thena asked.

"Your father is died." Your mother said.

"Do they know who did it?" You asked, sitting on the arm of the chair, one hand rubbing his back, and the other rubbing your stomach, trying to clam your baby down.

"The butler who served us our tea," he explained, looking up at you, with pain in his eyes, one hand reaching for your stomach. "He was the only one who ever came into the room. It was just me and him in there, so it had to have been the butler. They are executing him tomorrow."

Coryo was cut off by an even longer couching fit, causing you to crinch. "Darling, come on. Let's get you to bed. You need to rest."

🌹🌹🌹

It has been 8 months since the tragic and unexpected death of your stepfather. A lot has happened in the past eight months. Your mother and Thena moved into the pint house. It was an absolute joy having them around more. You and your mother were closer than ever after the death of your step father. Your mother didn't care that he passed, in fact she seemed a lot happier now. Thena didn't seem affected either, she was never close to her father, she barely ever saw him.

But the big thing was your baby coming into the world. It was mid day when your baby decided to make their grand entrance to the world.

Coryo did his best to be at home at all times, to be there for you and the baby, never wanting to let your lift a finger, now that your strength was fully back. But mainly he didn't want to leave you. He knew that you wouldn't be alone, that Thena, your mother, and Grandma'am would be with you all day, but he hated leaving you. And of course the one time he left for a meeting was when your baby decided it was time to come into the world.

You were sitting on the couch, playing with Thena when your water broke.

"Sissy?" Thena said, making you look at her.

"What is it hun?" You asked.

"Why did you pee yourself?"

Confused as to what she just said, you looked down and saw that your water had broke, followed by an intense pain in your abdomen, making you grab it and yelp.

"Sissy, what's wrong?" Thena asked, fear lacing her face.

"Nothing, honey," you panted. "Just go get Mother okay?"

You were laying in a hospital bed, holding your mothers hand as a contraction hit again.

"I know. I know," she cooed. "but you're doing so good."

"Is it almost done?" You cried.

"It is, the worst is done."

"I want my husband."

"I know. I know, he should be here soon."

Just then the door burst open and Coryo came running to your side. He looked frantic, hair pulled and curls coming out of the gel, tie and suit jacket discarded, sleeves rolled up as high as they could.

"Coryo!" You cried, reaching out for him.

"I'm here, I'm here darling," he sighed, holding your hand, and kissing your sweaty head. "I'm right here. I shouldn't have gone to that meeting, I'm sorry my love."

"It's not your fault. This little one was just ready to come out," you chuckled.

After hours of pain, your baby boy Zade Crassus Snow came into the world. You couldn't be any happier. You had your beautiful and healthy baby boy who looked just like his father, you had your loving husband who was such a loving and devoted father as well. You had your mother and sister, and Grandma'am as well.

But the other big change was that Coryo ran and got President of Panem.

It was his first official day in office, and you had all moved into the Presidential Mansion. The city was going crazy with all their celebrations. Parades were spreading across the streets. Thena was in school, and your mother was out with some friends, Grandma'am asleep in her new luxuries bed room. And Zade sound asleep in his nursery.

"Help my darling," you heard, turning around to see your very handsome husband walking in, with his red suit, the one that fit him perfectly, your favorite one.

"Coryo?" You smiled, circling your arms around his neck, as he circled his around your waist, holding you close. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you been in the west wing, being busy running the country, than being in the residence with your tired wife, who has on spit up stained pj's, and badly needs a nap?"

"You still look gorgeous though." He smiled, kissing you tenderly.

"I love you."

"I love you more."

"Mr. President," Coryo's assistant says coming in. "There's someone in the west wing here to see you. Says that you two go way back."

"I'll be right down." Coryo replied. He man nodded, then walked out. Coryo looked back at you and went in for one more kiss, but was cut off by the cries of Zade.

You both sighed and rested your foreheads on one another. "I can go get him," Coryo let out.

"Coryo, you have someone waiting for you."

"It's probably Festus, he can wait."

"Darling, just go get it over with. Besides, Zade's probably hungry."

"I can stay," he let out.

"Darling, go work. We'll come visit you after he eats and we both get dressed."

🌹🌹🌹

You got dressed into something loose and comfortable but still professional enough to go down to your husbands office in. Then picked up your babbling little boy, smoothing down some blond curls out of his face as he smiled up at you.

"Ah-ah!" Zade exclaimed, making you smile. He hasn't quit gotten to he point yet where he can say things right, but still you and your husband knew what he meant.

"I know, you want to see Dada, but we got to get you dressed first, little man. Dada has a big job, and we won't to look professional for him." You explained, as you walked to his nursery and got him dressed in his cut little outfit.

🌹🌹🌹

"So," Eiren asked, sitting in Coryo's office, looking at a family portrait of you, Coryo, and your baby. "What is it like to live the life I was supposed to live?"

"What?" Coryo asked, about ready to strangle this man to death. He had thought it was going to be Festus waiting for him in his office, but his blood ran cold when he saw your ex fiance waiting for him. Just then he heard a knock on the door, thankful for the interruption. "Come in."

They both looked up to see you walking in with a smiling baby Zade. You stopped in your tracks when you saw Eiren sitting there, but that didn't last long. "Ah-ah!" Zade cheered, knocking you out of your thoughts.

You smiled and walked over to your husband, who was smiling down at his baby boy. "Hello my lovely son." He smiled, kissing his head, making him babble even more.

"Ah-ah!" He smiled, reaching out for his father.

"He's been missing you," you smiled, handing Zade over to your husband, while trying to ignore Eiran staring into you.

"Well, I've been missing him," Coryo smiled, taking him in his arms.

Eiran cleared his throat making everyone turn to look at him. "Well hello, Y/N." He smiled. "Would you be so kind and get me something to drink?"

"She's not not a maid," Coryo cut in, anger lacing his face.

"No, it's okay, Coryo," You smiled, sweetly, putting a loving hand on your husbands shoulder. "Of course, Eiran."

You went over and got him a drink prepared, feeling is lingering gaze on you.

"You look magnificent," Eiran explained, as you walked back towards him, handing him his drink.

"Yes well you look even more handsome than you did .. the day .. I left you," you smiled, taking your place back at your husbands side.

Eiran was taken aback by your replay, but Coryo couldn't help but smirk over his drink. You took Zade back and held him close to your chest, head facing the other way as you watched Eiran take a sip of his drink and then fall to his death.

Coryo stopped and stared for a second surprised, then looked up at you with a smirk on his face, standing up and wrapping his arms around your waist.

"Darling," He asked, making you hum, looking up at him with a sweet smile, and a babbling baby in your arms. "Did you sneak into my drawer in my desk?"

"I don't think it's sneaking if you gave me a key."

"I'm so proud of you darling," he smiled, giving you a tender kiss.

"I'm proud of you."

"I love you."

"I'm pregnant." You smiled.

Coryo looked down at you flabbergasted, like you just killed a man. (I mean technically you did) "You're what?"

"I'm pregnant. I wanted to tell you when you first came up, but then we had other plans. Are you mad?"

"Darling, this is the best day of my life!"

tag list here

Tag list: @uglyfish3rman, @Edb954, @joyfulyouthlover, @Warlike-morning, @melodyoflove99, @thatgurljen, @winter-solstice24, @Phoward89, @shadowolf993, @clearpoetryobservation-blog @mizuki80 @jacesvelaryons @mimitoupe01

[redheadspark]

Hawuuuu again can I request 8. Why do you always think you have to do everything on your own? And 20. "I'm so so sorry, you don't deserve that," with Druig

I kinda imagine this scene taking place in Tenochtitlan scene just when Druig was leaving

A/N - HAWUU! Thanks for the request, my friend! I love this for Druig!

Together

Summary - Druig thinks he's going to be alone out in the jungle. He was proven wrong.

Warnings - Angst and Fluff mixed in!

“Druig…Druig come on talk to me,”

“I’ve said what I needed to say,” 

“No, stop,”  You placed your hand on his arm to stop him from walking further away from you, seeing him sigh in both frustration and in anger as you both were hidden under the towering trees of the jungle.  The night air was chilly and the adrenaline of the night’s events was still at an all-time high.  You were still reeling over what happened: Thena having Mahd Wy Rhy, watching a group of humans being murdered with no way of stopping it, and now the fragment of your own Eternal Family.

Seeing Druig walk away from your family was heartbreaking, but it was more heartbreaking to see through his eyes the pain he had to endure as genocide was happening with him being able to stop it.  You could see the betrayal in his eyes, heard it in his voice, and when you saw him walk away from you all, it felt like you were feeling the heartbreak yourself. 

You had to go after them, even after hearing Ikaris simply tell you to let him run off.  You ignored him, chasing after Druig as he and the soldiers under his control were going deep into the rainforest.  All you could think about was Druig and how he was feeling.  He left in such a state it was hard to get a reading on him or simply talk to him.  

You finally caught up to him at a small clearing, the cluster of soldiers that followed him were simply hanging around with their haunting yellow eyes.  You could still read the hurt on his face, wondering what you could do to help him.

“Look, all that happened back there…I’m sorry,” You simply said to him, not knowing what else to say to him as he was still stiff in his stance and the anger was on his face.  This was not that Druig that you knew, who would crack a joke to lighten the mood or have a good intuition on what the humans needed.  Deep down he had a good heart, though it was rare to see with the others on The Domo.  So to see him like this, lone out in the jungle after walking away from all he knew, it scared you and made you wish you could change what happened.

“I’m so so sorry, you don’t deserve that,” You kept saying to him, seeing him watch you and some of that festering anger start to melt away, “I understand how you feel, you love the humans so much.  I’ve seen it over the years, and I wish the others loved the humans as much as you did.  If you need to leave, then you can.  But just know that….that I think you made the right choice—“

He hugged you, making you go quiet in shock.  

Druig was never a hugger, he rarely did and would rather use his words for affirmation than physical contact.  This was new, awkward a bit but really new.  You did feel the hug, almost like his own soul and energy was melting into your own.  It was surreal to feel it, to almost feel his heartbeat against your own, a simmering warmth was now in your belly as you hugged him back gently.  Perhaps he was still reeling from what happened and was now realizing what he did, or he was simply feeling alone out in the middle of the jungle.

But you knew one thing, he needed this contact.

He pulled away before you could say anything, seeing him wipe his tears with his fingers before you could see it as you let your hands fall at your sides again.  Seeing this side of Druig, open and raw with no one around to see or witness this image of Druig, 

“You don’t need to do this, Druig,” you reminded him as he was shifting a bit on his feet, “You can go back and try to explain to them what you’re feeling,”

“I can’t,” He replied, his voice hoarse and almost broken as he was clenching and unclenching his fists, “Not after what happened and how they did nothing to stop it.  I have to do this on my own and—“

“Why do you always think you have to do everything on your own, Druig?” You asked him suddenly, Druig going quiet and looking at you as you gazed at him, “All the time I have known you, you always think you had to be alone in what you wanted to do.  You shouldn’t have to, not when it comes to something like this,”

“What are you talking about?” Druig asked you, having you pause and look back in the direction where the city was.  You knew it was up in flames, no longer having any evidence of life.  In fact, it was almost symbolic of what was happening in your family at that moment.  How the humans were evolving on a path that seems both thrilling and dark at the same time.  You could see the cracks already forming amongst the others, whether it was in meetings or simply being around each other.  The last thing you ever thought you could experience was those cracks.  

“I’m coming with you,” You said to him, seeing his eyes go wide as you sounded so sure of yourself.  He searched your eyes, thinking you were joking or wishing him to feel better.  But you were not going to be swayed in what you wanted to do, thinking about from the moment he chose to go down the stairs of that temple.  He was your friend, and seeing him suffer was hurting you from the inside out.  You are willing to go after Druig rather than let him go alone.  

He had more heart than anyone you knew.

“You….I can’t let you leave them to come with me,” He said in a stammer as you shrugged.

“Why not?  You need the help with these soldiers,” You explained, gesturing to the soldiers that were still standing around in the area, “And the last thing I want for you is to be alone.  Plus, they don’t need me,”

Maybe that part hurt when you said it between the pair of you, but you knew deep down that you had no more part with the others back on The Domo, let alone in a fight.  You were not strong like Ikaris or Thena, nor were you popular like Sersi or Kingo.  You felt out of place for a long time, only needing to put on a brave face for Ajak and protect the humans.  

Perhaps this was your sign to finally spread your own wings.

Druig took your hand in his own, you feeling his fingers lace with you and his warmth.  He didn’t have to say a word, but you felt it in his touch that he understood and that he was grateful.  You smiled, seeing him smile back for the first time that night.  

The End.

Hurt and Comfort Prompt Session

[vanillawurld]

༊*·˚West Coast

✧.* Pair - Miguel O'hara x Fem! Reader

✧.* Tags & Warnings - Smut, a little bit of fluff, swearing, kissing, teasing, fingering, sexual choking, slight spanking, degrading and praising, unprotected sex, Y/N's on the cream team, private sex (you'll see what I mean), crying, and creampie. (let me know if I missed anything)

✧.* Summary - Every spider-person in the building assumed that Miguel had left the building to complete a mission since they were unable find him, but little did they know he was too busy secretly fucking his favorite girl behind closed doors...

✧.* Extra - Reader is hinted to be from the West Coast of the U.S. Reader is hinted to being Latina. Reader is hinted of being a variant of Thena from the eternals. Miguel is a tiny bit out of character (and by that I mean a little bit nicer).

✧.* Word Count - 2,256

Miguel never really saw or thought of himself getting close to anyone. It's canon that every time a spider person gets close to someone, they get put them in an immense amount of danger. That's the sole main reason why he never wanted to get close to someone. Until he met her.

"You know Miguel, you're so negative. Why can't you have fun for once?" Y/N asked.

Miguel just ignored her snarky comment. He always said he didn't have time for stupidities and that he had too much work, he couldn't be distracted. There are some moments that people would think he was absent from the building because he's always locked in doing his multiverse work. and this was one of the times people thought he was away.

"Hey, come on. You need a break. You look like you haven't slept in day-"

"That's because I haven't." Miguel interrupted Y/N in an angry annoyed tone.

Y/N just looked at him and furrowed her eyebrows, " Ay, pero no te 'nojes. I'm just suggesting what's best for your health."

"I don't have time for your dumbass comments, Y/N. If you don't have anything useful to say, then don't say anything at all." Miguel replied and continued looking at different scenes from different dimensions.

Y/N just stayed quiet and sulked in the chair she had set next to Miguel. She hated when Miguel would get mad at her, especially if it was her fault. But oh how she loved how hot he looked. Her stomach would twist in guilt at him yelling at her, but she couldn't deny that she would get a little aroused.

A few minutes went by of pure silence. The only noise being made was the noises Miguel's devices were making. Y/N looked up at Miguel and smiled.

"You know, down on the West Coast, we have this saying... How did it go again? Shit, era como 'Late afternoon on the West Coast ends with the sky doing all its brilliant stuff.' " Y/N said. She missed her home in the West Coast. She missed the beautiful beaches and sunny skies. Miguel just looked at her and smirked just a tiny bit. He had forgotten she was pulled from the West Coast. He pulled a chair behind him and sat down to face her. "The West Coast, huh? Escuché que es muy bonito ahí."

Y/N's eyes went wide at him saying that. "Nunca has ido al West Coast?!"

Miguel only shook his head.

The two sat and talked to each other for quite a while to the point where they ignored anyone who tried calling them form their little watch devices. It was strange. Having a full civil conversation with Miguel without him insulting her or getting mad at her was very peaceful to say the least.

The tall male couldn’t deny that he enjoyed his conversation with Y/N. He always admired how courageous she was on her earth. For the love of Aphrodite, her hero name is inspired by the goddess of war and wisdom herself, Athena!

After the two stopped talking, they just looked at each other. Y/N’s eyes gleaming, attracting Miguel.

“Don’t look at me like that.” He whispered.

"Like what?" she innocently said to him.

Miguel stood up from his chair and got closer to the girl. He grabbed her jaw and leaned in, analyzing her face. She was a pretty girl, no doubt. He saw how some of the spider-people would stutter when speaking to her or how they would find anything to compliment her, whether it was her pretty eyes, funny jokes, or elegant fighting skills. They would do anything to make her smile.

That's what pissed O'hara off the most. He always told himself that he was just angry at other bullshit that was from a mission, but the little voice in the back of his head would be telling him he was angry because he was seeing other people trying to get to Y/N. That little voice was always the loudest. Miguel got tired of just staring at her. Their faces were so close to each other. Both O'hara and L/N closed the gap between them and started kissing like crazy.

It was sloppy.

The kiss was sloppy. They didn't have time for all of that slow lovey dovey bullshit. They needed to taste each other. Y/N stood up from her seat to fully experience the messy kiss. Lips moving aggressively. Tongues being shoved down each other's throats. Hands were wandering on each other's bodies.

Miguel pulled away from the kiss and made Y/N sit on a counter so he could stand in the middle of her legs. He started leaving small pecks on her lips all the way down to her collarbone. He loved hearing her whimper. It turned him on even more.

He started stripping her out of her clothes. He needed to see her in all of her glory. Y/N got a little embarrassed at the fact she was fully naked and he was still in his spider-suit, so she rested both of her hands on her private area to cover up a little bit. But Miguel didn't take that reaction very lightly.

He forcefully took her hands away from in between her thighs and slightly bared his fangs. "Don't try to cover now, slut." Miguel snarled.

"It's not fair that im all naked and you're not..." she said in response.

Miguel smirked and stepped back. He started to take off the top half of his suit. His buff figure was insane to Y/N. It's like he was molded by the gods. Miguel went back to kissing her collarbone, but this time his hands started wandering down to her most sensitive area. His fingers immediately started rubbing up and down on her wet pussy, making Y/N whimper.

Miguel looked at Y/N's face and gave her a smug smile. He needed to see more. He immediately shoved two fingers inside her wet hole and started fingering her, loving the sound of her arousal and moans.

"Te miras muy bonita, moaning for me." he whispered in her ear.

Miguel made Y/N fall into tiny pieces whenever she's with or around him. She couldn't help it. His broad strong shoulders and muscular back made her melt like ice cream and his muscles made her face warm like the morning sun.

Y/N's erotic moans made Miguel solid hard. The more she moaned, the faster his fingers kept going. She kept getting louder and louder. She couldn't take it, she needed him inside her, pounding into her like a crazy man and Miguel knew she needed him. He just loved to tease her.

"Miguel, please. I need you."

"What do you need exactly, princesa.

"I need you to fuck me~ Use me however you want~ I'm all yours..." She moaned out.

Miguel pulled his fingers out and stuck them in Y/N's mouth, making her taste her own arousal. He groaned at the sight of her sucking on his fingers, looking at him with those precious eyes that were begging him to fuck her.

He pulled away from her mouth and started taking off the bottom half of the spider suit, leaving him in his underwear. Letting his pretty girl in front of him drool at the sight of his bulge. He pulled out his hard cock and started stroking it a little bit in front of her, teasing her a bit.

"Get off the fucking table and turn around." He demanded, to which Y/N willingly complied to.

He forcefully grabbed the back of her neck and made her bend over, making her whimper at his strength. He lined the tip of his dick on her pussy and slightly pushed in. He knew what he was doing. Don't get him wrong, he wanted the same she wanted. He wanted nothing more to just pound into her until she forgot her own name, but he loved to see her all worked up.

Y/N started backing up a tiny bit so she could feel more of him inside her, but Miguel didn't like that. He slapped her ass cheek to make her stop, making Y/N moan at the impact. "You can't wait to get fuck, huh chiquita? You want me to fuck you? Yeah?" he teased.

Y/N whimpered and kept telling him yes. "Please fuck me, I need you inside m-" she was cut off by her own pornographic moan since Miguel shoved himself inside with no warning. He groaned at the feeling of her walls hugging his dick so tightly.

He started pounding into her, making her moan loudly. He suddenly remembered that people in the building thought he was absent from the building, and if they hear Y/N's sweet moans from inside his working headroom, they will know something is up and barge in. Miguel leaned forward and grabbed Y/N's throat and pulled her upper body towards his chest.

"Shut the fuck up. I don't need anyone barging in on me fucking you. Unless you want that to happen since you're moaning so fucking loud like a whore." he groaned in her ear. Y/N could only moan in response. The pleasure she was feeling in her body was too good.

"No? You don't want to listen?" Miguel started pounding into her even harder, making her scream in pleasure. The pleasure was starting to become too much for Y/N to the point where she started feeling tears build up in her eyes. Her vision started to become blurred so she closed her eyes and felt the tears fall from her eyes.

"You're such a good girl, baby. Taking me so well like a fucking slut." He praised. He started to leave little kisses on her cheek and had his unoccupied hand travel down to rub her puffy clit. He looked down to watch his cock disappear and reappear with every thrust he made and with every thrust he made, he realized Y/N was creaming more and more. To the point that it started reaching his fingers that were rubbing her clit.

The sight of Y/N creaming made O'hara's thrusts more aggressive. His groans started to become louder and louder. Everything was going smoothly and full of pleasure until Y/N's little watch started ringing, indicating someone was calling her. Miguel's thrusting didn't slow down though, he didn't care.

"Answer it." he demanded.

Y/N's eyes widened, "B-But-"

"But nothing, answer it or I'll stop fucking you."

Y/N's shaky hand pressed the button to answer the call and answered it like how anyone would answer a regular phone call. "Y/N, it's me." A voice called out.

Ben.

Ben fucking Reilly.

The Spiderman that would take his flirting with Y/N a little too far for Miguel. "H-hey Ben! Is there a r- oh fuck - reason why you're calling?" Y/N tried answering without sounding suspicious.

Ben let out a dramatic sigh, "Yes, there is actually." He dramatically said. Ben was a very dramatic Spiderman. Some spider-people would call him a wannabe anime character from how much he exaggerates things.

"Well what is-" "I just wanted to-" they both spoke at the same time. Ben let out another dramatic sigh, "Y/N, please. Don't interrupt."

Y/N brought her hand up to her mouth to try and hide the moans she wanted to let out so badly. "Y/N, I wanted to call you and ask you out on a very amazing date. I think you are the woman of my dreams and I need a strong woman like you by my side." Ben dramatcially said.

That was the final straw for Miguel.

Miguel gripped both of his hands on Y/N plump ass and started pounding into her even harder, making Y/N's tears come down even more. Y/N's grip on her mouth tightened even more, in fear of letting out a moan and ruining everything.

"Is that a yes or a no, princesa," Miguel whispered as he smirked. He forcefully took her hand off her mouth for her to answer. Y/N didn't want Ben to know Miguel was drilling into her. That would be so embarrassing.

"I-I'm sorry, Ben! I can't t-talk right now" she tried her best to say. Ben let out another dramatic sigh, "But why, Y/N?"

"Because she's busy," Miguel said out loud. He pressed the hang-up button and continued his vicious pounding. Y/N began to feel a strange but pleasurable feeling in her abdomen and so did Miguel.

"Fuck, Miguel~ I'm gonna cum~"

"Yeah? You wanna cum, baby?~" Miguel teased. Y/N moaned in response and didn't have time for his teasing. She let out her final erotic moan and came. She came all over his cock. Miguel came shortly after and filled Y/N up with his load.

Miguel groaned and let his upper body softly lay on Y/N's back, giving it little kisses. They stayed like that until their gasps started to slow down. Miguel pulled out and watched as his cum started coming out of her pussy. Running down her thigh and some even dropping to the floor. He smiled at his accomplishment.

"Okay, are you two done now!? I have some very important data I need to run and I've been waiting patiently!" a voice said, making Miguel and Y/N snap their necks to the right to see the iconic female hologram.

"Lyla, you scared the shit out of us, a-and why are you turned around?" Miguel asked confusingly.

"Because I don't want to see both of you naked! Hurry up and get dressed I need your monitor to run some data!"

˖◛. *. ⋆ Vanilla Speaks

Can you tell that i like lana del rey

also me fighting the urge to add Salvadoran slang because I'm salvadoran...

+ Ay, pero no te 'nojes - Oh but don't get mad

+ era como - It was like

+ Escuché que es muy bonito ahí - I heard it's very beautiful over there

+ Nunca has ido al - You've never been to

+ Te miras muy bonita -You look very beautiful

+ princesa - Princess

+ chiquita - little thing/ little one

[pasukiyo]

YOU'RE ALWAYS GONNA BE MINE

| PROLOGUE

a royalty au. remus lupin x princess!reader. multi-part series. series masterlist.

word count; 2,635 words summary; the princess is to be betrothed soon. but she's still so, so young, she has yet to even see the world! how can she marry a man she doesn't love, much less a man she has never even met? meanwhile, the full moon is in two weeks and remus is in the most pain he's ever felt. how much longer does he have to suffer, how much longer until the pain fades away?

so even in a different life, you still would've been mine, we would've been timeless...

‘Dear Lily,

 Things have been less than exemplary here, I’m afraid. Peter has been practically breathing down my neck as of late… (I’ve just been told off for even writing that) …and I overheard mother and father talking yesterday. They’re going to force me into marriage. 

 I know I should be happy. This is my sole purpose as princess anyway, I should feel honored to have found a suitable prince to marry. Yet… I cannot help but to feel anything but. It feels like I am wasting my life away… why can I not find a man for myself? Why must I marry without falling in love? 

 I apologise for how short this letter has been. But it is becoming rather difficult to keep Peter from reading over my shoulder and quite frankly, I do not wish to succumb to another one of mother and father’s rants. Peter is such a sneak.

 With all my love,

                                 The Princess’

 The princess sighed as she signed off her letter, narrowing her eyes up at Peter where he stood, an incredulous look upon his face as she rolled the parchment, tying it with a red, silky ribbon. “You don’t have to give me that look, Peter,” she said, fixing up the bow she had tied. “The letter is between me and Princess Lily, you don’t need to be such a snoop.”

 Peter hissed, watching the princess as she rose from the desk, dusting off the skirt of her gown. “You understand that it is my job to keep you in line?” He scoffed, following close behind her heels as she walked up the steps of the Owlery, catching sight of her beloved owl, Athena. “Your mother will be very displeased if she were to know the contents of that letter.”

 Her eyes rolled in their sockets as she soothed her fingers on Athena’s mottled brown and white head, a satisfied hoot slipping from her beak. “Which is why I trust that mother won’t hear of this,” she said, her lips curved in a cheeky grin as she tied the parchment to Athena’s claw. “Deliver this to Lily, would you, Thena?” She cooed at the owl, the creature giving her knuckle a tender nip before she outstretched her wings, pushing her body off of her perch, soaring out the window and into the night. The princess sighed as she watched the owl take flight, an envious burn in her heart. 

 “You’re lucky I am feeling extra generous today,” Peter replied and she huffed, turning back around to face him. “‘Extra generous?’” She chuckled as she pushed past him, holding onto her skirt as she made her way back down the steps of the Owlery. “Since when were you capable of being generous?” 

 With a smile, she turned her head around to peer over at Peter just in time to watch his eyes roll in their sockets. “You jest, my princess. Perhaps I’d laugh if it weren’t damn near midnight. You should be in bed, may I remind you.” She sighed as she pushed her way out of the Owlery, Peter following close behind like a shadow. “Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Peter, I’m going,” she giggled as they made their way through the garden and back into the castle, stepping inside one of its many hallways.

 “My knickers are not in a tw–”

 “Goodnight Peter! I cannot wait until the morning where you will chastise me again,” she smiled and waved at the Royal Advisor behind her, lifting her gown as she made her way up the staircase. She could hear Peter scoff behind her, her lips still curled into a soft smile as she made her way through the corridor towards her quarters, yawning and rolling her neck as she smiled at the guard outside her room. With an indifferent expression, he pushed open the door for her, stepping aside to allow her to enter the bedroom.

 The room was warm with the marmalade glow coming from the candle she had left lit earlier and she hummed at the sight of her handmaiden, Marlene, in the corner of the room, silent as she focused on the parchment in her lap. At the sound, Marlene snapped her head towards where the princess stood, pushing the parchment off to the side as she scrambled to her feet. “My princess! Let me grab your nightgown for you…” Marlene hurriedly stammered out, rushing to the closet to grab one of the princess’ many nightgowns, pulling a long, white lace one from the sea of many fabrics.

 The princess’ lips twitched in an amused smile as Marlene practically sprinted back towards her, presenting the gown for her to take. “Marlene, what have I told you?” The princess chuckled, graciously taking the nightgown from her handmaiden’s hands. “You can relax when you are with me. You make me seem like one of those stuck-up, snobby princesses that care very little for others’ wellbeing. It is almost insulting.”

 Marlene’s rosy cheeks flushed and she bowed her head, locking her shaking fingers before her. “M-my apologies, your highness,” she hardly managed to stutter out, earning yet another roll of the eyes from the princess. “Marlene,” the princess called her name again, reaching out with her hand towards the handmaiden’s chin, tilting it up until their eyes met once again. “Relax.”

 Marlene’s chest heaved when she inhaled a deep breath, her muscles visibly relaxing at the sound of the princess’ soft, gentle voice. She exhaled as the princess’ lips grew in yet another warm grin, making her way around the dressing screen and making quick work of her dress. “Do you need help with your corset?” Marlene’s voice called over the screen just as she unlaced her own corset, her muscles aching in gratitude, her waist finally free of its confinement. “I’ve got it,” she sighed, tossing the corset until it hung over the top of the screen as she began to shimmy herself out of her dress.

 “Princess,” Marlene’s voice called again and she hummed in reply as she tossed the dress over the screen as well, rolling up her nightgown until the head was visible. “The King and Queen requested you for brunch tomorrow. Apparently, Lord Sirius will be spending the day in the castle.”

 Her lips twitched at the mention of Lord Sirius and she stepped out from behind the dressing screen as she soothed the nightgown down her body. “Thank you, Marlene,” she nodded her head. “May I request that I wear that midnight blue dress, you know, the one I wore the last time Lord Regulus came around?” Marlene’s face lit up in an almost knowing grin, although she tried to suppress it. “Trying to impress Lord Sirius?’ The handmaiden couldn’t help but giggle and the princess chuckled as well, shaking her head as she made her way towards her bed. “No, of course not,” she replied. “Lord Sirius is only a dear friend. And I like that dress. It is very comfortable– you did well on it.”

 Marlene flushed and bowed her head, “thank you, princess,” she murmured shyly. The princess smiled as she tucked herself beneath the covers, gazing up at the dusty pink ceiling of her bedroom. “Is there anything else you’d like before you sleep?” Marlene inquired and the princess shook her head in response. “No thank you, Marlene,” she murmured softly. “Have a good night.”

 “Sweet dreams, princess.”

 The princess blinked up at the ceiling as the marmalade glow faded when Marlene blew the candles out, the room slowly shrouding itself in darkness until she was gazing into a void of black. She listened to Marlene’s footsteps as she sauntered out of the bedroom and out of her quarters, leaving her alone in the room much too big for one woman.

 Everything was still, the sky outside her window was black and frankly, she should have been asleep. Alas, her mind was reeling, a dark, swirling tempest of much-unappreciated thoughts. What was she to do about her impending marriage?

 Call her a sap, call her a hopeless romantic— she wanted love. She didn’t want a prince of some far away kingdom, she didn’t want to be his shadow— she wanted to properly fall in love with someone, to marry someone on her own accord. She was still so young and still had so many years ahead of her, how could she be forced into wedlock!

 The thought put a sour look on her face and she turned to her side, wedging an arm beneath her pillow to support her head. She gazed out her window at the night’s black sky, eyeing the twinkling stars illuminating it. This couldn’t happen, it just couldn’t— she’d find a way to be sure of it.

 Remus howled in pain as he stumbled through the back door of Lord Sirius Black’s manor, his muscles aching and the contents of his stomach bubbling at the pit, threatening to spill from his chapped lips. He could hear footsteps somewhere on the other side of the mansion and he hoped to whomever it was watching down on them that it was his dear friend. 

 “Remus?” 

 Remus growled as sweat beaded down the side of his face, crashing into the bookcase against the wall as he tried to regain his balance, chest heaving as a thread of saliva fell down in a string from his lips. He groaned as he blinked up at the figure approaching him, hardly able to make out the face in the darkness of the manor. 

 “Sirius,” Remus managed out, yelping at another particularly rough jab of pain in his abdomen, practically slamming his forehead down on the nearest shelf of the bookcase. 

 “Merlin, let’s get you upstairs,” Sirius muttered, grabbing a hold of one of Remus’ arms, tossing it over his shoulders as he used his other arm to hoist his friend off of the wall. Remus hissed through his teeth at the pain and squeezed his eyelids shut, throwing his head back as he tried to move his feet to aide Sirius. 

 Sirius grunted as they approached the stairs, practically dragging his friend up the steps, much to Remus’ displeasure. His belly lurched at a particular rough landing on one of the steps and he pursed his lips together, hoping the acid bubbling in his throat could be willed to stay down. Sirius grabbed a hold of Remus again and hoisted him forth, finally arriving on the second floor of the manor. 

 He rushed Remus into one of the empty spare bedrooms, practically tossing his dear friend on the mattress as he rushed for the waste bin he kept in here for this sole purpose, handing it to the man. Remus wasted no time in spilling the contents of his stomach, a sour, rotten odor Sirius had grown far too accustomed to to care about imbuing the bedroom. 

 Sirius found a washcloth and poured some cold water over it, sighing as he plopped down in the chair beside the bed, handing the cloth over to Remus once he was done vomiting. He fell back against the pillows on the bed, chapped lips agape as he tried to catch his breath, slapping the cold rag down on his entire face. He squeezed his eyelids together hard enough to see stars, feeling his heart drum against his chest. 

 “Sorry,” he managed out, his voice low and husky. Sirius rolled his eyes and scoffed from his bedside, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. “I think we’re well beyond an apology, my friend,” he chuckled. “Besides, you know I don’t mind.”

 Remus huffed and coughed against the rag, furrowing his brow as he folded it to only lay on his forehead, pressing it down hard enough to let some of the water trickle down his skin. He sighed at the feeling of the cold water reaching his chapped lips, his tongue swiping between them just as Sirius pressed the rim of a bottle to his lips. Remus’ lids shot open and he peered over at Sirius before back down at the glass of water, practically ripping it from his friend’s grip as he chugged the entire thing down, hiccuping and wiping the little bit that had dribbled onto his chin before handing it back. 

 “Sorry if I woke you up,” Remus apologized, letting his head fall to the side to get a better look at Sirius in his night clothes. Sirius shook his head, setting the glass of water down against the nightstand, once again leaning back in his seat. “No matter, I was awake anyway,” he replied. “Was just figuring out what to wear for brunch at the castle tomorrow.”

 Remus rolled his eyes at this— somehow, it always seemed to slip his mind that his best friend was rich, and a lord for that matter. “Right,” Remus muttered. “While I’m doing my best not to die, you’re rubbing elbows with royalty. Almost forgot.”

 Sirius, too, rolled his eyes and snickered at this, “it’d do you well to remember that I’m the one making sure you’re not dying in this very moment. Wouldn’t want to jeopardize your position right now, would you?”

 Remus scoffed, rolling his head to gaze back up at the ceiling. “Right,” he murmured. “Well, thanks for helping me out, mate. And don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair come morning.”

 “Now, wait a minute here, you’re not going to get rid of me that easily,” Sirius chuckled, leaning forward in his chair. Remus peeled a single eyelid open, glancing over to his friend. “The full moon’s not for another few weeks now, is it? And you’ve already got it this bad.”

“Two weeks, actually,” Remus sighed. “My symptoms seem to have gotten worse lately. Not even one of your million galleon beds takes away the pain.” Sirius pursed his lips, “not a million galleons, for one thing. Second, I thought you didn’t get this bad until the day before a transformation. Are you alright?”

 Remus opened both his eyelids again, cocking an eyebrow towards his friend. “Really?” He scoffed. “Oh, I’m doing just fine and dandy here, thanks so much for asking.” Sirius’ chest puffed when he huffed, “I can throw you back out onto the street if you fancy.” 

 Remus huffed, easing himself further down into the mattress. “I’m better now,” he sighed. “Just… tired.” Sirius eyed his friend, Remus’ skin still slick with a layer of sweat but at the very least, he didn’t seem prone to hurl his dinner out at any given moment anymore. Sirius soothed his palms over his thighs before pushing off of his seat, fingernails scratching at his scalp. “Get some sleep,” Sirius said as he made his way towards the door. “Leave whenever you need to tomorrow. I’ll probably already be gone.”

 Remus’ lips tugged into a smirk, “off rubbing elbows with the royal family?”

 Sirius hissed and rolled his eyes in their sockets, “piss off.”

 With that, Sirius closed the door behind him, leaving Remus all alone in one of the manor’s many bedrooms, blinking up into the black above where the ceiling would be. His muscles were sore and aching, the upcoming full moon lingering in the corner of his mind. How much longer would he have to bear this? How much must he suffer before he finally went numb? Before he felt nothing at all?

 Remus sighed, letting his eyelids flutter closed, hoping sleep would overtake him soon. He was grateful for Sirius, for having at least a comfortable bed to sleep in, unlike his own bed at home that was no better than sleeping on pins and needles. Remus let himself fall deeper into mattress, slowly but surely feeling himself slip into the arms of a deep slumber…

a/n; so uh... surprise? so sorry for my long hiatus! between college and work, i have just hardly had any time for anything, especially writing but i'm back! and with a series of all things lol but i'm so excited to finally be posting this and i hope you all enjoy this as much as i do! please either comment or fill out my taglist form in my pinned post if you'd like to join my taglist for this series!

[gryffindormarveltwilight]

All We Need - Part 7 - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Reader

A/N: Sorry guys for the delay on this part. It is a bit shorter than usual and there will probably be 1 maybe 2 more parts to this series. I hope you enjoy it - as always feel free to send through requests or feedback.

A/N2: I have just reposted this it turns out some of the tags were not working so sorry to those who wanted to be tagged and weren't hopefully that is fixed now!!

MASTERLIST

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Warnings: angst, fluff, spoilers for the mission in the movie, naval inaccuracies, alot of Rooster x reader giving sibling vibes

Sitting in my cabin on the carrier my leg was bouncing up and down it was only two hours until the mission took place. I hadn’t spoken to Jake since last night when I left him speechless on the couch and I had my dad pick me up early before anyone was awake leaving Daisy with a kiss on the forehead. Flashbacks to my conversation with Jake running through my head when the cabin door cracks open to reveal Bradley with a sad look.

“You okay in here Thena?”

“Brad, come in, yeah i am fine”

“Want to try that again?”

“Who told you?”

“Hangman actually, said something about a disagreement last night then said he hasn’t seen you since.” I nod lowly.

“It wasn’t a disagreement I just told him why I picked you and not him.”

“Ah yes he also mentioned that. You do know you are not replaceable to anyone especially not Jake and Daisy.”

“Did you just call him Jake?” Rooster cringed slightly with a laugh.

“That is beside the point, you aren’t. I know we haven’t spoken much since we got recalled but Athena you have to see what we all see, you are Daisy’s mother and Hangman is so in love with you.”

“And you are in love with Phoenix.” Rooster laughed and looked down at his hands.

“Yes I am, how about we make a deal, we both make it through this we tell Hangman and Phoenix how we feel.”

I laugh slightly “you know what, deal.”

“We are going to make it through this aren’t we?” Bradley ask in a sad voice.

“I am going to try my hardest to make sure you do.”

“I love you Y/N, we will get through this.”

“After all we have a few angels looking out for us, I love you too Bradley.” Bradley pulls me into a tight hug and kisses the top of my head before turning towards the door. 

“Bradley! When we are up there, Don’t think, Just do.” He nods and leaves my cabin. I fix up my uniform before grabbing my helmet and heading towards the flight deck, as I get there i can see everyone else next to their planes doing there checks, at the end i see Jake and Coyote getting there planes ready incase we need back up, Jake and I make eye contact, his eyes hold a sad look, I turn quickly to my plane starting to do the checks when i hear footsteps behind me. I turn to see Ice and Mav and Hondo standing there.

“Sirs, can I help you?” Ice doesn’t respond just give me a tight hug followed by mav and Hondo.

“Be safe and come home. We all love you.” Ice says and Mav nods before they turn around and head back to the control centre. 

“You have some people looking for advice Athena.” Hondo steps aside and I see Payback, Fanboy, Bob, Phoenix, Rooster, Coyote and finally Jake right at the back.

“Daggers, some of you may know but after this we are permanently becoming a squad, therefore whatever happens up there today, we stick together and we have each others backs to make sure everyone comes home. And if by some miracle we pull this off, beers are on me.” They all cheer at the laugh statement and start hugging each other. Phoenix and Bib hug me before we hear the announcement that we are to be taking off in less than 5 mins and that kills that laughter before we all look at each other before heading back to our planes. I climb into my jet Hondo following me up.

“I don’t like that look Athena.”

“Its the only one I have Hondo.”

“Mav only says that when he is about to do something dumb.” I laugh and so does he.

“Look after them Hondo, for me.”

“Always,” i nod it was one of the things i lkked about Hondo, he was a realist and never tried to pull the whole everyone will make it back speech. “you know everyone compares you to Ice but you really do have the best of your Dad, Ice and Mav, so fly like that today okay.” I nod as i start to close the canopy up.

“Dagger Three Up and ready” i hear Phoenix say through coms.

“Dagger Spare Up and ready.” Jake comes through next followed by Payback and Rooster. I take a deep breath.

“Dagger One, up and ready.”

“Daggers ready on catapult awaiting command approval.” I hear control centre thorough the comms, then we hear Cyclone.

“Send them.” With that we are launched off the carrier and get into formation, after descending below radar level, i give the all clear to release the tomahawks looking up as they fly above us. 

“Daggers into attack formation, enter point in Tminus 30secs, 2minute 30 second on the clock - entering now.” I press the timer on my dash as i hear the others confirm they have to as we enter the canyon. As we fly at pace I can hear in the comms that rooster is falling behind.

“Rooster you have to pick up the pace.” I yell into my comms

“Come on Dad talk to me.” As I am about to respond i bear Mav come through the comms.

“Come on kid, dont think just do.” Suddenly Rooster picks up the place as i fly under a bridge speaking into the comms to warn the others.

“You with me Phoenix?”

“Right behind you Athena.”

“Popping up in 10secs be ready on that laser Bob.” 

“All system check, Laser is a go.” Bob responds.

“Popping in 3,,,2,,,,1” i suddenly feel the force on my body as we pop up and level out heading towards the target, as Bob confirms he has a lock to the target  I drop my missiles and pull up on the joy stick, crushing weight of gravity as the G-Force gets stronger, i can hear the heavy breathing of Phoenix and Bob.

“Stay with me Phoenix, Rooster status.” I say through laboured breaths,

“Nearly there Athena. Fanboy have the laser ready.” I hear Bob yell that we had direct contact, simultaneously with Fanboy saying there is something wrong with the laser. He is going back and forth with Rooster until Rooster said he was dropping blind. I levelled out when i saw smoke in the air from the SAMs.

“Here they come guys, SMOKE IN THE AIR.!” I yell. With that chaos ensures everyone screaming at each other where the SAMs were coming from and what direction to break, i saw rooster with two SAMs behind him.

“Deploying counter-measures,,,SHIT I am out of flares.” I hear Roosters panicked voice through the comms.

“Rooster Evade Evade!” I yell back at him as i see he has come up behind me, without hesitation i pulled the throttle back soaring over the top of Roosters jet releasing the flares I had left before i felt an all too familiar jolt of a missile hitting the back of my jet and before i know it I am burning in plummeting towards the snow as I reach down below me and pull the ejection handle, quickly followed by the string to deploy my parachute before blacking out as i land in the snow.

Icemans POV

Everyone let out a sigh of relief when we heard through the radio the Rooster had hit the target. The mission had been successful. I hear Cyclone mutter under his breath now they just all had to get home. I looked at Maverick who look as nervous as i felt listening to our pilots yelling directions at each other in order to avoid the SAMs. I held my breath when I heard Rooster saying he was out of flares with two SAMs on his tail. I looked at Mav as we heard Athena yelling at him to evade, and i felt like i was about to pass out when Roosters voice came through the comms.

“ATHENA NO!!” Rooster screams

“D-dagger one is down” I hear Phoenix say her voice breaking slightly “I repeat dagger one is down”

I stumble backwards sitting down on the chair behind me looking at Maverick who has tears in his eyes, Hondo has his head in his hands and Cyclone and Warlock are speechless, before we can even really process one of the operates reports that there are bandits incoming, and Cyclone is telling them to come back to the carrier, like ringing in my eyes i can hear Rooster argue that they should go back for Athena and cyclone argues that they aren’t losing anyone else. A silent sob leaves my chest when i hear Jake through the comms

“Dagger Spare request permission to fly cover and search and rescue.” Hoarseness in his voice indicating that he too probably has tears streaming down his face like me and Mav who both are yet to say anything outloud.

Cyclone shakes his head at Jakes request. “Negative spare, daggers return to the carrier.”

“Sir, what about Athena.” Hondo says his voice slightly shaky.

“There is nothing we can do for her, not in goddamn F-18s” he shakes his head “I won’t lose anyone else today.” We all look down understanding his position.

“Rooster, don’t do it, she is gone.” We hear Phoenix over the radio.

“I am not loosing her, not today.”

“ROOSTER!!” We look at the screen to see Roosters jet going in another direction before hovering for a few seconds then disappeared on the screen much like Athena’s had done minutes before. Now Mav sat down next to me head in his hands.

“We certainly raised dumb stubborn kids.” I laugh slightly but can’t form a sentence, I pat Mav on the shoulder before walking out of the control room towards the flight deck. 

When I get to the flight deck I can see Jake sitting against the landing gear head in his hand and I go and sit next to him.

“We lost them both.” Jake looks up shocked.

“What do you mean both?”

“Rooster went down as well, I think he went back for her and got shot down.” Jake let out a sob as I wrapped my arms around him.

Y/Ns POV

I jolt awake in the cold snow and unclip my parachute before I turn around and hear the sound of a helicopter approaching. At first I thought that it may have been search and rescue then I saw their guns point towards me, without hesitation I start to run and I dive behind a log, accepting that this may very well be the end of me and I start to think of my parents, my dysfunctional aunts and uncles and finally Jake and Daisy and I smile at the thought they will be my last thought until I hear an explosion and look up to see that the helicopter is spinning out of control and there is one of our jets hovering, then I see smoke in the air and the jet tail is hit, I let go of the breath I was holding when I see a parachute land a few hundred meters away from me in the woods. I start sprinting towards where I saw the parachute land, as I get closer I see Rooster wrapping up his chute.

“Rooster, are you okay?”

“Athena, I am fine.”

“Good” I say as I shove him back into the snow. 

“What the hell Athena?”

“Me what the hell! You are meant to be back on the carrier by now Rooster what the hell were you thinking!”

“Mav taught us not to think, plus I made a promise to make sure you came home!”

“YOU WHAT! Who the hell made you promise that.” Rooster just raised his eyebrow at me “Jake of course, well news flash Rooster now we are both stuck!”

“They will send search and rescue.”

“No Rooster, they won’t, we have landed to far into enemy territory for them to risk it.”

“It is good to see you alive Athena.” “You too Rooster, you too.” I gave him a hug as I pull back I give him a look.

“I don’t like that look.”

“I think I have an idea, follow me.” After a walk we are perched on the top of a hill looking at the demolished airbase that our tomahawks took out earlier that day, I grab a mini telescope looking to see if there is any planes undamaged, “Bingo.”

“You have got to be shitting me Athena, a F-14”

“Hey Mav shot down 3 MIGs I one of those.”

“We don’t even know if that bag of ass can fly.”

“Only one way to find out.” I say as we start walking across the base towards the plane, Rooster pointing out people coming near us so we start to run to the plane. Once we get there I start explaining to Rooster what to do as I climb in the pilot seat, sighing with relief as it starts up and Rooster climbs into the back seat. 

“Do you even know how to fly this thing Athena.” “Rooster I knew how to fly one of these before I knew how to drive a car.” He just nodded as we got onto the taxi way, I look over to see the runway is completely destroyed, I start putting the wings out when I hear a panicked voice from behind.

“Why are the wings coming out Thena?” I ignore him as I push down on the throttle the plane speeding up as I do. I can hear Rooster stressing behind me. We gain speed quickly and just before the end of the taxi way i pull up of the throttle the plane jolting up along with it the landing clipping the ruin of a building snapping off.

“Get us in touch with the ship Rooster.”

“Any clue how to do that Athena?”

“Uhhh circuit breaker 2 I think.” 

“Thena there is over 300 switches back here”

“Figure it out Rooster it is in you blood.” I hear him mumble a complaint before his panicked voice breaks through again “tally two low Athena”

I tell Rooster to put down his visor and pull his mask up as the other planes pilot starts to make hand signals I barely recognise.

“What is your plan here Athena?”

“I don’t know yet, have you turned your beacon on?”

“Yeah I turned it on as soon as we were airborne.”

“I want you to punch out Rooster and then the ship will send search and rescue for you”

“And what about you huh? What are you going to do?”

“Rooster…”

“No Athena, if you think for one second that I am going to punch out and leave you to draw them away with a dog fight you are extremely wrong.”

“Rooster, you have to make it back.”

“Then do some of that pilot shit Athena, cause I am not leaving my sister to die up here.” I sigh heavily.

“Alright then, its a dogfight.”

Taglist:

@dory-98 @djs8891 @brooke-stinson @emma8895eb @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby @itsdesiree86 @dempy @kmc1989

[gareleia]

THE KNITTING SAGA CONTINUES

update: my co-writer friend FINALLY got a tumblr account, so I can tag them now!!

previously: part 1

next: part 3 part 4 part 5

a continuation because I have no impulse control and am in dire need of more Aeolus content

first of all, let's establish one thing - and I think we can all agree on that - Aeolus loves to fuck with people. they are a benevolent(-ish?) trickster deity, and they revel in harmless pranks

as a consequence, they are on pretty good terms with Hermes. while Hermes doesn't care much for the 'small fry' and doesn't pay that much attention to the wind god most of the time, Aeolus has their winions follow the messenger god religiously (pun intended), because? where Hermes goes, shenanigans always follow.

so when they get the tea that he's apparently hanging out on that one random Greek island, playing nanny? oh, they know it's gotta be good. so naturally, they go to check it out.

well, turns out that Athena is also there, and both of them are sooo bad with babies, it's hilarious

Athena, holding baby!Telemachus: Ehhh, shouldn't it be eating more meat? it's body is so weak, it can't even hold a spear! Hermes, exasperated: oh my me, 'thena, that's not how humans work!! babies eat liquids first!! how can you not know that!! here you go, champ, drink some wine!! Aeolus, hiding in the leaves: holy shit these guys are dumb

so now they can't just leave Telemachus alone with Athena and Hermes! they might not be an expert on child rearing, but surely they can do better than those two dorks! and the baby is adorable.

so they decide to stick around. just for a little bit. a week tops.

fast forward a few years, and they have been raising the prince of Ithaca

Aeolus: *shocked pikachu face*

and Aeolus is the much needed chaotic good influence to Hermes' chaotic neutral and Athena's lawful neutral.

the thing is, Aeolus is really good at hiding. so good, in fact, that no one but Telemachus had even realized they are here. everyone else just thinks that the prince has an invisible friend which, well… they're not wrong?.. and it's not like other kids are exactly lining up to be his friends anyway, cause everyone thinks he's weird (or their parents don't want to catch the attention of the suitors)

and the gods think that it's because they hang around too much and Telemachus can't make friends because of them. so maybe they try to spend less time in Ithaca, for his own good. which only makes things worse, because now the boy is upset, and Aeolus and winions have to try extra hard to cheer him up, which pisses them off.

Athena & Hermes: oh, goodness us, we shall try not to interfere too much with the mortal affairs, so that the young prince grows up healthy and happy ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Telemachus: (T⌓T) Aeolus: ヾ( ･`⌓´･)ﾉﾞ

and then they have to subtle bully the two dumb fucks to come back.

on a less serious note, Aeolus also has a sweet tooth, especially for marshmallows (idgaf there weren't any marshmallows in Mycenaean Greece, they're a god. they can make all the damn marshmallows they want)

and of course, since they are sooo generous, they always share with Telemachus.

what they don't know(?) is that winions, who all get their own treats, also collectively share them with the baby, because they are secretly evil adorable little freaks.

which results in a very hyper prince sugar rushing seemingly out of nowhere.

Telemachus, running all around the palace and crackling madly: I AM SPEED- Penelope, unimpressed: and who, pray tell, had given my son sweets right before dinner? Athena, equally unimpressed: yes, I would also like to know. Hermes, sweating nervously: heyyyy, why are you all looking at me like that???? ( ಠ‿ಠ ) Aeolus, from behind a tree, unseen by anyone: (｡•̀U-)┘

Hermes always gets blamed.

It's the only time he doesn't do the thing

and he's seething, because nobody believes him.

[leahnardo-da-veggie]

The Tragedy of Love, Death and Maggots part 4

Part 1, part 2, part 3

Should I have run after her? Would it have changed anything? Damned if I knew. Perhaps the rot in her heart had begun long ago, when the cultists chained her in that dark room and did things to her. Perhaps the very first maggot had wriggled in far earlier, when she first wandered into this place. Perhaps it had always been there, a foul seed biding its time, waiting for the most fertile soil to sprout into a choking weed.

All I knew was that by the time we had drifted to sleep in that little huddle, she was long gone, toting that makeshift spear of hers into the flickering light that passed for night.

“Doc?” Brett shook my shoulder with the dogged determination of a boy who had finally noticed his girl was missing. “Doc, get up. Doc?” He might as well have passed for a particularly large alarm clock.

“Yeah, yeah, ‘thena ran off,” I muttered, more to shut him up than out of any true caring. “She’ll be fine. That girl can smash her way through an army of man-sized cockroaches, she'll be fine. Besides, she runs off all the time. She took her spear, didn't she?” 

“Sure she took her spear, but that's not enough! You have to get up. We have to go find her. I know something's wrong,” he insisted. “I just know it!”

That got me grudgingly getting up. Brett's instincts were never off, and it had saved us from trouble more than once. “Fine, fine. What's the trouble?”

“It's…” He frowned, trying to put it into words. His fingers, long and knobby, kneaded each other nervously. “It's dread, panic, terror. It's being in utter darkness, being left at the checkout counter while your mom goes off and grabs something she forgot, being stuck with your leg in a bear trap and the hunter approaching. It's bad.” The last word made my lips pucker with sourness.

Bad. God, how much that word could sum up. I rolled up my sheet and waved Mrin over. “We need to look for Athena,” I told her. “Brett had another premonition, and he says it's bad.”

“Yeah, well, I've got more bad news,” Mrin replied. “We’re out of food.”

“What? That's ridiculous, we had 10 cans last night,” Brett protested. 

“I'll bet your girlfriend took it. Who else could it have been? That damned girl is all instinct and no intellect.” I shook my head in disgust.

He glared at me, but did not dispute my conclusion. “We should hurry up and find her, then.”

Taglist: @coffeeangelinabox, @dorky-pals, @calliecwrites, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @shukei-jiwa

@thewingedbaron, @pluppsauthor, @cowboybrunch, @wylloblr, @possiblyeldritch

@tragedycoded, @finickyfelix, @urnumber1star, @ratedn, @ramwritblr

@vampirelover890, @possiblylisle, @illarian-rambling, @the-ellia-west, @differentnighttale

@evilgabe29, @glitched-dawn, @rivenantiqnerd, @dragonhoardesfandoms, @xenascribbles

@drchenquill, @everythingismadeofchaos, @owldwagitoutofyou, @dimitrakies, @beloveddawn-blog

@riveriafalll, @the-golden-comet, @rascaronii, @trippingpossum, @real-fragments

@unrepentantcheeseaddict, @the-inkwell-variable

(Anyone else who wants to get added can tell me in the comments, pm me, or send me an ask about it!)

[softquietsteadylove]

HI!!!

it’s been a long time since the last doctor au. Can we get something new, please?

Thena eyes the woman chatting up her Gilgamesh. He's making friendly conversation, she knows. But the woman is obviously aiming for more than just friendly, the way she keeps laughing and smiling and putting her hand on his arm.

She has no one to blame but herself, Thena knows. The hospital fundraiser has been scheduled for months, and she's the one insisting their relationship remain secret from their coworkers. And of course Gil agreed, because it's Gil.

But watching women be all over him all night has been one hell of a just desserts. She takes a sip of her drink. Gil catches her eye and makes a bit of a face. He shrugs, which fits into the woman's story enough that she doesn't notice. But he's apologising to her - Thena - for it.

But she has no one to blame but herself.

Maybe the secrecy is overrated. She looks over to the dance floor, where Sersi is happily tucked into her husband's embrace as they sway to the music. They seem to make it work. Thena doesn't know how someone as sweet as Sersi is with someone as bullheaded as the orthopaedic specialist himself. But maybe the same could be said of her and Gil.

Thena tosses back the last of her champagne and walks straight towards Gil's table. This is why people don't like her socially--she's overly direct, chilly, has no bedside manner when it comes to her colleagues. She stares at them, "mind if I cut in?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"Not at all," Gil smiles though, and it's all the assurance she needs. He even pulls out the chair next to him for her.

His visitor visibly and audibly scoffs and rolls her eyes. Thena thinks she recognises her from HR or accounting or some other level of administration. She gets up in a huff anyway. Thena seats herself, tugging her dress around without a thought to the delicacy of the material.

But Gil sorts out the skirt of it more nicely. He even lets his hand brush the side of her leg where the slit allows him to. He sneaks his eyes up to hers, "you look beautiful."

She's glad that woman got up in a huff as she feels her face warm up several degrees. "Nothing you haven't seen before."

Because he helped her get ready, after they'd had a few good rounds in her bed, and before arriving in separate cars. Still, he compliments her, because of course he does. He swirls his own champagne, looking quite smart in his dark green suit.

All the doctors are in tuxes, but she likes how this colour brings out his eyes.

"Are you making any good connections?" he asks, like any of their colleagues would. It's as much a night for them to have off as it is for them to schmooze wealthy benefactors into donating to the hospital.

"None," she deadpans, and he laughs from his belly in response. She loves his laugh. "You?"

He snorts and throws back the last of his flute. "No one even knows us."

"That's not true," she nudges his arm as she leans back in her chair in a very unladylike way. She gestures, "Kingo knows how to work a crowd."

True, the man of the hour is in the centre of a circle of people listening to his stories. She's quite sure he's trying to convince someone to write a medical drama about his stories as an EMT.

"Well, I'm no Kingo," Gil shakes his head at his partner, not that they would have him any other way.

Thena spares a furtive glance around them, although most have moved on from the tables to search for more finger food or hit the dance floor. She risks brushing her hand over his casually, "you're better."

Gil matches her energy, though, letting his hand cup hers for just as brief a moment, "you're in a good mood tonight."

She can say it's the booze, but she's only had the one glass. It's not to her taste, but it's part of the atmosphere. "When was the last time we got a night off to do this?"

He gives her a grin that's a little mischievous on the tail end. "Our first date?"

She looks away again, because sometimes these little moments still make her feel like she's liking him from afar again. "That was a good night."

"Our only date, in some ways," he corrects, although there's no malice or ill will behind it. Even though he would love to have more proper dates to their name as a couple.

Thena sighs, though, because he deserves that. He deserves to go wild to his romantic heart's desire, no matter how overwhelmed it makes her feel. She leans forward against the table, "Gil-"

"Oh, Gil!" a shrill voice singsongs over the music.

Thena scowls as her whole body knots up. His friend is back, and she's brought company. "Eros."

"Thena, darling, looking ravishing as always," the self-proclaimed 'god of love' himself grins at her. He is one of the doctors in a full blown tuxedo. "Gotten any donations?"

"No, no one donates to an emergency room unless it guarantees benefits to them personally." The two newcomers look at her uncomfortably but it's true; no one ever donates to the emergency room because it's for the public, not for the highest insured patients.

"Well, what if I make a donation?" Eros grandstands, putting on his most winsome smile and even reaching into his suit jacket pocket. Does he really have his checkbook just...in there?

Thena points, "admin will take it."

The woman gets tired of playing this game. She sidesteps Eros to put her hands on Gil's shoulders. "Oh, enough business! It's time for you two to take to the floor."

Gil just stares. Just because he's big doesn't mean he likes getting climbed on like a children's jungle gym. He shakes his head faintly at her; he's asking what to do.

Thena sighs. That's why she brought Eros with her; he's a distraction to keep her from stealing Gil's attention again. Stealing attention from her own partner is an amusing thought. But she hasn't had enough to drink for it to be thoroughly entertaining.

The woman backs up as she stands. She and Eros watch as Thena grasps Gil's tie, pulling it out from his suit jacket and using it to turn his head and drag his lips to hers. She even makes a dramatic little moan just for them.

Gil is happy to oblige. He responds, sliding his hands up her body in the way that's familiar to them. They were doing exactly this a few short hours ago. When they part he doesn't even look to see if their audience has stuck around. "Thought you'd never ask, honey."

Thena keeps her hold on Gil's tie as she moves towards the dance floor, abandoning her clutch on the table. There's nothing in it but her phone and, well, a few contraceptives (in case Gil got ahead of himself on the way home).

"Y'know, sweetie, I have no complaints," Gil voices as he closes the distance and fixes his tie again. "But you could just ask."

She sighs as they turn towards each other to dance properly. He pulls her against him as her temper simmers itself dry. "I got the feeling she wasn't going to take no for an answer."

"Well, she would have had to," he assures her, even as they begin swaying to the music. She doesn't really know how to dance, but he takes the lead, holding her hip and her hand out in his. "Although watching my girlfriend grab me like that will probably haunt her for a while."

"Good," Thena mutters darkly, still off-put by the memory of her latching onto Gil's shoulders (like she has any right).

"Are you sure?" he whispers, still holding his head up if she wants more discretion. "If she doesn't have everyone knowing before we leave for the night then Eros certainly will. I wouldn't be surprised if he's crying to HR right now."

She does laugh faintly at the mental image of Eros snotting and whining like the little boy he is. "We're technically in different departments."

Gil chuckles, "guess you're right. But I'm asking you."

He's asking if she really wants to go public, or if she wants to deny their claims to the very end. Because he'll be with her, if she does, because of course he will.

Gil is receptive as she leans up to kiss him again. Maybe she can - somewhat! - understand what people see in the romance of it all. Swaying to music, Gil's arms around her, kissing him without a care in the world. There is something that makes the pleasure centres in her brain explode with euphoria.

"I'll take that as a yes," he smiles at her, even swaying a little more in his elation.

She tries to keep her head held high instead of shrinking away from the people observing them during their own dances. She clears her throat, pretending she can't feel how hot the tips of her ears are. "If it keeps her off of you, then yes."

He bends his head down, kissing the side of her neck. But it's not any invitation to mischief or show of dominance. He emerges again and kisses her on the forehead. "Can I tell those orderlies that check you out all the time that you're my girlfriend, now?"

She smiles, because it's Gil, and their relationship is no different now than it's been for the past several months. "You don't tell them I'm your wife?"

"Oh, I do," he answers instantly, and now she laughs. And sometimes when she laughs, she catches him looking at her in a way that makes all of her insides feel like jello. "But everyone knows you're my wife. Not everyone knows you're my girlfriend."

That is true. They were long ago anointed work husband and work wife. People are used to it, and it somewhat muddies the waters on what their relationship to each other actually is. And Thena will not be un-muddying them any time soon.

She moves Gil's arm more around her for herself, tucking herself into his chest in a way that makes moving more awkward instead of easier. But he folds around her comfortingly, happy to shift from foot to foot rather than really dance. "Then all the world can know I'm your partner."

She sighs as he presses a kiss to the top of her head, "I like the sound of that."

There's no going back from this. She always says that their personal lives have no place in the hospital. But she can't think about any of that, drowning in the endorphins this one man overtakes her brain with every time he smiles. And she has no one to blame but herself.

[cdragons]

Truce Part 1

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 Pairing(s): Ikaris x Persephone!Reader ft. Druig x Hecate!Reader Word Count: 2.7k Prompt/Summary: Ikaris and Druig have a discussion about the women in their lives (AKA: Ikaris is an idiot who thinks your best friend is a demon, and Druig is super in love with said demon). Warning: Slight mentions of death (no major characters tho), neurodivergent reader is neurodivergent, Hecate!Reader bestie is her own warning Note: Thank you to everyone who takes the times to read my writing even through it is likely way too self-indulgent to be considered in-character! Special thank you to the most amazing and incredible beta editor in the world, @valeskafics! If you have not, please go check her works! She mostly does HOTD, GOT, anything Ewan Mitchell, and literally EVERYTHING she writes is incredible!

It was safe to say that Ikaris was a confident individual.

This was a fact that applied to many aspects of his life.

He was confident in his abilities as an Eternal. He was confident in his faith in both his leader Ajak, and the Celestial that created him and his team members, Arishem. He was especially confident in his capability as a leader. This included carrying out missions, eliminating Deviants, and saving and “caring” about the fragile humans’ lives.

No matter what Druig implied.

But the one thing he could not say he was completely 100% confident about… was… understanding how he placed amongst the rest of the Eternals.

That wasn’t to say he wasn’t well-liked or even appreciated… but… he didn’t exactly know how some members “felt” about him.

He was more than well-received by certain members – Kingo and Sprite are the first Eternals that come to mind. He had earned the respect and trust of most of the group – as was shown by the trust Ajak put on him, along with the close bond he shared with Sersi. Thena and Gilgamesh certainly respected him as a fighter – but they never idolized him. In their eyes, he was more of a younger brother that they could share a drink and trade banter. He was on amicable terms with Makkari. Phastos and him never particularly bonded with each other, but the latter still trusted Ikaris’ judgement.

With Druig and Katelyn, both outright dismissing him most of the time –

No…that was putting it lightly…

Take the words “outright dismissed him,” and replaced them with “liked to act like bratty little shits and make him look like a fucking idiot;” along with the words “most of the time,” and replace them with “since they all left the goddamn Domo.”

…But he had no idea where he stood with you.

Sephia, the Eternal blessed by Arishem with the ability of absolute control of plants and the Earth. While Sersi made efforts to connect with the humans, you almost did everything in your power to avoid them. But no matter how you tried to avoid them, humans always adored you. They longed to catch a quick glimpse of the beautiful being that brought them aid whenever their crops were unable to bear fruit.

It was not only your powers that attracted them to you, but also the image you presented yourself to them. You were…heaven-sent – is how the humans saw you. Although fairly quiet, it was obvious to him that you were brilliant. Not only that, but you were fairly regimented in your diligence to your duties- something Ikaris greatly appreciated in a team member. You and Sersi worked together to only present them with their new crops, explain the various uses that would fit their lifestyle, show them how to properly harvest the crops and take a section of the seeds to replant, and then demonstrate how to properly plant them in a way that would yield the best results.

…It also helped how the sun would bring out that lovely flush to your skin in your demonstrations.

To them, your kindness and shy demeanor… along with your overwhelming beauty that was only further brought out from your flowing pink tunic with green twining and brass patterns… presented the very image of a Springtime Maiden.

You carried out your duties flawlessly, and always with so much efficiency that you always managed to have more than enough free time to go off on your little adventures to study the wildlife you had not created. You were curious as to how certain natural environments resulted in different lifestyle choices. You insisted that in studying the world around them, you would be able to better understand the humans’ lifestyle. A thought that was supported by Ajak whole-heartedly.

And it wasn’t only your duties to the humans that you carried out well – you even used your ability to control the plants that surrounded you to attack Deviants in desperate times. Sprite would spin tales of how the Sweet Spring Maiden Sephia could turn a little flower into a giant vine that could pierce through the skull of any deviant that came your way.

You were…different. That wasn’t to say you were strange…if anything…your differences made you…charming. Admittedly, he hadn’t paid much attention towards you at the beginning as he was initially attracted to Sersi’s kind demeanor. But he would always see you with her, and she would always insist on the two of you bonding. Your encounters with one another were awkward to say the least. But soon, he genuinely bonded with you…

Now, you were just the most fucking adorable being in the universe; which brought up the dire need to know where he stood in your life.

He just hoped that your “guardian angel” wasn’t with you at the moment.

“Well,” thought Ikaris, “demon would be a more accurate term in describing her.”

Kaetlyn was a different topic of conversation to say the least. Simply put, her abilities allow her to manipulate shadows and darkness. In battle, she would first scope out any areas that had Deviants to gain any information that would be an advantage. She would do this by either sending her shadows out, or just traveling through any shadows herself. Ikaris loathed to admit it, but her affinity for intelligence-gathering was far superior than the rest of them. Not only that, but she was a more than capable fighter. She would aim her dark arrows to the Deviant’s weakest point, and let the shadows embedded in it sink into their bodies to tear them from the inside out.

After its confirmed death, she would use her shadow portals to transport them to her personal laboratory at the Domo to “study” their anatomy and physiology. And if that wasn’t enough, Ajak just- just- ALLOWS IT! Even going so far as to ask for your assistance at certain times!

Ajak was one matter – after all, the Prime Eternal served as a maternal figure to everyone, including him – but he was more shocked at your eager involvement in the dark assassin’s hobbies. He could never forget how brightly you smiled when you ran towards him in excitement at your realization that encasing the decaying specimens in a mixture of various alcohol solutions and formaldehyde created a much more effective embalming methods than encasing it in an alcohol solution with herbs and spices.

You went on for hours about how you discovered the gas during one of the fires that nearly destroyed the village a few months back. Luckily very few of the villagers died, but you noticed how the victims who only died through exposure to the smoke decomposed much slower than normal. You then ended up trying to explain the process of precipitating the gas into a liquid solution, along with how to properly categorize it so that it wouldn’t be accidentally ingested. You and he ended up talking for so long that you ended up completely missing the feast held in celebration of the harvest that year. Ajak was quite cross with the both of you – Ikaris especially since he is usually so punctual with social engagements – but how could he be upset after having hours of your sole attention? You too were not put off by your leader’s slight scolding. On the contrary, you were more than relieved considering how much you hated these events.

You were kind and thoughtful; she was argumentative and crass. You were radiant brilliance; she was unhinged madness. You brought light and its hopeful beginnings; she oozed out darkness and all its mad chaos. You were life; she was death. So why did you latch onto her as if she was your only tether to the ground?

…You were being controlled by her- that had to have been it. Ikaris refused to believe that someone as wonderful and kind as yourself would willingly subject themselves to that-that-that- hell spawn!

“Y’know,” an annoyed voice broke his thoughts, “I’d really appreciate it if you’d didn’t call the love of my life a ‘hell spawn’.”

“For the love of Arishem,” thought Ikaris, “anyone but him.”

Taking a deep breath, he turned to find Druig.

“And I’m more than certain that our sweet Sephia wouldn’t exactly be ecstatic in knowing how you referred her very favorite person in the world that particular term either.” The mind controlling Eternal finished off with that damned trademark smirk of his.

Gods, Ikaris wanted nothing more than to shove that face a thousand feet in the ground right now. But he didn’t want to afford to lose his temper now. Not when he still hoped to find you.

“Pretty sure Ajak made it a rule for you not to use your powers on your fellow Eternals,” he snapped, “considering your habit of using it on the humans already.”

“Please,” he quipped back, “you’re the one pacing and muttering like a mad man in the middle of the courtyard.” He slightly cocked his head to the side in a facetious manner, “Anything I could help with?”

Ikaris didn’t want to tell Druig his plans…he wanted less for Druig to know about his plans with you. But Druig was close to you…even only through mutual association by Kaetlyn.

“Why are Sephia and Kaetlyn friends?” He blurted out.

“…Seriously?” Druig asked, “that’s what making act so crazy?”

“Just answer the damn question Druig.”

“…Why do you want to know?” The mind controller asked, very sure he wasn’t going to like Golden Boy’s response, but felt it necessary for his own peace of mind.

“…It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

“Excuse me?” His tone was growing colder with each passing second.

“Druig, I understand that you are incapable of being objective towards your… lover,” Ikaris started, “but even you have to admit you found their friendship to be unusual?”

“I can’t say that I have,” Druig answered, “I happen to think my angel as a lovely individual. A sentiment also agreed on by most members of the team- even your biggest fan Kingo adores her. Unconventional views? Maybe. Relentless tenacity? Absolutely. But that is exactly the foundation my beautiful Kaet’s adoration of Sephia, and vice versa.”

“I don’t- wait- I don’t understand?” Ikaris interrogated the besotted Eternal, “All she does is question Ajak’s authority, and commit senseless acts of childish rebellion! How does that lead to her being close with someone -”

Druig’s blank stare was almost terrifying.

“What Ikaris?” he asked, “Someone like Sephia? And how do you see our Sephia? Someone dutiful? Beautiful? Kind? Sweet? Perfect? How wretchedly mundane and so very one-dimensional- even for you.”

“That’s not it,” Ikaris was getting angry, “stop putting words in my mouth-”

“It’s not exactly a hard thing to do with you, my friend. But you and Sephia aren’t particularly close. She may be cordial with you, but she’s like that with everyone. So why the interest?”

“…I know that…Sephia is considered…different,” Ikaris began, “from a behavioral standpoint – but- tha- that’s not- I don’t think of her any less because of it.” This was much harder than he expected.

Druig lifted one of his eyebrows, signaling for the taller Eternal to continue.

“I like her ‘quirks’ – I can’t say I understand what they are, but – I know that-that they are a part of her, and not in a way that her powers are hers. But I also know that, that they don’t make up who she is as a whole.” Why was his throat closing up? “And…I like that she sees me.”

“…Yeah, no shit genius, it’s not like you can turn invisible. Believe me, not seeing your face would be a great improvement to my life.”

Ikaris scowled while turning so he could fly far from the black-clad armored telepath, “Forget it, I don’t know why I thought to share this with you of all people-”

“You don’t feel judged around her, is that it?”

Ikaris stopped, and once more faced Druig. The shock on his face was almost hilarious…if only Druig wasn’t about to completely expose himself at the moment, then he could at least properly enjoy the dumbfounded look on Ikaris’ face.

“Do you feel like you can talk to her about anything? That you could trust someone with something so humiliating? And then you’re angry because once you actually said those, you’ve realized that you’ve given someone full ammunition of yourself for them to use against you?”

The silence between the two powerful immortals was stifling.

“But then time passes,” Druig continues on, “and even after you pushed them away, they still accept you. Because they saw you, not an image other people projected on to you. And despite all reason, they decided to stand beside you.”

Ikaris’ eyes were bulging out of his head, “How- how did you know-?”

“I know, because I’ve been there,” Druig’s eyes softened just a tad, “with Kaety.”

…What?

“…Well, if you’re so curious about their companionship, I suppose the best way would be to ask directly from the source.” Druig reasoned as he pointed his head to two figures walking towards them.

You, in a soft white tunic with a long pink skirt with some brass jewelry. Today, you decided to let your hair loose with a few braids. Ikaris thought it was a bit curious on how you detested the humans’ worship of you, yet you still preferred their clothing options as opposed to your armor that showed your Olympian origins. However, armor or not, you still glowed a soft and heavenly aura unique only to you. You were in deep conversation with Kaetlyn, who wore a simple white linen dress with a patterned dark blue border skirt and a silver chained belt, and styled her hair in a loose braid.

Noticing the figures in front of them, Kaetlyn immediately pulled a look of just absolute disgust at the realization that Ikaris of all people was interrupting her peaceful day. Curious to your friend’s strange reaction, you turned your head and let out a warm smile and waved enthusiastically to the two men. You were well-aware of your friend’s distaste of the taller Eternal, but he was always kind with you. Besides, if you could occasionally put up with Kingo’s hubris, Kaety could certainly tolerate Ikaris’ company for a few moments.

Druig stepped in view, and Ikaris saw how quickly your feral companion’s expression changed at the sight of her lover. She lightly jogged to meet him in the middle as she threw her arms around his neck. Looking the strange sight, Ikaris noted that when she genuinely smiled, she looked almost…approachable? Druig took Kaetlyn in his arms, and the two pressed their lips together in a tender kiss. And just like that, the spell was broken and Ikaris was inwardly cringing from disgust as he turned his head away from the sight.

As a result, he was unable to see Druig lean forward and softly whisper to her ear of the plight that their mutual grey-streaked hair irritation was experiencing. Wanting to dismiss it immediately, Kaetlyn recalls all the times your cheeks lightly flushed in Ikaris’ company. And despite her obvious distaste for the man, she could tell that he at least wanted to genuinely understand her best friend. And she was more than positive that you were feeling “something” for him; however unaware you were of it yourself. Taking pity on the man, she walked over to you and explained how Druig wanted to explore the area for hidden caves. As a result, you and her would have to continue your discussions of how to properly develop the Punica granatum and its nutritional benefits for expectant mothers at another time. But luckily, Ikaris would be more than happy to escort you back to the Domo.

Before walking away, Ikaris felt a sharp pinch to his side, and looked down to find Kaetlyn’s shadow pinching his? Annoyed, he looked up to reprimand her, but his blood ran cold meeting the shadow Eternal’s gaze.

“Do anything that causes her discomfort,” her eyes seemed to shout, “and I will make your own shadow tear you apart bit by bit.” Quickly turning her head, the dark wisps quickly reattached themselves to their mistress. And the two Eternals were left alone with only themselves for company.

Looking back at you as you basked in the daylight, its golden light only enhancing the glow from your softness. Ikaris had only one thought in his head as he tries his damnedest to not reach out and press your suppleness against his hard frame.

“Fuck.”

Tagging: @its-actually-minicika, @spacetalbot, @siempre-bucky, @beananacake, @ethereal-athalia

[redheadspark]

Hawuu could i request prompts 9. standing up for a loved one and 42.realizing their feelings for Druig (if two prompts aren't allowed you can pick 42) thanks

A/N - Hawuu! Thanks for requesting this, dear friend! I love this for Druig, and I'll do number 42 for you! Thanks again!

Hold

Summary - Druig had a hold on you, whether you knew it or not

Warnings - Just a hint of angst but mostly fluff

“Let’s go for a swim,”

“What about Ajak and her meeting?  And you know I can’t swim!”

“You can still put your feet in and sit near the edge, and that meeting is not for another hour or so, we can slip away for a quick swim at the lake, don’t you think?”

You grabbed your bag and followed Makkari out of the Domo, Makkari wishing to walk since running wouldn’t be as fun.  The weather was nice and too warm for your liking to hide away in the Domo all day long, and since there was going to do with the humans that morning the Eternals were a bit restless.  So Sersi and Ikaris went off together for a walk, Kingo went to the market to shop and mingle with the humans, Gilgamesh took Thena off riding along the riverbanks, Phastos worked on some inventions in his lab, and Sprite stayed behind in her room to read some of the books Makkari got her.  

Druig ventured off earlier that morning before the heat came in, which was coming for him since he was mostly one to be on his own and ponder his thoughts and predictions about the humans.  You knew he liked the solstice most of the time, but not always.  He was more hardwired to think deeper and more sensible when it came to the human race, not that the others didn’t.  But with how he would talk to you about wishing there to be peace, wishing to stop all the hurt that they would inflict on one another, you knew how deep his heart and soul was.  

It was so easy to fall into a friendship with him, yet in the back of your mind you wondered if it would go past that.

Makkari was humming along as you two were talking together along the that you knew would lead to the lake.  With the sun beating down on the back of your neck and the sweet smells of the wildflowers that already bloomed, you were looking forward to unwind. Some of the recent tasks and jobs you had to do for the humans in their city seemed a bit stressful and uneasy, especially with a couple of near death experiences with Deviants.  But thankfully, you were going to leave the city in a few days.  It was both bittersweet and celebrated since you all grew to love the humans there and some of the hidden gems.  

Including the very lake you are going to.  

Once the lake was in sight, you saw Makkari have a pep in her step as the clear blue waters was seen over the little hill.  You were revived too, thinking that a dip in the lake would be the best relief on a warm day.  Yet you never realized that you two would have company, since you froze in your spot on the path from seeing a singular person in the lake.  Instantly you knew who it was: the ivory skin was glistened in the water, the highlighted brown hair against a pale forehead, and bright blue eyes that almost mirrored the same shade of the. Lake water.

Druig.

He was still wearing his dark undergarment pants while he was swimming, his muscular back was on display as he was moving back and forth in the lake and going stroke for stroke.  Of course he was your friend, all the time he was your friend and someone you could rely on with your own troubles and needs.  Then again, you always had the small possibility of liking him as more than a friend.  

Knowing how massive his heart was, now kind he was to the humans that he spoke to, how self assured he was with his beliefs and how he felt about him, that were all great attributes that loved and adored him.  Plus it never helped that you saw him as handsome.  Even now as you were watching him swim, freely and with nothing hindering him, he looked almost heavenly in the blue waters.  

Did you like him?

“Hey!  You two comin’ to join me for a swim?” You were snapped back into reality as you heard Druig call out from his spot in the water.  

Sorry to break up your solo time, Makkari signed as she walked down the path to the edge of the lake Druig waving her off.

“It’s fine!  Come on in, the water’s nice!  Plus it’s the once place Ikkaris honest know about, get the golden boy can’t swim like you ladies can,” Druig joked as Makkari was now to her own undergarments.  You made it to the edge too, slowly getting down to your undergarments wig ease as Makkari was not waddling not the water.  You could hear her sigh in relief as she was getting now calf deep in the water and then to her waist.  Once you are down to your undergarments which included pants and a shirt, you dipped your toes in to feel the sudden chill of the water.  It made you shiver a bit, and you look out to see there was a massive shallow area in the lake before it dips in deep.

Druig was laughing while Makkari was swimming circles around him, her own smile was just as radiant as the lake water while you were going in a bit deeper and deeper, now about knee deep and right at the edge of the shallow area.  The small little dip that dropped off was right in front of it, and although you were an all powerful Eternal who had more strength in your fingers than any human, you were still afraid to attempt to swim.  After one nasty attempt to try and learn, all thanks to Kingo, you decided to wait to learn.  Sure it seemed childish, but you didn’t care, you weren’t ready.  Maybe you’re still not.

“Hey, want me to hold ya?”

Druig swam up to the small edge, hovering a bit in the water as he was looking up at you with his glistened hair against his forehead and his eyes beyond bright.  You blinked, fiddling with your fingers.

“What?” You asked.

“I’ll hold ya if you want,” He explained, sounding calm and gentle with you.  He knew you never swam and you had some fear swimming, he was even mad at Kingo for almost letting you drown when you were trying to learn from him, but Druig himself never pushed you into learning.  It was one of the moments that you never forgot about Druig, his heart for you and making sure you are okay.  This was the same way.

“Here, come sit,” he said, gesturing to the ledge that was under the water.  Carefully you sat, feeling the water now to your waist and your feel dangling over the edge and in front of Druig.  You felt your heart get quick, your hands shaking a bit from being on the top of the water.  Druig sensed it and moved, lacing your fingers together and being palm to palm.  Instantly, you felt his skin along yours, almost like his rhythmic heartbeat that he was pressing against your own hand.

“Look at me,” He said soothingly, your eyes going from his joined hands over him.  He was staring right into your eyes, looking rather calm and sincere with you as he spoke again, “I won’t let ya go, I promise.”

Nodding your head, you took the first moving and slid into the deep water.  Your heart plummeted and you were about to gasp out when an arm was instantly around your waist.  Your arm was along his shoulder, clinging to you for a moment since you were now hovering in the water and Druig was holding you up.  You should feel fear, genuine fear since the last time you tried this, you almost drowned.  But this was different, this was another feeling.

Safe.  You wee safe.

“There.  See?” Druig said as he was still holding you close to him and giving you a warm smile.  That’s when it hit you, in the right moment as you grinned back at him.  All of those fleeting feelings that you were harboring and wondering were true, all of those times you two spent together on the Domo or out with the humans, they were making sense now as Druig was helping you in such a vulnerable moment.  The fear was gone, the worry and wondering was non existent, what you were feeling for Druig was true.

That’s when it hit you: you did like him.  Really liked him.  Oh…

“Thank you,” You replied lightly, seeing him grin get a bit bigger in return.  Yeah, yeah you had it bad for the mind controller. 

A splash got on both you and Druig’s faces, you both looking over to see Makkari grinning as she waved.

“Aye, that’s not fair Makkari!” Druig said in a playful tease as Makkari rolled her eyes.  You had no idea that Druig was thinking that same thing as you were as he held you close, that he too liked you for so long but was trying to figure out his own feelings and where his heart stayed. If he could, Druig would hold you just a close for as long as he could since he knew you felt safe with him.  

And neither of you knew that Makkari already knew of your feelings for one another.  She simply rolled her eyes and swam away, wondering when you two will ever get together. 

The End

@a-lumos-in-the-nox @botanicalbarnes @heartofwritiing

[alloutofgoddesses]

S08E02 - When the Boeing Gets Tough…

- Hello plane people

- Same bestie

- OH I like this kid

- Hi Athena

- It sure isn’t

- Hey G

- Oh Buck

- SO REAL

- Buck ily

- ACTING CAPTAIN HEN

- DANCE PARTY

- Buck looks so sad lol buddy

- Oh Lord do we have to

- Aaaaaaaaaaaa

- Girl.

- Oh the CINEMATOGRAPHY

- Delightful.

- Ouchie

- Oh really

- You try to tell Athena Grant no

- Uh oh

- Bye girlie

- That’s not good

- THE OUPPY

- You got this Thena

- Oh major ouchie

- Good job girl

- Oh but her phone works?

- Hi Josh

- Heyyyyy Air Control besties

- Oh she’s CRYINGGGGG

- Ohhhh boyyyyy

- CRINGE CRINGE CRINGE CRINGE CRINGE CRINGE

- CRINGEEEEEEEEEE

- Sure isn’t

- Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

- Whomp

- Hey Maddie

- Just casually while they are chomping down

- :(

- What is happening with my computer

- you’re Athena Grant you can do anything

- Almost definitely

- Lmao

- He looks so intense I love him

- Bruh you travelled like ten feet

- This is so funny

- Mull it

- This is so funny

- GET HIM BUCK

- aawwwww hey buddies

- Oooowwwww

- This should not be funny

- Yellowjackets AU

- Eddie is taking care of the pilot lol

- WHERE IS THE OUPPY

- Is autism about to be FTW

- Hello sir

- HELL YEAH AUTISM

- JEM ILY I AM GOING TO GET YOU A MEDAL

- Buck you gotta go get him

- Again the phones are hilarious I love it

- Gross

- Very icky

- Slay bestie

- That’s not fun

- Ohhhhh shit

- Lmao shiv time

- OH GOOD HI OUPPY

- “Hi me again” dog woman ily

- Old ppl win

- WHERE DO YOU THINK

- L M A O

- Yay

- She sure did

- Not a meet cute

- HA

- He just can make them

- Very icky

- Everyone on this plane you are also getting a medal

- Crazy how that works huh Donna

- Hi Dad

- Aaawwwwwww that’s sweet

- Bye Jem

- Yeah no it’s not great

- Everyone who is smart would

- PUPPY

- No for real we love support animals

- OH DONNA IS A CAP-TAIN

- Oop

- HI MAYNARD

- Why are they finishing each other’s sentences

- Y’all for real

- Yeah her plane is about to crash and she’s the only one able to fly it

- Oof

- YOU GOT THIS JEM AND JEM’S DAD

- THIS IS SO COOL TBH

- but also how is it gonna take three episodes why are they like this

- Bye autopilot

- Just two icons flying a plane

- Yeah a littol babey

- YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

- BUCK ILY

- This is so fucking cool like this is just cool looking it’s shot so well

- See WHAT

- Eepy Bobby

- Lunch?

- Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

- Hey Buck lol

- Yeah Bobby you know your wife VERY WELL

- SERIOUSLY LOL

- That is your dad Buck why are you surprised

- You gotta learn the rules before you can break them

- Hey Brad

- Welcome back pilot

- He’s totally about to die

- And there he goes

- BOBBYYYYYYYYYYYY

- Of course it’s the I-10. It’s always the I-10

- TELL ME IN PERSON

- Oh I love the parallel with 04x02

[callsigndragon]

The Christmas Date | Chapter 9: You make it feel like Christmas

Pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Fem!Kerner!Reader

(Ron Kerner is Slider, Iceman’s backseater)

Wordcount: 2.2k

Summary: Y/n “Athena” Kerner and Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw hate each other. Everybody knows. What happens when they have to fake date for a whole week to avoid Iceman and Slider’s matchmaking plans?

(there won’t be smut in this series)

Warnings: fluff, fluff, FLUFF, and..ANGST. SOLO’S BACK. I don't know how to write the warn... Solo tries to breaking in and harm Thena.

A/N: You're so gonna hate me for this I'm so SO sorry. Hope you can FORGIVE ME.

Taglist:@ducks118 @milestellerwife @craftymoonchaos @littlebadariell @xoxabs88xox @alexxavicry @tayrae515 @shrimping-for-all @mak-32 @my-soulmate-is-mycroft @harper1666 @purplevortexx @abaker74 @ssprayberrythings @melllinaa @loveless-simp @k-k0129 @mygyn @castle-bookworms-world @chaoticversion @one-sweet-gubler @loveforaugust

@taytaylala12 @benhardysdrumstick @green-intervention @waatermelon-sugaar @smells-like-perfect-senses @interstellarloneliness @tay-bluey @diggorycullen @dhwanishah09 @inky-sun @luckyladycreator2 @nograce-nomercy @witchybabel @thegladeslut

(If you want to be added, write in the comments!)

Previous | Next | Masterlist

Once the camera is secured in a bag, you look around the jewelry section a bit more, hoping to find the ring you’ve been searching for the past fifteen years. 

When you were younger, your family decided to go on a cruise in the summer. You were just a week away, but it was enough for some thieves to enter your house in hopes of finding money, jewelry, or other valuable things that they could sell. 

One thing they took, the most important thing to you, was your grandma’s wedding ring. The thieves were caught a few weeks later, but all your stuff was gone. You have been looking at every antique shop or pawn shop in the vicinity ever since, hoping that somehow, the ring would have magically been placed there for you. 

But this time, like always, the ring isn’t there. 

You exit the store, looking for Rooster who is still talking to someone from the base. He winks at you when he sees you, rushing to end the conversation. “We’ll talk about this when I get back, okay? Just hold onto it for a while. Okay, bye” he hangs up and walks towards you. “You bought something?” 

“Yeah, I found the perfect gift,” you smile when he leans over to kiss your head. “You should stop doing that.” 

He chuckles, grabbing the bag so you don’t have to carry it around. “Why? I thought you liked it”

"That's exactly the problem," your confession causes him to burst out laughing, the sound warming your heart. 

“My, my, grouchy. And you were supposed to keep hating me”

“Oh, I still hate you.”

“No, you don’t” 

You sigh, letting your head fall in defeat. “No, I don’t” 

“So, lunch or dress? What are we doing first?” 

You think carefully before answering. “As much as I want something warm and sugary right now, we need to look for a dress. I’ll be all bloated later.” 

“Okay, but we’re getting pizza later,” he announces, opening his hand for you to take it. 

“Deal"

"What about this one?" You say, showing Rooster the dress. It's strapless, and glittery. 

"You don't need all that glitter to shine, fly girl," he says, looking for the perfect dress. 

You can feel your cheeks heat up at his comments. He needs to stop being so casual with his flirting. 

Rooster grabs a red dress from the hanger. Is a spaghetti-strapped dark red dress; the skirt goes a few inches below the knees. "I like this one. What do you think?"

You look at it and are not so sure about the length. "I'll have to wear heels with that" 

"You don't want to wear heels?" he asks, looking at the dress. 

"They hurt like a bitch," you complain, knowing that you'll have to wear them one way or another.  

"We can have some flats in the car, and you change them when the heels become too much," he offers.

"Where have you been all my life?" You laugh, grabbing the dress to try it on. 

"Right in front of you, love" he smirks. 

"Do you practice in front of the mirror or something?" 

"Oh, no. It's all natural" 

You grab him by the collar of his jacket, pulling him down to kiss him. It doesn't matter how many times you do it; it still gives you a warm feeling inside. 

"You keep doing that, and I'll have to start practicing some new lines," he whispers while leaning down to kiss you again. 

"Stop! I don't want to get kicked out of the shop," you say, taking the dress. "Where are the changing rooms?" 

He points out where they are when his phone pings. "Wait a sec," he checks the message and smiles. "It's Jesse's toy." 

"The Paw Patrol lookout tower we couldn't buy because it was sold out everywhere?"

"Yeah, I asked the woman at the toy shop to send me a message if they happened to get more of them"

"What are you waiting for? If you don't go buy it now, someone else will!"

"But," he mumbles with a pout, "I want to see you try on the dress.." 

You chuckle. He's such a big baby. "The toy shop is only ten minutes away, I'll grab a few more dresses to try on, and I'll wait for you in the changing room, okay?" 

He nods and kisses your cheek before almost sprinting out of the shop. You shake your head while laughing at his antics, looking for more dresses. You're sure you're going to end up buying the one Rooster showed you, not because it's his choice or something. It's a really cute dress. 

Having found three more cute dresses, you head to the changing room. You lock the door and try them on, one by one. You leave the red one for last, so that Rooster can be here to see it. 

The green one is a big no. It doesn't look good on you. The black one looks good, but maybe isn't appropriate for a Christmas party. You take a second look at that blue one, and it's not even worth a try. It's really horrible. 

You put on the dark red velvet gown that Roos had chosen. Yes, that's the dress. really Christmassy and adorable 

There's a soft knock on the door, and you make sure you're not showing anything before opening the door a few inches, just enough to see who is knocking. Just in case it isn't Rooster but the salesperson. Rooster's face is not the one you see on the other side, nor is it the salesperson's. 

It's Solo’s. 

Before he can even say anything, you close the door and lock it, panic rushing through your body. You know you’re safe as long as you’re inside the changing room. There’s no way Solo can burst in without alerting the other people in the shop. That doesn’t mean you can stay there forever. Should you call the police? Not an option. The police station is too far away; it’ll take them forever to come. That only leaves you an option, but you don’t want to. 

"Come on, Thena, open the door," Solo says to you as you watch the doorknob turn. He’s trying to enter. “You’re being overdramatic, honey. I just want to talk” 

His voice makes you feel nauseous. You look around the room, grabbing the hanger of one of the dresses you had tried on. Maybe you could use it as a weapon. No, it’s impossible. The moment you try to open that door, he’s going to attack you. You feel the hanger slip from your hands as you grab your bag, rummaging through it until you find your phone. 

“Please don’t be driving.” You search for Rooster’s phone and call him. “Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up,” you whisper to yourself, almost screaming, when Solo bangs on the door a few times. 

“Open the damn door, Y/n!” 

You start shaking, fearing that he might get inside the small room at any moment. 

"Grouchy, I’m driving. Can you wait?” Rooster’s sweet voice makes you start crying. It's as if he's standing right next to you, but you know he isn't. “Are you crying?” 

The only thing next to you is a monster banging on the door and trying to break it down. 

“He’s here, Roos,” you let out between sobs. You can hear him slam on the brakes, and cars behind him are honking at him. 

“Who’s there?” 

“Solo”

“Are you safe?” 

Solo keeps talking. Rooster is talking too; everybody is talking. The banging, their voices. Everything is too much. You just want it to stop. You just want the world to become silent for a second. 

“Thena, answer me!” Rooster exclaims. 

“He’s trying to enter. I don't know how much the door is gonna resist!” 

“Don’t hang up, you hear me? Do not hang up.” You focus on his labored breathing and the sound of his steps. It seems like he’s running to get you. He keeps saying things, but you cannot hear them. Is he saying sweet things? Is he talking about how close he is to the shop? Is he telling you that everything’s going to be okay? You can’t know. 

You only hear the ringing in your ears, your own heartbeat, and your loud breathing. 

Suddenly, the doorknob stops twisting. Is he gone? You stare at it for a minute. Two. A whole eternity. 

It doesn’t move anymore. But you’re afraid he’s waiting outside for you. You're afraid of opening that door to flee this shop and finding his disgusting face in front of you, his figure hidden in one of the other two changing rooms. 

When the doorknob twists again, you scream. 

“Thena, it’s me. Can you open the door for me?” His voice comes softly from the phone and from the other side of the door. You get up from the floor, moving away from the corner where you have been all the time. Unlocking a door shouldn’t scare you like this. 

“Is he gone?” you whimper. 

“He’s gone” 

The door opens, and as he said, Rooster is the only person standing in front of you. His eyes scan your body, looking for any sign of discomfort or pain. He’s making sure that you’re not hurt. He slowly raises his hands, moving them toward your arms. When you step back, not wanting to be touched at the moment, you swear you can see his heart breaking into a million pieces.

“Are you okay?” 

“Physically, yes. Mentally… I don’t think I’m gonna walk into a shop in years,” you whisper, goosebumps running down your spine now that the adrenaline is leaving your body. 

Rooster takes off his jacket, offering it to you. “Cover yourself, let’s get out of here.” 

“I need to get out of this dress” 

“The dress… Just you wait to know what the salesman has done” 

You need to know how you got into this situation. “Tell me”

He shakes his head, grabbing the clothes you were wearing before. “Not now.” 

“Rooster, please” 

He sighs, leaning against the mirror. “Solo payed him to close the store for an hour so he could be alone with you” 

You blink several times, the information seeming to be unable to register in your brain, “He did what?” 

“The guy thought you were his girlfriend. And Solo told him that he just came back from a deployment and wanted to surprise you”

“How do you know?” you ask, moving closer to him. A part of your body doesn’t want to be touched, but another part needs the comfort and the warmth of Bradley’s body. It's like your body needs to know he’s there, even though you’re seeing him. Your body needs to feel him close to stop shaking. 

“That idiot didn’t want me to enter the shop until ‘the happy couple had finished with their reunion’. When i got in here, Solo was gone.” 

“You didn’t punch the salesman, right?” for some reason, the idea of him hitting that dumb guy makes you chuckle.

“I’m saving myself for that son of a bitch” 

You nod, taking a deep breath and closing your eyes. “I need to get out of this dress. Can you stay outside?”

He nods, handing you the clothes. “Do you want me to clos-”

“No!” you reply quickly, you don’t want to be alone in there. 

“Okay, I’ll let the door wide open. I’ll look away” 

New fear unlocked: red velvet dresses and changing rooms. 

When you get home, you thank God that the house is empty. Maybe they have gone to buy the Secret Santa gifts, like you did. You’re so glad you bought the camera before everything happened. Your head is not in the right mindset now to care about gifts. 

"Where do you wanna spend the rest of the day?" Rooster asks, not wanting to leave you out of his sight again. 

"Honestly, I just want to change my clothes and get into bed" 

He sighs, nodding. "You need to eat something, though." 

"Maybe later… Do you have that Polaroid album you talked about before?" 

"In my bag. Wanna see it?" 

"Yes, please" you say, moving upstairs. 

Once in the room, Rooster offers you one of his hoodies. "I can't hug you right now, but maybe the hoodie can?" 

How can this be the same guy that flies an F-18? How is he the same guy that…almost took everything away from you so many years ago. Why did he ever do that? You need to know. Now. 

"Bradley"

He hums, waiting for your question. 

"Why did you try to pull my papers for the Naval Academy?" 

[gryffindormarveltwilight]

All we Need - Jake Seresin x Reader - Part 2

A/N: Here is part two, I have enjoyed writing this hence why I am getting the parts up pretty quickly. Feedback is welcome and so are request!

Pairings: Jake ‘hangman’ seresin x fem!pilot!Benjamin Reader

Warning: Angst Fluff Naval Inaccuracies mentions of death and mentions of the mission from the movie

Note: this is a bot of an AU where Iceman is fine and better!

Jakes POV

“Daddy,” I hear a whisper next to me and a slight tap on my shoulder opening my eyes to see my daughter with a sad look on her face.

“What’s the matter Daisy?”

“Thena gone.” She replies tears brimming in her eyes and I shoot up out of bed, any indication that last night was a dream gone as I look at the tears threatening to fall.

“No baby maybe she just had an early start you know how she likes to wake up early to go make sure everything is safe for you.” She nods and starts making grabby hands indicating she wanted to be picked. I picked her up and headed toward the kitchen to start breakfast looking at the clock seeing that it was only 7am, Sarah wouldn’t be here for another half an hour to pick Daisy up. We eventually sat down for breakfast when there was a knock on the door. I opened it to see Sarah standing there a wide grin on her face as she stepped through the house.

“Hi miss Daisy” Daisy lifted her head with a small smile.

“Hi grandma Sarah”

Sarah shot me a confused look and I sighed normally Daisy would jump out of her seat for Sarah.

“Y/N got home last night, but was gone before we could wake up.” Sarah nodded immediately understanding the gloominess of the two Seresin’s.

“I am sure she will be home tonight Daisy, until then did you want to spend some time with me and Papa Ice and we can go to the zoo” Daisy head pops up and she sprints to her room to get ready suddenly excited at the sound of going to he zoo.

“I will grab some money for you to take her to the zoo, Sarah, thank you for looking after her.”

“Don’t you dare Jake, it is always our pleasure, since Ice got better he loves spending time with her and besides I know how hard it is for kids to grow up in this lifestyle.”

“Thank you” I say giving her a hug, for some reason this last deployment of Athena’s seemed harder than normally and now with this mission we are all stressed, the only silver lining was that Iceman was better lifting everyones spirits slightly. “Can you help Daisy get ready, I need to be on base in 30 mins.” Sarah nodded before walking into Daisy’s room.

After getting ready I waved to Sarah and Daisy before heading off towards base. When I arrived I walked into the classroom to noticed I was the last one to arrive with still no sign of Athena anywhere I start thing maybe she hadn’t been recalled and was just home early from deployment. As I took my seat next to Coyote, Warlock and Cyclone walk in explaining the details of the mission.

“And now to introduce the pilot instructed to teach all of you how to successfully fly this mission……Captain Pete Mitchell call sign Maverick.”

I turn to see Mav walking down the centre of the chairs, he hives me a subtle nod as I see Coyote Payback and Fanboy drop their heads while an angry look crosses Roosters face.

“What did you do Coyote”

“We throw him overboard about 1 min after you left last night.” I laugh lowly as Mad starts talking about the F-18 handbook.

“Today’s training will be basic dogfighting, you will be going up in pairs, first up Hangman, Payback and Fanboy, be ready in 15, I will meet you in the air.” We all start to stand up and head towards our jets, I see Rooster looking angry.

“Rooster man you okay?” He rolls his eyes at me

“Go away Hangman.”

“Okay but just so you know you can talk to me I know normally you would talk to Athena about it but you can talk to me.”

“I really thought she would be here.”

“Me too.” We turn to look as we hear a jet take off from the 2nd runway where the instructors planes normally are.

“Well that must be Mav that’s my cue, don’t let whatever is getting to you get to you Rooster.” I leave it at that and walk toward my jet before doing pre-flight checks. Once I was ready to go I lined up on the tarmac as Payback and Fanboy take off, after I have taken off we start idling above the training area waiting for instructions.

“Morning Aviators and welcome to basic dogfighting, you are not to go below the hard deck of 5,000 feet. The goal shoot before you get shot down.”

Mav starts through the radio before Payback interrupts.

“What happens if we don’t, sir”

“I shoot back.” I can here the snideness in his voice.

“How bout we put some skin in the game.”

“What are you thinking Payback?”

“Whoever gets shot down has to do 200 push ups.”

“Alright you are on Payback.”

“Guys. That is a lot of push ups.” My heart nearly plummets to the ground when I hear the voice through the radio, a voice I would no anywhere suddenly the sun is blocked out of my canopy and I look up as I see Athena had moved her jet so she was upside over my jet.

“Hey cowboy, miss me.”

“Shit is that…” Payback breaks through the radio and Fanboy finished the sentence

“Athena, shit.”

Readers POV

I giggle as I hear Payback and Fanboy swear looking down at Jake just able to make out the shocked expression, i knew he knew i was home but I had still managed to surprise him.

‘Alright boys, its on.’ I quickly break away from my inclined position getting into a fight position, I knew Jake was going to be the tough one to beat, i also knew he had a bad habit of leaving his wingman so I went after Payback and Fanboy first, the put up on hell of a fight radio for Jake who i had seen sneak up behind me arrogance in his voice.

“This fellas is how you kill a goddess.”

“Right Hangman, time to teach you a lesson,,,,you’re out Payback.”

“Copy Athena” i break away and Jake follows as i start flying toward the sun, i can hear him asking payback for help to which payback responds with ‘i’m dead dickhead.’ And I giggle knowing i am now out of jakes line of sight i pull the control stick and flip over the top to land behind him.

‘You’re out Hangman, next time don’t leave your wingman.’ I see him hit the canopy before we all head back to base. I was the first to land, after i landed i popped the canopy and climb down the wing as i hit the ground I was wrapped in a tight pair of arms.

‘I missed you too Roo.’ He didn’t say anything just hugged me tighter.

‘I havent seen you in what a year and you dont even call to tell me your back.’ Before i can answer two more sets of arms wrap around me I look to see both Bob and Phoenix hugging me

‘Good to see you both as well.’ I reach up and ruffle bobs hair to which he groans through a wide smile.

‘Phe, we need lots of drinks tonight, on me.’ She nods

‘I missed you thena’

‘Me too Phe.’

I spot Jake over Phoenix’s head I smile before sprinting across the tarmac, Jake smiles even wider as I leap in his arms and wrap my legs around his waist.

‘Miss me did you Thena.’

‘You know I did, sorry I didn’t call, I didnt know I was coming back till I was practically on the plane.’

‘Daisy was upset you weren’t there this morning.’ He says placing me on the ground. I lower my head, suggesting ice cream and movies before we go to the Bar tonight.

‘I gotta go see Mav, but I will see you all in the classroom soon yeah.’ And i take off towards where Mav is standing with Cyclone.

Jakes POV

I watch as she takes off running toward Mav and Cyclone so lost in my own thoughts I didn’t hear Rooster come up behind me

‘That was odd.’ I turn to Rooster.

‘What are you on about man she just needed to talk to Mav.’ I replied though Rooster was right we hadn’t seen each other in months and she said two sentences to me. Rooster just shrugged and walked towards the classroom where everyone else was gathering. I walked it taking my seat next to Coyote normally Athena would sit on the other side but right now she was standing still fully kitted up next to Mav. Cyclone moves to the front of the room gaining everyone’s attention

‘Now the she has graced as with her appearance can I introduce your team leader and co-instructor for this mission, the only pilot on active duty to be an Ace by having five air-to-air kills, and the best pilot that Navy has had in decades Lieutenant Commander Y/N Benjamin, call sign Athena.’ I turn in shock to look at Phoenix and Rooster who are also looking with at the front in shock as she moves to the front, Coyote taps my shoulder whispering in my ear

‘She is an Ace and got a promotion and you didn’t tell me.’

‘I didn’t know.’ And i turn back to the front of the room my full attention on Athena.

‘Most of you I know and have flown with before for some it is the first time, the point of these next few weeks is to teach you all how to fly this mission and get you all home safely.’

I took note of the way she was phrasing the mission objectives and how she was always saying you and not us, I made a mental note to talk to her about it in private, we all knew this mission was dangerous but the way she is speaking is that someone is coming home and that someone is her.

‘Now next in the air going up against Maverick is Rooster, Phoenix and Bob.’ Rooster shoots a small glare at her and she shrugs slightly.

‘As for the rest of you report to the rec room there is a schedule there of who is flying and when except Payback, Fanboy and Hangman.’ I flinch at my call sign coming out of her mouth through all our years she has always referred to me as Jake.

‘Ma’am where do we report.’ Fanboy asked.

‘To Hondo, Fanboy, you three owe me 200 pushups.’

Readers POV

I saw Payback and Fanboy groan as the head towards Hondo, I glance to Jake who looks hurt that i had kept the promotion and the fact i was now an Ace a secret. As he stood up i yelled out to him to get his attention to stay back.

‘Ma’am is there something i can do for you.’ I could hear the sarcasm in his voice with hints of anger

‘Cut it out Hangman, I was going to tell you I just hadn’t got time to.’

‘How could you not get time is your phone broken or something.’

‘I got told i was being recalled then shoved on a plane before i finishing packing my bag, by the time i got home I just wanted to sleep.’

‘What happened on you last mission Athena?!’ I saw his face soften as i struggled to control my emotions a flash of sadness making its way across my face, before i could answer Cyclone called me to report to his office.

‘I want to tell you Jake, but I don’t know if i am ready, tonight can we go together to get daisy and then maybe grab some ice cream by the beach.’ He just nodded in response and i patted him on the arm before walking to cyclones office.

‘Sir,’

‘Athena, how was it being back in the air after everything today?’

‘Fine sir, no issues at all it felt like i never left.’

‘Losing a wingman is never easy Athena if you need to talk to someone whether its professionally or Iceman you need to talk about it.’

‘I know thank you sir, with regard Iceman is helping me as he knows the details of the mission.’

‘Very well and well done on the promotion, I am sure you are happy’

‘Yes Sir, thank you.’ As he dismissed me and i headed toward the locker room hoping Phoenix was still in the sky. As i picked up the pace tears threatening to spill i crashed into a hard chest looking up to see who it was i widen my eyes in surprise.

‘Uncle Ice?’

Taglist: @dory-98

[tumblingghosts]

hey backpacks!

so, i've had this thought for a while about the Time Travelling Kiddos™ and thought you'd be interested in it!

in the other scenario where instead of the original 4 (aelia, achilles, athena, and plutarch), it's seneca, marcella, sol, and antonia, i suddenly had the imagery where sol (or anyone really, but sol is the most fitting for me!) has a sort of superpower.

like, she can show a memory that's hers or someone else's.

she shows the original 4's memories, from when they were fourteen when their parents just died, to them in their original timeline.

there's a memory where the fourteen year olds original 4 are talking about their newly dead parents.

it goes like this:

plutarch: who do you think killed them?

athena: kill? the cops said all of their deaths were accidents.

aelia: don't be stupid, thena. it was murder. there's no way all our parents die consecutively.

achilles: so, they were all murdered by the same person.

plutarch: yeah. who do you think did it? june ruby's dad? he always seemed suspicious..

athena: come on, plutarch. he would never do that. he's our parents' best friend.

aelia: wait, he's onto something here. there must be a reason why my parents stopped hanging around him a few weeks before their death.

livy and pippa definitely shed a few tears at the memories. the others almost did too, but they held back :)

hi gigi! sorry it took so long to respond to this- but i've finally written out my time travelling kiddos thoughts! also love the idea of solasta having a power to show memories!

so i know that solasta's power wasn't the main point of your thoughts, but it got me thinking- what if their time travelling machine was the cause of those powers? like if she can show memories, that has to be events from the past, and i could see a scenario when they are first building the time machine where things go 'wrong' and the machine malfunctions, except not quite.

as the kiddos are trying to rewrite their plans to build a new time machine & work out what exactly went wrong, sol is thinking about the exact moment that the time machine imploded and accidentally ends up displaying that memory. cue a freak out over where the heck did that hologram come from, were we being recorded, oh that's not a projection, what is happening??

it takes a bit to realize that not only is solasta the one doing it, but she's able to do it her other memories if she focuses on the event enough. it takes more trial and error to work out that she can also show memories from other people, but it usually requires the person to be actively thinking of the memory before sol can show it. safe to say that the kiddos realize that this new power can help them with their og plan.

there is a bit of talk about building the original machine again to see if they can all get powers, but it is ultimately decided that it's too dangerous. after all, none of them know what exactly caused the powers in the first place. maybe it was how they built the machine, maybe it was something else entirely. solasta was just one of the people in the room when the machine backfired, and she wasn't even the one standing closest to it, so who knows what happened?

anyway, seneca, marcella, sol, and antonia ultimately get a working time machine going and off to the past they go! it's much easier to convince their parents of what's going on when sol has a power than can quickly explain their story- who needs physical proof in the face of projected memories of their older selves, married and with a family? they're pretty devastated that their kids had to lose them at fourteen, and spent the last four years as orphans, especially when there was no war to cruelly take them away- no, it was just a power-hungry classmate. and now facing their children who are the same age as them with stories of their school years that future them never got a chance to live and support them through.

or potential alt scenario is coriolanus being nosy about the new transfer students & solasta learning that her power has more to it than they first thought. sol is showing the convo of the kiddos discussing their parents' deaths, when coriolanus (snooping) comes near enough for her power to trigger, showing some future (past for the kiddos, but future for the mentors) memories of snow being very responsible for their parents deaths. if the memories of the kiddos speculating that snow killed their parents was devastating, then actually seeing how he committed the act (either by poison or by hiring people to murder) is angering. coriolanus can't bolt bc by that point the kiddos' parents have realized he's there & also everyone involved is pretty horrified that their classmate/friend could so callously decide that they were a liability that has to die.

fix its all around bc solasta has shown memories of the future, and the kiddos' parents have decided that if their future starts to looks like it is starting to head towards that future, then they are going to be 'handling' coriolanus themselves. they will be growing up with their children, thank you very much. the kiddos are very worried about june ruby, but their parents assure them that they will make sure everything works out, and they make sure it does! with the addition of sol's power, it makes it pretty easy to dig up dirt on gaul & get her ousted from her position by recording sol's projected memory, pretending that it was 'hidden camera footage' from the event, and sharing it with the right people. highbottom is able to end the hunger games without gaul pushing so hard for its continuation.

so no tenth hunger games (or any ones past that) & the kiddos parents are keeping a close eye on coriolanus. the social pressure causes his grades to slip a bit, not much, but enough for clemensia to take the lead in academics. he doesn't get the plinth prize, and has to sign up as a peacekeeper to make the ends meet. coriolanus is seething all the while, but it's where he meets lucy gray & falls for her hard. pretty shortly after, sejanus goes 'wtf coryo, why didn't you just ask for help' (since he was not informed about the time travelling kiddos or the news they brought) & provides some assistance so he isn't trapped in the twenty years of service. but other mentors are still high-alert around him though, so coriolanus isn't going to be going around murdering anybody.

anyway, snowbaird is together, sejanus lives, nobody dies in the arena bombing that never happened in this timeline, and all the would-be tenth games tributes are off living their lives in their respective districts bc the games have been cancelled :)

thanks for the ask! appreciate you lots gigi <3

(also, any ideas for how the mentors might meet the kids that would have been their tributes had the timeline not changed? the thought of persephone never getting to meet mizzen is making me sad, but i couldn't think of a way they'd get to meet unless pippa travelled to the districts or mizzen came to study in the capitol...)