#he wouldn’t have wanted to start a war with another realm

[musclesandhammering]

I don’t know how I’ve been meta-ing about the Odinson family for years and never picked up on this, but wow.

You know this fits with my very specific headcanon about their childhoods though.

I think from the time they were born, Odin was super paranoid about Thor- his offspring, his actual biological heir- turning out like Hela, and sort of just saw Loki as this extra kid he picked up at the seven eleven on the way home one day so he wasn’t too worried about him. And so he hyper focused on Thor when they were children- trying so hard to groom him into this honourable asgardian patriot instead of a murderous conquerer- and pretty much just ignored Loki altogether.

But then, when the two of them entered their teens, Thor was arrogant and enjoyed fighting too much, but was otherwise exactly what Odin wanted him to be. But at the same time, Odin suddenly realised how powerful Loki was growing up to be and how underhanded he was and how much rage he was hiding and mentally went “Oh fucking shit.. I worried about the wrong one.” And because Loki was already so old, he figured it was too late to try to shape him into something better, so instead he crucified Loki for every mistake he made, was constantly suspicious of him at every turn, made it clear that he didn’t trust him and thought he was going to turn out to be a villain… and for years Loki had to exist knowing his father saw him as an enemy. And he tried to prove him wrong, but Odin is a stubborn jackass so it never worked. And so the rest of the story goes..

I just love the concept of Odin’s own paranoia being the thing that lead to everyone’s downfall.

so is nobody gonna talk about how Mjolnir used to be Hela’s?!! i can’t believe i didn’t even notice this during the mural scene until my second viewing. like, she didn’t catch the hammer because she is more powerful than Thor (being Odin’s firstborn and all), she caught it because it was her hammer.

i need to go back and watch the first Thor film bc i think Odin said something along the lines of “the hammer is a tool to build and not just a weapon to destroy”, which is why he FLIPPED OUT when Thor went on that little destruction bender against the Frost Giants and HOLY MOLY Thor and Odin’s headbutting matches in the first film mean so much more now than just father and son disagreements about leading Asgard!!!

and then there’s Heimdall’s line during Thor’s vision in Age Of Ultron ���You’re a destroyer, Odinson. See where your power leads.“ Destroyer = a family trait.

Meanwhile, we’re all over here worried about Loki doing evil things, but it was never about Loki.

Odin wasn’t concerned about Thor being too immature to lead, he was terrified Thor was headed down the same path of destruction and conquest as his first child, so he banished Thor to Midgard and placed a child-security-lock on the hammer to prevent a potential Hela 2.0 and i need to lay down now 0__0

Odin is still a shit parent for not coming clean about all of this. being straightforward and honest coulda saved a lot of hassle…fuckin odin >:C

[deadsetobsessions]

Green Lantern hovered in the doorway of the med bay. He’d been summoned, but he had no idea what for.

“You know, spooky, some of us have lives to get back to. Not everyone can exist off of just work and blood or whatever,” Hal poked fun at Batman, who rubbed at his jaw tiredly. Hal blinked, stamping down the guilt that arose at Batsy’s uncharacteristic show of any emotion other than stone cold rationality or exasperation or anger. At least they’ve moved past grunts. That just lends credence to Hal’s theory of Batman being an immortal, like Vandal Savage. Batman could totally pass for a caveman, he’s got the grunts down, for sure.

“Still not a vampire. We found the Ghost King. The one the GIW was trying to hide in their records.”

“Well, shit.” Hal’s expression flattened, remembering the unsanctioned government branch that violated the Meta Rights act to a degree where even Amanda Waller had washed her hands of them. Bats had found evidence that they were experimenting on a child when a “source” had hacked into the base and begged them to find the child. Phantom, the hacker had claimed, who had managed to destroy the portal to the Infinite Realms

Batman had tried to boot the guy out of the system, until the hacker told them Phantom was the King of the Infinite Realms.

That got Constantine terrified, which urged Batman into a full hunting mode to track down the king. Mostly in part because Constantine said something along the lines of, “If the King dies, the Infinite Realms will wage war and decimate us. And considering they’re the realm of the dead, we’d lose so badly, even the demons won’t help us out for our bloody souls.”

Granted, he didn’t have that terrible British accent Hal attached to his voice every time the Green Lantern thought about the sad trench coat wizard, but the point still stood.

“He’s not fully conscious due to… his injuries, but the moments where he was, he reacted best to the color green.”

Hal did not want to know what kind of creepy stalker things Batman did to get that knowledge.

“Oh, great. You called me because I’m green,” he said to Batman as he floated into the med bay. “I can be green. I’m amazing at being green.”

Even with the sarcastic tone, Hal made sure to up his lantern aura, glowing a bright neon green. It wouldn’t do to help start a war if he wasn’t green enough.

Hal looked at the Ghost King, and yeah, he could see why Bats was so off his stoic face game today. Because the Ghost King looked like a teenager, and Bats is a bleeding heart and everyone knows it.

Hal waved away Batman, “Go back to Gotham and drink your true blood or whatever. You look like you’ve seen the sun too much.”

Translation: go home, you look tired.

Batman nodded, in thanks, and left to sleep (probably. Hal has never caught the man doing something so… plebeian). Hal is left playing babysitter. To an inter dimensional being that could- probably more like “would,” considering the live dissection he went through at the hands of humans- destroy their entire planet and/or universe. Another Tuesday for the Justice League.

[starogeorgina]

𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧

Paring: Aemond Targaryen × Targaryen reader, minor Daemon Targaryen × Targaryen reader

Warnings: Swearing, kidnapping, self harm

1.03

“Shh, shh,” you try to gently rock Daenys to sleep. “Please, calm down, sweet girl.”

Your daughter was brought to you in the early hours since she woke up fussy and wouldn’t latch onto the wet nurse. Luckily, she fed from your breast without issue, but your silver-haired baby was still unhappy and crying. From the flush in Daeny's cheeks and the redness in her gums, you suspect she has started teething.

“Princess,” one of the handmaids approaches you while nervously pulling on the sleeve of her dress. You often wonder how the servants who followed Rhaenyra to Dragonstone felt watching the way their beloved princess was treated. “The maester wishes to speak with you as a matter of urgency. There is a wet nurse in the room down the hall; would you like me to take Daenys to her while you dress?”

Reluctantly, you nod and hand your daughter over to the younger woman. As soon as you’re left alone, you bring the faded nightgown over your head and redress yourself, choosing to put on the light grey gown you were wearing the night you were taken. It was made to accommodate the swell of your stomach, and now the extra fabric hung loose down the front. You had others to choose from, but it was one of the only items you had that was truly yours.

In every passing moon, the maester would examine you for any sign of pregnancy, which was humiliating, so you’d at least attempt to try and maintain a shred of dignity. You comb your hair with your fingers and try to straighten out the creases on your dress. Just as you finish adjusting yourself, the door to the room opens, and the maester, followed by a handmaiden, enters.

—

You were cursed by the ghosts of your father's blindness and your mother's lies. Your mother claimed that before King Viserys died, he declared he wanted Aegon on the throne, and all the men who deemed a woman unfit to rule believed her. Your father turned a blind eye to your family's scheming for years, and now the future of the realm would be full of war, murder, and misery.

As you dig your nails into the palm of your hand to stop yourself from screaming, blaming your parents for this situation was an easy option. If the throne wasn’t usurped, then envoys would never have been sent; Lucerys would still be alive, as would Jaehaerys, and you and your daughter would be safe in Aemond’s arms.

And if your father had been stronger-willed, none of it would have happened.

Being so caught up in your own thoughts, you don’t notice Prince Daemon entering the room. It’s not until you feel his presence beside you that you finally address him, “What is it?”

“A raven arrived from the red keep; one of my little spies has informed Criston Cole and your cunt of a husband that we have taken you north.”

No, no, no.

“They are currently gathering the green forces and will leave in a couple of days. Which means the false king won’t have that hoary old bitch, Vhagar, to hide behind. With only Sunfyre on his side, we can easily take the city back with the mere threat of Caraxes, Syrax, Vermax, Moondancer, and Tyraxes.”

“Need I remind you, uncle, which side my dragon is on?”

Gripping your jaw tightly, Daemon shoved you against the wall. “Need I remind you, niece, that you’re nothing more than a prisoner? I’ve spared your daughter's life, something the fucking kinslayer didn’t do for Luccerys.”

You slap his hand away and say, “You’ve got what you wanted; you're getting another child. Do not fucking touch me again.”

Daemon places both hands firmly on the wall beside your head, caging you in. His eyes flickered over you; he didn’t quite believe what you just said. “The maester confirmed this?”

“I haven’t bled in two moons; the maester is convinced my stomach will swell again soon.” Sarcastically, you add, “Congratulations; I hope you're as excited as I am.”

—

After speaking with the maester himself, Daemon kept his original promise and had you move to a larger, more comfortable bedchamber with crimson colors and dragon decor, and soon a crib would be brought in and your daughter would join you. All you cared about was keeping Daenys close.

You feel the lavish oils soothing the ache in your shoulders when one of the handmaidens rubs them onto your skin. This was the first time in many moons you had bathed properly, and the luxury of having a clean body, hair, and clothing wasn’t something you’d take for granted again.

“My Prince,” the handmaiden nods her head at him, then attempts to cover you up with a towel, causing your uncle to chuckle.

“It’s considered bad manners to interrupt a lady while she’s bathing.”

“It’s nothing new," he says as he stands at the bottom of the tub, showing no attempt to advertise his gaze from your bare breasts. “Perhaps I wanted to join you in bathing.”

“I’d rather you drowned me.“

Daemon smirks, “Leave us.”

The handmaiden gives you an apologetic look, then leaves. No matter how many times Daemon spilled his seed inside you, the reality of carrying his child never felt real until now. You’d already suffered on the birthing bed out of duty; now you’d be doing it again to keep Daenys safe. You don’t even realize you’re crying until you taste the salty tears on your lips. “What happens if this pregnancy doesn’t end well?”

“What do you mean?”

“I had two other daughters once; both of them died.”

Daemon comes to the side of the tub and crouches down so he’s eye level with you. “I wasn’t aware.”

Red blotches appear on your chest and neck as you struggle to stop your voice from cracking. “The first girl's name was Anya; she came early after three days of labor.”

Your mother had remained by your side throughout your labor, and the look of horror on her face when she saw the ‘thing’ you delivered would be forever etched in your mind. Anya’s skin was covered in small scars that looked similar to dragon scales. But no matter how monstrous she may have appeared to others, you thought she was beautiful. Against the maesters advice, Aemond visited you before the silent sisters had come to take the baby, and it was the first time since the night he lost his eyes that you’d seen him cry.

“I gave birth to Rhaella the following year; she was born at the end of the fall but was taken by the winter fever.“

The expression on Daemon’s face was hard to read; he himself knew of the pain you and Aemond have suffered from losing a baby. And you could only begin to imagine the grief and suffering the blacks felt after Lucery's death. “And news of this never reached Dragonstone?”

Your eyes sting from crying. “Our family has always been divided; who would have told you?”

“My brother.”

“Ha,” you scoff. “You saw what my father was like in the end. He had consumed so much milk from the poppy that he became oblivious to everything around him; the only person he ever wished to speak with was Rhaenyra.”

Frowning, he skims his finger over the water.

“I feared I would never again bear a living child, but the gods blessed me with Daenys. But I shall ask again, uncle, What will happen if this pregnancy doesn’t end well?”

“You do not want to find out, niece.”

[aemondapologistfrfr]

Your Throne

benji blackwood x strong!fem!reader 

Summary: You’ve been married to Benji for the past decade and have been residing in Raventree Hall awaiting your ascension. You and your mother tire of the constant conflict between the Brackens and Blackwoods. These tensions cause unrest between you and Benji and he’s willing to do what he must to make peace in the Riverlands.

Warnings: 18+ swearing, mentions of fighting, political messiness, marital problems - but gets resolved, oral(f), p in v

Authors Note: request from @chainsawsangel, i’m SO sorry i made this super angsty in the beginning also that i didn’t make him super amazing and dreamy at first buut this man on his knees? folded 

Word Count: 3.4k

                                         ᓚᘏᗢ

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Daughter-

I have been sent ravens upon ravens of the ever rising tensions between the Blackwoods and the Brackens. I’m sure the Red Keep could rival Raventree Hall if this keeps up. If the crown must intervene, if I must come to the Riverlands, you will not find it to be a pleasant visit. If you require my help all you have to do is ask. 

I love you. It would make me happy if the five of you visited — after you’ve settled this feud.

-Rhaenyra

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I push the note away from me and lean back in my chair. I don’t know how she expects me to settle this hatred that’s spread over generations. I don’t want her to have to come out here and I don’t want to put so much pressure on Benji. He hasn’t necessarily told his men to stop the fighting but he doesn’t outright condone it. I know it’s going to have to start with me sitting down and having a serious discussion with him. We’ve both avoided the topic of the ongoing feud that seems to have no end in sight but we can’t do that anymore.

“What does it say?” Benji holds the note between his fingers. “I wish she wouldn’t always write to you in High Valyrian.” he pouts. 

“It’s a language you could learn. A trait that befits a King Consort.” I purse my lips at him. “If this fell into the wrong hands..” I shake my head flaring my nostrils. 

“The wrong hands?” he chuckles. “We’re no longer at war. The realm is in peace.” I push my hands to the table at his words and rise. 

“You could’ve fooled me with all of the fighting that goes on with the Brackens.” I throw my hands into the air. “If we can’t even keep this house in line how can we be seen to keep a realm in line? My mother has threatened to come out and deal with it herself if we can not.” my temper keeps rising and along with my voice as I pace across the empty council chambers. 

“It is not my fault those Bracken beasts act the way they do.” his voice low as he glares at me. 

“What of the Blackwoods? They’re your men, are they not?” I turn to him exasperated. “Do you wish for me to order them around? Order you around? Must I do everything for you Benjicot? I suppose that’s how it’s always been.” I scoff looking him over before walking to the doors to leave the conversation.

“You know I fucking hate-“ the doors slam open effectively cutting him off. 

“Princess,” my guard pants. “There’s been an incident involving Maelor.” my heart races. 

“Where is he? Is he okay?” I sprint down the hall with my guard and he leads me to the maesters. Benji is a step behind me as we enter shutting the door. Our eldest son is having his cheek stitched up and while another maester cleans up his scratched knuckles. “What happened?” I look around the room waiting for an answer. 

“From what I gathered a fight with a Bracken boy.” I fume, turning my head to Maelor who winces. 

“How does the other kid look?” Benji kneels down with a smirk. 

“Benji-“ I’m cut off by his guard bursting it. Gods, what could it possibly be now? 

“My Lord,” he looks around for Benji, who rises from Maelors side. “Lord Bracken is at the front gates. He doesn’t seem very happy.” the guard looks at me and cowers under my glare. 

“I’m going to lose my fucking mind.” I mutter. “Maelor, stay here. We will discuss this later.” I then turn to Benji and roll my eyes at him. “Let’s go.” I grab his arm and pull him out of the room. 

“What are you suggesting we do? Since you are so engaged in politics.” Benji drawls as we start towards the main doors of the Keep. 

“And you are?” I hiss. “You infuriate me.” I huff and push out the doors and make my way across the yard. 

“Likewise, wife.” he grabs my hand and pulls me back to match his relaxed pace as we approach. “I don’t care if you’re angry with me. Don’t show it in front of him.” he says through clenched teeth as we approach the gates. I glare at him and look forward and soften my face. The gates start to open and we’re greeted with a red faced Lord Bracken. 

“Princess,” he gruff’s out, nodding his head. “Our sons have gotten into a fight leaving them both injured. What is to be done about this? My son is being stitched up by our maesters as we speak.” his voice rises and I can feel Benji's temper explode next to me. 

“As is my son. I was hoping we would be able to sit down and discuss what can be done to-“ Lord Bracken cuts me off. 

“What can be done?” Benji steps forward and I raise my hand stopping him. “My son has been scarred. You think a discussion will fix that?” he laughs. 

“Were you there to witness this fight?” I tilt my head. 

“No, my boy-“ 

“You stand before me, heir to the throne,” I squint my eyes at him. “And accuse my son, my heir,” I scoff, shaking my head. “Accuse the heir of hurting your son. Yet you did not witness the act?” I turn to look at Benji in disbelief and he looks at me as if I’m mad. “Is this correct, Lord Bracken? Shall I see if the crown can intervene and help us settle this dispute or shall we try and find common ground alone?” I hum studying him. 

“Princess, I-“ Lord Bracken scrunches his brows and looks at Benji lost. “Do you have nothing to say for your beast of a son?” Benji steps forward again and I halt him once more. 

“I would choose the discussion with her over the crown. My wife is more willing to listen.” Benji looks blankly at his rival. 

“I will not enter your hall alone.” he raises his chin defiantly. 

“I wouldn’t expect you to.” I hum and call my guard over. “Fetch us three chairs please.” he hurries back and sets out the chairs for us and leaves. I take a seat and they follow. 

“What’s done is done. Blood has been spilled on both sides. For generations. For decades. When will enough be enough? I’ve lived here for years now. Raised my children here. I call the Riverlands my home. What can we do to end this feud once and for all? Name your price.” I search his face as he takes in my words. 

“I wish for my second son to be knighted and on the Queen's Guard.” he continues to think. 

“He’s but eight.” Benji raises an eyebrow. 

“When she rules.” he nods his head at me. 

“I want my daughter to be your daughter's Lady in Waiting when you move to Kings Landing. Let her marry a nice, rich Lord, be content.” his wants shock me. I never would’ve thought that we would want for his children.  

“Consider those things done. We can confirm and settle boundary lines. Set up monthly meetings. Allow communication to actually flow between our two houses. I wish to see these lands content and settled.” I nod at Lord Bracken who looks between the both of us. We continue the meeting and push ideas back and forth. A time is settled for us to have our first meeting and everything finally seems to be falling into place. 

                                         ᓚᘏᗢ

I groan in relief as our chamber doors shut behind us. The moon has been high in the sky for some hours now but we’ve been too busy arguing in the council chambers with his men over the upcoming meetings with the Brackens. I tug at the strings on my dress and breathe out deeply as the fabric loosens. Benji grips my arm and spins me around. 

“What?” I glare up at him. 

“You just gave that Bracken pig whatever he asked for.” he looks down at me with dark eyes. 

“He didn’t ask for much. You’re acting as if I gave him my hand.” I roll my eyes at him and try to push him out of my way. 

“And if he asked for your hand?” I can’t help the half laugh that tumbles from my lips. 

“Gods, I might’ve said yes. At least he came over here to try and settle something. Actually being a man-“ 

“Choose your next words carefully.” his eyes darken as his grip tightens. 

“This feud needs to end or this marriage does. I am to rule Benjicot.” I rip my arm out of his grip. “For the past decade you’ve allowed this fight to wage and now it’s weighing me down.” I shake my head at a loss. 

“This marriage is weighing you down?” he looks at me wounded, nodding his head. 

“No, this continuous battle with the Brackens. I’m tired of it. I’m done raising my kids in this environment. Our son is permanently scarred. Our daughter is scared to go out past the gates to pick flowers.” my emotions rise and I feel tears of anger prick at my eyes. “Fucking flowers, Benji. My sweet girl can’t even pick flowers. If this feud doesn’t end by the end of the month I’m taking the kids and moving back to Kings Landing. Alone.” I feel the tears slip down my cheeks and I storm into the bathing chambers slamming the door. 

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The meetings over the past fortnight have been long and exhausting. We’ve been meeting almost everyday to discuss potential ways to keep the peace between the two houses. Listening to this table of men bark at each other has been driving me fucking mad. Benji has been tense and when he’s not yelling in the council chambers he’s beating his sword into a straw dummy in the training yard. 

Lord Bracken has been bringing his children along to the meetings and they have been able to get to know our children. They get along so handsomely it makes me sad they weren’t able to interact before this. Our daughters even take their guards out past the gates to go flower picking and it makes my heart melt when they show me flowers pouring out of their dress pockets. 

I’ve sent ravens to my mother and we’ve been in contact as much as possible. She thanked me profusely for getting tensions under control and told me to take my time but to please visit when we can. She still offers me her support and to come and show her strength if needed. I assure her it’s under control and things are truly beginning to settle. I send off one last raven to her and tell her we’re hosting our last meeting before our peace officially begins on the morrow. I sigh with a smile and begin to make my way back to our chambers. I push open the doors and stop in my tracks. I shut the door and look at Benji once more. 

“I don’t want you to leave me.” Benji is on his knees in the center of our chambers. “I’ll do anything, my Queen.” he keeps his focus on the floor as I come to stand in front of him. 

“Look at me, Benji.” I hum and his head snaps up to me. I cup his cheek and he leans into me. 

“Please don’t leave me.” he looks up to me and I’ve never seen him act this way. “We have our last meeting tomorrow. Everything’s done. We’ve made peace. Please stay with me.” he grabs my hand and places quick kisses on it. 

“I’ll never leave you.” I brush his hair back with my other hand. He pulls me closer and hugs my legs as I continue to brush back his hair. 

“I need to have you. It’s been so long.” he mumbles into my skirts and my body warms at his words. “Please,” he whines, pushing up my skirt. I gasp as his head disappears beneath my dress and I feel his lips on my thighs. 

“Benji,” I pant, not having anything to steady myself on. He pulls my small clothes down and taps my ankles when he wants me to step out of them. I cry out when his tongue slides through my center. His hands grip my waist as he practically sits me on his mouth and I moan loudly as he starts to lap against me. “Yes, Benji,” I gasp, gripping my skirts. My legs tremble and his hands move down to them to help steady me. I rock against his face and he moans, moving his tongue faster. He swirls around my bud that leaves me gasping above him. I cry as my pleasure slams through me and I almost topple over. 

“Come, my Queen.” he comes out from beneath my skirts and takes me to the bed. He strips off both of our clothes before he pulls me up the bed and gets me to place my legs on either side of his face. “Let me be your throne.” he looks up at me desperately pulling me down onto his mouth. 

“Fuck yes, Benji,” I whine grinding against his mouth. His tongue pushes into my core and I whimper above him. He wraps his hands around my hips as he starts to slam his tongue into me. “I’m- Benji,” my stomach tightens as his nose rubs against my bud. I grind harshly against his face and he groans into me as I fall apart against him. I go to move and his fingers dig into me. 

“Not done.” his hair tickles my thighs as he shakes his head. His lips encase my bud and I shutter above him. My fingers dig into his hair and grind his face up into my wetness. He moans into me and I almost come undone at the vibrations. As his tongue moves quicker my pleasure washes through me and I go taught above him. His tongue lashes against me and I shake in his arms before he starts to help me settle onto the bed. 

“I’m sorry.” he hovers above me and I pull him down into a kiss. I cling against him as he slowly grinds into me. He slides into me and I wrap my arms and legs around him. 

“I’m sorry I was mean and threatened to leave.” I bury my fingers in his hair.  

“I should’ve been better. I will be better.” he murmurs. into my neck. “Please don’t leave me.” his voice cracks. 

“I can’t leave you Benji. I love you too much.” his hips snap into mine at my words. Our lips find each other again and we press closer together. All it takes is a couple hushed words of love and adoration and we’re both coming undone and holding each other. 

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Visiting Kings Landing 

As our carriage pulls in through the Keep gates I smile watching our kids press their faces against the windows. Benji smiles at me from across the small space and I look at him in relief as it finally comes to a stop. My mother and siblings are waiting for us as we start to make our way out. My children run up to my mother and she scoops the two youngest up while my eldest holds onto my brother. We start to shuffle into the Keep and my mother allows us to settle into our chambers before we have supper. 

Our children run off with their cousins while we start to unpack in my old chambers. I look around the freshly cleaned solar and it’s as if nothing has changed. Benji brings our bags to the couch and begins to help me hang up gowns and put the rest of the clothes away. I poke my head out and ask my guard to have some tea brought up for us. In moments a servant is walking through my doors and preparing us tea. She whisks another in to light the hearth and they turn to us and ask if we should need anything else. When they leave my mother enters and she ushers us over to the chairs. 

“I wanted to thank you both, profusely, for getting the feud under control. I know that it was generational but it has been time for it to end for some time now. When you rule I want for your son to inherit peace as well. You know as well as I what it’s like to take over and be at war.” she looks at both of us with a soft smile. 

“I know, mother. We’ve been meaning to deal with it. I’m sorry.” I fold my hands and look at her. 

“I know, I know. I just won’t live forever, sweet girl-“

“I hate when you speak like this. You’re still so young. You’ll rule for much longer.” I scrunch my brows and shake my head. 

“We never know what the Gods have planned for us.” she hums looking at us. “I will let you both relax.” she gets up and lets herself out of my chambers. I slump further back into the chair and let my eyes shut. Everything is finally settling down and falling into place. Not that it hasn’t throughout the years but ending this feud was the last thing I needed to do to really set us and our children up. I turn my head to the side and peek open an eye to look at Benji. 

“How are you, my beautiful wife?” he hums brushing my hair back. 

“Tired, happy, content, feelings along that line.” I offer him a smile and he leans over and places a soft kiss on my lips. 

“I love you so much. I’ll continue to do better for you. I’ll be the King Consort you need me to be.” he hums. 

“You’ve been amazing over the past moon. You’ve done so well in meetings. Your ideas and council are sound. You’ve really pulled yourself together.” I nod at him. 

“It was either that or you were leaving me.” he frowns. 

“I’m sorry for saying that.” my words hushed. 

“I’m not. You got me to finally pull my head out of my ass. To be the man you need me to be.” his words are laced with heavy promises and emotions. 

“I love you and I think-“ 

“Father, father,” our children burst into the chambers and I thank the Gods we were just talking. Benji stands up and kneels down to their level. 

“Yes, my little cherubs?” he coos scooping them all into a hug.

“We want you to take us to the gardens. Vaela wants to pick flowers,” Maelor pouts. “But I want to go to the training yard.” he whines. 

“And what of you?” I hum pulling my middle child, Aelon, into my arms and I kneel next to Benji. 

“I want to go to the library.” he mumbles and Maelor scoffs. 

“Of course you do.” he sticks his tongue out at him. 

“Hey hey, we will all get along.” I scrunch my brows. “We have more than enough to do everything and more.” I hum. 

“Your mother is right.” Benji hums looking over to me. “We can each have a turn doing what we would like.” We all rise from the floor and make our way through the Keep. We spend the next couple of hours in the gardens as Vaela picks flowers and hands them to me to make a small bouquet. Our boys run around picking flowers as well and I smile watching Maelor delicately pick flowers and offer them to Vaela before sprinting down the stone path to find more. 

ততততততততততততততততততততততততততততততততততত

masterlist 🔌 

i had zero intentions of making this messy and emo 😔

taglist ✍️

@clarityisnofun @gabriella-aesthetic @callsignwidow @llynx7 @violetiss3lfish @ka1afbr @akiko-oo @papichulo120627 @lizzylovebooks280501 @thatgirl101blog @1-fuzzy-squirrels @arya-brooke @ashovertheriver @zanygot7straykidsbonk @moonymoo1 @malfoycassimalfoy @april-notthemonth69 @anaviieiraaa @p45510n4f4shi0n @neocockthotology @thereaderwitch @hardkiddonut @faenyra @hiimava11 @daintylittlesunflower @primroseluna @fiction-fanfic-reader @povofjustme @multilover19 @alexxavicry @cedstars @fuckalrighty @mrsmunson-harrington @misspendragonsworld @nz2004

[gay-dorito-dust]

okay so if jace and aemond are both in love with reader how do you think they would react if reader was on the other side of the war and they had to fight them on dragon back???

Jace felt his heart break upon realising that he has to fight you. He doesn’t wish to be the reason you are brought to harm that he had once promised to keep you away from, he doesn’t think his heart would be able to handle it, but the realm was being plunged into war and you were unfortunately on the opposite side thanks to your father for pledging your house for Aegon.

Jace had tried to offer you his hand in marriage but your father wasn’t having it, proclaiming that you were already betrothed to someone else. Your father was aware of Jace’s feelings for you but wasn’t about to let his child marry the bastard son of Rhaenyra.

So without any options for him to take to secure your safety, Jace had come to terms with the reality that he had to kill you in order to help his mother sit the throne she was promised, would this war away at him for the rest of his days? Absolutely. You were his heart, his light, his breath of fresh air but now you were the thorn in his side that he couldn’t remove for he didn’t want to forget the delicious pain you brought him by making him love you.

He didn’t want to do this but his family had lost too much to the greens, so seeing you take their side without so much of a fight has to be the greatest betrayal he’s ever experienced, his heart hurt with the notion that he hasn’t once crossed your mind when you had been nothing but all consuming in his. Jace could only hope that the next life would be more merciful for the both of you as you both lunged for the other.

Aemond valued duty above all else for he didn’t have anything else, he was a kinslayer, the worst thing that you could possibly hope to be in Westeros. He had doomed himself from the start by claiming Vhagar that night on driftmark but he didn’t care because for the first time he felt like someone and felt useful for his family.

I wish I could say that he’d wouldn’t dare engage with you in combat but I’d be lying, if anyone before him opposes his family, then they are as good as dead regardless of how he felt in the past. However apart of him was certain you have come to hate him with a rage as blistering as dragonfire for what he had done to Lucaerys at Storm’s End.

He had ruined any and all hopes of your future together for good that day and drove you into siding with his half sister, the true heir to the throne, as you screamed with your whole chest upon Cannibal. Your mind has been made up as had his along time ago, his family needed him to win the war, he was there biggest asset and you were team black’s greatest asset they had at their disposal; your clash was an inevitable one.

Aemond know his heart might always belong to you but you were never his to claim, it wasn’t fate as you were promised to the likes of Benjicot Blackwood. Aemond had caught you both exchanging pleasantries beforehand once but didn’t think much of it until war finally broke across the realm, only then did it started to make sense. You were never his when your heart belonged to another and he wasn’t fully yours either when his heart was set on brining victory to his family over the love that could’ve been.

[thebadboyfanclub]

Welcome To Our Family (Daemon x Reader)

Hey everyone, so as I mentioned before I wanted to write a throuple thing with Rhaenyra and Daemon although even on this request there was some drama involved but it was interesting to write nonetheless. Also I don’t know why but this song inspired me the most especially the part “where you go I go, what you see I see” that was the vibe I was trying to pass for our reader with daemon

Most would say that the war in the stepstones had no place for love to blossom, the reeking stench of death had overtaken and most men had no life in their eyes, the majority prayed in gratitude that they were alive while others cursed the gods for keeping them on this forsaken realm when their friend of even their kin had been killed.

That did not even grace Daemon, who was lucky enough to spend every night in the arms of his beloved (y/n), the sister of one of his soldiers that had been wounded, (y/n) had marched in and demanded that her brother will come home.

“I will be damned if I allow you to give more than an arm for this, you are coming with me”

Her brother had obeyed her, she was as fragile as a rose but her thorns stung more than anything, right then and then Daemon had become a mere slave to his emotions, something that had never occurred before.

“I wish I could stay in your arms forever”

“That would be a dream, my love, however, we are counting the days until you depart, your wife probably awaits you”

Daemon was deeply offended by the jab his lover had thrown at him, slowly he rose up and away from her arm reach to look her straight in the eyes, the fireplace burned bright and the light shined against her glistening skin.

“You are questioning my feelings for you”

“I am questioning how strong they are, you are a prince, a husband, your life seems to hold no room for me”

“Is that how you think of this? That I just wanted to bed you?”

“Do you truly wish for me to answer that?”

Silence took over them while the only sound came from the crackles of the fire, Daemon was aware of how badly this could look, she was a commoner, a mere lady, and the realm would never accept her even if Daemon had not wed another.

“You and our daughter mean everything to me”

“But nothing to the king, he will ask for my head once he finds out I am carrying your child”

“I would never put your lives at risk”

“How do you plan on keeping us safe my love?”

“Do not worry about that, I will take care of everything”

(Y/n)s belly was starting to show, it wouldn’t take long for the king and his little whisperers to demand answers, the easy route was to declare his kin a bastard but Daemon was flying on cloud nine when (y/n) announced that she was with child, no he must do right by her.

He flew with her to Pentos, far away from Viserys and people that cared most about titles and crowns than love and compassion.

“Twins, my prince, two sons, praise the mother”

“What about (y/n)”

“The lady is a warrior, she is tired but healthy”

Daemon did not speak another word to the maester, he simply passed by him and into the room to find his beloved laying in bed, a faint smile on her face as she held one of her children while the other was being held by a midwife.

“You owe me 3 dragon coins”

“It is a bet I will happily pay, how are you feeling?”

“Sore and gross but happy, why don’t you hold him?”

“I-“

“Come on love it is merely a babe, like… so”

Slowly (y/n) passed one of her sons to her lover, instructing him to hold it carefully but securely, then she reached for the midwife so she can have her other son in her arms, both of the babes were quiet in their parent's arms.

“What should we name them?”

“I was thinking of Orryn, and mayhaps… Baelon?”

“Baelon and Orryn, the two princes”

Daemon and (y/n) had grown inseparable much to his brother's dislike Daemon had scoffed at his previous marriage and took his place next to his most endearing (y/n) that had blessed him with not just two children, but with passion, and comfort, she created a home for him, without her there was no warmth, no color.

Viserys was only finding out the milestones his brother was achieving with his mistress via ravens that Daemon dared to send, the birth of his sons had scratched a wound in Viserys that was not quite healed yet, so naturally when Rhea had passed due to fever, Daemon had even dared to invite Viserys to his wedding that took place in Pentos.

(Y/n) had just given birth to another set of siblings, Alyssa and Arren, two silver-haired princesses that slept peacefully through the night and would only stay quiet if (y/n) or Daemon held them, (y/n)s parents and brother had traveled to Pentos to finally meet the children and also attend the wedding.

“You look dashing sweetling, I see the prince has taken good care of you”

“How could I not? What is more important than the happiness of my lady wife?”

“We must admit we had conflicting thoughts over you my prince, I am happy that you proved us wrong”

“I do not hold it against you, she is your daughter you want what is best for her, also you were not the only one, (y/n) was also very skeptical over my intentions”

“I had every reason to do so”

“I have made peace with the fact that you will never admit you were wrong my love, you do not have to find excuses for it”

Daemon and (y/n) were wed in Valyrian traditions, something that infuriated Viserys, how dare he wed a commoner with the sacred paths of old Valyria, it was distasteful and utterly disrespectful, Viserys had only sent a one-sentence raven scroll back

“You disgust me, never come back”

Daemon had only rolled his eyes at it and threw it in the fire, he couldn’t care less about Kings Landing, they could eat each other for all he cared, (y/n) and their children were all that mattered ever since he met with the beautiful hues of hers, he treasured everything about her and worshipped the ground she walked on, he would always hold her close and shower her with gifts.

“We received a raven, I have taken the liberty to open it”

“What is it?”

“Laenor Velaryon has passed, and your niece is requesting our presence, well yours to be specific, she said “I need you, uncle”

“You are jealous, I have never seen you get jealous”

“Is this the one you told me about, that “spur of the moment” girl?”

“Indeed, we do not have to go, besides, my brother banished me”

“No, it is the first time our presence is requested”

“My dear, you are with child and the flight is long”

“I will be fine, I know it”

Daemon was certain he could not sway her, once something was on her mind there was nothing that could turn it around, he was also aware that the reason she was so adamant was a side of hers that felt threatened, there was a ghost of his past that was requesting attention and (y/n) was not willing to walk away from this without putting up a fair fight.

At a day (y/n) and her 8 children stood next to her and her husband all dressed in black, everyone rubbed their eyes at the sight of such numerous children, (y/n) always knew she was meant to be a mother and that fact that she had Daemon as her husband made it so much easier.

Until it didn’t, they were summoned by the king after the ceremony, (y/n) felt her stomach drop as soon as she walked in the room, instinctively her one hand went over her growing belly, yet she mastered the strength to place a smile and curtsy before the king.

“What is the meaning of this brother?”

“I was hoping we could agree to some sort”

“Over what?”

“I wish for you to come back, I… will legitimize your children and wife as she has proven worthy, bringing forward 8 children with another on the way is no easy task”

“The gods have been generous to us that is correct, we are grateful for this offer but forgive me to ask, since you mentioned an agreement it seems you want something in return”

“Correct, there is no smooth way to say this but as a parent, I hope you understand that I would do anything to protect my daughter”

“No”

“Daemon”

“If you are asking us to wed Rhaenyra then you have lost your mind, I will not involve my wife and children in your scandals”

“Pardon my husband, I think you can understand the reason behind his outburst”

Daemon was left confused over (y/n)s composure that attempted to cover for his utter refusal to hide his brother's plans, he turned to observe his wife, she was calm, and her hand went to find his as their fingers intertwined (y/n) gave him a slight squeeze of comfort.

“The legitimacy of our children and our marriage is something that we are interested in, however, you can see why we might have some objections over accepting Rhaenyra in our marriage”

“You are trying to negotiate?”

“Yes”

“What else would you like to accept, please speak freely”

“I want my children to be given dragon eggs as well as meet any unclaimed dragons, they are Targaryens, they should have the pick of their dragons as well”

“Done”

“I shall also be considered Rhaenyras wife, if we were to wed I shall have the same rights as my husband”

“You are suggesting the realm accept you as the future queen's consort?”

“As you mentioned I brought forward 8 children and another on the way, the crown shall accept them as future princes and princesses, if not then there is nothing for us here��

Daemon chose to observe his lady wife than speak up, she took initiative and strived for the best option, something he admired in her but he had never really witnessed how far she was willing to go to secure the future of her family, now she was sacrificing a spot in their marriage for a seat at the table, Viserys had been outsmarted by what he used to frown upon.

“Very well, we accept your conditions”

“Well then… welcome to our family Princess Rhaenyra”

-

(Y/n) and Daemon wed Rhaenyra as they had once done while their children and the rest of their family watched, Rhaenyra had underestimated the lady, (y/n) and might not be as assertive or rebellious as Daemon but her wits and calculated movements showed a woman that walked with her head held high and every step was thought after.

The days turned to seasons and then years, everyone was holding their breaths as they took a front-row seat to one of the most important marriages and alliances within the Targaryen Dynasty.

(Y/n) was held in the best light by the small folk, “the realms mother”, and “the Alyssane reborn” as her fertility kept thriving, blessing Daemon with another set of twins soon after Rhaenyra was wed, the two beautiful baby girls were named Megaera and Valera, the first of their family to receive dragon eggs on their cradles a gift by Rhaenyra who picked them herself then came Aegon, Viserys, and Visenya, overall (y/n) had the castle of Dragonstone filled with children, 13 to be precise.

Rhaenyra was painfully aware of how those babies came to fruition, Daemon's thirst for his wife was evident and he did not even consider giving Rhaenyra the courtesy of hiding, Rhaenyra had lost count of the times she had walked in on (y/n), and Daemon lusting after one another at all hours of the day and any room that was close to them, she sometimes wondered if the legends of Rhaenys being the favorite wife of Aegon made Visenya go through what Rhaenyra was also experiencing, is that mayhaps the reason behind Rhaenyra identifying with the warrior queen?

As (y/n) and Daemon stood by Rhaenyra at court, defending her and consulting her on important matters, painting the picture of a happy marriage with two spouses that supported her revolutionary claim, the realm expected Rhaenyra to bare a child as well, (y/n) was producing heirs one after the other, Rhaenyras womb laid empty since Daemon did not spend not even one night in her chambers.

It was the first time in years that the three of them had stepped foot in kings landing, Vaemond had called the court to usurp Lucerys from his claim at the driftwood throne, naturally, all 13 of their children were present along with the three boys from Rhaenyras previous marriage, (y/n) insisted that it would show how United they are and having that strong of a number on their side would scare off any other accusations.

A solid plan, until Ser Vaemond decided to protest against the king affirming young Lucerys as the successor for the driftwood throne.

“You run your house as you see fit, but I would rather die than let that boy take over my family’s name, parading around because you are too blind to see the truth”

“You dare question the decision of a king?”

“Look at them, all thirteen of them hold the characteristics of old Valyrian, true born heirs that I would happily accept as mine even though they came from a womb of a commoner, and you ask me to accept these three boys as Velaryons? It is blasphemy”

“You are certainly bold Ser Vaemond, you have the nerve to call me a commoner when I hold the future queen and the brother of the king as my spouses, my children are not thirteen, but sixteen, and all of them hold their names with pride, it saddens my heart to see that the thirst for recognition has turned you to this low of antics”

“Her children are BASTARDS! and she. Is. A. Whore”

“Pity, you had such great potential”

As (y/n) finished her sentence Daemon had taken the liberty to end Ser Vaemonds life, a clean cut through his head right above his tongue with the great sword dark sister, causing most people to gasp while (y/n) smirked and watched the body fall on the well-polished floor.

“No one disrespects our family”

“Disarm him!”

“No need, my love”

Daemon stretched his hand to his beloved (y/n) who only turned to pinch Lucerys cheek before she took her husband's hand to walk away, only to halt and turn around again, looking back to the rest of her family members.

“Rhaenyra”

Rhaenyra was grateful for (y/n)s graciousness, there was nothing that she could hold against her, she was loving and caring to her three boys, she would listen to Rhaenyra about any concerns for hours and even now she defended and included her in front of everyone.

She should be satisfied with such, still a thorn stuck in her heart and pride making Rhaenyra feel second best when it came to Daemon's heart, it has always been (y/n), (y/n) carried his offspring’s, he gave up everything for her, took her away and gave her a life full of gifts and love, the finest of any kind was reserved for (y/n).

“Pardon my intrusion, the princess is requesting Prince Daemon in her chamber”

“It is late, can it not wait?”

“Sweetling, the poor girl cannot know, go to her, I will be waiting for you”

“Fine, take your nightgown off for me, I want us to get straight to it when I get back”

Daemon whispered deviously before he planted a passionate kiss on the lips he most adored, reluctantly pulled away with an audible gruff and followed the servant girl silently, wondering what was so important that he had to leave his precious bed and his lustful wife right in the heat of the moment.

Rhaenyra paced back and forth with impatience written all over her demeanor and face, Daemon always had an influence over her, making her feel like a little girl again, though this was a different type of anxiety, once Daemon entered the room and the servant gave them their privacy Rhaenyra took a deep inhale through the nose to ease her nerves.

“I hoped to confront you over our marriage”

“What of it?”

“Do you truly think everything is fine or are you just blind?”

“I and my wife have honored our vows”

“That is the problem, you and your wife, it has never been just your vows”

“When you wed us you were to understand your place when it came to me and (y/n), I never used her as a surprise, you called for our aid and we generously offered it”

He was right, Rhaenyra had never been blindsided by them, (y/n) was a staple of their marriage, (y/n)s strive for the legitimacy of her children was the only reason Daemon allowed their wedding to happen, (y/n) had drank for Rhaenyras cup just as daemon had, binding their hands together and swore loyalty and devotion to their future queen.

As a woman Rhaenyra felt cast aside, this marriage was an insult to her pride, and having to bare through a birth of a child one after the other with a smile on her face was a twist of a knife in her wound, while her womb lay empty.

“You refuse to spend time with me, alone, you only show up with your children-“

“Our children, (y/n) and I call your sons our sons”

“At court yes”

“Are you questioning our actions? I did not have you to be as dim-witted as you seem right now, (y/n) called Lucerys her trueborn son in front of everyone, I took a man’s head for insulting you and our house and yet you stand before me and claim it is not enough for your liking?”

“I stand here to remind you that we have yet to produce a child, you can kill as many men as you wish, and (y/n) can scream it at the top of her lungs but that does not change that everyone sees her parading her belly and call her the realms mother while my womb rottenness under this wedlock”

“Rotten? Alright then, let us entertain this and say you bare my child, a silver-haired beauty that the realm will welcome, has it crossed that brilliant mind of yours that this will be more of a scandal for your three boys?”

“My sons are Targaryens”

“No doubt about it, but certainly they do not look like the part, in comparison to their brothers and sisters they look more like (y/n) than you”

“You are not refusing to lay with me to hush the rumors, you simply do not have the urge for it, I remember a time that you did, mayhaps it was the image of a gullible girl that kept you going”

“Listen and listen well, wife, (y/n) is my eternal love, the woman that took me in her arms and showed me life, you are my blood, I protected you, I defended you, I offered you sanctuary just so you can once again have something to complain about, well that is it, if you dare to summon me again for such idiotic matters I will grab my brother by the neck and force him to annul the marriage do you understand?”

Daemon was furious, as he spoke he started taking steps towards her, to the point that her back found the wall and Daemon was inches away from her face, hissing out the threat of annulment like a snake that released poison to its prey.

Rhaenyra had never experienced such hostility from Daemon, to say she was shocked was an understatement as her eyes frantically tried to find focus on his, daemons eyes were filled with fury, Rhaenyra had crossed the line in his mind, (y/n) had been kind and honorable to the princess, doing her duty like a proper lady wife and Rhaenyra scoffed at her, at his (y/n).

“Alright”

“Wonderful, now you must excuse me, I have some urgent matters that need my attention”

Requests are open!

[librarygarten]

#2 Chain x Isekai! Reader - You Play Their Games

Part 2 includes Legend, Four, and Wild Slight trigger warning for Wild's part? He grabs your wrist harshly Part 1 ✿ Part 2 (you are here) ✿ Part 3

When you first met the chain, it had quickly come to everyone’s attention that you already knew them. At first, they thought perhaps you had somehow heard tales of them, passed down through the generations. But you knew things about their adventures they hadn’t told anyone. You knew the names of people and places that surely wouldn’t have survived the thousands of years the stories would have taken to reach you.

You tried your best to explain to them how you knew what you did. Thankfully, you had your Switch, which made explaining what a video game was to them a bit easier.

Legend

Oh this is seriously pissing Legend off. He’s glaring daggers at your Switch like it just insulted his entire bloodline. His adventures? Games? Children’s games? It’s disturbing. It’s degrading. His uncle died! Zelda was imprisoned! He had to fight Ganon in the freaking Dark Realm! And that was only his first adventure! You apparently had ALL of his adventures as games on that device. His life wasn’t some cool toy! (He is slightly smug about having the most games of the chain though.)

He knows you’re not the one who made the games. He understands that you had no reason to view his adventures as anything other than some story a person in your world made. But the fact that until recently, you viewed him as a fictional character? That before you met him, you had seen him as a toy? That hurts. 

Legend starts avoiding you. When the group walks somewhere, he’ll change his pace to make sure he’s not next to you. When the group settles down for the night, he keeps himself busy rearranging his items. He tries not to make it too obvious, always having a reason ready if someone asks what he’s up to. Eventually, though, the others catch on to his behavior.

✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧

“You know, you can’t avoid them forever.”

Legend looked up from his bag, which he had been reorganizing for the last half hour. Warrior was standing next to him, arms crossed in the “I’m-not-mad-just-disappointed” dad stance. (How he had snuck up on Legend without him hearing was a mystery).

“I’m not avoiding them.”

“Yes you are.”

Legend sighs. He’s not getting out of this conversation, is he?

“It’s just…How are you not bothered? They have all our adventures on a little device. They went on our adventures from the safety of their couch! Do they even see us as people? Are we just a game to them?” Legend snaps his mouth shut. He hadn’t meant to start rambling. Warrior raises an eyebrow, considering the younger hero.

“Go ask to see one of your games. Watch them play for a bit.” Warrior puts up a hand to silence Legend when he begins to protest. “I can’t have you treat a teammate like this. Go.”

Later, Legend begrudgingly found himself sitting next to you. The group had come across a town, so most of the chain was off exploring and gathering supplies. Warrior had practically dragged Legend over to where you were sitting, but you were just happy Legend was finally okay being near you.

“So,” you smile, turning on your Switch “I know Wars is kind of forcing you to do this, but which game do you want to see? There’s A Link to the Past, A Link Between Worlds, Link’s Awakening…”

“Are all my games puns?” he scrunches up his face, cringing at whoever decided on these names. He could guess which pun correlated to each of his adventures, except for one. “What’s Link’s Awakening?”

“Oh! That one’s probably my favorite. It was actually so popular they re-made it a few years ago.” You open the game, and begin moving the game Link around the world.

“Is that supposed to be me?” Legend asks, “Why is my head so freakishly big?”

“It’s not that bad! It’s just the art style! Everyone looks like that. See?” You tap the screen, pointing to another character. Legend recognizes her immediately. Of course. Of course you had Koholint in your device.

“So, how much of my adventure do you see in this game?” Legend asks hesitantly, a blush creeping onto his face.

“From talking to the others, all of the enemies and places are the same,” you explain while moving game Link up a staircase. “But the things you guys say to other people aren't. Links don't talk in games, like, ever.” He nods, and watches as you enter the Wind Fish’s egg. When you finish the final boss fight, you hesitate to walk up the stairs.

“Sorry, I always get a bit emotional at this part.” You give him a half smile, “If I go up the staircase, the Wind Fish will talk, and then the game ends.”

“Isn't that the point?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Well, yeah, but I’ve never liked this game’s ending. It’s… frustrating. And sad.” You throw your hand up, clearly frustrated. “Like, I get that the stupid fish needs to wake up, but what about everyone else? I hate that I can’t get a happy ending for everyone.”

“Why do you care? Isn’t it just a game?” Legend crosses his arms, but his expression softens.

“It is- er… was.” You blush. “I don’t know. Even before I met you guys. Back when I thought none of this was real. I still wanted a happy ending.”

He lets his bangs fall in his face. You can’t see his expression when he talks again.

“I wanted one too.”

Four

(I know Four Swords is on the Switch now, but before that it was so ATROCIOUSLY difficult to play that I had to include The Struggle)

Games? About him? That's… concerning to say the least. It's not that he minds. He's honestly a bit flattered! But also. That means you know about the colors. Which he hasn't really told anyone in the group about.

He's preparing himself for an awkward conversation, but it never comes. Whenever another member of the chain asks about his games, you either only talk about his adventures with the Picori, or go on a half hour long rant about how hard it is to play the games.

Then during one of these rants you mention that Four Swords is your favorite game, and he nearly chokes on his own spit. He had thought you hated it from how much you complain about getting it set up. Something about emulators and linking cables? He doesn’t understand most of what you say, but knowing that he’s your favorite (well, his games are) makes him break out into a huge grin.

He watches you play occasionally, mostly out of curiosity. He usually has other things to be doing, like fixing Wild’s sword. Again. But on the rare occasion he has free time and is feeling especially bored, he’ll watch you.

✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧

Four finds you and Wind buried in a mass of wires. Your Switch, another box, and several smaller devices are scattered around the ground. You curse under your breath as you attempt to untangle the cords and plug them into the box.

“That’s it. I’m out.” Wind gets up and lets the wires that were in his lap fall unceremoniously to the ground . “Four’s adventure can’t be worth this much trouble to see.”

Wind walks away, and Four takes his place next to you.

“So… what is all this?” he asks, picking up a mass of wires and attempting to undo some of the knots.

“This, my friend, is all the equipment needed to play your game.” You say exasperatedly, trying yet again to plug the still-tangled wires into one of the devices.

“Are all your video games this complicated?” Four grimaces at the mess in front of you. He’s inclined to agree with Wind on this one. His adventure can’t be worth this much effort to play through.

“No, just yours.” You scowl and jam the end of one of the cables into one of the devices, hoping it will stay put this time. You have no such luck. “Four Swords is only a multiplayer game, and each person playing needs to own a copy of the game, plus have a way to connect to the other players. Hence… this mess.” You motion tiredly at the pile in front of you.

“Multiplayer?” he tilts his head questioningly.

“It means you can’t play it alone,” you stick out your tongue as you concentrate on finally putting the cords in their proper places. “You need to have multiple players.”

He nods. It makes sense, he guesses, considering how much focus he had to put on teamwork during his adventure with the Four Sword. He watches you try to boot up the game, then curse again as you fiddle with the wires again. Finally, you get it working.

“Sweet!” You clap your hands together, and Four smiles at how happy you seem to finally be able to play his game. To his surprise, you hand him one of the controllers. “Want to play with me?”

“Uhh… What about Wind?” He’s not sure he wants to actually play his adventure. Doing it once was enough, thank you very much.

“He ditched me during setup. Now he doesn’t get to play,” you say. “That’s been the rule at my house since we started playing this game.”

“Seems fair.” Four reluctantly takes the controller. He doesn’t want to seem rude and say no. Then who would you play with? “So, how do I do this?”

“It’s basically just a contest to see who can collect the most gems in the level. Not much story. Fastest wins.” you explain.

“Wait, really?” He's a bit surprised. He was expecting his game to be a bit more complicated. He suddenly doesn’t mind playing so much. “That sounds… really simple.”

“Yeah, it’s an older game, so it doesn’t seem like a lot of your adventure actually transfers over to the game.” You pick up a controller and smile mischievously. “Ready to lose, Smithy?”

“As if!” He grins, matching your enthusiasm. “Care to put your money where your mouth is?”

Wild

Wild isn't sure what the feeling that's settled in his chest is. He's not thrilled at the idea of you playing games about his adventure. He’s been through a lot, and the idea that it was all just a fun game to someone? It hurts. It’s upsetting. He’s honestly a bit annoyed at you for a while. You also seem to know something he doesn’t? What’s that about? Why won’t you tell him?

He decides that if you won’t answer his questions, he’ll trick you into showing him. He watches you play Breath of the Wild while he cooks, or while the group is walking, or really any chance there’s downtime. He quickly realizes that most of what you do is just run around killing monsters and finding Koroks. Nothing very noteworthy or interesting. Certainly, nothing worth hiding from him.

Then, you let it slip that his games are your favorite, and oooh boy is he smug. For about a day. After the initial ego boost, he realizes you said games. Plural. He’s only seen you play the one, though? What’s that about? He’s not getting answers, and it’s starting to eat at him. Eventually, he just steals your Switch and tries to find out for himself.

✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧

Wild throws the Switch at the ground next to where you’re sitting. You look up and see that he is absolutely fuming. Anything you could have said dies in your throat. Without another word, he storms off.

“What was that about?” Twilight asks, watching Wild walk away. You shrug, completely bewildered, and pick your Switch up off the ground. There’s dirt in the headphone jack, and a corner of the screen is cracked. You turn it on, testing how much damage has been done, and all the color drains from your face.

“Oh.” Is all you can think to say. Tears of the Kingdom is running. It looks like Wild started a new save file on your account. He’s still in the underground area at the beginning of the game, so he must have just finished watching the opening cutscene.

Before Twilight can ask any more questions, you drop your Switch on the ground again, probably cracking the screen even more, and take off sprinting in the direction Wild went.

“Wild? WILD!” You yell into the forest as you run, trying your best to follow which direction you think he might have gone. “WILD!!? LINK?!”

You stumble into a small clearing, and stop dead in your tracks. Wild is furiously swinging his sword at a tree, each strike is less precise than the last. After what feels like hours, but in truth was only a few minutes, he drops the weapon and falls to his knees. His breathing is ragged as his fingers claw into the dirt beneath him.

“Wild?” you whisper his name, tiptoeing to his side. Hesitantly, you kneel down next to him and place your hand on his shoulder.

“You knew.” His hair hides his face from view, but his voice has an edge you’ve never heard before. He sounds ready to murder you, but he doesn’t move from his place on the ground, only digging his fingers deeper into the ground. “You knew I was going to lose everything again. And you didn’t tell me.”

“I…” you gulp. What can you even say? What comfort can you offer? “I was planning to tell you… sometime.”

“Oh! Sometime!” Wild grabs your wrist and his face is suddenly inches from yours, eyes dark with anger. “And just when was this sometime going to be?”

“I don’t know!” You twist your wrist, attempting to escape his crushing grip, but are unsuccessful. “I was trying to figure out a way to tell you! Or to stop it from happening in the first place!”

“Stop it? Just how do you expect to stop that from happening?” Wild releases your wrist and combs his hands roughly into his hair, pushing it away from his face angrily. You take a moment to rub where he had grabbed you. It aches, but there isn’t even a bruise.

“Well,” you speak softly as you stand up, taking a few steps away from him. “I figured, if we ever passed through your time, all ten of us could go wail on him before he even breaks the seal. There is the chance of him escaping and wailing on us instead, though.”

“THAT’S your plan?” He laughs as tears roll down his cheeks. “Sure! Let’s just go in, guns blazing, and all die of gloom poisoning!”

“That’s why I was waiting to tell you!” You throw up your hands. Your words sound louder than you intended them. Are you yelling now? “I have a couple design plans in the works for the Purah Pad and Sheika Slate, depending on which one is available, but none of them are finished yet!”

“Design plans?” Wild’s anger melts off his face, replaced with hesitant hope. “What are you designing?”

“Three words: Weaponized. Spinning. Top.”

[drakaripykiros130ac]

The Hightowers = hypocritical social-climbing opportunists who use religion for personal advantage

Something I have begun to notice: whenever you have a Hightower thrown into the mix in GRRM’s world, there is always trouble. Guaranteed.

Ceryse Hightower

Alicent Hightower

Margaery Tyrell (half Hightower on her mother’s side)

All these three women are known to have accepted anything or done anything in order to rise above their station, with the encouragement of their oh so pious and righteous family of course.

Hightowers aka the self-righteous a**holes, have used their close connection to the Faith/the Citadel to try and get in power for years, all the while stepping all over smallfolk and sometimes using them for their own gain.

Let’s talk a little bit about the first non-Valyrian Queen of the Seven Kingdoms which what do you know, was a Hightower.

Queen Visenya Targaryen initially wanted her son Maegor to marry his niece, Rhaena Targaryen. The idea wasn’t half bad and could have united both Visenya and Rhaenys’ bloodlines.

Also keep in mind that marriages between cousins as well as uncles and nieces weren’t considered incestuous in medieval times. The incestuous marriages condemned were those between parent and child as well as between siblings. But that’s pretty much it.

But of course, the High Septon at the time (a Hightower) deemed this marriage inappropriate, and proposed a different bride for Maegor. His own niece, Ceryse Hightower (how convenient). Not to mention that Ceryse was 23, and Maegor was 13 at the time. Talk about inappropriate.

When Maegor usurped his nephew, Aegon the Uncrowned, I don’t remember the High Septon/Faith protesting in any way. Why should they when Ceryse Hightower would be crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms? It was only after the Faith/the Hightowers sensed that Ceryse’s position as Queen was vulnerable that they began to question Maegor.

When it was pretty much confirmed that Ceryse was barren, Maegor decided to take another wife in the customs of Old Valyria. The High Septon refused to annul his first marriage, tried to make Ceryse fertile and failed. There were obvious grounds for annulment, but how could the Hightowers accept to have Ceryse put aside in favor of another? No, that won’t do. After Maegor took a third wife, the Hightowers continued to insist that Ceryse was his true Queen and demanded that he return to her.

But wouldn’t you know it…the Hightowers became lenient, and Ceryse eventually accepted Maegor’s other wives on the condition that she gets all the rights, incomes, privileges and status of being the lawful Queen. So, eventually the Hightowers said “Screw this. Leave it alone. It’s fine.” when it comes to Maegor’s polygamous marriages because they got something in return - Ceryse as Queen. Sound familiar?

Exactly as seen in the Dance of the Dragons, the Hightowers use their religion, the traditional Andal customs, and righteous attitude only when it suits them, when they can use them to gain power. And whenever these things don’t get them what they want, they conveniently forget/ignore them (the Hightowers’ sudden acceptance of Maegor’s polygamous marriages or Otto Hightower ignoring centuries of tradition by supporting Rhaenyra as heir when it suited him. Oh, and let’s not forget Alicent marrying her son to her own daughter after hypocritically condemning the Targaryen customs).

The Targaryens may have their faults, but they actually did a lot of good for the Realm. Before them, Westeros was divided in seven separate kingdoms who always had beef with one another. There was a lack of stability and order, and the smallfolk were completely neglected. Their dynasty produced some of the finest monarchs such as Jaehaerys I, Viserys II, Daeron II. As hard as it was, they succeeded in holding seven kingdoms together for many years.

The succession crisis and the civil wars could have happened to any family in power. The Targaryens didn’t start them, and weren’t the cause of them. It’s just the way things are. Proof of that is the succession crisis which followed Robert’s death, when Westeros’ ruling House was Baratheon.

What good have the Hightowers done for the Realm? What good have they done for the smallfolk? They hide behind their religion and believe that they are better than everyone else for it, when in fact their hunger for power is just as great, maybe even greater.

[ewanmitchellcrumbs]

A Hand for the King

Pairing: Viserys I Targaryen x Otto Hightower Warnings: Crack fic, coercion, slight dubcon, handjob. Word count: ~1.1k

Summary: Viserys requires some convincing to send aid to the Stepstones.

Author's note: A request from my boo-bear @em-writes-stuff-sometimes - she wanted Vizzy on Otto action, so that is what I have delivered. This is a crack fic - please don't read if you are easily offended. Community labels are for cops. Technically, Lyonel Strong would have been Hand of the King during the time period that this covers, but this is a crack fic and this is my house, so I'll do what I want. I don't have a tag list - please follow @fics-by-ewanmitchellcrumbs and turn on post notifications.

“Your Grace, Vaemond Velaryon calls for aid,” Tyland Lannister places his palms flat against the Small Council table, as he looks at King Viserys, “the war in the Stepstones against the Triarchy is not going well, and Velaryon supplies are running dangerously low.”

Viserys lets out a slow exhale, coupled with a slight shrug of his shoulders. “Corlys and Daemon started this war against my wishes, why should I send aid?”

“Your Grace–”

Otto raises a hand, silencing the Master of Ships. “Thank you for your counsel, Lord Lannister. The King and I will discuss this matter privately. You will have word on what action the Crown has chosen to take in due course.”

Tyland releases a frustrated sigh, but nods before rising from his seat and filing out of the Council chamber alongside the rest of the attendees. Only Otto and Viserys remain, seated side by side at the head of the table.

Sparing a sideways glance at Viserys, Otto feels himself withering inside. The King looks so proud of himself, chest puffed out and a faint smile upon his lips. Yet his vacant eyes denote a man who is utterly clueless to what goes on around him. 

Otto wagers to himself that if he were to crack open the old fool’s skull and look inside he’d find a court jester cartwheeling around the empty expanse of it, such is the idiocy with which he chooses to rule.

He thinks he proffers peace, but he will be the ruin of us all.

A gentle touch is needed here, lead him to it, let him think it’s his own idea, try to avoid doing that. He shudders at the thought.

“Your Grace,” Otto begins, turning slightly in his seat, “might I offer my thoughts regarding the unrest in the Stepstones?”

“By all means,” Viserys responds with a smile and a bow of his head.

“Your brother and the Velaryons have been at this for three years now, might it be an idea to put an end to it? There can be no peace while war rages on, no matter whose fight it is.”

Viserys rubs at his brow, looking weary. “It is the responsibility of the Velaryons to keep their shipping lanes clear, and it is Daemon’s folly to involve himself in another’s battle in a misguided attempt at achieving glory.”

Seven hells. Has the rot spread to his mind too?

“A fair point, Your Grace,” Otto reasons, “But Prince Craghas Drahar…Crabfeeder…whatever they are calling him, simply cannot be allowed to do as he pleases. Eventually, the Velaryons’ inability to trade is going to affect the entire realm. It is in the best interests of the Crown to take action.”

Viserys hums thoughtfully, clasping his hands in front of him. “A most compelling argument. I shall need to ponder on it a moment. Would you care to help me?”

Dread and revulsion swirl in Otto’s gut. “Viserys, please…”

“Oh come now, Otto,” Viserys fixes him with a knowing look, his hands moving to unlace his breeches, “you know this helps me do my best thinking.”

Otto grimaces as Viserys works to free himself. He had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, and yet somehow it always does. He had no idea when he’d been awarded the position of Hand of the King that it would be a title that would be quite so literal.

Every time the King is required to make a difficult decision, to be made to see reason, Otto’s skills as Hand are put to vigorous good use, and it is not his powers of persuasion that work to do this.

In his years of servitude Otto has stroked Viserys to relief on numerous occasions. The most notable occurrences were to convince him to remove Daemon from office as Master of Coin, again to strip him of his title as Master of Laws, and to sway Viserys to choose his daughter, Alicent, as his wife when Aemma had died in childbirth.

He sits with sick disbelief at the thought that the same palm that has aided in knocking down The Rogue Prince will now play a part in lifting him up. Otto cringes at the thought of Daemon’s reaction were he ever to find out what has happened in order for his brother to agree to help him win this war. It is an effort that would be unappreciated, but would certainly earn a mocking laugh.

Sending up a silent prayer that word of what he’s about to do never goes beyond the four walls they currently occupy, he reaches out gingerly, doing his best not to look directly at it.

For the good of the Seven Kingdoms.

Viserys’ turgid member is warm against Otto’s fingers as he wraps them around it, and he swallows down the bile that rises in his throat, as he begins to stroke up and down the shaft.

Ripples of disgust roll from his chest to his stomach as he focuses on keeping his breathing steady through his nostrils, ignoring the way that the King’s foreskin shifts within his grasp.

He keeps his thoughts on the resources that they will have shipped to the Stepstones, blocking out the sounds of Viserys’ satisfied sighs and quiet groans.

Otto has been Hand of the King for Viserys ever since he was crowned. He has seen the rot spread, watched him deteriorate slowly. He wonders if a time will come when he might tug so hard at his cock that it will separate from his body entirely. It’s a gruesome thought, but would at least put an end to this torment.

He speeds up his movements, eager to get this over with and is relieved when he feels Viserys tense, bucking his hips slightly as he spills his seed with a grunt.

Otto pulls his hand back, regarding the spend that now coats his fingers with abject disgust.

Viserys offers him a pleased smile, tucking himself away. “You may inform Tyland that Vaemond will have the aid that he requests.”

Otto nods, pressing his lips into a tight line before speaking. “Very good, Your Grace. If I might be permitted to wash my hands first?”

When Otto later learns that Daemon has rushed to defeat the Crabfeeder single handedly, after receiving news of the help that would be sent, and has been crowned King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea, he wishes he hadn't washed his hand. There’s nothing he wants more than to have had the opportunity to wipe it upon his foolish, smug face.

A hand for the King, that has been for naught.

[timotey]

Ficlet: Cruel Fate

The Sign. Tharn & Yai (Wansarut & Yingyai). Death story. Unbeta'd.

Five meetings and the end. Or, the story of Wansarut and Yingyai.

(In the book, Yai was a guard in Chalothon's palace in the past, his name wasn't mentioned, though. Tharn kept his name, Wansa, so I decided to let Yai keep his name, Yingyai, too. Hand-wave all inaccuracies.)

***

I.

“Going somewhere?”

Wansarut jumps a foot in the air when that voice echoes behind her. She whirls around, heart in her throat, and… “Oh, it’s just you.”

Yingyai, Captain of the Palace Guard, pushes away from the wall and places his hand over his chest in a very dramatic gesture. “You wound me, my lady.”

“Hush you,” Wansarut grumbles, slapping his arm lightly. “You frightened me to death!”

“I wouldn’t have frightened you, if you hadn’t been sneaking around like a thief!” Yingyai admonishes her. “So. Going somewhere?”

“No…?” she tries.

He crosses his arms on his chest. “Are you asking me?”

Wansarut glares at him and huffs. “You know I just want to go and see…” She doesn’t finish, just waves her hand at the little garden gate and the World Outside.

Yingyai sighs. “Lord Chalothon won’t like it.”

She smiles at him hopefully. “What Lord Chalothon doesn’t know…” 

Yingyai sighs again. “They will draw and quarter me for this one day, you know?”

Wansarut flutters her eyelashes at him.

He throws his hands up in the air. “Fine. Just can you… not look like you when you do all the sneaking around and stuff?”

Wansarut looks down at herself. “What’s wrong with me?”

Yet another sigh. “You’re Lord Chalothon’s lady? Everybody knows you? Do you want to be recognized?”

She nods. “Right. You are right.” Wansarut closes her eyes and lets her magic wash over her, changing her appearance. Now, instead of a short young girl, a short young man stands there. “Well?”

Yingyai circles around her, studying her. “Hm. Still too pretty, if you ask me, but better.”

Wansarut grins at him.

“Just…” He takes a deep, resigned breath. He seems to do that a lot around her. “Be back before sunrise? Because I’m not lying for you.”

Standing on tiptoes, Wansarut leans over and kisses him on the cheek. “Thank you!”

And she runs off.

II.

Yingyai’s men are running around, patrolling the grounds. He heard there was a big battle on the outskirts of their realm, Lord Chalothon himself even joined the fight. Now everybody is nervous and expecting trouble and…

“Lady Wansarut?” Yingyai calls out softly, noticing the familiar silhouette slipping through the shadows.

She freezes.

Yingyai quickly looks around, making sure they’re alone, then he hurries up to her. She looks… spooked, rattled.

His eyes widen. “Were you outside again? There was a battle! You could’ve been hurt!”

Wansarut swallows and rubs her arms. “I know. I… saw.”

“You–!”

“Yingyai,” she cuts him off quietly and there’s something in her voice. “Yingyai, I… I think I did something bad. I mean, not bad bad,” she corrects herself quickly, “just something that… Lord Chalothon won’t like. Probably. If he finds out.”

“What did you do?” he asks anxiously.

“I helped someone,” Wansarut admits, lowering her eyes. “A soldier. An… enemy soldier. A Garuda.”

“What?!” Yingyai snaps, then looks around nervously.

“I found him by the river and he was hurt and I couldn’t just let him die, I couldn’t do that because all life is precious, you know that, and so I healed him and then I just… I left,” she finishes very quietly.

“You just left,” Yingyai repeats slowly.

“Yes.”

“And that’s all?”

Wansarut pauses. “I asked him… I asked him if they could stop killing us,” she admits.

Yingyai's face softens. She might be his lady but she's so very dear to him. “Oh, lady Wansarut…” he whispers sadly.

“Because it’s wrong, Yingyai. Killing is wrong. War… is wrong.”

III.

“He kissed me,” Wansaurt admits.

They are sitting in the garden, on the soft grass under a tree, she and Yingyai, her confidante, her best friend. It's still night though the birds are already starting to wake up and sing.

No one knows they are here. No one can see them. Wansarut is still in her male form, knees pulled up to her chest. She’s starting to like this, being a man. She’s starting to feel as free in this body as in her Nagini form.

Yingyai turns to her and stares. “What?”

She doesn’t look at him, she’s too mortified. “The Garuda soldier, the one I helped. I met him again. And then… again. And then he… kissed me.”

Yingyai stares for so long thatshe cannot but look at him. “Some... Garuda kissed you.” It’s not a question.

Wansarut nods, wrapping her arms around her knees.

“Okay, let’s forget about him being a Garuda for the moment,” Yingyai says, then he shakes his head a little, as if he can’t believe he’s actually saying that. “You are meant to marry Lord Chalothon! Don’t you like him?”

She sighs. “I do, he’s my Lord, after all. I’ve been by his side since I was little. And I know he likes me but… I’m not sure if he actually… loves me.”

Yingyai raises his eyebrows. “And this Garuda does?”

Wansarut pauses, then she says, “Yes. Yes, I think he does. He knows who I am, that I’m a woman, that I’m a Nagini and he still…”

“Maybe he’s just using you, to spy on us or something,” Yingyaoi points out.

She shakes her head. “He wouldn’t need to.”

Yingyai narrows his eyes suspiciously at her but when she doesn’t elaborate, he sighs. “And do you love him, my lady?”

Wansarut is quiet for a very long time. Then she says in a very small voice, “I do.”

IV.

Yingyai is waiting for her when she sneaks back in through the garden gate. “Where were you, my lady?!” he berates her harshly but quietly, so as not to be overheard. “Lord Chalothon has been looking for you. You missed the whole worship ceremony.”

But her eyes are shining and she still hasn’t changed back to her female form when she says, “I had to show him.”

“What?” Yingyai’s eyes widen in dismay. “You took a Garuda to our worship ceremony?!”

“Yes! I had to show him the beauty of it. I had to make him understand that we aren’t so different, that there’s good in all of us.”

Yingyai throws his hands up in the air. “What for? What was the point? You’re risking so much and for what?” He’s angry, frustrated. He’s so afraid for her.

“Maybe it can help stop the killing,” she whispers hopefully.

“How?” Yingyai snaps. “How can one enemy soldier stop a war?”

Wansarut doesn’t answer. She just looks at him.

Yingyai tries to swallow but his throat is suddenly too tight. Dread is starting to seep through him. “My lady… Wansarut, who’s the Garuda you’ve been meeting, the one you claim to love. Who is he?” He should’ve asked sooner, so much sooner!

Her answer confirms his worst fear. “King Sakuna.”

“By all that’s holy…” whispers Yingyai.

None of them notices the shadowy silhouette slithering through the shadows. But now Wanwisa knows.

V.

“My lady, no!” Yingyai calls out, grabbing her by the arm. “You can’t go. Not in the middle of the day. He will know!”

But Wansarut, already a man, more and more often a man these days, slips out of his grasp. “I have to. I have to go! I can hear King Sakuna calling me. He sounds so desperate. Something must’ve happened, I’m sure of it.”

Yingyai blocks her way, he doesn’t allow her to open the gate, he’s adamant. He has a very bad feeling about it. “Then wait till night, at least. If you go to him now–”

“If I don’t, I’m afraid he’ll storm the palace!” she exclaims softly.

Yingyai’s eyes widen. “He wouldn’t do that. He’s no fool!” 

She grips his hand pleadingly. “But he is. He is when it comes to me. If he thinks something happened to me, he will do something foolish. He will risk his life for me. And I can’t let him do that. I have to protect him, Yingyai. Please!”

Yingyai feels like crying. The sense of impending doom is getting stronger and stronger, like dark clouds gathering on the horizon. This isn’t right. Something is wrong. Something’s very wrong. “My lady,” he whispers, taking her hands in his. “Please, please, don’t do this.”

But she just shakes her head. “I have to. Please, let me go.”

For a long moment, Yingyai wars with himself - then, with a heavy heart he steps aside and opens the gate. “Alright, go. But return quickly. I’ll be waiting for you here.”

Wansarut smiles at him. She reaches up to cup his face and standing on tiptoes she kisses his forehead gently. “It will be alright, Yingyai. Everything will be alright.”

Then she slips out of the gate.

It’s the last time Yingyai sees Wansarut alive.

His heart never heals.

I. 

Three weeks later, Yingyai dies.

He is killed in a savage battle, one of many in a senseless war that his lady Wansarut so dearly wished to stop. If she knew that it was her death what ultimately set the world aflame, she would weep.

The cruelty of fate.

[fluffymcu]

Request made by @the-ice-frozen-ground-red-rose I was having difficulties figuring out how to write this so I changed a few things hope you don’t mind. I also don’t know how to write the soulmates trope since I don’t really believe in it, but I tried my best 🥲

Warning: this is a lil spicy, another warning, this is pretty bad💀 I’m horrible at writing spicy stuff and I’m not used to writing such a detailed story like this lol

———

You were a 21 year old scientist at Pym Technologies, working closely with Hank Pym on a project about the quantum realm. Over the years, you grew closer to the Pym and Van Dyne family, and that eventually grew into the Lang family. At 25 years old, on a mission to save Janet, you were able to safely enter the quantum realm. But after a war trying to get home, with an unknown villain at the time, you were captured by the enemy. This story takes place right after these events.

———

You’re curled up on the floor, with your knees to your chest, thinking about the events that just unfolded. You were stuck now. Stuck in the quantum realm destined to a fate that Janet had lived for 30 years. You were so close to getting home, and seeing the Pym and Van Dyne family get reunited. But now, all hope is gone. You’re captured by an enemy you don’t even know.

But Janet knew.

“I can’t believe this.” Janet mumbled. She had her face in her hands and shook her head hopelessly.

You teared up at the sight. “I’m so sorry. I feel like this is all my fault. We were so close to getting home. We were right there. I’m so sorry.” You said, looking at Janet in the cell across from you.

“This is not your fault, y/n. None of it. You tried to get me out. And I thank you for that.” She smiled faintly, but flinched at a sound coming from afar. “But let’s not talk about that right now. Y/n listen; this…this man…he thinks he’s a god. He’s a monster, he’ll get in your head and he’ll manipulate you! You cannot trust him! He-“

“I wouldn’t trust her…” a soft spoken voice came from the shadows, startling the both of you. Heavy footsteps filled the room. A tall, muscular man came out of the shadows, revealing an intriguing and intricate suit. “Me however…. I’m not one to lie,” The man stopped right in the middle of the hallway, blocking your view of Janet. He turned to you, his blue mask dissipating. “Especially to you.”

You were taken aback at how handsome the man was, but that wasn’t the point right now. Right now you were freaked out about the whole ‘kidnapped right before being able to get home’ thing.

BUT….at the same time he was very handsome ANYWAY-

“What does that mean?” You furrowed your eyebrows at that. “Especially to you”? You didn’t know the man.

“Janet however,” he starts, avoiding the question and turning to face her. “She has a way of… shifting the blame. Don’t you?” He slightly smiled at her, but his eyes were filled with rage. In his mind, Janet was the reason they won’t be able to stop what’s coming. He won’t be able to escape this hell and win the battle that will so inevitably come.

Janet was frozen, truly speechless. This was when you started suspecting that they had some history.

“Look,” you started. “We don’t want trouble. We just want to get home.” You bargained, hugging yourself. You couldn’t stop looking at the man. He was so handsome and there was something about him that attracted you so much to him. “Green and purple…” you chuckle, him turning to face you. “Those are my favorite colors.”

For a second, his stone cold stare softens, and he slightly smirks. “I know.”

You blushed at that, looking down at your feet and holding your hands behind your back. You couldn’t explain the feeling you felt for him. You didn’t even know his name! It felt so weird, you’ve never dated; too busy at the lab, not enough time and whatnot, but for once in your life, you had time…

“So you two have history?” You pointed at Janet and the man. Janet was looking at everything but you. “You guys, like… dated or something?” You asked, your tone very protective all of a sudden. “Which I mean, that’s totally cool if you did, I’m just-“ the man smirked at your awkwardness, making your face heat up. “I’m just asking! It- you know what? That’s… none of my business actually, so. Yeah I’m just gonna shut up.” You sighed loudly, crossing your arms, “subtly” making your breasts look bigger, making kang’s smirk grow. He didn’t hide the fact that he was looking either. What could he say, you were sexy in every universe.

“Yes, we have history,” he started. You couldn’t help but falter at that. “But not the kind you think.” He assured, smiling at your sense of relief. He turned to Janet and his gaze hardened once again. “More like, unfinished business.” He sighed. “You see, Janet wants to get out of here.” He turns to you. “And I… need… to get out of here.”

“You must have been here a while, like Janet. I can’t imagine what that must’ve felt like.” You leaned against the wall looking nonchalant. “If only you had a… a special partner to help you pass the time-ahem!” You coughed, covering your mouth and looking the other way. Kang had to find the strength not to laugh at him picking up what you were puttin’ down.

“Well, you know, I managed but… there were times when I’d wish I had a certain someone there with me…” he sighed, turning briefly to Janet. “Anyway,” he started, pacing slowly around the room. “Your friends are likely to come for you both, I reckon very soon…” he smirked. “And I need something from them to help me get my ticket out of here.”

“Why do you need to get out of here now?” You asked. This place didn’t seem so bad, and after 30 years, you’d have gotten used to the place by now.

“I need to stop what’s coming.”

“What’s coming?”

“…..Me.” His smile faded. “A lot of me.”

You shrugged. “I mean, don’t see what’s wrong with that,” you mumbled to yourself but saw his smirk grow. “Heh… but that’s just me.” You smiled awkwardly and internally face palmed at that. I’m really ruining my chance with this man. You thought.

“I wish there wasn’t anything wrong with that,” he mumbled, sadness in his eyes. “But unfortunately, life isn’t so merciful.” He stared into the abyss for a second before snapping out of it and clasping his hands. “So. If you want to stop what coming… and trust me… you do…” he turns to Janet. “You’ll convince your friends to get me what I need.” And with that, he left the room.

You felt like you were at a cliff hanger there. He just..left? And he didn’t even acknowledge you after he talked to Janet?

You slid back down the wall and rested your hands on your knees. “I thought we had something.” You mumbled, clearly a bit confused. This caught Janet’s ear.

“Wait. Y/n… you don’t feel anything for him… right?” She looked at you cautiously. You looked away at the wall for a few moments before shrugging. “No… No y/n you can’t! He’s a liar! He- he- he’s not to be trusted, I told you! You… you cant!” She didn’t know what to say. Right now she was just shocked that you would be considering liking that monster. “How could you like him?!”

“Don’t ask me that!” You snapped. Janet stopped, taken aback. “You call him a monster, a manipulator, a liar, but I didn’t see any of that! I know you spent 30 years down here, and I’m not doubting your judgement but…”

“…But you are…” she gasped, staring at you. “You don’t believe me.”

You sighed, furrowing your brows. “It’s not that I don’t believe you Janet, I just… I’m feeling things. Things I haven’t felt. For anyone. I’m just curious is all. And if he really was such a monster, I don’t see why he would’ve kept you alive all these years- I’m just saying… there may be more sides to him. Everybody has a story.” You mumbles the last part, turning away from Janet and laying on the floor, trying to fall asleep.

Janet was shocked, shaking her head at your inexperience as she settled on the floor, closing her eyes to enter a dreamless sleep.

————

You were a light sleeper, so you regained consciousness when you heard the wall of your cell dissipate. You instantly felt another person in the room with you so you opened your eyes to see the tall man towering over you. You quickly sat up, confused as to why he was letting you out of your cell. “What’s going on?” You stood up and hugged yourself, feeling a bit insecure now.

The man only stares at you for a few moments, taking in your beauty before speaking. “You know, I find it so…. poetic almost…. how time always brings you to me… in every universe.” He spoke softly, careful not to wake Janet up.

You stood there, processing what he said. “Brings… me? To you?” You pointed at yourself. Kang reached a hand out for you to take.

“I’d like to show you something.” He says, holding his hand out. You should be scared, Janet’s words of caution run through your mind. You should heed them, yet, you don’t. You’re not afraid of the man. You actually trust him. And he hasn’t even given you his name.

Without another thought, you take his hand, and he leads you out of the jail, into what looked like his personal bedroom. Admiring the detail of the palace, you smile slightly at what you’re seeing. “It’s a nice place you got here.” You say awkwardly.

Kang fully smiles at you for the first time, making you smile back. He’s even more handsome when he smiles, god.

“It serves its purpose.” He shrugs, taking this moment to look you up and down, subtly biting his lips. You almost shrink yourself in, blushing under his gaze, feeling nervous almost insecure. But you knew you looked good. And so did he.

“You… wanted to show me something?” You clear your throat, rubbing your hands together.

Kang quickly nods and with a flick of his hand, images out of thin air are shown, not just any images; pictures of you. With him. The pictures were 1, then 2, then 10, then 100 and then thousands of pictures of the both of you flashed in a matter of seconds, each one a different universe…and you were both together. Lovers. In every universe.

You pointed at the screen. “This…… we….. we’re together… in all of these universes?” You whispered, lost in your thoughts. Kang sat on the armrest of the chair, smiling sadly at all the pictures and nodding his head.

“Every single one. We are what’s called an absolute point in time.” He smirks, looking at the last picture shown of him kissing a pregnant you’s belly. You raise your eyebrows at that.

“We have kids…” you laugh softly, feeling butterflies in your stomach. How could a man like the picture be a monster?

“We do.” Kang gets up and walks slowly to you, taking your hand in his and the other hand on your cheek. “It was only a matter of time before time itself brought you to me.”

“So you knew. You knew we were meant to be together and you knew that I was coming here… that’s why you were ready when I came to save Janet.” You said, piecing the puzzle together. He nods and looked into your eyes lovingly.

“I’m just glad I have you now.” He sighed, looking at your lips.

You couldn’t deny it now. This was your destiny. An absolute point in time, there was no escaping it, and not that you wanted to anyway. You smiled and held his face in your hands.

“You have me.”

He softly kissed you and you quickly returned the kiss, melting into him like you’ve done this a million times. (And technically you have!) Kang slowly picks you up by your thighs and leans you against the wall as he kisses you. You’re lost in this bliss now and you no longer believe Janet’s claims of this man being a monster. If he’s capable of loving you like this, there’s no way.

You’re in paradise right now with him pressing his hips against yours, and squeezing your thighs. “I’ve been waiting so long for you.” Kang mumbles in between kisses, kissing you down your neck, hitting your sweet spot. You lay your head back and moan at the sensation, your hand on the back of his neck.

“Then don’t keep yourself waiting.” You teased, gasping as he kisses your sweet spot again.

Kang then walks you over to his bed and gently lowers you down. You smirk and look him up and down. “So uh… does the suit come off? Cause it’s the middle of the night and you don’t have pajamas on.”

With a smirk, kang opens his arms and the suit quickly disappears into metal rings that came out of the floor, leaving him in his under garments. It was then that you saw how truly muscular and how in shape he was. “Damn.” Was all you could say. “I get this in every universe?!” You chuckled breathlessly, gladly returning the kiss and he climbed on top of you. He takes his time, grinding his hips with yours, relishing in the sound of your moans. You’re his now, and with you by his side, he knows he’s unstoppable now.

———

“Oh my god…” you pant, blanket covering your body. “That was….” You look at him with a surprised expression. “Let’s just say I’m glad I’m stuck with you as my soulmate.” You giggle at his smile. “I mean like… you had to have practice down here. You can really have spent 30 years without-“ you pause when he shakes his head. “Really!?!” You gasp. “You waited for me?” Your voice softened.

“Of course. I can’t imagine being with anyone but you, y/n. You’re my heart’s desire.” He said, looking into your soul. Your eyes teared up and you turned your body to face him. You never had someone care for you like this. Ever. It was an honor.

You scooted closer to him and he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you even closer. You ran your thumb over his scars as you looked into his eyes. “I love you and I don’t even know your name.” You whispered breathlessly.

He smiled at how you love him so quickly, so easily, and how you’re already submissive to him. He knows now that you’re with him no matter what. You’re his.

“Kang.” He kisses you softly. “But you can call me Nathaniel.”

—————-

Omg bruh I hate this so much I’m such a crusty writer 😭😭lolll but i did my best I wanna write a second part depending how this one does but it would kinda just be Janet’s reaction to you sleeping with Kang and then maybe Scott and the gang show up and try to go home but then you might not want to go home anymore… you found your soulmate so… 🤷🏽‍♀️ idk SHOULD I? WRITE A SECOND PART?!

[angel-eyes05]

i remember his hands - chapter 3

PAIRING: kang the conqueror x fem!reader

SUMMARY: after a scientific experiment goes horribly wrong, you've been transported to the quantum realm and have been stuck there for the past decade. with no company, aside from janet van dyne, your life changes forever when a mysterious man in a golden ship crash lands next to your settlement. startled with his initial presence, you two have a rocky start. but as time goes on, you two find each other slowly drawn to one another. you have secrets though, and he has a past he refuses to bring up. can you two make it through navigating an unknown world together, discovering any ulterior motives, and stand the test of time in a place where time has no meaning at all?

INFO: slow romantic burn, pretty fast sexual burn, kinda enemies to lovers????, takes place during that little flashback janet has during quantumania, idk how accurate this is gonna be to canon stuff cause i get very confused about the quantum realm lol, reader is in mid to late 20s while kang is in his “early 30s” (ik he like technically doesn't age or whatever idk the lore but i just made it accurate to jonathan majors age and wanted to give an accurate age range/gap/count), y/n will be very fleshed out like im gonna give her everything lol

WARNING: explicit language, smut (minors dni), masturbation (f), oral sex (fem receiving), cum play, not a very happy ending (guys aftercare is important)

CHAPTER WORD COUNT: 2.5k

NOTES: i just wanna say thank you for all the love recently! idk if ill set a specific schedule for when ill release the chapters or not cause honestly i just work better whenever i write when i want without a time constraint so thats probably what i’ll end up doing. if you want me to write a specific one shot for kang or even another character (i feel most comfortable writing for mcu, star wars, the last of us, and stranger things, but if i know the piece of media youre talking about and feel comfortable writing about the character, im down) just lmk! also i decided at the last second this was gonna be a smuty chapter so..yeah!

PREVIOUS PART

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It had been about two weeks since you found Kang at the crash site. Despite the moment you two had when you first fixed him up, you two had very little interactions since then. It made sense though. Both of you were taking your own separate times to heal, you in your room, bedridden from your horrible headaches, him on the couch, still unable to walk due to his foot and abdomen. According to Janet, he hasn’t been very talkative. He would occasionally respond to her comments about how he was feeling, but wouldn’t say anything about where he came from or why he was here. So she just stopped asking. It took a while for you to open up to Janet about how you got here at first as well though, so you understood why he would be all shut up about it. It got you thinking about how you ended up here. How much you left behind. God you wish you got the chance to leave a note or something. At the very least, for them…

You quickly dragged yourself out of that thought, knowing the path it would lead you down led to nothing but wasted tears. It was late at night, and you laid sleepless in your bed, so it was easy to let your mind wander. To distract yourself, you replayed the moment with him in your mind. You were a little touch starved, in that way at least, so feeling Kang’s hand in that sensitive of an area drove you mad. Thinking about it would always give you the same reaction. Butterflies slowly fluttering into your stomach, roses blooming onto your cheeks, and the near uncontrollable urge to touch yourself. You know your relationship was non existent right now and had a horrible start, but sometimes you wondered what would happen if you walked over to the couch right now and started to kiss him. The only thing you ended up doing though was changing your now soaked underwear.

You always felt bad when you let yourself think like that. Poor guy was probably just looking for something to hold while he was in pain. And you were taking advantage of it. Then again, you remembered how he slowly pulled his fingers away from your thigh once you were finished stitching him up, an act that did seem very purposeful. Again though, he might have done that unconsciously. You always sent yourself into this back and forth inner dialogue with yourself about his intentions in that moment. Whether you liked it or not, during the past two weeks, you’ve only had two things on your mind: your pain, and him.

With the mix of your restless mind, the ache between your legs, and your now grumbling stomach, you decide to get out of bed and go to the kitchen to find something to eat. Also partially because you would get to see him, awake or not. To be honest, you preferred him asleep. You could just admire him from a far, without the complexities of a conversation to mess anything up. You crept into the hallway, adjusting your eyes from the dim light in your room to the rest of the house, enveloped in the darkness. Thankfully, you knew the layout of the house well, so you doubted you would trip over anything. You wandered throughout the cabin until you got past Janet’s room and into the kitchen. You didn’t realize how flawed your plan was, it just now clicking that you wouldn’t be able to see Kang in the darkness. You didn’t entirely mind though. Just knowing he’s in the same room as you put your thoughts slightly at ease. 

You finally make it to the counter and put your arms out to find something. They land on a round, spiked fruit. Too scared of accidentally cutting yourself if you use a knife to peel it, you decide just to bite into it. Juice drips down from your mouth as your teeth sink into the fruit. Although the food here was no where near as good as back home, you managed to find a few gems here. The fruits were definitely one of them. Once you finish with the fruit, you use the sleeve of your loose shirt to wipe your mouth. You paced the room a bit, still kind of restless. Your eyes still haven’t entirely adjusted to the dark, but you think you have a pretty good standing of your ground. That is until you trip over the back of the couch. You brace yourself for the impact of flying over the couch and waking up everyone in the process, until you’re suddenly stopped.

It’s a hand. No, not just a hand. The hand. His hand.

Again, it stays there longer than it should have. Placed just below where your sternum meets your breasts. You could feel your heart beating faster the longer his hand stayed there. “You’re a loud chewer” Kang finally said. It was more of a deep whisper though. God you loved the sound of his voice, despite the few times you heard it. “You must be a light sleeper then” you replied in a similar tone. Despite still not being able to see his face, you could tell he was smirking. He slowly push you back up to your normal position. The trick was that he didn’t move his hand. He actually tightened his grip on your shirt. That’s when it clicked for you. He wanted it just as bad as you did. 

You then placed your hand over Kang’s, rubbing deep circles just below his knuckles with your thumb. Then, he began to pull you by your shirt to the front side of the couch. You followed his hand until he stopped pulling, leaving you in the same place you were when you stitched up his shoulder. You stood there as he began to move his hand down from your sternum. The feeling of him dragging his fingers down your body at an agonizingly slow pace was enough to get your starved pussy wet. Then he got to your hips, where your loose pants rested. He then took his other hand and used both hands to drag your pants off. Once you kicked them off, he went back up to your panties, hooking his pointer finger around the sides of them and dragged those off even slower than the pants. 

He then placed his hands on your bare hips, digging his thumbs into them. A slight moan escaped your lips. In response, he placed his finger over your mouth in a shushing action. “She can’t hear you.’’ You were overcome with embarrassment at the fact you were so enveloped in the thought of having sex with Kang that you forgot that Janet was only a room away. You decided now you had to be silent, however hard that would prove to be later. He put that hand back on your hip and helped you onto his chest. You placed your hands over his shirtless shoulders, being mindful of his left one. You pressed your hands deeply into them and began to massage them. Thank god your eyes had finally adjusted to the dark, because now you could see every emotion playing across his face as you sunk your hands deeper into his shoulder muscles. You moved the massage down his arms, making your way to his biceps. They were massive and tough. All you could think about was how much you wanted them around your neck. Ironic. Once you moved on from those and finally made it to his hands, you took hold of them.

You used them to help you take off your shirt and bra. After tossing your bra to the floor, you placed his hands on your breasts and began to grope them with his hands. His eyes rolled back into his head, and as soon as you could tell he was about to moan, you smashed your lips into his to capture it. You took your hands off of his to cup his jaw to fully envelop yourself in the kiss. He kept one hand on your breast while he moved the other one down and began to run circles around your clit. You softly moaned into his mouth with each rotation he made. As each second went by, the kiss became more intense. More desperate. You had no idea how long it had been since he had touched someone like this, and you knew it had been forever since you were touched like this. You two both had some desperation to your actions. Like this would be the last time either of you would experience something like this ever again. Both of you so starved of touch. You needed this so badly, and part of you knew he needed it too.

As he began to circle your clit with more ferocity, you felt the heat in your chest growing stronger. God he had just started and you were already about to come. You didn’t to yet. If you did, that meant it would be over. Lucky for you, you felt his hand pull away from your clit. He pulled away from the kiss ass well, panting. “I need you to help me up for a second” he said. You reluctantly got up, wondering if he was just going to leave you here like this. It was just now that you realized how naked you were. Sure, he didn’t have a shirt on, but you still felt much more exposed than him for some reason. You helped him up onto his feet, also now realizing exactly how much taller he was than you. Seeing him staring down at you like that. Like you had suddenly become the most important thing in the world to him. Suddenly, he turned you around and shoved you onto the couch. You sat there as he kneeled down and began too kiss your inner thighs.

He moved those strong, dry hands of his to the top of your thighs and sprayed them out against them. He dug his fingers into them as he moved his mouth from your inner thigh to your lips. Feeling his warm breath against them in the cold room sent shivers down your spine. You grabbed the top of his head for leverage as you thrust your hips into his mouth.  “Look at you” he said in between kisses. “Being such a good girl and getting so wet for me. Seems like you completely forgot about the fact we were trying to kill each other two weeks ago.” It was strange to you a little. You had convinced yourself you wouldn’t be safe in the same house as Kang, and now here you were, completely naked on the couch with him eating you out. 

He wasn’t doing enough though. You weren’t nearly as satisfied as you were when he was circling your clit. He had yet to stick his tongue in you, all he was doing was kissing your folds. He was just teasing you again. “P-please” you said desperately. “I-I need y-you d-deeper.” He removed his mouth from your area and moved his hand to your clit again as he talked to you to keep you stimulated. “Oh thats what you want now? Am I not doing enough for you? Because I could stop if that’s what you prefer.” “N-n-no!” you nearly shouted out. “P-please, I-I j-just wanna f-feel you.” He sat there for a moment thinking, fingers still on your clit. “P-please Kang-g.” You asked again, looking deep into his eyes. “Well, since you asked so nicely. And plus, how could I say no to someone as pretty as you. Sitting there so neat and ready for me.” 

Next thing you know, he dives back in, his tongue licking all over your folds and into your pussy. Your strangled moan makes one strange noise, but he must have liked it because he moved his hands up to grab deep into your hips in response. God you could stay here for hours. Layed here sprawled out on the couch with him eating you out. You just wish you could moan and whine for you. You wanted so desperately to scream his name out into the world and let it know how much he had you under his grasp. And you knew he wanted it also. But that was part of the appeal of everything. Knowing you had to stay quite. It made it more enticing. But man you couldn’t wait until you had the cabin to yourself. When he could fuck you through your bed properly, where you could scream his name at the top of your lungs, and him with yours. For now though, you would take this. It was enough for what you needed right now.

As he moved his tongue from your folds to your swollen clit, he begins to suck on it. You felt the heat return back to your core as you itched with pleasure, a roaring tide begging to wash from your pelvis into his mouth. The heat of his breath on you, the tightening grip of his hands on your hips, his tongue fluttering over your folds and clit, the soft hums he would make after tasting you. “F-fuck K-kang. I-I-I’m gonna c-cum” you said, the words barely making it out of your mouth without being mixed with a moan. He nods slightly in approval, gliding his tongue over your folds like silk and moving on of his hands to circle your clit to help pull it out of you. Finally, you feel the wave escape your pussy. You grab a pillow near you and release all your moans and screams into as the ecstasy exits you and enters his mouth. You arch your back as he tries to swallow as much of your cum as he can. You’re blinded by the intensity of your orgasm as your thighs tense up and you can hardly move anything, except to move the noises out of your mouth.

Once you finish, Kang stays there, licking off the last of your essence off your folds and feeling your throbbing clit under his tongue. He backs away from your pussy and moves up to your mouth as he kisses you, sharing with you some of your cum. He uses your shirt to clean up his mouth and the remaining bits of cum from your folds. To your surprise though, after that, he tosses the shirt on the floor, stands up, and walks away to your room. In shock, you convince yourself he went to your room to grab you a new change of clothes. Once you hear the door close though, you snap yourself back into reality. Looking down at yourself, naked and trembling (part from the cold and part from the orgasm), embarrassment floods your body. You couldn’t believe how easy you gave yourself up for him. God you knew you were desperate, but you didn’t know you were that desperate. And there he was in the other room, sleeping in your bed. Leaving you there on the couch, laying out naked, waiting for someone to take you away like some fantasy. But there you were. Alone. And really fucking cold.

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NEXT PART

A/N: yeaaaaaaaah, i needed drama so i did that. sucks but i didnt have any other ideas sorry lol. hope you liked the chapter though! this was actually my first time writing smut so i hope i didnt do that bad. looking forward to chapter 4!!! also sorry i didnt really proofread this one either cause it was super late when i posted it so sorry

[fanficshiddles]

Villain Or Victim, Chapter 10

An hour after the fight with The Avengers, Loki got himself and Echo to a safe place in the mountains of Switzerland. There was no one else around for hours, so he knew they’d be safe there and wouldn’t be found.

After checking through the cabin, he went back to Echo who was sitting on the floor by the fireplace, with her knees tucked up under her chin. She was still wearing the fancy dress, though it was a bit dirty now after the fight. But it was still all intact.

‘Echo?’ Loki said softly as he walked over and sat down next to her.

‘What’s going on?’ She asked, trying to hold back tears. She was trembling slightly, but not from the cold.

Loki put his arm around her shoulder. ‘Relax, pet. You’re safe with me. I told you I’d keep you safe, didn’t I?’

Echo nodded.

‘I’m doing this for you, for us. For the Earth. The team did work on a serum for you, but not one to just calm you, one that would stop your powers altogether. They want to contain you, to compress your powers. I want you to be able to use them to your full advantage. Not to lock them away.’

Echo’s eyes widened.

‘Humans are ruining this realm, they can’t control themselves or the way they’re treating it. If they continue like they are, it will be destroyed in no time. They need to come together, but the only way that will happen is if I can rule over them all. If they have one ruler, there will be no more fighting. No more waste. They need a higher being to take control.’

Loki could see Echo taking in his words calmly.

‘That… That does make sense… Is that what these missions have been about?’ She asked quietly.

‘Yes. I am deliberately trying to cause another world war. When it starts, we will then be the ones to stop it. To take out the rest of the leaders, get everyone under control. Once that happens, and only then, they will realise how much they need me to take over. But I can only do this with your help, Echo. And I want you to be safe and happy, like you deserve to be. Just not at a cost of having your powers taken away from you, you’ve got an incredible gift. I was not about to let those imbeciles take that from you.’ Loki stroked her cheek gently with the back of his hand.

‘I thought they wanted to help, I was so excited at the thought of being able to control my emotions better.’ Echo looked down at her clenched fists, she let out a deep breath and tried to relax herself. She was with Loki, she was safe.

‘I know, pet. I know. I thought so too, but when I discovered the truth, I heard Natasha and Tony talking together, that’s when I knew we had to leave. I need to keep you safe from them.’ Loki leaned in and nuzzled his nose against the side of her head.

‘Come on, let’s go to bed. It’s been a long night, you need to rest.’ Loki stood and put his hand out towards her.

She took it and let him pull her up to his feet. When he led her through to the bedroom, the realisation that she was going to be sharing a bed with Loki for the first time hit her like a ton of bricks.

Loki’s clothes vanished from him, leaving him just in his boxers as he walked to the bed and climbed in. He gave her a mischievous smirk and patted the bed next to him. ‘Are you going to sleep standing up like a horse all night or are you going to join me?’

Echo swallowed hard and walked around the bed, she was about to get in with her dress still on. But Loki waved his hand in her direction and she felt a little tingle over her skin as her dress changed into a green nightgown. Her underwear disappeared too.

There was a blush on her cheeks as she climbed into bed next to him. She didn’t really know how to behave in bed with him, so she stayed at the far side and tensed up a bit, just stared at the ceiling.

‘Come here, pet.’ Loki whispered and opened his arms to her.

She shyly shimmied across the bed and into his arms. He pulled her in really close and she settled against his chest, head tucked under his chin. He rubbed her back softly, causing goosebumps.

It wasn’t long before Echo fell into a deep sleep in Loki’s arms.

-

In the morning, Echo woke up still in Loki’s arms. She blushed hard as he nuzzled into her hair and grumbled deep in his chest.

‘Good morning, pet.’

‘Morning, Loki.’ She whispered.

‘Did you sleep well?’

She nodded against him, making him chuckle. ‘Gone shy on me, have you?’

She said nothing, just kept her face hidden. He smoothed his fingers through her hair, then she finally looked up at him.

‘What’s our next step?’ She asked quietly.

‘We have a mission to do this morning. It should be a quick and easy one for you, pet. One target, just to rile people up more. Then we should have our war.’ Loki grinned.

The thought of Earth falling into complete chaos and war made the adrenaline shoot though his veins. He couldn’t wait for it, to watch the fallout of it all.

‘This is… is the right thing to do, isn’t it?’

‘Of course it is. As I explained last night, this needs to happen for the world to realise that it needs one ruler. Or humans will just tear each other apart until there’s nothing left. You’re not having doubts on me, are you, pet?’ He frowned.

‘Not at all.’ She said quickly. ‘I just want to live… freely. To do the right thing.’

‘And it is, pet. I promise you.’ Loki cupped her chin and kissed her firmly on the lips.

His hands then started wandering downwards, he slid a hand into her knickers and began slowly teasing her. She quickly became putty in his hands.

‘Perhaps a nice orgasm will help put your mind at ease.’ He hummed and nibbled on her earlobe.

He took his time with her this morning, since they had plenty of time. But just from the first few touches, he had her moaning and whimpering like mad as she squirmed by his side.

‘Such a powerful creature you are, reduced to a whimpering wreck just at my touch.’ He smirked and nibbled on her neck.

‘Come on, sing for me, pet. Let me hear you as you unravel on my fingers.’ He growled as he pushed her over the edge with his fingers, enjoying the feeling of her clenching around his digits as she came.

‘That’s it… that’s my girl.’

Nice and compliant, just as she needs to be. He thought wickedly.

Echo had a shower after they got up, then they both had a basic breakfast before going to do the mission. Echo had a bad feeling in her stomach, she wasn’t sure what it was or why. But she just focused on the mission ahead, and got excited about the thought of being able to let loose again.

And let loose she did. Instead of just killing the target, she took out all the guards around him too. Loki hadn’t told her to, but he was impressed nonetheless as he watched from afar, at a safe distance.

Whilst she was having fun, he used the eye scanning he’d taken from last night to gain access into a top secret safe, with documents about where every nuclear bomb was kept.

‘Perfect!’ Loki said in delight.

On his way out, he whistled to get Echo’s attention. She stopped her murder spree and rushed over to his side, he put his arm around her and they vanished in the blink of an eye.

[oven-thermometer]

Remember your sfw ABC's? You did one for War and Strife from what I remember. Could you do one for Samael? Just curious, would like to know what you come up with.

a/n: i havent written in a good long while and have never written for samael properly before lmao - got a bit short at the end bc I did this all in one day

w/c: 3kish

warnings: fluff, little bit of angst, possessive behavior, stalking?, not beta’d

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Samael’s love language is definitely gift giving, with quality time coming in at a close second. He will spoil you with the finest gifts from every realm he can sink his claws into. With certain things he’s given you, you’re not quite sure of the origin and you’re not sure you want to know. Expect lots of little trinkets and huge presents based on every bit and bob or magical relic – if it’s rare and beautiful you’re gonna get it.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

The one reason he’d call someone a ‘friend’ or even an ‘ally’, they’d have to be useful. Either they have something he wants, needs them for connections or they are a powerful force he could use to his own advantage. That is how he would probably ever try to win you anyone over with friendship. He would try to make you swoon with gifts and worm his way into your close inner circle of friends. Further into your actual friendship with him, will he realise that he might actually enjoy having you around.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

I know I said his main love languages are gifts and quality time, but why can’t those be given in the form of a few hours of cuddling? It’s an honour he even lets you this close to him, so his hugs and late night cuddles should be enough of a gift as well! In all seriousness, he loves being close with you. Even if he is a titan compared to you, he’ll tuck you between his huge, warm hands and hold you close to his face or chest. Whenever he shifts in his sleep you’re also completely at the mercy of wherever his hands fling you, sorry. And if you think about getting up or trying to pry yourself out of his death grip, you’re sorely mistaken – he will not let you go.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

He has servants to do literally everything for him, so why would he ever feel the need to prepare a meal or even clean his demonic castle? Has never had to do anything traditionally ‘domestic’ in his long life and probably never will. If you find cooking and cleaning cathartic, then he likely won’t stop you – he’ll just stare on while you prepare him traditional human dishes or clean a small portion of the castle. He might not understand why domestic things are fun to you, but he likes watching you do them, it brings him peace. In terms of settling down, that probably also wouldn’t ever happen. For now he solely focused on growing his empire and ensuring both of your futures.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Would literally throw you out of his kingdom and wouldn’t ever acknowledge you again lol. I’d like to say he’d be nice about it and all – but he would not. If you’ve served your purpose or made him bored he would boot you out with little to no remorse. If you ever try to contact or find him again, he’d feel basically nothing and cut you off. He has things to do and if you get in the way too much that is your fault – not his.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Demons have no form of marriage or solid commitment so the idea would be entirely foreign to him – not that he wouldn’t be interested. As you explain what marriage is and how it’s usually perceived to be this ‘final destination’ of a relationship, he’s even more keen to learn about it. In Samael’s mind, marrying is just another symbol to display his devotion to you – it’s a status symbol of affection to him. Marriage isn’t something he wants to get done immediately but he wants you two to be tied to each other indefinitely – and if marrying you means he gets to keep you for eternity he will see to it.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Not at all. He won’t intentionally physically hurt you, but sometimes accidents happen – he’ll forget your stature and pick you up too enthusiastically, or even set you down too harshly. He’ll reprimand himself silently if you make him aware of how hurt you are, and make it up to you with a mountain of enchanting gifts because this man is incapable of apologising with words. Emotionally, he is also pretty rough. Samael doesn’t mind poking fun at you and teasing you in every conversation you two have – but please, be his guest and return the favour. When you return his banter and give him just as much sass as he gives you he will be ecstatic. He loves your playful arguments – they’re so fun to him.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

In front of others or outside of cuddling while sleeping, he doesn’t really like hugs. Sure, he’ll pick you up and put you on his shoulder to carry you around as he goes about his day, but in front of his soldiers or allies that is as much as you’re getting. He’s very open with other people about your relationship but he’ll never show it publicly. In private though, he loves having your tiny hands cling to him while he’s working. Overseeing battle plans? You’re sitting on the desk fiddling with his hands to annoy him. Lazing around the throne room? He has you right there next him hugging to his arm.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Do demons know what love is? I think they understand the concept and why it’s needed to further a race or to keep romantic relationships intact – although out of that they don’t see a use for it. Samael was the same for the large majority of his life. He’d had relationships and many partners before you, but they were all to gain something or were purely instinctual on his part. Although with you, something feels different. Every now and again he gets this odd, aching in his chest when you are absent. When you are near him, he feels at ease and, warm? Strange, he lives in a castle flowing with lava and radiates pure heat himself like a forge, but it is a different kind of warmth. Perhaps he is cursed – but nonetheless he feels the need to bring it up to you, how damn perplexing.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Samael is extremely possessive and jealous. It comes with the territory of dating a demon unfortunately, that’s what you should’ve expected. He already only lets a select few into his castle, and that number drastically decreased once you entered the scene. He respects you but to him you are still a fragile mortal that can be taken from him at any moment. Only the most trusted soldiers in his army or allies are allowed near you, and are very seldom even allowed to be left alone with you. He will do anything to protect you, he will see to it.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Technically, with the size difference you two have, it’s always quite an odd scene when you two share a kiss. You can easily kiss his cheek or give him a peck on the lips – even if he’s massive compared to you. Although when he feels like returning your affection he has some troubles. Kissing you directly is slightly awkward so a lot of the times he settles for gently kissing your hand or nuzzling his cheek against you! The latter happens very rarely though, Samael has to be feeling especially loving for that to happen.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Very indifferent to them. Doesn’t mind them as long as they don’t interrupt his work but if they start getting too close to him and spewing those incessantly annoying screams he will either banish them or leave without a word. If you have a child, little sibling or a small spawn you take care of – he will try his best to behave. He will greet them but stay clear of their path. Samael sees all children as annoying and inconsequential. He understands their role in the ‘natural order’ and that you were both children, although that doesn’t make their presence any less irritating. If any child ever manages to somehow reach him he will likely ignore their cries for attention. Basically he doesn’t care for them.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Time passes in odd way his Samael’s realm – and odd mixture of night and day that never seems to end. You yourself have never seen much of anything that resembles weather, clouds, or even a sun or moon or stars. The sky is simply eternally glowing with a firey hue, and this seems to be sufficient in lighting the world for it’s inhabitants. And although Samael rarely needs to sleep himself, he indulges your body’s routine of needing sleep every few hours. When you wake, you can often find Samael either looking out of the window over his kingdom, or at you. He gently carries you to his desk and begins on his important work that he missed. You often fall back asleep during this morning routine, not that he minds.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Similarly, he sits you down and attempts to be near you during your night routine, with a few snarky comments and impatient groans. As you finish what you for some reason deem important to do before falling asleep, he scoops you up and holds you in his impressive palm. All protests from you fall on deaf ears as he sits down and gets comfortable, waiting for you to do the same. Samael often reprimands you for complaining during this, “You are the one who wanted to sleep. So sleep, human.” Left with little to no room for argument, you have no choice but to settle down – but after a while his naturally warm skin and constant deep rumbles lull you to sleep.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

In a new relationship, he reveals very little. While courting you he tells you the bare minimum about himself and his plans – simply in fear of you turning on him and using it all against him. Over time though, Samael will learn to trust your words of promise to never betray him. Lifetimes lived being a ruler over powerful demons has trained him to set his secrets and his heart around a stone shield. But eventually he will start revealing small aspects of something resembling a personality beyond arrogance and evil.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Do I even nee to answer this? His patience is as brittle as a frozen sheen of water on a lake. The wrong misstep from anyone causes fits of rage. As many times as you’ve walked in on him throwing gigantic pieces of furniture around rooms or heard roars of anger at his subordinates from across the castle, he always returns his composure as soon as you are within his sights. He has snapped at you before, but never to the extent you’ve seen him go off at others. With you he will simply leave the room or huff and stay silent for days – that is the extent of his anger towards you for anything. Otherwise, he will keep his composure in front of you.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Will only ask you questions about yourself further into the relationship. At first, his interest was surface level – but soon he felt compelled to know what you thought of everything and just what made you tick. Will use this to his advantage when ordering his scouts to find you gifts and WILL gloat about it too. Boasts about what a good gift-giver he his and how attentive he is. The worst part is you can’t even argue with him about it. Ever present he graces you with is always given a the right time with the correct perception. Honestly you’re getting suspicious that he’s reading your mind sometimes.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

It seem shallow, but he doesn’t care in the slightest. Samael’s favourite moment with you that he thinks of often when you two are apart, is when you two first laid eyes on each other. Rather, it was when he first laid eyes on you because he saw you coming from a world away and will never forget the sight laid before him. Your gorgeous face instantly drew him in, with your soothing voice intriguing him. From that day on he swore he would do anything to have you, the fact that your personality below all that only added to his growing affection for you.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

It’s a mixture of pure instincts to protect you and a general state of pettiness. He loves your entire being and knows that any creature would surely do anything to have you – thus he genuinely believes he is simply keeping you safe by his side. He always goes with you everywhere and if he can’t go, he has someone he trusts accompany you. A lot of the time this can feel suffocating so he lets you go on your own when you need your space – or so you think. He may or may not have given you a piece of jewellery to wear that he can keep an eye on you with…

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

We’ve discussed gifts, but dates and anniversaries are another conversation. You would never guess that all of those hours he spends pouring himself over his carved stone desk and ancient scrolls, he is occasionally planning special outings for you two. Whether it’s a trip to a realm you’ve always admired or a special dish he needs to kidnap a human chef to make, he doesn’t care. That unmistakeable glint of appreciation in your eye and endless ‘thank you’s always get to him. Again, not that you’d know it, as he simply scoffs and turns away.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Samael does respect that you are a person with your own mind, and lets you speak your mind and express your opinions. Although, many times his possessive nature can rub you the wrong way. It can feel suffocating at times. Whenever you also try to bring it up to him, he simply brushes you off and blames it on your poor mortal mind not being able to wrap around the necessity of keeping you safe and away from those that might harm you.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Not much at all. The strong horns decorating his face and deep scars gashed into his rough skin are only markers for his lineage and victories he displays proudly. He would be idiotic to be ashamed of his war trophies. Although, sometimes he simply can’t help but feel slightly self-conscious for his metal side. Yes, scars can be maps of battles won, but his metal side only serves to remind him of a bitter defeat. It is the one part of his appearance that Samael can’t stand to loo at sometimes.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

His life certainly would be…different. The halls of his castle wouldn’t be filled with your enchanting voice or your amusing laughter. The banter that makes him feel at ease would be absent. His kingdom might not run very differently if you weren’t present – he would still be a demon lord after all. But Samael cannot help but feel slightly lonely even at the thought of never being able to feel you lay against his head as you sit on his shoulder or fall asleep without a care between his hands clutched to his chest. Yes, he ponders, he does think he prefers you around.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

If you ever get him a gift, even if it is something he probably already has stored away , he will cherish it and set it among his most prized possessions – not including you.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Someone tame and quiet. He enjoys being challenged every day – whether if it’s by your wit or your pure drive to annoy him. It amuses Samael that this little creature can stand up to the likes of him, and is so is often impressed whenever you do. Humans who cower at the sight of him bore him and he’ll let them know it.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Obviously doesn’t sleep that often, but when he does drift away while holding you against him, you can hear the slightest mumbles falling from his mouth in his sleep. The occasional snore or grunt will also be mixed in – although more often than not you find yourself lying awake, watching the rise and fall of his large chest and listening to the utterly adorable mutterings of nonsensical words or phrases he lets slip out from his dreams. Until now, your favourite is still: “angels are just like moths…” small chuckle “stupid moth people…”

[lemonhemlock]

Obviously no one can earn the right to forcibly rule over millions but in asoiaf universe wouldn’t you earn the throne through conquest?

Like Aegon the conqueror once did and as Robert Baratheon did?

I mean, I feel like if anyone could compare themselves to a version that was born and raised in Westeros, they would be pretty shocked to see the differences! Does a male feudal lord living in medieval fantasy land with dragons have the same worldview as me, a millennial woman with a history PhD? Um, no. How could he even? I've had access to education and resources he couldn't even dream of, whereas he would have had access to power in ways I couldn't even conceive of. And I think it's insincere to act as if I (or anyone else) would have been this visionary political scientist who'd reinvent the morality wheel and invent a new economic and social system overnight.

What I think is a pretty neutral (?) statement, though, is that many, many polities have come to be as a result of conquest in some shape or another. Pick any country you want, if you look back enough into their history, you're going to find some form of conquest. It's a very common method through which societies have coalesced. That's why, to be honest, I'm not super interested in defending or dismantling Aegon's conquest as a concept. I'm not even sure the author is either - it's one of those things fandom discourse fixates on. None of our characters really have a contrary position to Aegon's conquest? To them, it's like us discussing any other invasion or occupation from our country's history that lead to our ethnogenesis. They're much more interested in what's happening to them now or will happen in the future.

And this is where I come to the part of the answer that's more applied. Clearly, we have reached a point in our collective history where we have decided that conquest is no longer an acceptable form to conduct ourselves on the international stage. Is Westeros there yet? Well, kind of? I think that's where the series is headed. Here is where suspension of disbelief has to come into play when it comes to fictional realms like Westeros, because nowhere in hell is it "believable" that Westeros has stagnated at the same level of feudalism and medieval-adjacent technology for thousands of years, magic or no. So they should have reached the point of rejecting conquest as proper conduct ages ago, but here we are. On this point we should accept it's just fiction.

Nevertheless, even in similar periods of time from our history that correlate to present-day Westeros, not everyone thought the same either. It was a well-known idea that, the bigger the territory, the harder it was to maintain and govern. Look at the many iterations the Roman Empire went through in order to survive. Emperor Aurelian's evacuation of Dacia Traiana is a very easy example of how sometimes holding too much territory can be an expensive hassle.

So, in this context, Aegon was attempting to unify a continent as big as South America. It is rather telling that he left the former kings in charge of their lands and went forward with this descentralised structure, only adding an extra layer of vassalage on top. Life in Westeros didn't really change in any significant way for the common man. They didn't lose or gain any rights and kept fighting and dying in petty wars. Only now they also had the threat of dragonflame over their heads.

But I digress. What I mean to say is that not all noble lords in Westeros would even be in a position to think that they could hold such a large territory like Aegon did. They didn't have dragons. So their cost-benefit analysis would have looked different, perhaps for some it would even have lead towards it being a dangerous, bothersome and expensive endeavour.

As for Robert, he operated in a different historical interval, where the Westerosi were already used to being ruled collectively by a king. And he didn't start from zero, half the country was on his side and had felt threatened or insulted in some way by Aerys. He just had to go because he had become very dangerous. So it was more a conquest of Aerys' remaining loyal lands, if you want to get really technical about it; honestly that's why the term rebellion is much more suited here, even though we can say Robert won the throne by conquest.

Anyway, bottom line is I don't think everyone in Westeros would hold the view that conquest is either inevitable OR that it should be part and parcel of life.

[feyravenchatter]

Listen. Angel with a Shotgun is still one of my stim songs that I will listen to on repeat ad nauseam. And the pieces of this started falling into place the last time I listened to it for about 3 days straight. I do have it vaguely outlined-ish, I know who the contact is, I have an idea of how that's going to go, it's just on the back burner for now

☆・*☆*・☆

The war between angels and demons, Heaven and Hell, had been raging for millennia.  It had spilled out into the mortal world, both sides hiding in plain sight.  Battles were called gang wars by humans, and it wasn’t far from the truth.  Both sides wanted to claim the realm of humans for their own, and the fights were always bloody.

Lance hadn’t been back to the Angel Garrison in a long time.  Long enough for him to have known the grandparents of the humans he hid amongst.  He’d been sent on a stealth mission nearly a century earlier, meant to infiltrate one of the demon factions, masquerading as a fallen angel.  His initial ruse had worked, the Marmora clan accepting him as one of their own.  This was where his problems started.  He quickly realized the demons might actually have a valid point.  A few valid points.  Humans should have their own will to determine their fates, not strung along by Heaven to an end that wasn’t what they were promised.  What Heaven threatened Hell was like was wrong too.  Neither side knew the other well enough to understand what their true goals were.  Lance did, and after a century, he’d determined his side was wrong.

He'd gotten close to one of the demons he was meant to be spying on as well.  Heaven strictly forbade personal relationships, deeming them troublesome and unholy.  Hell did not, fully allowing demons the freedom to get as close as they wanted with whoever they wanted.  Lance understood when he met Keith, the demon carved from ivory and ebony and inlaid with amethyst.  He was the most beautiful being Lance had ever seen.  He couldn’t help but get closer.

He first noticed his wings changing after fifty years.  He and Keith had just escaped a losing battle with far more angels than just the two of them.  Lance was hurt, and sank to the floor of the abandoned warehouse, one hand pressed to the bleeding wound in his side.

“Lance, we’re ok,” Keith said, “We’re safe.  Let me take a look at that.”

Lance winced as he moved his hand away from torn and burned skin and shredded fabric, gold blood soaking his clothes.  It felt awful; even being grazed by an angel’s smite was no joke.  His wings lay folded, his primary feathers pooling on the floor.  Keith wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t needed to carefully brush them aside to have better access to the bleeding wound.

“Your feathers are turning,” he said while taking stock of the injury.  It was pretty bad, but nothing life threatening.

Lance snapped to look, hissing at the pain.  But Keith was right.  The pure white was becoming stained, midnight blue and tarnished gold bleeding in from the tips.  It was his first indication that he was truly falling and no longer just pretending.

Fifty years later, and Lance and Keith were back-to-back in the middle of a fight.  They knew it would be fairly close quarters before they headed out that night and came prepared, Keith with a forearm-length blade in each hand, and Lance with a shotgun.  It had been a long time since he’d felt anything except pity at taking out other angels.  They’d never know how wrong they were, but Lance knew, and he also knew that there was no saving most of them.

Keith’s charcoal and purple leathery wings snapped open, and with a single powerful beat he took off for the air, spinning toward one of the angels.  That poor fuck didn’t even know what hit them.  Lance’s back was exposed, but he knew Keith wouldn’t leave him unprotected.  He heard movement, and spun to face it, pulling the lever on his weapon.  He only needed a split second to aim, and another to fire, the concrete block wall painted gold with the felled angel’s blood.  Lance stopped, muscles tensing, when he felt the hand pressed between his midnight blue wings edged in tarnished gold.

“Oh, look, it’s the traitor.”  The voice dripped heavily with self-righteousness and condescension.

Lance mentally cursed himself.  “The fuck do you want, James?”

“What do I want?  I want all stained, worthless traitors dead.  And tonight I think I’ll start with you.”

James decided to play dirty that night.  He was summoning a full smite, bare-handed, directly against Lance’s back.  There would be nothing left to save if it was completed.  But James had forgotten about Keith in his angelic arrogance, and Lance heard his quiet gasp at the luxite blade suddenly at his throat.

“Let him go,” Keith growled.

“No.”  James tried to sound sure of himself, but the tremor in his voice was too obvious.

“Let him go or I’ll cut your throat where you stand.”

James tried a different tactic.  “He’s betraying you, y’know.”

Keith scoffed, the dagger’s sharp edge biting in deeper.  “Like fuck he is.  I know all about why he came to us to begin with, but that’s over.  Right, babe?”

Lance huffed a laugh.  “Damn right.  Sorry, James.”

Keith was sent reeling back at the angelic scream and holy light.  Lance moved quickly, but not quite quickly enough, the incomplete smite exploding inches away from his back.  Keith recovered faster, throwing himself back into the fight.  Lance staggered, but remained standing, watching as Keith sliced his way through the remaining angels, bright gold blood spilling freely over black concrete.  James was glowing with his rage, white wings fully spread, and he left the rain-slicked pavement, hovering above the battle.

Lance, between the searing pain and literally incandescent angel, forgot about the shotgun in his hand, instead summoning a smite of his own.  It was different now, not backed by the power of Heaven like James’ was, but by his own will.  His own anger took physical form, racing down his arm and coalescing in the palm of his hand.  James was too angry to notice, and had no time at all to react when the unholy smite was set loose, a concentrated storm cloud of cerulean power crackling with dark gold lightning finding its target.  James screamed again, Lance’s smite consuming him.  White cracked and splintered into blood red and shining gold and then became black as the smite burned him from inside, not even ash left behind.  The rest of the angels lay dead, and Keith flew across the battlefield, catching Lance as he fell.

The last thing Lance heard before passing out was Keith’s worried voice.

“Hold on.  We’ll take care of this.”

When Lance woke, it was in one of the Victorian bedrooms of the Marmora mansion.  He was on his stomach, instantly reminded of why when he tried to get up.  The pain was incredible, and he gave up immediately, collapsing back down to the plush mattress under him.

“We took care of it as well as we could,” Keith’s voice said from the doorway, “But you know it can’t be perfect.”

“’S gonna scar, huh?” Lance asked, muffled by the pillow.

Keith sat in the chair beside him.  “Yeah.  Kinda looks like a starburst.”  He paused, gathering his thoughts.  “What James said, about you betraying me-”

Lance cut him off.  “It’s bullshit.  You know that.”

Keith interrupted this time.  “No, I know.  But you’re still in contact with them.  Is there anything they might know?”

Lance turned his head.  “No.  I don’t even tell my contact the truth, as much as they’re on our side.  It’s too risky and they know it.  All I give them is the false info to keep throwing the rest of them off.”

“You know I trust you.  I think I was just wondering why he’d bring it up.”

“Because, he had no way of knowing what I might have told you.  There is nothing to worry about.  We’re safe.”

“Ok.”  Keith leaned in for a soft kiss, a small smile curling his lip.  “Love you.”

Lance reached out, twisting their fingers together.  “Love you too.”

“Rest, love.  I’ll be back.”

When Lance had fallen asleep again, Keith left, heading for the meeting in progress.  Kolivan stood at the front of the war room, the rest of the clan spread throughout.  City maps both new and antique papered the walls, battles marked as either won or lost, Keith and Lance’s fight marked with a clear win.  Every head snapped to the door when it opened, Keith walking past them all to address Kolivan directly.

“He’s resting, and although the smite was incomplete, the injury is still severe,” he reported, “It will take at least a few days to heal enough for him to leave bedrest.”

Kolivan nodded.  “And our other matter?”

“Confirmed.  The contact needs to be retrieved.  Lance didn’t say exactly, but it sounds like they’re in danger of being found out.  I believe their knowledge of Heaven will be invaluable to us.”

“And you still trust him?”

“With my life.  Lance came to us as a spy, yes, but he has never once truly betrayed us.  Every feather has turned.  There is no question at all that he has fallen.”

“Aw, love you too, babe.”

Lance was standing braced against the doorway, clearly still in pain.  The fact that he should not at all be out of bed yet was fully ignored in favor of the newest change to the fallen angel.  Lance’s once unblemished bronze skin now bore new marks.  Wide V-shapes like spread wings now sat high on his cheekbones in richly glowing blue, the same color chasing down his arms and torso in vine-like lines.  His once clear blue eyes were darkened like the depths of the ocean, ringed in the same tarnished gold as his wings.

“But I’m going to have to disagree with your assessment.  I hadn’t fully fallen yet.  Have now.  I know none of you have ever seen a truly fallen angel, Heaven isn’t exactly known for letting us live this long.  You got the wing thing right, but this is the rest of the transformation.  And by the way, Keith’s right.  We need to get my contact out of the Garrison before they’re caught.”

Kolivan studied Lance, turning over both Keith’s report and Lance’s new appearance.  He nodded once.  “We will retrieve your contact.  Thace, Ulaz, you will lead the infiltration team.  Antok, Regris, you will support them.  Lance, can you hide your fall?”

“I’ll need to recover from tonight first, but I think so.  But we won’t have a lot of time.  I knew James.  They’ll be looking for him and when they can’t find him, they’ll be looking for whoever killed him.”

“Understood.  Keith, you’re dismissed.  Stay with him.”

Lance leaned on Keith once they were out of sight of the rest of the Marmora clan.  He was exhausted, both from the fight and completing his fall from grace.  Keith was quiet as usual, but there was an undercurrent to it.

“What was it?” he asked eventually, “What made the fall complete?”

“I killed an angel.”

“You’ve been killing angels for a century.”

“Not with my smite I haven’t.  That was what did it.  Killing one of Heaven’s children with a corrupted version of what they consider to be one of their greatest gifts.”

Keith scoffed.  “Greatest gift my ass.  What happened to the unconditional love and compassion they’re always screeching about?”

Lance laughed softly once.�� “Turns out terms and conditions do apply.”