#his Thena needs to breathe!

[softquietsteadylove]

The president au was so cut :), could you do a part 2 pretty please 🩷

"Next we have to focus on the approaching summit."

"No, we should be focusing on public appearances before the turnover of awards season."

"I'm pretty sure we should be focusing on her relationship with the senate."

Thena rubbed her temples, the entirety of her personal cabinet squawking at each other over her upcoming schedule. She knew how much she had to do--she knew better than anyone.

Well, almost better than anyone.

She looked over to Gil; at least the dust cover of everyone arguing was good for something. Gil met her eyes, instinctively sensing her look. He smiled at her in sympathy, patting the schedule of hers in his hand. He was doing what he could to assure her that he had it in hand.

No one would prioritise her well being amidst all the chaos like Gil would.

"Enough!"

Sersi, Kingo and Phastos all startled as Thena spoke up from behind the desk. Sersi cleared her throat, folding in on herself already, "Th-Thena?"

"I can't do this right now," Thena sighed, looking down at the paperwork on her desk. Every letter was starting to meld together in her vision. She pressed her palms to the desk. "I need at least fifteen minutes with no one speaking to me."

Sersi pinched her lips closed, looking at her colleagues. Kingo zipped his lips closed. Phastos sighed, adjusting his glasses, "I'm sorry T, but today is packed."

"Phastos," she glared.

"You can have ten."

"I'll take it," she snapped it up eagerly, already pointing to the door. "Everyone, all of you, security."

The guards within the office traded looks, "ma'am."

"Ten minutes," she repeated with a certain bite to her tone. Secret service nodded, obeying their order no matter how reluctantly.

"We'll be right outside the door, ma'am."

"Right," she sighed, dropping her head as soon as the door was closed.

No one even noticed that Gil hadn't fallen into the crowd and followed them. "Even me?"

"Not a chance," Thena lifted her head as he snuck over to her. She looked up at him, making him make sure the blinds were closed. "Clear?"

"Clear," he smiled before leaning over, pulling her chin up to kiss her. He touched his forehead to hers, "you doin' okay?"

"This week has been," she paused, letting her sigh suffice. He nodded, kissing her again.

"It's a heavy week," he agreed quietly, mindful that they were only ever so alone, even when they were. "You're doing great."

Thena laughed faintly as he gently pushed her down into her chair again, massaging her shoulders. "You're always coaching me these days."

He kissed the back of her head. "I think I coached you a little before, anyway."

True, even when he was her personal security detail as the Vice President, he still was encouraging her between endless press appearances and meetings with Ikaris and any other requirement of the job.

"At least you could be within five feet of me," she lamented, sighing as he worked her knotted shoulders.

"I could always say my training kicked in," he suggested with a grin, leaning down over her shoulder. "It was instinctive that I dove to cover Madam President with my body."

"Gil," Thena laughed again, which was of course his goal. She turned her head to kiss him again, savouring this little window of bliss when she could just be a woman with her boyfriend instead of the pillar of the country.

"We'll get through this, Thena," he promised, tucking a stray hair or two out of her eyes.

"Hm," she neither argued nor agreed readily. It was as close to pouting as she could get these days.

"Hey," he whispered, nudging the side of her head. "Tonight? You call it a night early and call me on the secure line? I can bring a late night snack to your room."

Thena closed her eyes, already able to imagine the bliss that would be eating leftovers on the floor with her partner. "That sounds perfect."

Gil kissed the shell of her ear, "it's a date, then."

This was what qualified as a date for them, but they were lucky to have even these, they knew.

Thena sighed, looking down at her watch, "time's almost up."

"I know," Gil commiserated, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Don't worry, I'll schedule everything. You'll have time to breathe, if nothing else."

She looked up at him, winding their fingers together, "you're all the air I need."

Gil kissed her forehead, "I love you too, Thena."

She gave up his hand reluctantly.

He gave her a grin, "very poetic, ma'am. Are you sure you need someone to write your speeches for you?"

"Shush," she rolled her eyes, but at least smiled again before he pulled away from her. "Fine, let them in."

He gave her a look from the door. "Twelve more hours."

Twelve more hours until she could actually be with the man she loved.

[peppermintquartz]

Chimney is striding towards a tall, dark-haired man who is currently checking the cockpit of a helicopter. Time is of the essence, but they will still need to wait for Hen.

Tall guy has a nice ass, Buck thinks vaguely, a little distracted by all the activity that's going on around them. He wonders if the choppers get to go out every day. He would, if he were a pilot.

When the guy turns around, it is to reveal a handsome face: chiseled jaw, aristocratic nose, straightforward gaze, generous lips and - oh - a cleft chin. That face breaks into a broad smile, the lines crinkling at the eyes and around the mouth adding to the overall attractiveness of the features.

"Howie, hey!" Tall Handsome Guy hugs Chimney tightly, enveloping the shorter man in a sincere embrace. "Long time."

Wow. Buck blinks at the show of affection. When he gets closer, he sees that Tall Handsome Guy is actually about the same height as he is, but with a more angular face - that jawline is to die for - and he is broader in the shoulders. Even more handsome up close, too, which is totally unfair.

"This is Tommy, Tommy Kinard. He used to be at the 118," Chimney introduces. "Used to have a fat head, but he grew out of that."

"Thanks to you," says Tommy. He holds out a hand to Eddie and Buck.

Eddie shakes Tommy's hand first. "Eddie Diaz."

"Pleasure. And you are...?" Tommy turns to Buck.

Buck takes the proffered hand. Good God his hand is so big and strong. "Uh, Evan. E-Evan Buckley, hi."

"Hi Evan," says Tommy, smiling at Buck, the smile as warm as his hand. The name Evan sounds cozy and welcoming coming from Tommy, and for a second when Buck meets Tommy's eyes, he almost forgets to breathe. No man should be this good-looking, Buck thinks. Tommy clears his throat and his smile turns a little cheeky. "I'm gonna need that hand to fly the chopper, kid."

"Oh! Oh, right, sorry. I was just, um, thinking. About Cap and Thena."

"Yeah, we're gonna need Hen to show soon with some coordinates," Chimney says, looking antsy. "Can't go flying all over the Gulf of Mexico."

Tommy shrugs. "We'll do what we can. Wait, I see a car pulling in. Might be her. Get in the backseat, strap yourselves in. Once I get Hen clear of Melton, we'll dash. Hopefully she has a good cover story..." His cheeks puff out and he lets out an exaggerated exhale. Then he grins at the three. "If we're all arrested, can I blame it on you, Howie?"

"Yeah I really twisted your arm with the 'Please help us save Cap and Athena'." Chimney climbs in after Eddie.

"You know it's because of your irresistibly pretty face," says Tommy dryly, helping Buck get in, a hand on his elbow. "Alright, put those helmets on. Careful, Evan."

Buck manages to catch Tommy's faint frown just before the pilot takes his seat and starts up the engine, go over his checks or whatever pilots do. Tommy's concerned, which isn't a surprise. They're asking a huge favor.

But it's so cool that he is throwing in his lot with them, just like that. Buck doesn't think there are many people who would do this. Tommy Kinard really is pretty cool.

"Alright. She's ready to go when we are," says Tommy. He opens his door and slides out. To the trio, he says, "Don't touch anything. I'm gonna hang out near Melton and run intercept."

"We'll behave," Eddie says, holding up his hand like a Scout.

Tommy only rolls his eyes and chuckles before jogging away to the main hangar. Buck can't help noticing how the flight suit pulls over the man's shoulders and ass as he moves.

Wonder what his workouts are like, Buck muses. Maybe more squats and lifts.

Now, all they have to do is wait for Hen to show.

--

edited on AO3

Tommy's POV

[redheadspark]

Can you write that Druig x Fem!eternal!reader have a fighting training moment, he tease her little bit during that so...😏 just fluff

A/N - Hey! Sorry for taking so long, I had to finish my prompt session! This was amazing to write, thanks for requesting this, anon!

Soft

Summary - Druig knows how to talk, but you know how to fight.

Warnings - Some teasing and some fluff :)

“Again.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, do it again,”

You eyed him as he was making fists at his sides, his icy blue eyes were watching you like a predator who was eyeing his game.  To him, he probably thought this was a game, which made sense since he was the one who wanted to spar with you and learn how to fight.  Properly fight, in his words.  

But for him to ask you?  That threw you off since you knew you weren’t the best fighter amongst all the Eternals.  That was left to Thena, she made fighting look so easy and almost like a dance.  Even Gilgamesh was better at fighting than you were, with his brute strength he would knock a boulder back as if it were a flower petal.

Druig was no fighter, being the mind reader of you all he stayed out of the physical fights against the Deviants.  He could control a crowd of humans instantly with a simple gaze, so there was no real need for him to get his hands dirty.  

But he was intrigued and wanted to learn, which is what brought him to you one afternoon on the Domo before you were going to go on patrol with Gilgamesh.

“You just wanna….learn?” You asked him, seeing him fold his hands behind his back and simply give you his signature smirk and a shrug.

“Better to prepare myself in case it’s needed,” He replied smoothly, you giving him a suspicious look.  Druig was always mysterious to those around him, whether he tried to be or not.  There was always something hidden within him that no one could pinpoint, and this was one of those instances.  You looked from him to Gilgamesh, who simply shrugged and chuckled as you looked back at Druig.

“Why me?” You asked, seeing him smirk at you as his eyes drilled into yours.

“I heard you’re an excellent teacher,” he smoothly replied.  Gilgamesh snickered behind you, and you felt the tips of your ears burning.  Something in your mind was telling you that he was playing games with you, wanting to get a rise out of you and make you sweat.  He was always like this with the others, with you, when it came to his own amusement.  Snide remarks, and jokes under the breath, but they were all harmless in a way.  Yet this time, just in the way he said it and in how he was observing you for your reaction, you didn’t feel like giving him the light of day.

“Fine,” You replied shortly, seeing him grin widely in return.  

“Fine,” he echoed.  But you were already thinking of a great way to teach him how to fight.

By breaking him.

“Druig, I’m not gonna keep going if you’re on the verge of breaking an arm,” you advised him as he was souring off again, his feet planted on the ground and the adrenaline still seeping through his skin.  You could see it, his energy draining him with every round you two were doing.  It was making you want to ease and pull back a bit, but the other times you tried he was pushing you to not hold back with him.  From the very start, he wanted you to be hard with him, which surprised you when you both met up together in one of the smaller rooms in the Domo that was turned into a makeshift training room.

“I don’t want easy, understand?”

“You sure you wanna request that?”

“Yes. Don’t hold back with me,”

“I can do It,” he said to you, but even his voice sounded out of breath with his hair plastered to his head.  You rolled your shoulders, feeling some of the strain yourself since you both were sparring rather hard this day.  It was getting hard for you to find a good spot to pin him down, he was a faster learner and was picking up on questions and punches quickly.  Compared to the very beginning, you would be throwing him over your shoulder within two moves or knocking him off his feet with a swipe of your leg.  He wasn’t quick or light on his feet, he mostly had lead feet and slow hands.  

But if there was one thing Druig would never do, was quit.  

He took every beating and every defeat, his skin would be covered in bruises and his muscles would scream out in strain as the days rolled by.  But he would always show up, you think that he would fold after the first week or two.  Not that you had no faith in him, you did to a certain point.  But Druig was never a fighter by nature, and for him to go against his nature didn’t seem like him at all.  

“I’m not saying you can’t, I’m saying I won’t.” You changed your wording, though now he was giving you an inquisitive look while you placed your hands on your hips.

“Sounds like you’re going soft on me,” he teased to which you raised a brow.

“This coming from you who is about to collapse in exhaustion,” You countered back, though he cracked a big grin.  You knew this was part of his game, using his words as a weapon to try his opponent off.  He did it with Ikaris so many times, along with Sprite when those two would get in a spat.  But now he was trying it with you, and you were trying your best to not let it show.

“You would like to see that, wouldn’t you?” He hummed, maybe hoping that you would smile.  But it was only giving your more adrenaline, to wipe the smirk off his face and to make him eat his words.  He saw your fists at your sides getting tighter and tighter, your legs locking in, and your eyes training in on him.

“Fine, we’ll go one more round,” You replied shortly, Druig’s smirk getting a bit bigger.  Perhaps he thought he got the best rise out of you and was going to win this little game he liked to play. But then again, he must not have known the side of you that you rarely showed the others, only in the heat of battle.  

“You know, softness does look good on you,” He said lightly.  You felt the lick of adrenaline come back over you again from his words, which were trying to shoot you like darts and trying to penetrate you.  But all you wanted to do at this point was shut him up, to somewhat put him in his place with how he was treating you.  There was no doubt you two were friends, but he also knew how to use his words to make himself feel superior.  It worked on Ikaris, on Sprite, and now he was trying to work it on you.

No. Not gonna happen

You made it across the room in a few strides, dodging the first punch he threw out with ease, and threw one back.  The sparring was brutal now, both of you going swiftly and with ease as punches and kicks were being thrown left and right.  Neither one of you were holding back, some cheap shots to the jaw or to the ribs and you dodging everything he gave you.  You did the same with him, noticing how quick he was now and simply not just trying to avoid a punch. 

But he got you in a good enough hold with both of your arms, his own arms wrapped around yours tightly as he was pressed against your side.  You tried to shrug it off one or twice, but he had some strength against him now as he chuckled right against you, almost in your ear.  His body heat longing for yours, his sweat mingling with yours, and simply being this close was enough to make you almost forget the position you were in.  The kind of intimacy that you had with the others being on the ship for so long together, you all had a connection of family and of leaning on one another.  

But this, this was different, this felt like a different kind of intimacy that you never felt before. The kind to make your heart beat a bit faster, to make your head a bit lighter, and that sense of safety being close to him.  But it was odd since he was always there, from the moment you all came to Earth.  Yet now, it felt like a shift.

“I like seeing this side of you, you know,” he said against your ear, making you almost shiver as you were still trapped in his hold, “And to think I got you all soft too,”

You glared.  That did it.

Pivoting with your leg, you pushed it up to be parallel to your body, then pushed Druig a bit to have your foot hit him square in the head as a distract him.  It worked, his grip on your arms loosening slightly but enough to have you move.  Throwing your leg back down as he stumbled from being kicked between the eyes, you know him back with your body and turn to back him.  You knocked him off his feet with your leg within a millisecond, seeing him fall on his back and you perched over him.  Grabbing his arm to pin it down with one hand and the other hand on his neck, right on a pulse point where you knew was his weak spot.

It all happened so quickly, one minute he had you pinned against him and the next he was pinned beneath you on the ground.  But something inside of you snapped, something animalistic and that wanted to prove that you weren’t going to be swayed by him.  You knew your own strength, your own worth when it came to being in a fight, and your ability.  But the way Druig was looking up at you, pinned to the ground and having no way of getting out of it, you saw something in his eyes.  There wasn’t hate, nor was there rage that you won at his own game.

Shock?  Astonishment?  What was it?

“Am I soft now?” You asked, your hand on his neck still soft enough to let him breathe but there was still a grip to keep him in control.  He gulped, you feeling it along your fingers as his blue eyes were searching yours.  Now he was hard to read, which was bothering you now since you felt like you went too far in both kicking him in the head and slamming him to the ground.  But then again, he was keeping his eyes on you.  No longer was he looking at you like some prize, there was another way he was looking at you.  Yet you couldn’t pinpoint it.

“No,” He gasped, not in pain, but out of breath.  Slowly, you were moving your hand away from his neck, right where you were feeling his pulse dancing against his skin and along your fingers.  This was a new sense of intimacy neither of you ever experienced with one another before, and it was fresh and raw and new.  Something inside of you was frightened by this, but it also felt….right. 

You released his arm and his neck, moving quickly to go back up on your feet and holding your hand out for him to grasp.  He was still sprawled on the floor, frozen like he was stuck against the ground, and had his eyes still on you in amazement.  You surprised him plenty of times in sparring sessions, yet this didn’t look like a surprise.  It looked like he was….having an out-of-body movement.

“We’re done for the today, okay?” You asked gently, seeing him finally move his arm up to grasp your hand.  You hoisted him up, seeing him nod his head and still silent as you smiled.  The mood was still tense amongst the pair of you, but it was better than how it was a moment before when you two were tangled in each other’s arms.  

“Come on, let’s get some food,” You said to him, seeing him smile in return for the first time.  It made you feel better to see him smile, not to see him scowl or seem angry with how you handled him. But then again he did ask for you not to hold back, to not reserve your strength to him.  You walked on, thinking he was behind you as you were feeling rather flushed from what just occurred.

You didn’t realize that you left Druig there, speechless with one of his hands reaching up to touch his neck where your fingers were.  You didn’t realize that his mind was turning and wandering to new thoughts, and new feelings.  

You especially didn’t realize that he was suddenly enraptured with you.

The End.

Tagging - @a-lumos-in-the-nox @botanicalbarnes @virtueassassin @saradika @heartofwritiing @pemberlyy @heliosphere8 @reader6898

[pasukiyo]

YOU'RE ALWAYS GONNA BE MINE

| PROLOGUE

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

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

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

‘Dear Lily,

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

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

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

 With all my love,

                                 The Princess’

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

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

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

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

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

 “My knickers are not in a tw–”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 “Sweet dreams, princess.”

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

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

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

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

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

 “Remus?” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[calicomarie11]

Evan and Tommy are sitting at the table in Evan’s loft, a couple of beers in front of them and relaxing now that the clean up from dinner is done.

“So, how’s Bobby handling retirement?” Tommy asks.

“Still fighting to come back, but he does start a temporary gig tomorrow.” Evan answers. “He’s going to be a technical advisor on Hotshots.”

Tommy looks impressed. “That’s a big deal. That show is huge.”

Evan shrugged, “I’ve never seen it.” 

“What do you mean, you’ve never watched Hotshots? How could you miss it. It’s been the hottest show on TV for the past 2 years.” Tommy’s voice is filled with incredulity as he stares at Evan. “We have viewing parties at Harbor, even the off shift crew comes in if they don’t need to sleep.”

Evan lifts a hand to rub the back of his neck and shrugs sheepishly. “I know it exists, I’ve seen the billboards, it’s just….” he trails off and looks towards the ceiling, his go to move when he’s being evasive. 

“What, did you sleep with the star during your Buck 1.0 days?” Tommy teases him.

“Not the star.” Buck takes a breath and fiddles with his beer bottle, tearing strips off the outside as he talks. “So, you are not the first TK that I’ve dated. I used to be off and on with Taylor Kelly.”

Tommy interrupts “The Taylor Kelly who wrote a tell all about the 118? That was your ex-girlfriend? What a bitch.”

“Yeah, well, we weren’t a good fit. Anyways, after she published the book it got picked up for development and Hotshots was the end result. I think she’s even working on the show as a consultant. I didn’t read her book and I’m not about to watch her show.” 

“I can’t believe I didn’t put that together.” Tommy sits back, a thoughtful look on his face. “So does that mean the characters on the show are based on the 118?” He cocks his head and studies Evan and then slaps his hand down on the table. “Holy shit, you’re Sandy.”

“Sandy?” Evan asks, his nose wrinkling adorably in confusion.

“Blaine “Sandy” Sanderson. He’s kind of the show’s punching bag. Last season an ambulance rolled over on top of him during an earthquake and crushed his arm.  This year the season opener had him trapped in a mudslide with his best friends kid.”

Evan takes a slow pull on his beer as he processes that. “Why do you think I’m Sandy?”

“Well, he gets hurt a lot, he’s a daredevil, he’s got a heart of gold, he’s a bit naive, and he always has a collection of fun facts that relate to the rescue at hand.”  

“And that’s what you think of me?” Evan asks with a frown.

“No, baby. But superficially it matches up.” Tommy reaches out to cover Evan’s hand with his own.

“Okay.” Even still looks put out, but a little intrigued. “So, what about the other characters?”

Tommy sits back and purses his lips. “Well, Bea is obviously a stand in for Hen, and Shaft must be Chimney.”

Evan interrupts “Shaft?”

“A nickname they never bother to explain.” 

Evan nods. “Yeah, we never did tell her how Chimney got his name. Who else?”

“Well, the captain’s name is Billy, but everyone calls him Cap and he’s married to a police detective named Artemis.” 

“And you’re just now putting this together?” Even quirks an eyebrow at Tommy.

Tommy holds up his hands in defense. “Hey, I wasn’t exactly expecting to see my old house on the hottest show on television. I started watching before I met you.” 

“So is that it? Me, Cap, ‘Thena, Hen and Chim?”

Tommy looks away and shifts in his seat. “There’s also Ricky.”

“Ricky?”

Tommy sighs. “Ricardo “Ricky” Noches. Air Force veteran, single dad to an autistic kid, and Sandy’s best friend.”

“She made Chris autistic?” The outrage is clear in Evan’s voice. “I know she didn’t spend much time with him, but that is supremely uncool.” Evan sinks back in his seat, a look of frustration on his face.

“There’s more.” Tommy says matter of factly.

Evan huffs. “Alright, lay it on me. How much worse can it get.”

Tommy hums and looks around the room, avoiding eye contact with Evan. “There’s a significant portion of the fan base for the show that “ships” Sandy and Ricky.”

“Ships?” Evan says, his face a mask of confusion.

“It means they think they should be in a romantic relationship. Their ship name is Randy.” Tommy says.

Evan sinks into his seat, his brow furrowed. “So, the people who watch this show, based on my life, think that I should be, what, dating Eddie?” 

Tommy holds his breath and nods. 

Evan stares at him for a long moment, a riot of expressions crossing his face, before he bursts out in laughter. It takes him a few minutes to get himself under control, the giggles rising each time he thinks he’s ready to speak. 

He finally wipes away the tears from his laughing jag. “That would be an epic disaster. Don’t get me wrong, I love him like a brother, but he has more trauma than me, and that’s saying something.” 

 Tommy lets out a breath of relief. “I’ll pass that on to Donato.”

“Lucy?” Evan shoots him a look of confusion.

“Oh, yeah, she’s a big Randy fan.  Spends way too much time on shift reading fan fiction.”

Evan lifts an eyebrow at him. “Do you think she knows?”

“That it’s based on people she knows?”

“Yeah.”

Tommy hmphs. “I’ll be sure to tell her.” 

Comments and Kudos AO3 are greatly appreciated

[leahnardo-da-veggie]

The Tragedy of Love, Death and Maggots part 6

Part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5

We were at the border to the cultists' territory when Mrin stopped us. “Athena was here,” she told us. “Look at the markings on the wall.”

Indeed, there were nasty little marks on the off-white walls, in the shape of rather inappropriate and anatomical figures. The only person who would have the immaturity to do such a thing, as well as the guts to do it in the heart of the cultists' lair, would be that damned girl.

I sighed. “Of course it's her. Who else would draw dicks on the walls of hell?” I shook my head. “Fool child. Do you have any idea how long ago she passed through here?” For all that she had one eye, Mrin's sight served her better than the rest of ours combined. If anyone could figure it out, it would be her. 

“What am I, your blood hound? I can't tell-” she stopped and took a closer look at the markings. “Oh. She was here not long ago. Look, the ink on the wall hasn't dried yet.” 

“Oh, thank the heavens! We might be able to catch her if me hurry,” Brett exclaimed. “Come on, come on! We've gotta get to her before something else does.” His breath hitched, and that sunny smile of his cracked. “If- if ‘thena got hurt, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself!”

Ah, the follies and passions of youth. I shook my head and gave Mrin my signature grin, the one we used to exchange two years ago, back when it was the two of us and she had two eyes. She returned it, hesitantly, showing off yellowing, chipped teeth. 

Before anything could pass between us, Brett put his hands on our shoulders and pushed, sending me careening down the hall. “Hurry up,” he demanded. There was a wildness in his eyes, like an animal being chased down. “There's not much time left.”

Mrin sighed. “There's never any time, Brett. I know you're worried about her, but we can't afford to rush in. The cultists are dangerous, and if we get caught unprepared, we'll be unable to save ourselves, let alone Athena.” 

I nodded in agreement. “Besides, we don't even know where she's gone. Sure, she's here, but here can be in the congregation hall of the cultists or in some random corner, and we need time to work out which exactly it is.”

He held that look of cornered terror for a moment longer, begging us to change our minds. Then he gave up and nodded. “Alright. I take it we're scouting the lair first? Knowing her, that's where she'll be.” 

“Yeah, sure.” I started forward again, keeping up with Brett as we made our way towards the home of the greatest monsters in our little hell.

Taglist:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@unrepentantcheeseaddict, @the-inkwell-variable

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

[firehousefreak911]

Idk if you would write this but could you do something where the reader is bobby’s daughter and she’s a doctor but he hasn’t seen her in a long time until he walks into the hospital with Buck or something?

Dad

You were working a double shift at the hospital. It had been nothing but incoming trauma for hours. You finally had a second to breathe. You were standing at the nurses desk filling out paperwork when you heard a familiar voice.

“I’m telling you I’m fine, I don’t need to be seen” you heard the man say.

The woman accompanying him responded, “Athena is already on her way, so it’s probably safer if you get checked out”

You turned around and saw the last person you expected to see, your dad. The last time you saw him was about 6 years ago when he showed up to your dorm room drunk out his mind.

The paramedic with him saw you looking over and motioned for you.

“You had got caught, cover blown “ you thought, you put on a fake smile and walk over.

“Hi, I’m Doctor…”you began when he cut you off.

“Y/n?” He said looking hopeful. He had tried many times to reach out since he got sober but you stopped trusting him and his apologies.

“You look good” you said finally looking him in the eyes.

“Do you know each other?” Asked who you figured was Hen.

“Yeah, I’m his daughter” you said. You could tell that your dad wanted to hide. He never did well in situations like this.

“So what brings you in Captain Nash?” You ask trying to push everything away, hoping it’s not the alcohol and pills again. Hen excused herself.

“The floor I was on collapsed and I landed wrong” he said holding up a wounded wrist.

“I’m 5 years clean” he said, trying to start a conversation.

“That’s good” you said not wanting to cave.

“I tried reaching out over the years” he pushed.

You we’re trying your best not to show emotion. You heard a voice outside the curtain.

“I know” you reply.

“Well I thought it would be best if you found out from me” he started and was cut off with a beautiful woman entering the area.

“Bobby? Are you ok?” She asked, grabbing his shoulder.

“Yeah, Thena, I actually want you to meet someone” Bobby looked at this woman with so much love. It was the same look he gave your mother. It shattered you.

“this is Dr. Y/n Nash, my daughter, and this is my wife, Athena” he says introducing you.

You couldn’t help it. You run from the area and find the break room.

—

“I’m sure she’ll come around Bobby” Athena said , caressing Bobby’s good hand with her free one, as she drove home. A nurse ended up coming in a finishing up with him.

“I dont know if she will Athena, it’s been 6 years since I saw her and I was so drunk I don’t remember what happened. I’ve been trying to fix it for years, I screwed up big time and I should’ve tried harder to fix it” he said

“Bobby you have paid for your mistakes and you fight like hell everyday. But maybe she just hasn’t seen that yet.” Athena said.

Bobby nodded silently.

—back at the hospital you wipe off your face and exit the break room. Maria, the nurse who took over for you, walked up to you.

“I know you don’t want to talk to him but he asked me to give you this” she handed you a piece of paper with his number on it.

After you shift you went home. You sat on your couch looking at this number. You don’t know when you dialed it. You heard it ring and you grew nervous.

“Hello?” You heard his voice say.

“Dad?” You asked.

“Y/!N?! I’m so glad you called” he cheered

“Um can we meet? I want to see you, we need to talk” you caved. You knew it was time to forgive him.

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

Themes and Warnings: slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, violence, explicit language, sexual violence, period-typical misogyny, sexual themes, smut, tension, marriage, jealousy, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, attempted sexual assault, breastfeeding, major character death, divergent timelines

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood/Game of Thrones characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Chapter Twenty

Maera's footsteps echoed softly in the corridors as she walked back to her room, her thoughts consumed by the letters she needed to write to her sisters, full of words of congratulation and encouragement, masking her own inner turmoil. She felt a mixture of concern, responsibility, and her own lingering sadness about the situation. But as she entered her chambers, her attention was abruptly diverted from her thoughts. A knot of unease formed in her stomach at the sight that greeted her.

There, cornered by King Aegon, stood her maid Thena, clearly uncomfortable and trapped. Her ginger braids tumbling out of her cap, her chest heaving in panic. Aegon wore a sly, lustful expression, the same one he wore during Maera’s encounter with him after the family dinner, and it set Maera's blood boiling. Her voice dripped with both irritation as she demanded, "Why are you in my chambers, Your Grace?"

Aegon's smirk remained firmly in place as he responded, his words dripping with arrogance, "It's my castle, my dear Lady. I can go where I please."

Not one to back down, Maera stepped forward, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Release my servant, Aegon" she demanded firmly, her eyes narrowing as she faced the king's brazen advances.

Aegon's gaze locked onto Maera, his tone carrying a weight of authority as he questioned, "Did you just dare to command your king?" There was a challenge in his voice, a dare for her to defy his power.

Maera's mind raced but she did not outwardly flinch. She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at his arrogance, knowing that any further defiance would only worsen the situation. Instead, she quickly recalibrated her approach, sensing the potential for this situation to escalate dangerously. “I would never presume to command my king," she responded with a calm yet assertive tone. "I believe, Your Grace, that you were seeking my presence when you entered my chambers. Might I suggest that you allow Thena to continue her duties whilst I assist you?" She hoped her diplomatic approach would quell Aegon's temper.

Aegon turned to Maera, his eyes narrowing as he considered her words. After letting out an an exasperated scoff, the King slowly released one of his arms from the wall, allowing Thena to slip past him. There was a hint of irritation in his expression, but Maera forced herself to smile at him. Thena began to scurry towards the chamber doors, mouthing a desperate "thank you” to Maera, who then immediately thought of her own safety. She instructed Thena in a hushed whisper to find a guard and have him stationed outside her door, knowing that the situation could easily take a turn for the worse.

Aegon watched Thena go, his eyes lingering on her retreating figure before he turning his attention back to Maera. There's a smug, almost predatory grin on his face. "You're quite the protector of your servants, aren't you, Maera?"

She clenches her jaw, choosing her words carefully. "I treat those who serve me with respect, as they deserve.” Maera then gestured to a chair at the dining table, her voice still even, as if she were hosting any other guest in her chambers. "Please, Your Grace, have a seat. How can I be of service to you today?"

As Aegon sprawled in the chair, his wine-soaked breath wafting through the room. His figure was draped in resplendent deep green robes adorned with intricate golden embroidery of dragons, the unmistakeable sigil of the Targaryen dynasty. Surprisingly, he inquired about Maera's adjustment to life at court, which immediately sets Maera on edge. Wary of the conversation's direction, she replied courteously, "I've settled in well, Your Grace, thank you. I find great satisfaction in serving Queen Helaena, and I've had the pleasure of growing close to the royal children.”

Aegon leaned back with a satisfied grin, revealing his intentions. "Excellent," he said. "I wanted to discuss something with you. The Harvest Moon Ball is approaching, and I plan to go hunting a few days before it. I’ve invited some of the other Lords and Ladies to join me as well.” He reaches across the table and pours himself some wine, gulping it down and wiping his face on his sleeve before continuing. “I'd like you to join us on the hunt, Lady Maera. I'm sure the fresh air and excitement will do you good. And your King has not had the pleasure of your company since you first arrived here."

Maera hesitated, internally wrestling with her feelings of reluctance to spend any more time than necessary with the king. She chose her words carefully, aiming to maintain a façade of respect while trying to gauge his intentions. "Your Grace, I am deeply honored by your invitation, but I believe I should seek permission from Queen Helaena before making such a commitment. Her well-being, and that of her children, are my priority.”

Aegon's voice hardened as he replied, "I am the King, Maera. My authority supersedes Queen Helaena's in this matter." Aegon takes another drink from the goblet, some of the wine splashing onto his robes. “My mother will stay with my wife and children on the day of the hunt.”

Maera felt trapped. She knew that Aegon's pursuits on a hunt often involved excessive drinking and debauchery, and the thought of being there to witness such a site made her uncomfortable. Maera attempted to diplomatically voice her concern, "I am not certain if joining a hunt would be considered appropriate for a Lady of my station, Your Grace."

Aegon's laughter was almost mocking. "Oh, I assure you, Lady Maera, I won't be the one to inform your father of your unbecoming behavior. Consider it an exception for the sake of your King.”

Maera was uncertain whether Aegon was aware of her secret sparring sessions with Aemond, and she wisely chose not to press the matter. Reluctantly, she agreed to the king's request, unable to decline outright. "Very well, Your Grace. I shall do as my king commands and accompany you on the hunt."

Aegon grinned at her response before leaning back in the chair, studying her with a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "I’m curious, Maera. What does a Lady who is experienced with swordplay and hunting wear to such an event?" he mused, a subtle edge to his tone.

Maera knew that the King’s conversation was beginning to turn. so she responded with a forced smile, to end the conversation quickly. "I shall wear my riding leathers, Your Grace, as they are most suitable for a hunt."

Aegon's smile widened, and she could practically see the wheels turning in his mind. "Of course," he purred. "I do hope they cling to your figure so I may get a better look. Seven Hells, the Gods have blessed you with such curves. Although, I’m sure riding leathers won’t give me as good of a view of your breasts as this lovely dress does.”

Aegon's unwelcome lewd comments about her body sent shivers down Maera's spine, making her acutely aware of her vulnerability. Her instinctive reaction was to cover her chest, where the small white scar bore witness to her first sparring match with Aemond. As she moved to excuse herself, Aegon's demeanor suddenly darkened and he also rose from his seat.

“I do love a hunt, Maera. The anticipation of the chase is so thrilling.” Aegon took a step closer, and Maera instinctively took one back. She wouldn’t let him intimidate her, and spied around her chambers for the quickest way to the exit. She knew how unpredictable Aegon could be, especially when he'd been drinking.

As she tried to step away, Aegon gripped both of her arms with his hands, applying an enormous amount of pressure. Maera tried to shake them off but she could not. She then tried to step around him but could not. Maera's heart raced, but she maintained her composure.

Aegon backed her against the dining table, and Maera's eyes widened with fear as he continued to speak inappropriately.

“You’ve been avoiding me since that night, when you refused me. But I will not be refused again.” Aegon’s gaze wandered over her form with an almost predatory intent, his iron grip on her arms crushing.

Her voice trembled as she spoke, "You're hurting me." Ignoring Maera’s pleas, Aegon continued with his vile advances, her words only seemed to inflame his twisted desires. The King's intentions were becoming unmistakably sinister.

Fear gnawed at her as he threatened her modesty, reaching for the ribbons of her dress. Panic set in, and Maera attempted to push him away. Aegon responded with brute force, shoving her so that she tumbled to the floor, the corner of the table colliding painfully with the back of her neck as she hit the stone. He descended upon her like a predator, his hands clawing at her dress. Maera's mind raced with terror as she grappled to free herself, but Aegon's strength was overwhelming. Fear coursed through her veins as Aegon attempted to lift her skirts. Maera struggled, writhed, and fought against him as hard as she could, but to no avail.

"Get the fuck off me!" Desperation clawed at her throat, and she screamed for help, but her cries were stifled as Aegon covered her mouth with one of his hands.

In her darkest moment, as she feared the worst, salvation arrived. The door swung open, and Ser Arryk, the knight, burst into the room, his eyes narrowing as he quickly assessed the horrifying scene. Without hesitation, he intervened, pulling the crazed king away from her, potentially preventing a terrible violation. Maera remained on the floor, trembling and clutching the front of her dress, her breaths coming in ragged bursts and she felt an overwhelming urge to vomit from the sheer shock of the encounter. The world around her seemed to blur, her thoughts consumed by the harrowing ordeal.

Thena swiftly arrived, wrapping a shawl around Maera to preserve her modesty, offering the only comfort she could in such a horrifying moment. Maera's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she huddled beneath the fabric, grateful for the small sense of protection it provided.

Meanwhile, Aegon's fury erupted as he berated Ser Arryk with a venomous intensity, demanding an explanation for his interference. Maera could hear their voices, but their words seemed distant, as if she were underwater. Maera could still feel his grip on her, his foul intentions weighing on her like a nightmare. Ser Arryk's voice cut through the fog in her mind, explaining the urgency of his intrusion. “My King, the lord Hand has called a small council meeting urgently. There is news that Daemon has been spotted in the Vale on Caraxes.”

The news was unexpected, and the gravity of the situation managed to pull Maera partially back to reality. Aegon's demeanor shifted abruptly, his attention torn between the small council meeting and Maera on the floor. He looked down at her, his eyes narrowing, and a twisted smile curled his lips.

With a chillingly sly tone, he remarked “I look forward to see you on the hunt, my Lady,” a stark contrast to the horrifying incident that had just unfolded. Without another word, he exited the room with Ser Arryk in tow, the doors closing behind them.

Maera could no longer contain the emotions that engulfed her and let out a guttural scream, the sound echoing through the chambers, mixed with her cries of distress. Thena rushed to her side, holding her, trying to provide some form of comfort amidst the chaos. Maera screamed and screamed, as her thoughts raced around in her head. Maera grappled with the feelings of being trapped, violated, and weak, reduced to a mere plaything for the King’s amusement. The helplessness she experienced during Aegon's attempted assault haunted her, and her fists clenched involuntarily. Thena held her trembling form, rocking her gently in an attempt to provide some solace amid the storm that has enveloped her Lady.

Maera sat on her bed, parchment and quill in hand, but her thoughts were a turbulent whirlwind of anguish and anger. Her body bore the physical marks of Aegon's assault - bruises on her forearms and the back of her neck, grim reminders of the traumatic encounter. Tears continued to flow silently down her cheeks, her eyes unable to cease their stream. She wanted to write to her sisters, to offer them some comfort and guidance, but her thoughts were consumed by the horrors of what had transpired.

Beside her, Thena dutifully applied salve to the discolored bruises on Maera’s arms and neck, hoping to soothe the painful reminders etched into her lady's skin. Her touch was gentle, an attempt to bring some relief to the shades of black and purple that had now formed. Concern etched across Thena’s face, she wished desperately to comfort her lady.

"Perhaps some stew from the kitchen would do you good, Lady Maera," Thena suggested softly, placing a hand on Maera's trembling shoulder, causing the lady to flinch slightly. Maera shook her head, her appetite nonexistent. She could feel the nausea churning in her stomach, the mere thought of food making her stomach turn. Thena persisted, suggesting a slice of blackberry pie instead, perhaps a sweet treat to lift Maera's spirits, but the lady shook her head once more, staring blankly at the parchment in her hand.

Thena's eyes filled with concern as she continued her work. "My lady, you need sustenance. It's been hours since you've had a proper meal. You need to keep your strength up."

"I don't want to eat," Maera replied, her words a mixture of frustration and sadness. "I can't even think about food right now."

Tears welled in Thena's eyes as she looked upon her lady, her heart aching for the pain she saw. "I'm so sorry, my lady," she whispered. "It should've been me, not you."

Maera's eyes snapped to her maid, a fierce look of opposition flashing in her eyes. "Don't you dare say that," she retorted, her voice firm. "No one should endure such cruelty. It was not your fault."

Finally, the application of salve was complete, and Maera wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She took a deep breath, her mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions. She looked at Thena and managed a small, appreciative smile.

"It’s been a challenging day for all of us. Take your leave and get some rest, I need to be left alone for a while," Maera requested. She also asked the maid to inform Queen Helaena that she had fallen ill and needed a few days to recuperate. The excuse would allow her the solitude she needed to come to terms with her pain.

Thena agreed to carry out Maera's wishes and as prepared to leave the chambers, Maera had one more request. "Find a knight, Thena, someone trustworthy, and have them stand guard outside my door. I… I worry Aegon might return to finish what he started.” The servant nodded in understanding and left the chamber.

Left alone in the dimly lit room, the tears still wet on her cheeks, Maera sat with the parchment before her. With trembling hands, she finally put quill to paper, writing words of congratulations to her sisters, words that masked her inner turmoil, words that would hide her pain. A bellowing roar was heard and Maera could see Ēbrion from her window, emerging from the immense cavern that served as his lair on the beach. Even from her chambers, Maera could see the moonlight reflecting off of the beasts’ scales, a mesmerizing blend of deep blues and inky blacks.

Flapping his wings sending the sand dancing across the shoreline, Ēbrion ascends into the heavens, his form silhouetted by the veiled moon. He pierces through the thick, grey clouds, and his majestic silhouette swallowed by the darkness.

[callsigndragon]

The Christmas Date | Chapter 11: Christmas makes me cry

Pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Fem!Kerner!Reader

(Ron Kerner is Slider, Iceman’s backseater)

Wordcount: 2.3k

Summary: Y/n “Athena” Kerner and Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw hate each other. Everybody knows. What happens when they have to fake date for a whole week to avoid Iceman and Slider’s matchmaking plans?

(there won’t be smut in this series)

Warnings: maJOR ANGST. Thena has a panic attack. anxiety. you know the deal. major fluff to compensate at the end. partial nudity (there's underwear on in the characters involved so don't worry)

A/N: Okay so this came to me randomly a few hours ago and i just...had to write it. This episode was supposed to be completely different but my heart wasn't having it so I changed it. Pros: Solo won't be doing anything more to thena (you're welcome). Cons: you're not gonna get rid of the other part of the angst that's is coming in the next chapters. FINAL ANGST I SWEAR. maybe.ALSO this chapter is a bit weird, you'll notice a song in the middle of the text, IF YOU CAN LISTEN TO IT WHILE READING THAT PART. You'll thank me later.

Taglist: @ducks118 @milestellerwife @craftymoonchaos @littlebadariell   @xoxabs88xox  @alexxavicry @tayrae515 @shrimping-for-all  @mak-32 @my-soulmate-is-mycroft @harper1666 @purplevortexx @abaker74 @ssprayberrythings @melllinaa @loveless-simp  @k-k0129 @mygyn @castle-bookworms-world @chaoticversion @one-sweet-gubler @loveforaugust

@taytaylala12 @benhardysdrumstick @green-intervention @waatermelon-sugaar @smells-like-perfect-senses @interstellarloneliness @tay-bluey @diggorycullen @dhwanishah09 @inky-sun @luckyladycreator2 @nograce-nomercy @witchybabel

(If you want to be added, write in the comments!)

Previous | Next | Masterlist

His lips wake you up, as if he were a prince wanting to rescue his princess from an eternal slumber. 

“Not now, I want to sleep more,” you whine, pulling up the covers and hiding underneath them. 

“I woke up early and went to get you some nice French toast from that place you like. I got you one of those fancy coffees with unpronounceable names and arranged it all in front of the fireplace, where my dad’s Polaroid album is waiting. You’re getting out of bed now, please?”  

Oh, shit. The album! You kick the covers away from you, hugging Rooster and covering his face in kisses. His giggles make you smile. “Morning, handsome nugget.” 

“Morning, beautiful grouchy.” 

You move back a bit to look in his eyes, sighing at what you see in them: pure love and adoration. “Why did you go all the way out for me?” 

“First of all, you deserve it, so shut up. Second,” he sighs, getting up from the bed, “I wanted to make this morning a bit easier for you before going to the station to report… the monster.” 

You swallow, looking at the floor. “I’m not gonna report him” 

“What?” 

“We’re leaving in two days, I don’t think it’s necessary. We won’t see him again after this” you shrug. 

“Sweetheart, this is not how things work. You know it.” He kneels in front of you, opening his hands and waiting for you to grab them. You don’t.

“I-I know but I can’t go to the station and talk about it. I’m doing my best to block those memories, but they’re so recent, a-and I…” Someone knocks at the door and you begin to tremble, tears welling up in your eyes. 

Are the walls moving closer? Why does it look like the room is getting smaller? You can’t breathe. Run. You can’t. You can’t move. 

“Oh no, no, no. Grouchy, look at me.” 

You can’t. Your eyes are closed, protecting you from the outside world and the white, menacing walls that keep getting closer and closer as if trying to crush you between them. 

“Thena. Thena, please. Look at me. Only at me.” 

Someone is touching you. The monster has finally gotten what he wanted. He’s carrying you around, maybe looking for a bed to lay you down. You need to get out of his arms. You hit him everywhere you can, but it’s not working. He’s stronger than you. 

The soft knock is now an insistent banging against the wooden door. Erratic and incessant sounds that echo in your ears. Is he here again? Has he come to finish what he couldn’t yesterday? 

Make it stop.

Make it stop. 

Make. 

It. 

Stop. 

Rooster looks at the trembling girl in front of him, not knowing exactly what to do. He can’t touch her, not like this. He can’t get consent from Thena, he’s not going to touch her. But if he can’t ground her back to reality soon, she’s going to get worse. 

I’m sorry, Y/n. I’m sorry for this.

Rooster carries her to the bathroom, bridal style. She screams, hits him, and tries to escape, too immersed in her own nightmare to realize that the monster is not there. The person knocking on the door is becoming impatient. Probably Slider, worried about her daughter’s screams. Rooster can’t open the door now. He needs to take care of Thena first. 

The world can wait five fucking minutes. 

He goes straight to the shower, opening the faucet and standing in the freezing water with Thena in his arms. He doesn’t know if this is going to work, but it does for him when he has panic attacks. He’s getting soaked, but it doesn’t matter. She matters. His star is agonizing, and he needs to bring her back. 

The bedroom door bursts open, and Thena screams, tossing around in his arms and crying even more. Slider walks in the bathroom with a worried expression, followed by Iceman and Mav. 

“What the fuck is happening?” he asks with a mixture of anger and fear. 

“At this point, I think she’s hallucinating.” Rooster responds, his voice breaking down at the thought of Thena going through something he can’t help her with. “It’s Becca here?” 

She appears from behind his father, tears in her eyes. “I’m here” 

“I need you to come here and talk to her. Maybe hearing a female voice would calm her down.” 

Becca nods, stepping into the tiny shower and talking with her in that motherly tone she always uses with Jesse. Oh, Jesse. Rooster hopes he’s not seeing this. Nobody should see Thena like this. But poor Jesse might be so scared if he saw her favorite auntie in such a state. 

“Hey, sweetheart. It’s me, Becca. You’re here with me. You’re safe. Listen to my voice, please. You’re safe.” 

Becca keeps talking with her for a few minutes, with Thena’s body slowly relaxing between his arms and her eyes, which have been closed the entire time, opening slowly. She looks around, confusion spreading over her face. The trembling doesn’t stop, however. 

“Grouchy, can you hear me?” 

“N-nugget?” she mumbles, her voice hoarse for all the screaming. 

“Yes, my love, it’s nugget. I’m gonna ask you a few questions, okay? Answer if you can," she nods slowly, and Rooster employs a technique taught to him by his therapist years ago. “Tell me five things you see” 

She doesn’t move her gaze from him, as if she were scared that if she looked around, she would see the monster’s face in front of her. “You. Your scars. Y-your stache. Your wet hair. The faucet” 

“Now, four things you can feel” 

“My wet clothes. The water on my skin. Your body is trembling… are you cold?” 

“Focus now, fly girl. One more” 

“My feet on the ground” 

He nods; she's returning slowly but safely. “Three things you can hear”

“Your voice, your breathing, water running” 

Her breath slows down to a normal rhythm.

“Two things you can smell” 

“You. And soap” he looks at one of the shampoo bottles Thena had kicked when he got her in the shower, now opened and oozing. 

“One thing you can taste” 

She stops shaking. 

“Nothing. I didn’t have breakfast. Oh god, Rooster…” 

"There you are," Rooster exhales, relieved. “Please don’t go to places where I can’t follow you.” 

She hugs him harder than she's ever done before. Becca turns off the faucet, being careful not to touch Thena by accident, and steps out of the shower, getting wrapped in a towel by her dad. 

“I’m sorry,” Thena whispers. 

“Don’t. You have nothing to apologize for. Let’s take you out of these cold clothes. I’ll run you a bath and wait for you downstairs with a warm cup of chocolate.” Rooster offers, knowing that if he doesn’t warm Thena’s body, she will get a cold. 

“Don’t leave me,” she pleads. 

“Never” 

“Once you two are ready,” Becca says, talking for all, “we would like to know as much as you can tell us of what has happened here” 

Rooster looks at Thena, she looks at the ground, considering her choices, and then nods slowly. “He’ll tell you. I can’t think or hear about it. Not yet” 

The family nods, slowly leaving the bathroom and the room. “I don’t know if I can be alone with my thoughts in a bath…” 

“I can keep my underwear on and join you,” he offers. 

She nods, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. “He broke me, Roos.” 

“You’re not broken.” 

She opens her mouth to say something else but closes it quickly, as if she wasn't sure how to express her thoughts. “I’m cold” 

“I’ll get the bath started.” 

You look at Rooster getting inside the tub, leaning against the white end. You take off your clothes, you’re only wearing Rooster’s hoodie that he gave you last night, black yoga shorts, and your underwear. You’re not ready to take off your underwear yet. “Can I keep this?” you ask him, signaling to the mismatched bra and panties you’re wearing. 

“Sweetheart, you’re the one that decides, not me.” 

You nod slowly, getting closer to the tub. “This may sound contradictory because ten minutes ago I was trying to escape from your arms, but... can I sit with you?” 

“You mean, your back on my chest?” 

“If it’s okay,” you insist, asking for permission. 

He doesn’t answer, just opens his arms as a nonverbal confirmation. You smile a bit, getting inside and sitting in the middle of the tub, leaning slowly against Rooster’s body. You don’t really understand how, but he’s the only touch you can tolerate right now. Whenever he isn’t there, you miss it. Crave it, even. It’s completely illogical. 

The hot water pierces your cold skin, warming it slowly. He moves his arms to rest on each side of the tub, avoiding any more contact between you and his body. He doesn’t want you to be overwhelmed. 

“Thank you, Bradley,” you whisper. 

“Don’t need to thank me, little star” 

“Star? That's a new one," you say as you lift your hand from the warm water and grab Rooster's large one. He turns his hand, his palm facing up, and your fingers slowly trace the lines. 

“I said once that you were my Polaris. You’re my little star” 

“What if this star doesn’t shine anymore?” you question with tears in your eyes. 

He kisses your head. “You don’t need to shine to be my star” 

“Do you still want to be with me after all this?” 

And there it is, the question you have been afraid to ask. 

“Y/n look at me” 

You turn around to see his calm and comforting expression. “The only way you’re getting rid of me is when you say you don’t love me anymore” 

“I think I love you more than yesterday,” you admit shyly, his hand moving to caress your cheek. 

“And I think I love you less than tomorrow.” 

Rooster stated that he will inform your family about the monster and everything that happened not only yesterday, but years ago as well. He asked for Ice’s help, because both of you knew that once Slider learns that his best friend hid something so important from him for years, things will get uncomfortable. 

You can’t stand being in a room alone, so he hands you his headphones, looks for a playlist that he has on Spotify named ‘the brightest star’, and presses play. You want to ask him why the playlist is called like that, but you see the family entering the room, and you know that it’s the moment to tune out the world. In your hands, you have Goose’s album. It’s old, and some pages seem to be, quite literally, hanging from a thread. You should get a new album, too. 

You look at all the pictures, finally finding that picture of baby you and a 4-year-old Rooster. He’s wearing his dad's glasses. It is truly a beautiful picture. Maybe you can get a copy and have it in your cockpit. 

Rooster playlist changes from a silly and happy Paramore song to a song you haven’t heard before but it has the most beautiful lyrics. 

Let your arms be a place she feels safe in. 

Wait, what’s this song about? You unlock Rooster’s phone, quickly opening the music app to read the lyrics. 

She always has trouble 

Falling asleep 

And she likes to cuddle 

While under the sheets

She loves Pop songs

And dancing, and bad trash TV

It's as if this song was talking about you. 

Has a hard time accepting 

A good compliment 

She loves her whole family

And all of her friends

It’s this playlist about you? Does he have a special selection of songs that remind him of you? 

So if you’re the one she lets in

Take it

If she gives you her heart

Don’t you break it

Let your arms be a place 

She feels safe in

This might be the most beautiful song you’ve ever heard. And you wish he would sing it to you. He has a beautiful voice. 

She’ll love you 

If you love her 

On days when

It feels like the whole 

World might cave in

Stand side by side 

And you’ll make it

She’s the best thing you’ll ever have

She’ll love you

If you love her like that

When you raise your head to look at Rooster, you notice the room is empty. It looks like he finished his story, and all of them left the room to leave you some space. 

He takes off your headphones. “What are you listening to, grouchy?” He stays silent for a few seconds until he registers the song and smiles. “Oh, is this one?”

“Roos is this-”

“Is the playlist about you? Yes. Absolutely. At first, it only had one song. When I see you smile”

"80s song, how typical of you," you say with a smile. 

“Well, the lyrics fit, don’t you think? Anyway, then I kept hearing songs on the radio that reminded me of you, or had a very deep meaning or… just like this one, it was made for you” 

“If it helps… your arms are the safest place on Earth for me” 

“And when I see you smile, I can face the world,” he admits, leaning close to your face to kiss you. 

“Agh, you’re literally DISGUSTINGLY CUTE,” Nick says, covering his eyes while walking towards the sofa, where his phone is. 

“Get lost,” you both say before closing the distance and kissing each other with so much love you feel goosebumps on your skin and tears in your eyes. 

Feeling loved has to be the best feeling in the world.

A/N: Anyone interested in hearing the playlist? Is small but cute, i swear. I'll leave it here.

[intothemultifandom]

– 𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐀 || 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫

SUMMARY: If you were only ever created to serve Arishem, it did not feel like it. Not when you’d grown to cherish your people in the South Pacific and the entirety of Earth as reverently as you did and not when your heart, artificial or not, belonged to a man from beneath the sea. PAIRINGS: Namor x Eternal!Reader TAGS/WARNINGS: fluff ; light angst ; spoilers for Eternals (2021)

If you were only ever created to serve Arishem, it did not feel like it.

Not when you’d grown to cherish your people in the South Pacific and the entirety of Earth as reverently as you did and not when your heart, artificial or not, belonged to a man from beneath the sea.

In the aftermath of Ajak’s death, of Sersei’s frantic call that detailed what was happening–it didn’t take you too long to gather your belongings, to retrieve all the documents you needed just in case before you rushed behind your house, down the pathway and towards the secluded formation that was hidden deep behind your home.

In the cove you’d created decades ago, he waits for you as he always does. Somehow always finding his way back to your little hideout, again and again, as devoted as the waves that lapped at your shore.

Skin beaded with water, dark eyes pinned on you, always on you–the man you find does not match the names he’d been given over the past five hundred years, a fraction to your own existence. 

K'uk'ulkan. Niño sin amor. Namor. 

Legends only ever depicted him as one of two things: The merciless feathered serpent god worshipped by a long existing culture or the child without love, he who would light the world aflame if only he was not shackled to the ocean. 

Here in this refuge you’d created, however, you’d learned that he was more than just that. Had spent nearly four hundred years unearthing every cavern of his mind, body and soul.

Without saying it, you know his worry has guided him through the currents today. 

“I came to make sure you were unhurt after the Earthquake,” he says lowly, lacking the teasing lilt he often greeted you with. “But it seems you might know more than me already...”.

The armour you wear is dappered in metallic [favourite colour] with [complimentary colour] accents, something he has not seen before in all of your years together.

Wearing it not even a week after the world felt Tiamut’s movement is all the evidence he needs, a damning fact that the tremors felt all over the world are more than what they are. 

Slowly, Namor rises from the water and as he does, sea-foam bubbles around him, the worry you weren’t even aware had begun to fester dispersing just the same. 

“I take it this is not for pleasure?” he continues, his nonchalance contradicted by the twitch of winged ankles. 

“I’m afraid not,” you reply in lieu of your normal greeting.

His eyes linger on the glow of your hands, of the way your shoulders and arms are taught in a way he is unfamiliar with and you’re warmly reminded that he is not the only one who has been made bare before in this cove. 

As detailed as you can, you explain to him what you had learned in the past few hours: Arishem had created your family to evolve the human species, not for their own betterment; but so their progression could provide enough energy for a Celestial to emerge from the Earth’s core once the Deviants were eliminated.

The world is ending, you reveal, almost choking on the cold, ugly truth. 

When Sersei had explained it the first time, between rasped breaths and soft cries, you didn’t allow yourself time to lament what it all meant.

But now, seeing what you’ve come to consider the architect of your very being in front you, the truth unravels in a way that you cannot deny what it is.

An anchor that will drown you, or has drowned you already, considering all you’ve lost before. The people, memories, the love. 

"We’ve never fought a Celestial before,” you admit, thinking of Thena, anguished and desperate, the echo of infinity seared into her gaze, before you think of your people and of him. “But we want this planet to be our last. I want it to be my last.” 

It is not the words, but they might as well be.  

In an instant, Namor grips your wrist, pulling you back into him as you huff with surprise. 

His arms band around your waist, keeping you caged where he can nose along the column of your neck, hear the hitch in your breath at his closeness.

“If this is then true, tell me why I shouldn’t persuade you to stay with me?” he growls lowly at the base of your throat, easily shifting between calm and not, as fluid as the sea. “I could compel you to stay here where it’s safe, where you can stay here with me,”.

You can’t help but groan under the ministrations of his teeth on your skin when he begins to nibble, hands moving towards his face as you summon every ounce of sensibility in you to turn his head away. A hard feat, given the way your blood sings as slivers of his siren melody bleed into his words. 

“Because though you would rather see the world burn, you would protect your people by any means necessary,” you gasp, feeling your fondness for him swell when he stills, caught.

For Talocan, Namor would protect his Kingdom by any means and at any cost. Even if he despised the rest of the world and would gladly burn the surface asunder, he would not condemn his people to burn, too. 

You and your family, as splintered as they’ve come to be, are the greatest gamble he can take to save them and everyone else. Even if it means he can’t join you.

Silent in his defeat, Namor–sweet, enchanting Namor– tilts your head to his languidly, leaning forward and bringing you in a kiss that makes you both want to leave and surrender yourself to him all at once.

Humming, he slots your mouths together even more as he shifts you in his arms, and you have to swallow the moan the bubbles in your throat once he pulls away, fingers digging into the flesh of your hips. 

“The ocean has given me many miracles, mi puksik’al. But it has also given me many tragedies...” he says hoarsely, after a moment.

Leaning his forehead against your own to stare you deep in the eyes, it’s a wonder he’s only ever been called cruel and monstrous things when he all he is is bewitching. Wondrous even as he pleads: “I cannot afford one more, [Your Name].” 

As he breathes, you press your nose against his and do the same. Feeling your heart break and mend all at once as you take life from his breath. 

When you first landed on Earth, you found that there was no greater resource on the planet than its ocean. Deep, vast and endless. A force that could give as easily as it took away. 

You’d revered it and its various forms the same way you did the man before you. Perhaps less than him now, you admit in this moment, when he leans back and brushes his lips against the crown of your head. 

“Come back to me,” comes the murmur. “Meent’ uts”.

Closing your eyes, all you can do is nod as you take in the scent of salt and tears, rasping, “E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le auvai” as you surge upward to breathe him in once more. 

NOTES:

Since all the Eternals all belong to different ethnic groups, Reader is Polynesian. I imagine her living somewhere on the island of Niue, as it is a coral atoll and has natural coves and chasms already though you can imagine otherwise.  

The way Reader “takes life from his breath” when pressing their forehead against Namor’s references the Maori people and the action of the hongi, which recalls the Māori legend of the creation of the first earthly woman, Hineahuone. She was formed from clay by the creator god Tāne, who then breathed life into her nostrils.

“E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le auvai” is a Samoan proverb meaning that life may take someone far from home but they will always return. Case and point: Reader and Namor. 

E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le auvai = The toloa bird flies far, but will always return to the water.

I am not an expert in the Mayan/Yucate language, which I believe is the main language Namor speaks, but I’ve taken the following translations from various online sources and apologise sincerely if its not quite right. Please correct me where I’m wrong and I’ll note it down for future reference. I’d also appreciate any reputable linguistic sources for all my fanfics moving forward, but anyway:

mi puksik’al = my heart

Meent’ uts = please

[softquietsteadylove]

We know that Gil once said to Thena: "If you love something, you protect it. It's the most natural thing in the world". Can we have a scenario when Thena says it back to Gil? Tysm!! P.S. you are a delight and a very talented writer, I love all of your fics!

"Feels like the good old days."

Thena chose to ignore him as he joined her on the roof atop their little home for two. The more he said that the more she felt like snapping at him that there was no such thing as good old days anymore.

But he would not deserve that.

Gilgamesh sat himself next to her, legs over the edge, leaning back on his palms despite the heat the roof absorbed from the relentless sun. He looked up at the sky, showing symptoms of dusk.

"You're not sleeping."

She was, she could argue. She slept briefly when he went out to forage for food, or find a human outpost with trade. She slept when he was not around to fall victim to her. "I am."

"Thena."

"If you are not here to witness it, then-"

"Thena," Gilgamesh persisted, turning to look at her. She maintained her resistance to looking at him. "Hey."

She finally did, taking him in under the soft light of evening. Australia had very brief evenings after very long days. It made the slim sliver of soft light feel elusive and precious.

"You're safe here," Gil whispered - pleaded - as he raised his hand to her cheek. He brushed his thumb over the bone of her cheek. "You know that, right?"

Thena resisted the urge to lean into his touch with everything she could muster.

"I need you to know that."

Gilgamesh had worked tirelessly since they arrived on the continent. From walking them all the way out here, hand in hand, to preparing this plot of land to laying the foundation for their house, he did everything.

Houses weren't built overnight. They had been out here for some time now. How much exactly, she couldn't know. Sometimes days passed in a blur, sometimes she passed out for days at a time.

"Do you know that, Thena?" Gil whispered to her, pulling her hand up to cradle his cheek in the same way. He leaned into it freely, leading her by example. He looked at her with those soft, brown eyes of his. "You know that you're safe with me, right?"

He was so concerned about her feeling safe with him, without so much as a thought to how unsafe he was with her.

Thena lifted her eyes to his. "When you love something, you protect it."

They were the clearest words she had spoken in days.

Gil's face contorted, both melting with affection and pained as he did so. He moved closer to her, letting out a sigh. "Protecting me, huh?"

He always understood what she was saying, no matter how few words she had to spare. She could no longer protect him in the way they once had done for each other. This was her coming to grips with however she could protect him now. And that included - and in many ways was limited to - only resting when he wasn't around to suffer any potential consequences.

Gilgamesh leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers, their breath mingling in the dry air. "You don't have to protect me from you."

"Gilgamesh."

"I don't want that."

"Gil."

"Thena," he pulled back to look at her, the same resolve in his eyes as when he declared to their family that he would go with her, safeguard her, for however long they had, wherever that may lead.

She shook her head at him--stubborn man.

Gil's eyes slipped closed as she kissed him. This still felt the same. He remained the same, no matter how many times her world shattered around her.

He held her cheeks as they parted, just far enough. He smiled faintly, "I'm lucky."

She was the lucky one; she pinched him.

He chuckled, "I mean it. I have the Goddess of War protecting me."

As he always would. If she were to find the day on which she drew her last breath, it would be in his defense.

"But y'know," he continued, in such an elated mood now from such a small thing as a kiss. "I'm sure I can protect myself sometimes. Say, if you need some sleep every once in a while."

Thena rolled her eyes.

Gil pulled them back, swinging his legs up and pulling her with him so they could lie down properly on the roof of their house--their home. He looked up at the stars with her tucked into his side. "You can rest, Thena. I promise nothing will happen."

He couldn't promise that.

"I promise I'll be here."

She tightened her fist around a handful of his shirt. Of all things in the immutable universe, this one thing had held true for her. And she lived in fear of the day when it wouldn't be.

"I'm here," he whispered, pressing his heavier hand over hers on his chest, flattening her lithe fingers out over his heart. "I'm right here."

He was right here with her. His heartbeat matched hers and his form was made for holding hers. Thena pressed her nose to his shirt, her eyes fluttering.

"I'll be right here," he whispered to her, pulling her into sleep with a low, rough whisper.

"Bed."

Gil chuckled again, tightening his arm around her waist, "oh, now you want the bed?--the bed I so painstakingly built and assembled and make every-"

"Gil."

"Bed it is," he promised her, standing with her secure in his arms. This was the first time she had asked to be taken to bed since leaving, and he was ready.

[fieldofdaisiies]

gwyn x balthazar | 3,2k words | warnings: none | masterlist

"So, not this Sunday but next?" The general of the Illyrian armies raises a brow. 

Despite the kernel of uncertainty blooming in his chest, Balthazar nods. "Sounds good." 

A smile spreads over Cassian's face, his eyes lighting up a little. Finally, it will be sealed and Balthazar officially inaugurated as camp lord. It is a big step, something fundamental for the whole Night Court and especially Windhaven. Something good, something incredible. It will change many things, and them hopefully only for the better. 

"Everything was alright here last night?" Azriel carefully intervenes, asking, and Balthazar immediately knows what he is aiming at. It strings a few cords of jealousy inside of him, but he quickly clamps down on them, knowing Azriel just cares for Gwyn as he was the one who had saved her back then. They are connected through this…moment in the past and Azriel will always be important to her and that is alright for Balthazar. 

The young Illyrian quickly nods at the shadowsinger, and smiles. "Everything was alright."

He deliberates if he should say something about the incident with Otto and the other brutes, but he decides against it. He took care of it, and everything is alright — nothing to worry about anymore. 

"Gwyn is alright," Balthazar adds, though. "She seems very happy."

"You make her very happy." It is Cassian who says this. 

He rolls back his shoulders and picks up a sword, not a wooden one, but an actual one. A feline grin spreads over his face. "And now, it is time for you, the new camp lord of Windhaven, to show me how to fight. Show me what you got, Balthazar."

The young Illyrain looks surprised for only a second, but then he picks up another sword made of steel and follows the camp lord, nothing but swaggering confidence in his stroll. Where it came from, no clue, but it fills every fibre of his being. He knows he is good at fighting, and being challenged by the general seems like a great opportunity to show his skills. 

He breathes in deeply, and looks over his shoulder. At Gwyn. He just wants to look at her again and—

His eyes widen when they land on the ribbon tied around her head. It hits him like a slap. 

'Your path shall intertwine with that of your soul's counterpart. You need to look beyond the veil of common, of ordinary, through the shadows and into the light. You shall not seek with your eyes, but with the glowing ribbon inside your chest. Be open for the unexpected, the surprising and wonderful.'

The being…the being with the tattered robes and the bony figure, it had told him about Gwyn. It had foretold their encounter. The message it had told him, it was about Gwyn. Their fate had been sealed a long time ago — it had probably been sealed the day he was born. But how is that possible? This…this can only be possible if they are—

"You are coming, Balthazar, or are you scared?" the general hollers, laughing wickedly which fetches Balthazar back to reality. He wants to return to his mind palace and the thought of them probably being…mates, but not with Cassian waiting for him. It is something he wants to think about in solitude and silence. When he is alone. It is something too big and important to think about here, right now. He needs to be focused and concentrated when he lets himself dwell on the thought of them being mates… Gods and Cauldron!

He shakes his head, fingers curling tightly around his sword. "Coming."

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

"He is a good male." Nesta's eyes shimmer with happiness for her best friend. Ragged breaths are leaving her, a testament of the former hard training. 

Gwyn turns her head to look around, wanting to find Balthazar amongst the other Illyrians. Emerie, Mor and Thena are training some young Illyrian girls, guiding them through the basic training techniques and Gwyn's gaze moves further. Until she finally makes him out. 

Balthazar is following after Cassian, his expressions concentrated, and confident.

She watches him for a little longer, thinking back about this morning, about how they kissed, how she wanted him to touch her, and how he complied to her request. "He is," she whispers, glancing back at Nesta, who chuckles upon catching her best friend lost in yet another daydream about Balthazar.

"And I think I am ready for the next step with him." Gwyn inhales a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Nesta's.

"The next step?" Nesta asks and moves closer to her best friend. "So, you will stay another night?"

Gwyn nods eagerly and closes the distance between her and her best friend. She takes Nesta's hands into hers, looking straight into her eyes. "I am so ready. I really am." A sheepish smile appears on her face. "I want him very much."

"You do," Nesta chuckles and brings her best friend in for a hug, which is filled with chortles and a lot of love. 

"Maybe not yet sex, you know. But just a little more…" Gwyn can only giggle into the crook of Nesta's shoulder, not able to avoid the grin from spreading all over her face. She is lighting up from the inside, happiness blooming in her chest. 

Of course, her best friends, the training, the Library and reading bring her happiness as well, but with Balthazar she feels a different kind of happiness. Something deeper, something stronger, something fundamental.

"Are they sparring?" Nesta asks and it makes Gwyn's attention return to Balthazar and the general of the Illyrian armies. She steps out of the embrace and turns her head. "Oh Gods!" she expresses, watching them closely and then—

"He always has to be shirtless!" Gwyn practically feels how her knees turn wobbly and her body liquid when she takes in his dark skin, his sculpted chest, the tattoos now gleaming due to the thin film of sweat coating his torso. 

"Don't say you don't like," Nesta chuckles, a little wickedly and Gwyn soon joins in. Nesta definitely has a point, Gwyn does indeed like it a lot.

What is presented to Gwyn and Nesta a few moments later is a scene of camaraderie, not a battle for blood. Cassian and Balthazar keep taunting and teasing each other, sometimes one of them strikes and the other blocks. Blathazar moves with fluid grace and Gwyn can't tear her eyes away from him. His muscles ripple beneath the strain of the sparring, and she can't help but feel a rush of desire. She bites down on her lower lip, a mischievous grin dancing on her mouth, as she watches him. 

Beside her, Nesta is equally entranced by the scene. She watches her mate with glowing eyes.

The girls share a knowing glance, a silent acknowledgment of the captivating males in their lives and the happiness they share. 

Nesta can barely contain her joy about Gwyn having found her lover, having found someone like Balthazar. A male that is only good in his heart and everything he does. The kind of male Gwyn truly deserves. Nesta reaches out, and pulls Gwyn to her side, squeezing her tightly. 

And they keep watching until their males are bathed in sweat and the sun starts to lower behind the Illyrian mountains. 

It is time for Nesta, Cassian and Azriel to go home, because just like Gwyn, also Mor decides to stay another night. The good bye is quick, they all will soon see each other again, and then it is just Thena, Gwyn and Balthazar left. Well, technically it is just Gwyn and Thena, as Balthazar is still talking with some Illyrian younglings on the training pitch. 

Gwyn wants to make conversation with Thena, wants to get to know her…her—boyfriend's? mate's? partner's?— sister. 

Gwyn has been engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions ever since the bond snapped into place. It has been a challenge to focus on anything besides Balthazar. But now, she's determined to direct her attention to Thena, to leave a positive impression, and to earn her favour—after all, she's Balthazar's sister, and his love for her is evident. It is crucial that Thena likes her!

As Gwyn opens her mouth to speak, Thena beats her to it. "My brother is incredibly lucky to have met you," Thena expresses, her voice filled with admiration. "I've always wished for someone like you for him, and now that he's found you, I can't even describe how happy that makes me." Thena moves closer, taking Gwyn's hands into hers. "But, please, don't hurt him. Promise me you won't hurt him."

Gwyn would never and she wants Thena to see and know this. The look in his sister's eyes, the pain glowing so brightly makes a crack appear in Gwyn's heart. Balthazar was hurt before, is what Thena does not say. He was hurt before, don't make him hurt again. 

"I would never," Gwyn answers honestly. "I like him very much. I would never do anything to hurt him."

A smile appears on the Illyrian's face, eyes glistening. "Good, and you don't have to worry about him. He won't ever hurt you. He looks at you…in a way he has never looked at anything or anyone."

Gwyn nods slowly, her own eyes glistening, both as a natural reaction to Thena's eyes and her words. "I know he won't."

"Girls talk? Am I allowed to join?" Balthazar's tone is light, joyful. 

Thena groans and rolls her eyes at Gwyn. "You just ruined out bonding moment, you Illyrian idiot." She turns to her little brother. "But a damn lucky idiot to have found a female like her."

"The luckiest," Balthazar comments and surrounds his sister so he can curl an arm around Gwyn. He kisses the top of her head and Gwyn wants to jump up and down and giggle in delight. 

But she contains her excitement. Balthazar and her discussed that they won't show too much public affection as this makes her an easy target for the Illyrian brutes and he can't risk it. 

"Alright, time for bed, I guess." Thena raises her brows and then takes a few steps backward. 

"Make sure Baz does not get to bed too late, he needs his beauty sleep." Thena grins and winks at Gwyn. 

"I'll try my best," Gwyn answers and with a wave and a chuckle Thena walks away, toward her and her mother's hut. "Good night, you two love birds!"

"Sisters…" Balthazar mumbles and wraps his arm tighter around Gwyn's shoulder and kisses the top of her head again. 

They enter his hut and it is then that Balthazar realises his mistake, and turns her so she is facing him. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I really—" "It is alright." Gwyn bounces on her toes and kisses his cheek. "It really is. I am glad you have such an amazing relationship with your sister. She seems wonderful."

"She is," Balthazar says, "but also a pain in the neck."

He cradles Gwyn's face in his broad hands. "I still should be more mindful about the things I say, especially when it comes to you. And you are allowed to tell me off, point out the mistakes I make." He leans his forehead against hers. "If I accept criticism from someone, then from the female at my side." 

He closes his eyes and inhales deeply. There is something wet on his thumb which makes him open his eyes, confused about the impact of his words, and wondering if the talk about their sisters or something else made her cry. 

"You make me feel so important when you say something like this," Gwyn whispers, another pair of tears sliding out of her eyes. 

Balthazar looses a breath. "You are important, Gwyneth." He presses his forehead firmer against hers. "One of the most important people in my life."

A ragged sob leaves her and Balthazar's hand slides into hers. "Come."

They change quickly, and together they then lie down in Balthazar's bed, his hand still holding hers, his other arm wrapped around her shoulders holding her close. 

"I want to talk to you about something," Balthazar says, his voice tinged with empathy. Gwyn nods, already having an inkling of where this conversation might lead them. "Go ahead."

"I don't want you —I know you know this, and that I've mentioned it before— to feel pressured into sleeping with me. I know that society has certain expectations, and people believe if you are dating someone you will also sleep together a lot, but I don't have these expectations, you must know that. I like being with you, I like cuddling you, holding you, kissing you. And this is enough for me."

Gwyn rests her head on his bare chest, feeling his warmth and the steady heartbeat beneath his skin. "I know this, and I am incredibly grateful for it." Gwyn draws in a deep breath and then wiggles out of his hold and sits up. She crosses her legs beneath her, her hand placed on Balthazar's lower belly.

He folds his arm behind his head. For a moment they just look at each other, their eyes locked while the world around them fades.

"I want to…have sex with you." Gwyn doesn't continue immediately, she lets the words hang in the air for a moment, waiting for a reaction. But other than a small smile on Balthazar's lips and his hand moving over hear he does not do much. 

"I really want it. I want to sleep with you, explore everything with you. Try out many things, and stay tangled between the sheets with you for hours, for days." 

Warmth fills her, and Balthazar's skin tightens. She is blushing, her skin a deep red from her cleavage up to her hairline.

"But I am scared. I am scared I…" Gwyn's throat starts to burn, and her lashes dampen. "When the Hybern soldiers attacked in the dead of night…began their slaughter, and did…those terrible things to me, they destroyed a part of me that I am scared will never be healed. And they caused me trauma I will never recover from. I am so scared the memories will come back and I can never enjoy a moment of intimacy.“

Balthazar sits up as well, reaches his arm out to wrap it around Gwyn's shoulders so he can bring her in for an embrace Gwyn gratefully accepts. She lets herself fall against him, sliding onto his lap, head resting against his chest. And then she lets the tears run free, sobbing and she does not care one bit that Balthazar sees her like this. Sees her broken side. His strong arms wrap around her, keep her safe and sound, as he holds her against him, and will hold her for as long as it takes the for her pain to ease. 

When the tears start slow and Gwyn tips her head back, she tries to meet his gaze, but his eyes are focused on the opposite wall, a pained expression on his with tears wet face. He has cried as well…

Balthazar exhales a long breath, then lowers his chin and rests it on top of Gwyn's forehead. "You carry the reigns, Gwyneth. You tell me when you want to commence, how you want to do things, when and how we do what. We can do everything slowly, as slowly as you want to. Nothing is rushing us. And if you don't enjoy something we can always stop." His hold on her tightens. He wants to remove all the pain from her. All the trauma. Everything that was done to her. 

"But…you are also included in this, you also have to tell me when you want what. You haven't done it before either. I don't want to pressure you into something."

Gwyn, without much thinking, wipes her wet cheek on his chest, and leans back so she can meet his gaze. He lowers his chin a little and nods. "I know, and you will never pressure me into something. I want to have sex with you as well, very much, and I think I've made this clear this morning as well. You would never pressure me into something, never force me to do something, and if I don't like something I will tell you, of course." He leans in. "But I doubt there is anything you could do that I would not like." A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. His lips touch her cheek, then another part of her cheeks and then her nose. It takes Gwyn a moment to realise he is kissing her freckles, and she giggles. 

She lifts her other hand to his on her cheek. "Have you thought about sleeping with me already?" This question is maybe a bit straightforward, but she wants to know.

"I have," he answers honestly. 

"A lot?"

"A few times. But not even half as much, no, not even a quarter as much as I think about looking into your beautiful eyes, or kissing your wonderful lips." The smile on his lips lights up the whole interior of his hut. Balthazar lowers himself to the bed again, bringing Gwyn with him. His hand moves into her hair, softly brushing through them. "Have you?"

"Yes." Gwyn turns her head and kisses his chest, the light dusting of hair tingling her skin. "A few times."

Balthazar hums and then chortles. "I enjoy being with you so much, Gwyneth." He squeezes her tightly, and kisses the top of her head. 

"And do you think I will be able to enjoy…intimacy?" Her chest heaves with a deep inhale. "You think I will enjoy sex?"

Balthazar takes a moment to think. He has no idea if he can compare these two things, but after his father had butchered all his self-made things, he thought he would never enjoy wood crafting again. But now he does. Loves is even more than ever before. 

"I think you will. With time, and trust, I think you will be able to enjoy it." She trembles a little. "Intimacy is something beautiful, Gwyneth, but we don't need sex for it. This right here is also intimate and you can enjoy it, right?"

"Yes," she hums and kisses his chest. "Yes, I can." Her eyes close, and she ponders. 

"And I think you will be able to enjoy sex. It will take us some time, but we just go slow, we can start with little things and move on form there. We have already kissed a lot, we can slowly take the next step whenever you are ready. And then we move forward from there, or pause, or stop or go backward one step. There is no pressure. It is just the two of us, and we only do what we enjoy and like."

She hums, but a little sob interrupts the sound. She cuddles tighter to him, his warmth wrapping around her, embracing her and reminding her once again about his comfort and the security he brings her.

They fall into a comfortable silence, just their rhythmically beating hearts and their soft breaths filling the air around them. 

Until, Gwyn breaks the quietness. 

"Balthazar?"

~~~~~~~ tag list: @a-frog-with-a-laptop @brekkershadowsinger @moonlightazriel @callmeblaire @headcanonheadcase @waternymphia @autumndreaming7 @devilsfoodcake22 @readercacau @sv0430 @bubybubsters @cyntia-ktn

[redheadspark]

20. whispering to them like they’re alone in the world Freburary Prompts with...Druig (No surprise here from me lol)

A/N - STELLA! I love this for our favorite Mind Controller! Thanks for requesting this, bestie!

Braid

Summary - Druig seeks you out after the near Emergence

Warnings - Angst and fluff mixed together

“Has anyone seen her?”

“Last I saw, she snuck to the second floor.  Probably needed to be alone,”

“Thanks,”

Phastos with a hint of amusement watched as Druig was making his way up the wooden stairs, rolling his eyes as he spoke up again from the loveseat where he was perked, “You know she might have gone off to be…I don’t know…alone?”

Druig ignored him, though Phastos only smirked and went back to talking to his husband and son on the first floor.  Druig was merely thinking of you and where you went off to as soon as you all made it to Ajax’s farmhouse.  You were mostly quiet on the Domo when you all left that beach, battered and yet still breathing.  Druig’s condition was still on the mend, the massive bruise in the middle of his chest thanks to Ikaris and his beams was making it hard for him to breathe at times.  He was glad to have dressed out of his armor in his regular clothes.  He knew he needed a good night's sleep, maybe a few cups of coffee to at least function, but that could be done later.

He needed to find you.

Once he made it to the second floor, he spotted one of the bedroom doors perched open and the view of an open window that showed the prairie landscape.  A crisp breeze came from the window, the white window drapes blowing by with the wind as Druig saw a flicker of hair from the outside of the window.  There was a person outside the window on the roof, making Druig walk through the bedroom door and right to the open window.

He sighed in relief at the sight. You, his wife of 400 years.

You had your knees tucked to your chest, and the sweater you were wearing made you a bit warm as you were sporting leggings and boots as well.  Your long hair was still somewhat in a Dutch braid behind you, though strands and snags were floating in the wind as your eyes were on the horizon.

“Darlin’,” he said in concern, his head poking out of the window as you were looking over in his direction.  He saw your bright eyes, looking rather calm and relaxed a bit as he smiled, “You alright?”

“I just need some time alone,” You replied, then grinning at him as you held out a hand for him, “Join me?”

Druig would follow you to the ends of the earth if you asked, even through intense pain or flowing fire if it meant you would be on the other side with him.  Druig took your hand willingly, crawling his way out from the open window to sit on the roof right next to you as you clutched your hand in his tightly.  He scanned your appearance, seeing the few scabs and scratches from the battle and yet you still look beautiful to him.  The softness of your cheeks, the brightness of your eyes that seemed like diamonds, Druig never saw anything so beautiful in his life on earth.  

“Here, let me fix yer hair,” Druig said to you as he moved to sit behind you, moving his fingers in your hair as you were looking at the horizon again with softness in your eyes.  You hummed, the sensation of Druig’s fingers along your neck and shoulder while he was fixing your braid was one of your favorite things he would do with you.

It started back when you two were tip-towing around each other, you asking Druig to fix your hair since there was a larger snag that was hard for you to reach.  Neither Thena nor Sersi were around to help you since they would have helped you in the past, so to ask Druig to help with your hair was a bit embarrassing.  Yet to your surprise, Druig was willing to help.  Feeling his fingers go through your locks, was almost a calming sensation that was almost hypnotic.

It was safe to say that Druig would do your hair and has been ever since.  

After you left with Druig when he separated from the family, you felt more at peace with your life with Druig at your side.  You two were head over heels in love, though you never shared it with the others.  In fact, you both were married in secret, wanting it to be shared with just the pair of you under the stars in the Amazon.  It was one of the best nights of your life on the planet.  

Druig was easily moving the locks of hair, knowing how to make the braid to your liking since he’d been doing it for so long.  At that point, he could do it with his eyes closed, but he loved watching your highlights in the sun as you finally spoke for a long moment or two.

“I was scared today,” You admitted, Druig pausing on his movements with your braids as you clutched your legs a bit tighter to your chest and watched some of the clouds go by thanks to the wind, “For the first time in a long time, I was scared that you were going to leave me,”

“No no, don’t think like that anymore,” Druig said in earnest as he kissed your clothed shoulder, wrapping you in your arms to lean against him and keep you secure, “I’m right here with ya, I’m not goin’ anywhere,”

You nodded, feeling him tuck his chin on your shoulder as you two held one another on the rooftop.  Druig loved having you in his arms, whether it was when you two were in bed together or simply watching the stars high above you back in your little village, Druig found peace with you.  No matter how dark his thoughts were or how lost he seemed, you were his safe space and true happiness. 

“We’re going to go to the stars, remember?” Druig whispered to you as you softly smiled, feeling his press his head against yours as he kept talking, “We’re gonna find others like us and tell them how to live like we did,”

“Like we did?” You breathed, Druig grinning widely as he snuck a kiss on your cheek.

“Living our best life,” He answered in a whisper, “Ajak would want that for us, and she’ll want that for the other Eternals that could be out there,”

“As long as you’re with me, I don’t care where we go,” You hummed, Druig squeezing you a bit tighter while you both were watching the sun hide away behind the gray clouds.  You were no longer thinking back to that small flicker of a moment when Druig was almost killed, you were not drinking in that joy that he was there with and not willing to let you go.  You both leaned and relied on each for for so many centuries, almost as if you both were molded together and would rather die than be split apart.  

To think it all started with a simple request to braid your hair.

The End

[blue-aconite]

let me drown || chapter I - bradley’s summer part I

Summary: Bradley has many regrets. A whole lifetime of them. His biggest? Losing her. Watching someone else pick of the pieces of what he broke kills him inside and Bradley doesn’t want to let go of the past. No matter how much the past tries to slip through his fingers.

Warnings: Swearing, jealousy

Word Count: 3.8k

Pairings: Bradley Bradshaw x OC

Authors Note: Minors DNI. Each chapter will be labelled with warnings individually. Rating will go up as we get further into this fic. We’re in for a wild ride fam! Enjoy!

Thank you to my amazing betas @writercole and @imjess-themess!

Virginia, Oceana Naval Air Station, Summer 2018

The common room was quiet, which is a nice change of pace. Usually, this place was full of life, the noise was ever-ending and so loud he couldn’t hear his own thoughts. Bradley tipped his head back, dropping his shoulders and letting out a deep breath. It was quiet now, letting his mind run wild. He almost wished it didn’t.

“If you don’t stop moping soon, I’ll lock you in a closet,” Athena mocked as she shoved at his legs, taking their place on the couch. She stretched out her own legs over his, the heel of her foot dangerously close to his crotch. 

“Thena…” He warned. They had played this game long enough for him to know what she was after. But he wasn’t in the mood. She only smirked, tracing the muscle of his thigh with her sock-clad foot, ignoring his warning. 

“C’mon Bradshaw. It would improve the sour mood you’ve been sporting all day. We both know where we’ll end up anyway.” Tangled between the sheets was left unsaid.

Normally, he would be dragging her off the moment she came onto him but today was different. He just wanted to be left alone. “I’m good. Not really in the mood.”

Six weeks after he got stationed at Oceana, the air boss had called Bradley into his office and told him he would be flying a two-seater for the duration of his assignment. He needed the experience, Admiral Tate had told him, leaving no room for arguing. 

And that’s how he ended up with Joanna ‘Athena’ Simons as his backseater. She was quick on her feet, always two steps ahead and a smart mouth to put people in their place. Whoever said that women didn’t belong in the Navy had never met Athena. 

They were good together. Like two peas in a pod. Bradley thought that flying with a backseater would be a hindrance but Athena quickly proved him wrong. They became fast friends and it didn’t take long until Bradley found himself in bed with her. Neither wanted more, both happy with the physical side of things. It was the perfect agreement. 

Her foot moved sideways and interrupted his train of thought. Bradley sat up, shoving her feet from his lap. “Not now. I’m not in the mood,” he snarled, getting to his feet. Athena held up her hands, eyebrows rising.

“Easy. I was just -”

“I know what you were doing, Thena. I’m tired, so just stop.” Bradley stepped around the couch, leaving Athena behind with a bewildered look on her face. He took a deep breath once he got outside, one hand coming up to rub at his temples. A movement to his right caught his attention as he spied Bob Floyd.

Desperate for a distraction that wasn’t Athena, Bradley jogged over to where Bob was heading.

“Floyd, hey! You’re leaving? Hot date?” Bradley joked as he caught up to Bob. He wasn’t wearing his uniform, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, leading Bradley to believe he had other plans than hanging out in the common room tonight. 

Bob rolled his eyes as they passed the gates, heading towards the parking lot. “I’m meeting my sister. She just moved here. We’re grabbing dinner.” Floyd fished the car keys out of his pocket, stopping at a black truck. Bob doesn’t strike him as a truck guy. Bradley told him as much.

“Looks can be deceiving Bradshaw. Do you want to join us? Thea won’t mind.” A night out does sound good and especially after today. 

Bradley smiles broadly, rounding the truck and pulling the passenger door open. “If neither of you mind. Today’s the last day I want to be stuck on base.”

Bob asks no questions, just pulls out of the parking lot and starts to drive. This is what Bradley likes about Bob Floyd. He’s quiet, calm and doesn’t pry. He’s a good friend. 

Bradley would like to think they’re friends. They get along, they hang out sometimes and Bob is one hell of a WSO. Athena almost had an aneurysm when she found out Robert Floyd was being stationed at Oceana, in their squad. 

Bob hummed along to the radio, never taking his eyes off the road. “If you want to talk about it, feel free.” 

He doesn’t know if he wants to talk about it. He doesn’t know what to say. 

It’s Maverick’s birthday. Bradley keeps the date marked in each calendar he buys. It’s been years since they’ve talked but every time he gets a new calendar, he marks today’s date. 

Anger fills him as he thinks about the man that stepped in after Nick died. Who spent countless hours telling him stories about his dad, what kind of man he was. Who popped in and out of his life, between assignments and missions. Even though Maverick wasn’t always there, he was there when Bradley needed him. Until he wasn’t. 

Bradley has tried to hate Maverick. Most days he succeeded. On most days, he blamed the man for everything that had gone wrong in his life. His father’s death, his mother’s grief, pulling his papers. It was all Maverick’s fault. 

But today, just today, Bradley can’t find it in him to hate. He would never say it out loud, but he misses Maverick today. Just today. Tomorrow he can go back to hating him. 

Bradley realised he never answered Bob, who is still humming. “I don’t even know what to say. Thanks for offering though,” The bespeckled aviator hums in response, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “I’ll let you know if I change my mind.” 

Bob turns left without warning and pulls up in front of a small restaurant. He turns to Bradley, shifting in his seat. “Word of advice. My sister likes to pick people apart. She’s good at reading them. It’s in no way mean, she just likes to know. So if I were you, and didn’t want to talk about it, I’d try to tone down the sullen mood. She’ll notice. She always does.”

Maybe tagging along wasn’t a good idea. Bradley doesn’t feel like being picked apart right now. He’s being held together with tape and glue and the last thing he needs is someone to point out his flaws. 

His feet are moving before his brain catches up and suddenly they're inside and Bob is being engulfed in a hug by the most beautiful girl Bradley has ever seen. 

He’s standing frozen near the door, watching as the Floyd siblings part. Bob is smiling widely, brushing the hair from his sister’s face, such a gentle action it makes Bradley’s heart hurt. In one movement he can see the affection, the love between them.

“.. and this is Rooster. I hope you don’t mind that I invited him.” They’re suddenly in front of him and the greeting gets caught in his throat.

She’s stunning. Radiant even. She’s the light at the end of the dark tunnel he can’t escape. She has her brother’s eyes but unlike Bob’s, hers takes his breath away. So blue he could drown in them, over and over. 

She’s taking his hand, shaking it softly. “Nice to meet you. Do you have a real name or am I gonna have to stick to Rooster?” She’s smiling up at him, her hand soft in his and he can’t help but to shudder at her touch.

Remembering that she asked a question, he coughs awkwardly. “Uh, Bradley. But Rooster works too. Whatever you prefer.” 

“Bradley it is. Name’s Thea, I’m Bob’s sister. If he didn’t tell you that. And no, big brother, I don’t mind. The more the merrier.” Thea let go of his hand and he immediately missed the warmth of her touch. 

She’s smiling widely at him and Bradley feels the quick thuds of his heart against his rib cage. Out of the corner of his eye he can see Bob observing them with a critical look. 

He clears his throat, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “He did tell me he was meeting you but not your name. It’s.. pretty. Suits you.” It isn’t the smoothest he’s ever been but Thea blushes, mouth curling upward in a bashful smile. 

“Should we grab a table? I’m starving.” Bob diffuses the moment, reaching out to grab his sister’s hand, not waiting for Bradley before he starts towards the dining area. 

They sit down and he can feel her observing him, watching him carefully. She’s a lot like her brother except she likes to talk. A lot more. 

“So, what made you ditch your normal nighttime routine to hang out with my big bro here?” Bob is poking her side when she asks, telling her to shut up. “Don’t mind her, she’s just nosy.” 

“Bob! I’m just trying to get to know him. You don’t mind, do you Bradley?” How can he say no to her? 

Weirdly enough, he wants to tell her. He wants to share his thoughts and troubles. Something tells him that she wouldn’t judge him. 

Dinner mainly consists of Bob watching the two of them flirt over steaks. Bradley tries to not come on too strong but every time she smiles at him he wants to reach across the table and kiss her. There’s something so blindingly pure about her. 

At the end of the night, Thea thrusts a small piece of paper in his hand, kisses his cheek and tells him to give her a call. Then she’s gone, climbing into her car and driving off. 

Bob is oddly quiet, more so than usual. They drive in silence back to base. He wants to ask if he’s overstepped, if Bob doesn’t approve but Bradley doesn’t want to answer either. 

There’s a need to know Thea better. To know what makes her smile and laugh, to know what her childhood was like, which side of the bed she preferred and if she liked breakfast for lunch. Bradley wanted to know everything that made Thea the person she was today. 

He opens his mouth but Bob beats him to it. “Listen. My sister is a grown woman. What she does is none of my business. She obviously likes you and you look like you’ve got a full blown crush already. You’re my friend and I trust you with her. But if you hurt her, if you make her anything other than happy, you will have to answer to me. Understood?” 

Bradley can do little other than nod feverishly. He didn’t want to fuck this up before it had even begun. He wanted Thea, and if keeping on Bob’s good side was a point in his favour, he’d do it. 

Floyd clapped  him on the shoulder, shooting  him an uncharacteristic wink and then disappeared behind the corner, leaving Bradley standing in the parking lot. 

Bradley’s steps were light when he headed back to his room, an exciting feeling in his stomach. Behind closed doors he fished  his phone out of his pocket and punched in Thea’s number under a new contact. 

Hi! It’s Bradley. Are you free for dinner on Friday?

Is this your way of asking me on a date?

It can be whatever you want. I just know I want to see you again. 

Pick me up at 7. Wear something pretty ;)

Bradley hasn’t smiled this much in a long time. He tossed the phone onto his bed and pulled his shirt over his head before heading into the bathroom. He looked  lighter, happier and downright giddy when he passed the bathroom mirror. The smile didn’t  leave him, even when he got  shampoo in his eyes and swore so much his mother would have whacked him over the head. 

The smile disappeared as soon as he made it back into the  bedroom and found Athena lounging on his bed. She was clad in nothing but one of his T-shirts and a pair of boy shorts. 

“I was tempted to join you in there, but the pissy mood from before figured I’d do best staying out here. An apology would be nice, by the way.” She doesn’t take her eyes off the phone while she speaks. 

Bradley bristled. “An apology for what? And is that my phone? Give it here!” He snatched the device out of her hands, swatting her away when she reached for his towel. “Fuck, Athena. Just stop. What’s your fucking problem?” 

“My problem? You being a dick, obviously. And who is Thea, hm? Am I invited this Friday?” She left  the confines of his bedding, poking a finger in the middle of his chest. She let it linger for a while but Bradley stepped  away, happy mood washed away by her presence. 

Athena seemed to get the hint and stayed put, a pout in place on her sun kissed face. Her freckles were  quite prominent in this light and just for a moment he remembered  all the times he spent kissing her other freckles. Then Thea’s face showed  up in his mind and it’s like Athena never has existed for him.

“Look, I’m sorry about before but I wasn’t in the mood. That hasn’t changed.” Bradley shouldn’t apologise, he knew  that but it might placate her enough for the conversation about to happen. 

He just hoped  it won’t mess with their job. “Listen. This was just physical,” he pointed  between the two of them, “and now… fuck. Listen, you’re great. And I like you, you know that. But I can’t keep this up.” 

She stared him down, the same way she stares down men trying to put her into place. Athena has never looked at him like that, never once. She swallowed  audibly once, crossing her arms over her chest. 

“Are you breaking up with me, Bradshaw?” She jabs, mock hurt on her face. It’s just a joke to her. Bradley feels a little better knowing this won’t cost her any sleep. 

Snorting, he settles on the chair. “Fuck off. You know what I mean. Is this going to be a problem?” 

She laughs, all traces of annoyance gone from her face. She’s Thena again, his friend, confidant and partner in crime. “Don’t worry your little head Bradshaw. We’re good. This was just a little bit of fun.” 

He can suddenly breathe better, the pit in his stomach has vanished . A smile is all he can muster, hoping it will convey everything he can’t say. 

“Do I at least get to meet her? She must be something special if you’re willing to throw this away.” Thena gestured to her body, a pleased smirk plastered across her face. 

“I haven’t even taken her on a date yet. I don’t know if she wants me like that. I just know she’s worth it, whatever it is.” He’s glad Athena is his friend, that he can share and not be judged. 

“God you’re whipped after meeting her one time. She must be a fucking unicorn. Well, I’m happy for you. See you in the skies, Rooster.” They parted  ways with their usual phrase, pressing a kiss to his head as she walked by. 

Feeling content with how everything has been handled, Bradley heads for bed and turns out the lights. 

He and Athena are good, he’s got a date with Thea and Bob gave his approval and permission. Bradley was feeling a lot better now than he did this morning. 

His phone lit up with a notification and his heart dropped into his stomach. It’s a calendar reminder, a picture of him and Maverick. Bradley was barely ten in the photo, sitting on Pete’s shoulders, both smiling widely at Carole behind the camera. 

Reminder: Maverick’s Birthday

He could easily stop torturing himself and not set a reminder but over the years he’s discovered that he likes the pain. 

Another notification pops up, this time from Athena. It’s a goodnight text and a picture of a shirtless guy with the text ‘you wish you were this hot’. 

Bradley recognises the guy as Hangman, Athena’s cousin and also a naval aviator. He’s currently stationed in Lemoore, if Bradley remembered correctly. They’d met once or twice and Bradley couldn’t stand the guy. Rude, arrogant and a walking red flag, he had begged Athena not to make him like her cousin. 

Bradley sends a fuck you back and almost calls her when Thea’s name appears on the screen. 

Can we reschedule for 8 instead of 7? Something came up! 

No problem! Can’t wait! 

Great! Thank you! Goodnight Bradley.

Goodnight Thea. Sweet dreams. 

He then put the phone on silent, puffing his pillow before getting comfortable. 

He thought of that way Thea smiled at him, how her hand felt in his and her lips on his cheek as he closed his eyes. 

“Stop being so nervous. What’s wrong with you? It’s just a date.” 

“It’s not just a date, Thena, it’s the date. I cannot screw this up. It might be the most important date I’ve ever been on.” 

Athena was once again lounging on his bed, trying to be helpful but failing spectacularly. All she did was stress him out even more. Bradley’s palms were sweaty and he was pretty sure he’s sweating through his T-shirt. His throat was dry and he reached out with shaking hands for the bottle of water on the windowsill. 

Thena laughed at him, rolling her eyes. “You’re acting like you’re taking the freaking President out. It’s just a girl. Now, change your shirt so you don’t stink up the car and get going. Or you’re going to be late.” 

Bradley refrained from sniping back that Thea isn’t just some girl, but he also didn’t have it in him to argue. To be honest, he hadn’t wanted her help from the beginning, but she showed up and he couldn’t say no. 

Even though Athena said it was fine and they were still friends, she acted a bit suspicious around him. She promised she wasn’t mad but her actions said otherwise. They had miscalculated a training session yesterday and she had chewed him out in front of the entire crew, which was very rare. 

Athena ended the session with a hard shove to his chest and muttering ‘figures you’d do this’ under her breath as she left him speechless on the runway. 

He had tried to talk about it with her but she ignored him for the rest of the day. Only when it was almost time for him to leave base to pick up Thea, she showed up at his door with her apologies. He didn’t have time for them. She knew he was leaving and she still tried to stall him. 

“I’m going to be late because of you. You knew I was going out and you still showed up here.” He’s panicking now, tugging the shirt over his head and reaching for a clean one. 

“You could have told me to leave, don’t blame this on me.” Athena bit back, her bad mood from before returning. 

“I’m leaving. Bye Thena.” Bradley was halfway out the door, throwing a sloppy wave her way before jogging to the Bronco. 

Had he looked back, he would have seen the downtrodden look on her face. But he didn’t. All Bradley could think about was Thea and her sweet smile.

He made it to the address Thea had texted him on record time. Pulling the car into park and snatching the flowers from the passenger seat, Bradley almost choked on his own tongue when he spotted Thea. 

She was sitting on the front porch, dressed in a light purple sundress and hair in a messy bun. She was exquisite. Bradley desperately wanted to hold her in his arms and never let go. 

“Hey stranger, are those for me?” Thea reached for the flowers, bringing them up to her face to inhale their sweet fragrance. 

He leaned over to press a kiss to her cheek. “You look stunning. Otherworldly.” The blush on her cheeks amplified his desire and he pinched his own arm to keep his focus. 

“Aren’t you charming? How did you know my favourite flowers?” 

“Lucky guess.” She raised an eyebrow. 

“Fine. I asked Bob.” Thea laughed and returned the favour of a kiss pressed to his cheek. “Let me get these in water and we can leave.”

Bradley had never been the guy feeling awestruck by something so simple as a kiss on the cheek. But he found himself touching the spot where her lips had graced his skin as he watched her walk back inside the house. His skin burned from her touch and a tingling sensation spread throughout his body. 

Thea returned to his side and he made sure to open the door for her. His mother didn’t raise a heathen. He could be a gentleman. 

“So, we’re are we going?” She nervously fiddling with her hands in her lap as he leaves her neighbourhood. 

It’s endearing and he hesitantly reached over to intertwine his fingers with hers, keeping the other hand steady on the wheel.

“It’s a surprise. But you’ll like it, I promise. Do you trust me?” He did ask Bob for her favourite food and activities while planning. He planned the make this the perfect date. 

“I do trust you Bradley. I’m just not fond of surprises.” She’s blushing again and Bradley wants to spend his life making her blush. The colour on her cheeks was intoxicating. 

He pulls up outside a cosy little Mediterranean restaurant, reluctantly letting go of her hand in favour of sprinting around the car to help her outside. 

She links her arm through his, eyes sparkling as she takes in their destination. 

“Let me guess, you asked Bob?” She laughs, reaching up to smooth out a wayward curl on his head. 

“Guilty. But it doesn't matter as long as you like it. Do you?” 

“I love it.” 

Bradley can’t help himself. She’s on his arm, looking up at him with the bluest eyes he’s ever seen. They’re beautiful. She’s beautiful. He needs to know what she tastes like. 

He moves slowly, giving her the chance to pull away. But Thea only leans into him and Bradley closes the distance between them. 

Kissing Thea is like a fresh breath of air. It’s like he’s been drowning his entire life and she’s what it’s like coming up for air. His entire body is on fire, every nerve in his system thrumming with excitement. 

He could spend the rest of his life kissing her. She smiled into the kiss, hand curling around the back of his neck. 

“We should head inside. I got us a reservation.” He whispered against her lips. They hesitated to  part from one another, lips hovering close together but not quite touching. 

“Lead the way.”

Taglist: @wildbornsiren @therebeccaw @imjess-themess @antiquitea @fuckyeahhangman @writercole @hederasgarden @yanna-banana @wkndwlff @bobfloydsbabe @hollandorks @anniesocsandgeneralstore @ereardon @luminousnotmatter @roosterscock @thedroneranger @fandomxpreferences @top-hhun @princessmisery666 @princessphilly @a-reader-and-a-writer @green-socks @angstybluejay @seresinhangmanjake @ayorooster​@notroosterbradshaw​ @indynerdgirl @gigisimsonmars @girl-in-the-chairs-void @bradshawbabes @unhinged-btch @horseshoegirl @sadpetalsstuff @bradshawbaby @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @ummjustfics​ @septemberrie​ @somenamewithepineapple​ @demxters @amortentiadrops

[mirkwoodshewolf]

IATCOD Chap. 28; Plan in motion

*Author's note*

This was a chapter long in the making due to life getting in the way but I finally got around a week ago to finally get this chapter done. Not a lot of action in this, just some plot settings to get ready for the main action that'll happen the next few chapters. But I hope you all enjoy this chapter no matter what. And yes I had to use the death whistle from Puss in boots the Last wish so credit goes to Dreamworks for that. 

NEXT CHAPTER

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@queen-paladin

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@thats-s0-ravenn

@gay-and-ready-to-cry

_________________________________________________________________

After Cain had returned back to Hela's chambers and told everyone what Druig had suggested, there was silence in the room. Everyone pondering in concern, fear, and denial.

"And you're sure there is no other way?" asked Gandalf.

"It has worked one other time. With Fili and Kili sons of Dis, nephews of Thorin Oakenshield. Hela gave to them the very gauntlets she wears that holds our kins celestial stones. When Sauron took full control over her body, the stones used both their bodies as a host to banish Sauron's spirit from her very body before releasing them."

"Bofur and my uncle Oin did tell me that tale when I was still a lad. Never before had they been both in awe and struck with terror at the sight of what happened that night."

"I too was there when it happened. Never would I have thought that two Dwarves could hold the power of nine Celestial gems and live." Said Legolas recalling that night at Bard's house.

"But Merry still needs time to heal. He's not ready." Proclaimed Pippin worriedly.

"And the raw power of a Celestial's stone is nothing to be trifled with. I have seen what gripping a celestial stone can do." Aragorn said with a distant yet horrified look in his eye as he remembered one incident with some wild men in the North when they came to take out the remaining members of the Dúnedain.

The chief of the wild men had foolishly thought he could take Thena's stone for himself to enhance his weapon's strength and durability. But when he went to take the stone from Hela's gauntlet after ripping it from her arm, his body began to crack and burn like firewood.

His screams sounding like something both unholy and holy at the same time. His eyes became soulless white and gold until his body exploded into a pure light before Hela managed to contain Thena's stone once again.

"How do we not know that the same could happen to Merry if he takes hold of Druig's stone?" continued Aragorn.

"He wouldn't have suggested Merry if he didn't feel some sort of connection to him. Trust me Aragorn, I don't like this either but we are running out of options and out of time." Cain said as thunder rumbled once again and the red lightning began to flash in the sky once more. Cain and Aragorn turned to Merry and Aragorn said to him.

"The choice is yours Merry." Everyone turned to the hobbit who still looked exhausted from his Black breath recovery. Merry slowly stood up, Pippin tried to help but he held his hand out to refuse help. He slowly walked to the center of the room and said to everyone present.

"Since starting this quest back in the borders of the Shire, Pip and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. But even then I didn't care, all I wanted was to see Frodo away from the danger. Only to find out that he must bravely face the danger himself to destroy the biggest threat to our home. And Sam, loyal hearted that he is, he willingly without a second thought vowed to go alongside Frodo even if it costs him his own life. Boromir died to save Pippin and I. Without a second thought, he kept bravely fighting until his last breath took hold. I have lost—many of my friends, and thousands-nay millions more all over Middle Earth will suffer if Hela is not awakened. If there is a chance to free her from her curse, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to play my part in saving Middle Earth."

Everyone took to heart of what Merry had to say. He walked back over to Druig's stone and called for him once again. The black onyx stone glew bright until a golden light shot out once again and appearing before him once again was Druig.

"You have made your decision." He spoke down to the young hobbit.

"I have." Replied Merry.

"Then what say you, Meriadoc Brandybuck?" Merry took a deep breath before exhaling through his nose and he said.

"How do we save Hela from herself?" A slight grin came across Druig's face then he told Merry.

"Take my stone within your hand, once you feel the full strength of my power coursing through your body, press the stone to the crown of your head. And we shall become One mind, One body, One soul."

"You both shall become one? But will Merry still be there? Your soul won't overwhelm his?" asked Pippin.

"He has accepted the terms young Peregrin Took." Druig said turning towards the other hobbit. "Time is of the dire most essence now, and we must bring her back now before it is too late." Druig's spirit then shot back into his stone and the glow of the stone faded.

"He's right Pip. If we're going to do this, it has to be now. If Hela is truly dying from this spell, Druig and I need to act now. And we've already lost a day already." Merry and Pippin looked at each other then after a moment of staring at each other, Pippin gave him a nod.

"Pippin, come join us." Cain said as he took out his knife and he slide the blade across his palm. Pippin walked over towards the others who were now starting to huddle on the other side of the room.

Using his blood, Cain drew along the floor a Celestial rune circle to protect everyone within the tower from any Celestial power outbursts. Everyone stood within the circle while Merry stood over the table where Druig's stone rested.

He turned to the others as Cain now began to wrap his wounded palm and he gave the young hobbit a strong nod. Merry nodded to him and took a deep breath as he reached out and took the stone within his bare hand.

As he grasp the stone into his palm, Merry's arm began to slowly crackle open like lava seeping through Mount Doom itself, he fell to his knees in agony as the power of the Mind celestial began coursing through his veins. But he kept a firm grip on the stone as well as holding his enclosed fist with his free hand.

The group watched in despair as Merry was forced to endure this pain alone. Pippin softly whimpered and said.

"We have to make him let it go! He's hurting can't you see he's in such agony!"

"No Pippin, we cannot interfere at this point." Gandalf warned him as he held him back.

"Merry?" cried out Aragorn. Merry continued to grunt and cry in agony.

"Merry talk to us." Cain ordered. As Merry continued to groan and pant in agony he finally spoke up.

"I'm fine. I'm alright." Slowly he raised his enclosed hand as he felt the full power of the Mind Celestial coursing through his entire body. But even with such power coursing through him, it was causing the gem to feel so heavy, he could barely lift his own arm.

However Merry knew he had to do what Druig had told him. Using his free hand, he guided his enclosed fist towards his head and with a cry, he open his palm and pressed the stone into his very head before a flash of light and wave of red energy shot out hitting the barrier but knocking down all the furniture in place. Then Merry fell onto his back with a thud and Druig's gem embedded into his very skin.

"MERRY!" cried Pippin as he ran through the barrier. Everyone crowded over him but Cain warned them.

"Don't move him!" Gimli held Pippin back as both Gandalf and Cain knelt over the unconscious Merry. Cain used his enhanced senses and could hear Merry's heart beating normally. "His heartrate and breathing is normal." Gandalf waved a hand over Merry's face.

"And his spirit is still in-tact." Suddenly Merry's eyes shot open but they glowed the same golden light that Druig produces whenever he used his mind controlling abilities. Cain and Gandalf backed away as did everyone else as Merry now stood up but there was a difference to the way he stood. He looked down at his hands and he said.

"I almost forgotten what it's like to have an actual body."

"Is that you Druig?" asked Cain.

"No, it's Sauron. Of course it's me." He turned over to Pippin and said, "And don't worry Pippin, Merry's still here. I just need to take control when performing the spell. However I do need to request something of you all. Performing this spell, requires my full concentration and power. Both Merry's body and Hela's will be completely defenseless, so someone needs to stand guard over us in case time runs out." They all turned to one another before Haldir spoke up.

"I'll do it." Everyone turned to him and Haldir said as he looked to Cain, "It's what Hela would've done for me." Cain nodded.

"I admire your heart and loyalty to my sweet Hela, but you'll need a better weapon than your own. Take Aeglos and place the tip of the blade to Thena's gemstone. It was once the host of her powers, and should any Deviants come to the tower seeking her or my power, you'll need the power of the Celestial of War to aid you." Druig told him. Haldir nodded then Merry walked over towards Hela.

He stood over the head of the bed and placed his hands on each side of Hela's temples. Golden light emanated from his palms and bounced between his palms and Hela's temples which also began to glow. Soon the small glow from Merry's eyes grew bigger until his whole eyes were nothing but a pure golden light.

"It's happening. Now it's up to him and Merry. The rest of us will continue to get the people down below and prepare for the Deviants as well as the Celestials of Sauron's attack." Said Cain. As the others began to leave the tower leaving Haldir alone, Cain said to him, "Haldir," the march warden turned to him. "Take it from someone who has tasted vengeance for over 2 Ages. When Nergal shows himself, do not engage him alone. You will wait for us to aid you in taking him down, understood?" Haldir turned his head with a narrowed, hateful look in his eyes. "Understood?" Cain asked in a firmer tone.

"Go help the others in getting the people to the lower levels of the city. They've suffered enough at the hands of a leader who could care less about them." Haldir said as he went over and took Aeglos from Hela's side.

Cain turned but had a suspicious look on his face as he left to join the others to help evacuate and prepare Gondor for the oncoming Deviants.

Within Hela's mind, both Druig and Merry walked through a dark chasm with the only light coming from the very floor they walked upon. However the floor itself was a sea of souls glowing a pure blue light.

"Is this really what's inside Hela's mind?"

"We're only at the gate. Everyone has their own unique gateway into their subconscious." explained Druig.

"So what is it that we're looking for?"

"A tree. A very large tree."

"A tree?" asked Merry unsurely.

"Being the Mind Celestial I've come to see that in everyone's mind, no matter the race or species, the gates of their minds hold a very special tree to which I've called them the Tree of Life. Each branch representing a person's memory or thought. It's what makes them the person or creature that they are. And if my hunch is correct, Hela's tree may not look like it once was." As they treaded through the ankle-deep water, Merry began to grow weary of the souls that were moaning and weeping.

"Who are all these people?"

"The souls that had been lost but could not move on. Remember Hela is the bridge between the Seen and the Unseen world. Souls pass through her in order to move onto Mandos' halls, even under this spell they continue to come to her. But they're trapped here until she gives them her blessing."

'You are correct.' A voice spoke up. The boys stopped and Druig stood in front of Merry protectively as a spirit soon raised itself up from the water before taking the shape of King Theoden.

"Theoden King?" Merry gawked.

"Hello Meriadoc." He then turned to Druig and said, "And you must be her twin brother Lord Druig. Hela told me many stories of you and your sister Makkari the Speedster when I was a lad." Druig nodded and Merry said.

"Theoden King, we're looking for Hela's Tree of Life, can you take us to it?"

"I can but I must warn you. The spell that has imprisoned not only us but Hela herself has grown too strong. If you dive too deep into her mind, you too may also suffer the same fate as she."

"That's a risk we have to take. I won't leave here without knowing my sister will be okay." Answered Druig firmly. Theoden's spirit looked at both of them as Merry gave him a strong nod.

"Very well." He faded back into a spirit ball and began the light to guide them through the darkness and towards where they needed to go. Eventually they came upon a grand willow tree that stood nearly as tall as Treebeard himself, but just as Druig had thought, the lush green vines had been dried up and were starting to crumbling.

Within the vines were small thought bubbles that would normally be as bright as bubbles should be, but they were now dimmed and grey with faded memories hazed over.

"This is Hela's Tree of Life?" asked Merry.

"Yes. But it's worse than I imagined it would be." They walked up to the tree as Theoden's voice spoke to them.

'Remember, dive too deep and you too may suffer the same fate as she. Though I do hope you are successful in returning our Hela home. Good luck.' His spirit then dove back into the sea of souls. Merry walked up to the tree and touched the main trunk. He could feel just how malnourished the tree was.

"Any ideas on how we can fix it?"

"It's not up to us, it's up to Hela. Only she can mend her own Tree."

"But how are we going to find her?" Druig walked around Hela's tree until he had found what he'd expect to find. Glowing in a haunting green and black aura of magic was a large mushroom that was attached to one of the roots of Hela's tree. The light pulsating and almost sounding like a heartbeat but what had Druig in awe was the mushroom was showing a vision much like Hela's thought bubbles on the vines of her trees had.

"I think I might have found her." Merry came around and knelt down beside him. The two of them stared at the mirrored image of what looked like a large green pasture (much like the Shire) and Hela was out folding laundry. "You ready for this?"

"Let's do it." Answered Merry. Druig took his hand and together with their free hands, they reach out and touched the mushroom all while their eyes glowed a pure gold. The second they touched the mushroom, the black and green aura shot out like lighting trying to fend off Druig's and Merry's touch. Both the Celestial and the Hobbit groaned and cried out in pain but they kept a firm hold on the mushroom. Until they were encompassed by the green light.

"Merry? Merry! Wake up!" Merry's eyes shot open and he saw Druig kneeling over him. "Easy there halfling." Merry held his head in pain as he let out a small groan.

"What happened?"

"We got absorbed by the curse and sent into this false world. I must say I'm impressed by your mental stamina, any normal person would've crumbled by now. Think there might be a future for you being a Mind Celestial." Druig held his hand and helped Merry onto his feet.

"Hela once said I would make a clever one."

"And for myself I can see why she said that." Merry gave a slight smile before asking.

"Now that we're here, how do we find Hela? This place is nearly as big as the Shire."

"We just start walking. Hopefully we'll come across her. And we may just find out just what exactly this curse is doing to her." The two then proceeded to walk once again onward this time through the peaceful green pastures.

Back in the real world, Cain was standing along the very edge of the city where Denethor had leapt to his death. He could sense the very change in the air from the darkened clouds, the difference in the lightning and the very air seemed denser as if a dark spell had once again been placed over all of Middle Earth.

"We've gotten the last of the civilians gathered in the lower caves. And Faramir and Gandalf finally managed to work out the protection spell Hela had made for the city. It should be up later tonight." Aragorn said behind him.

"With all that Denethor allowed to happen, this city doesn't need to suffer twice at the hands of a bigger threat than orcs, trolls and wargs." Said Cain. Aragorn stood beside him and said.

"They'll find a way to bring her back."

"It's not bringing Hela back that I'm worried about." One look on Cain's somber face and Aragorn knew what he meant.

"You fear for Haldir's mental state at losing Hela."

"Grief—is a powerful feeling. Especially if it's fueled by rage. I may not be able to physically see his eyes but I can sense his heartbeat. His deep, sharp breaths through his nose, and the anxious ticks he's now been having at the tips of his hands, especially since he took hold of Aeglos."

"You fear he might turn into what you became." Cain solemnly let out a deep sigh. Aragorn placed a hand to Cain's shoulder and he told him, "He may not know it now, but he'll need your guidance before the end. Who better to understand what he's going through, if you can find the way, he will too before the end."

"I hope so Aragorn, I really hope so." Aragorn turned and headed back inside the palace leaving Cain to stand alone once again. However Cain felt a dark presence behind him and he withdrew his axe and his blade soon met with another and a voice said to him.

"You can even sense Death coming for you. Impressive."

"Deimos." The two of them uncrossed their crossed their weapons. "Why are you here?" Cain sneered lowly in the tone he's always used for those who were impure of heart.

"Apologizes for interrupting your little brotherly love session with Isildur's heir, but I had to come see for myself what wasteful plan you all have tried to come up with to save yourselves." Deimos chuckled sinisterly.

"You underestimate them. Even in their darkest hours, until there is no hope remaining, the Fellowship and the people of Gondor will continue to fight till their last breath."

"It's a waste. You cannot save them from the inevitable. Without Hela's power, the Deviants will take each race of Middle Earth, one by one until all is nothing but shadow and stone."

"And what do you three get out of all this in the end? If all is meant to be shadow and stone, what will you and your brothers do?"

"What Perses and Nergal want is up to them. I, however, have a different score to settle." Cain heard as Deimos unsheathed his second sickle. "As I'm sure you're aware, each Celestial while cut from the same cloth based on one's powers, there are the Celestials gifted with sub-level powers. A power solely focused to one main power."

"Yes. Like those celestials who could only control one element, or be able to see into the future."

"Hela had her time to be the high Celestial of Death, but she missed the whole point of her existence entirely."

"How so? By teaching that death shouldn't be feared? That it is another path to the next life."

"That! That right there!" Deimos snarled in distain. "You actually believe that death is a merciful, that it's something to be fully embraced and accepted like how you view Life. No, no, no. Death should be feared, uncertain, and permanent." He emphasized on the word permanent as Cain could feel his red eyes cutting right through him.

"You've come for me." Cain realized.

"Now you're catching on." Deimos then began to circle around Cain like a predator, eyeing him as he continued, "When you were brought back by the desperation of your brother Ikaris, you didn't value what he had given you. And while I find the very idea of resurrections and reincarnations absurd, what I loathe more than anything in this world are those who think they can cheat Death."

"As you said, it wasn't my choice to be brought back to life."

"You don't think I don't know how throughout the first 100 years of your banishment you tried to end your own life? And yet with each time, you survived."

Cain's heartbeat escalated, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, a cold chill ran up his entire body. He could hear the blades of Deimos' sickles cut across the cobbled stone beneath them.

"But here's how we can rectify all of this. When the time's right, I will come for you, and you and I shall face off in a duel to the death. See who truly has the blessing of the Valor on their side. You do that, and I swear to not harm a single hair on anyone else's heads."

"You really think I'll trust you to do that? After the way you beat Haldir and Hela nearly to death."

"A mere demonstration for what I have in stored for you. They were just so I could get to you. You agree to fight me, and death will only come for you." Deimos then let out a soft yet haunting whistle and when Cain turned around, he could sense that Deimos was gone, only hearing the brief whistle before it too was silenced.

PLAY VIDEO

Almost as if he had been strung up on strings, he collapsed to his knees, his heart still racing in such fear that he only felt when he came before the Nine Nazgul.

In Hela's mind, Merry and Druig continued walking along the grassy over hills until they came to a quaint little cabin. To Merry it almost resembled Frodo and Bilbo's home of Bag-end with a similar green circular door but it was a big-people sized home.

It had a small front deck with a porch swing, and the front yard was covered with wild flowers. A gazebo that looked exactly like the one in Lothlorien stood at the side of the cabin.

"Is this what Hela dreams about?" asked Merry.

"She was never one for riches or grand castles. When we were children, she always said she'd get herself a cabin and plant wild flowers as far as the eye could see." Said Druig. "But even so, this is still a prison so don't get swept by whatever you see. Remember Theoden's warning." Merry nodded as the two of them soon heard the sound of arrows being twanged from an bow around back. They heard the arrow hit a target so they came around to see someone who looked like Haldir doing some target practice.

Instead of the normal Marchwarden uniform or even armor, he donned on a simple dark green tunic and grey trousers. Haldir notched another arrow into his bow and released it and it split the arrow that was already in the target.

"Can he see us?" Merry quietly asked.

"No. This is an illusion, they usually can't see nor hear us."

"Even if this were an illusion, we Elves can hear the flutter of a humming bird's wings 10 leagues away." Haldir actually responded to them. He turned towards them and greeted with a warm smile and a bow of his head, "Welcome Merry, and back already Druig? It's not even been 20 minutes since you left." Merry looked up at Druig worriedly. While Druig's eyes expressed shock, he turned to Merry and told him telepathically.

'Just follow my lead.' Druig cleared his throat and said, "Well you know how it is. Big brothers and all, can't leave you two alone for one second."

"Even after all this time we've been married, you still can't trust us alone. Though I can understand, being an older brother myself. What can I do you both for?"

"We're actually here for Hela. Is she in the cabin?" Merry asked the Haldir illusion.

"Unfortunately you won't find her in the cabin. At this time of the day she's down at the farm just over that hill. What do you want with her?" there was a hint of suspicion to this fake Haldir's tone but Druig plainly said.

"Just received a message from Keoghan about the Midsummer's ball tonight. Apparently Kingo once again burned the cake and they need Hela's help since she is the best baker out of all our kinsman."

"Very well. But I must warn you, one of the cows just recently gave birth. She'll be on the fight if you anywhere near her pen."

"Thanks for the heads up Haldir. Good day." The two of them bowed to Haldir the Mind Celestial bow before heading over the hill where Haldir said the farm was at. "Tell me you caught the way he got suspicious on why we needed Hela."

"I did. There was also something in his eyes that gleamed the same color as the spell that shot out around us when we touched that mushroom on her Tree."

"You are indeed a clever hobbit Master Merry." They soon came up and looked down at a large farm. With large shire horses running freely around the wooded area in the back, large mountain dogs helping log around eggs, crates of apples and corn, and ducks and chickens waddling about the farm grounds.

As they walked through the farm grounds, they heard soft humming coming from the stables. They slowly walked in and soon found Hela brushing a white stallion's mane humming softly.

"Hela?" Merry called out to her. She jumped and smiled.

"Merry, this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting you till next month for Pippin's birthday. And Druig, back so soon. Let me guess, you thought Haldir and I were having another sweet rendezvous at the gazebo that you walked in on just shortly after we began courting." At that openly suggestive statement, Druig's cheeks went red as he said.

"No but thank you for that unholy image that is now seared into my brain." Hela giggled and said as she stroked the stallion's nose. "So what brings you both here?"

Merry turned to Druig wondering if they should break it to her now since looking at her, it seemed like they had found the real Hela. Druig was torn because the last time he had seen his sister this happy was when they were children. After Sauron came fully into power by the time the three of them came of age, Hela always held such a burden on her shoulders. Like the weight of the world fell on top of her weighing her down and taking her innocence away bit by bit until all that was left was a hollowed shell.

Here she seemed—happy, relieved even. No wonder why she's refused to awaken from such a dream. But he knew she had to, but they had to approach it delicately at first.

"Keoghan reached out to me halfway on my journey telling me that Kingo burnt the cake for the midsummer's ball again." Hela let out a sigh and shook her head.

"That Kingo, he can put on a show with Sprite but when it comes to drawing or cooking, he's hopeless. And I thought Apollo had banished him from the kitchen?"

"He did, and that banishment is still in affect but you know how Kingo is."

"He always finds a way." Both he and Hela said together. "Sorry Snowmane, afraid this grooming session's gonna have to be cut short." Snowmane huffed and let out a shocked whinny. "Don't blame me, if I don't go stop Kingo, he could blow the whole castle up." she got out of Snowmane's stable and walked pass Druig and Merry. "C'mon, we better get a move on. I'll have to tell Haldir first of where I'll be heading."

"Actually we just told him that before we came to find you." Merry said.

"Oh well okay then. That's one less thing to worry about." As they stepped out, Hela raised up her fingers and let out a sharp, loud whistle that almost resembled an eagle's scream. They waited for a bit until finally a real eagle's cry was heard and swooping down was Hela's great eagle Icarus. "Hey Icarus, think you can carry Merry to the palace?" he let out a soft trill before lowering himself down for Merry to climb on.

Druig nudged the hobbit forward and Merry raced up and with Hela's help, mounted on top of the great eagle.

"But what about you?" asked Druig.

"Why would I need Icarus to fly?" Hela's normal dress soon morphed into the Starlight Celestial armor. "Being born a Starlight Celestial, I never need aid in flying again." As Hela shot up onto the air like a shooting star, Merry and Druig looked at each other worriedly before Icarus soon took off following behind his mother and Druig used his levitating powers to fly right beside Merry and Icarus.

Another night was passing even through the dark, thunderous clouds that covered all of Middle Earth. Gandalf, Aragorn and Cain all stood along the balcony near the throne room as Cain said.

"One more day to go, and the Deviants will return to Middle Earth."

"Any word of Merry and Druig's progress?" asked Aragorn.

"I had just met with Haldir, no changes." Gandalf replied solemnly. "I know Merry is strong and Druig is powerful but I fear they may not bring our Celestial of Death back in time."

"We still have time." Aragorn stated. "All we can do now is give Merry and Druig the aid they need. We've coded the protection spell, the second we see those demons appear, we activate the spell."

"It won't just be the Deviants we'll need to worry about. Nergal, Perses and Deimos will also need to be stopped. I fear their goals are more than just what Sauron had intended for them. And if they try to stop Merry and Druig from helping Hela, Varda help us all." Cain said as thunder once again rumbled in the sky and red lightning flashed in the sky.

[snarkythewoecrow]

okay, for a little treat, here's some super big feels in snippet form from my mpreg!buck story (which i should make a special tag for) but this is a buddie, one night stand to enemies to reluctant roommates to lovers/family fic, with misunderstandings and lots of hurt/comfort, and this out-of-context snippet is from some stuff I wrote tonight, with Athena being the best surrogate mom to Buck in his time of need, like the feels!

tagging @kookieisbaby and @underwater-ninja-13 since i think they might be interested, i've never done a tag list but i can try to make one for snippets from this fic if you want, just let me know if you want on it

“Buck, sweetheart, you did take it, didn’t you?” she asked.

Something clawed at his throat, scraping upwards and making him cough, trying to ease it. The sensation didn’t abate, but he pushed past it, nodding tightly a few times, then managing to rasp, “Yeah, I—it’s in there, but, uh, I couldn’t—I couldn’t—I can’t—”

He shook his head, not able to explain—and not just because he didn’t know how, but because his chest had suddenly refused to expand how it should, leaving the tissues burning for oxygen, screaming for him to suck in faster--pull harder--to fill his lungs. Though that only made the panic worse.

“Woah, woah, woah,” she said, touching his shoulders, then his face, turning him to face her. “Breathe, Buck. Come on, baby.”

The room spun when he shook his head. “Can’t—can’t—I can’t.”

“Easy—look at me—that’s it, baby—there you are.” One of her hands slid to the back of his neck, putting him in a scruff that sent a jolt through his arms, then into his chest, working like the opposite of adrenaline. “I promise—you can, and very much are, breathing. You’re moving air, baby. It might not feel like it, but I promise you are.”

The tight cinch of panic around his ribcage eased.

His gaze locked with hers, latching on and finding faith. In and out. He wasn’t suffocating—Athena wouldn’t let him drown.

Her lips twitched, an almost smile. “There you go—those lungs are working a little better for you now, huh? Alright, just keep breathing, nice and slow, for a bit longer, then we’ll go from there. That sound good to you?”

A quick nod, then he closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth of her hand squeezing his neck, grounding and reminding him of a childhood he never had, with a mother who’d never cared to soothe him this way.

Then, after gathering himself, though his nerves still buzzed with static, he took an easier breath and opened his eyes to face Athena, and everything that time refused to stop chasing.

Because no matter what, sooner or later, the test would need to be read—and his life would change—even if he wasn’t pregnant, as this experience had already left its mark.

“Um, thanks—and sorry, for, you know, all that.”

She rolled her eyes, brows lifting and dropping her hand from his neck. “You’re just as bad as Bobby—and you know, you’re not the only one who struggles—we all do from time to time. But that’s what pack is for, right? We’re here for each other, through thick and thin, or whatever is waiting behind that door.”

“Yeah, I know.”

She shrugged a little. “Eh, I’m not sure you do, but it’s a work in progress, baby. We all are, in our own ways. But the real question is, are you ready to see what the next step is gonna be—where this path is leading?”

His throat still ached when he swallowed. Then he inhaled hard and fast, exhaling just as roughly afterward. “I’m scared, ’Thena.”

“I bet you are—probably downright terrified, but I’m here, and the pack is a phone call away. You know Maddie will drop everything if you ask, and no matter what—we’ll back you up. However you want to play it.”

He had to stop his hand from sliding to his lower belly. Then, glancing at the door, he asked, not even turning back to her, “Can you—would you look? Then—then tell me. I can’t and I—I think it would be easier if you…”

She patted his shoulder. “Of course, baby.”