#hope this is okay darie ! :')

[kurishiri]

95k bonus . . . Liebe geht durch den Magen

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ warning ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ none; it’s really just vogel being silly! hope you’re ready for the dari, nica, and ring galore, hehe.

Kate: A tea party with all of the members of Vogel…?

Victor: Mhm, it seems like all of them have taken an interest in you. So they asked for a chance to speak with you.

Kate: Well, seeing as I’m the only one who isn’t Cursed, I guess it makes sense they would hold an interest.

Victor: Indeed. …How would you like to answer? It’s completely up to you.

V: …However, both parties hold their own secrets.

V: And we do often take care of them, seeing as they are diplomatic guests.

V: Should there be anything making you anxious, or you feel even slightly you don’t want to do this, or anything of the sort, then you are always free to turn them dow—

Kate: …Victor. I will attend the tea party.

Victor: Wait, really? Are you sure?

Kate: Since they have come here to deepen relations between the organizations, turning down an opportunity like this wouldn’t leave a good impression, I’d imagine.

K: And besides, I would like to be of some use to you and Crown, for extending such hospitality to me.

When I expressed my honest feelings, Victor’s expression softened in turn.

Victor: I’m grateful for your honesty. Well then, it’s about time I give them a response.

V: Ahh, but… I’ll have Roger listen in from nearby, so if something happens you can just give a shout, okay?

V: No matter the time and place, I’ll come running.

After Victor’s words resonated in my heart, several days passed——

Darius: Thank you for accepting our invitation, miss fairytale keeper.

D: Did you perhaps prepare everything on this table?

Lined up on the table was filled to the brim with snacks, causing Darius to blink.

Kate: Victor and I prepared them. We were hoping it would be nice if you could eat these…

K: And that we can be on more friendly terms as we’re chatting like this.

Ring: You want to be on more friendly terms with the ones who might kill you? I don’t see the point?

Kate: …Gh.

Nica: Riiing, now don’t go saying gruesome things like that. You’ll bother the Spatzi.

N: So sorry about that? Ring is a Jungfrau [1] who tends to get a bit more nervous around cute girls.

Wearing an amiable smile as he faced me, Nika lifted the heavy air around us.

Kate: Jung…?

Ring: Y-you don’t have to ask what it is! …And also, it’s not like I’m nervous.

R: But, I won’t deny… that you are… cute…

He was simply cautious around me; it was not as though he was really doing me any harm for now.

…Even so, though, I myself had become ever so slightly anxious.

(The members of Vogel are also Cursed, if I recall, right…)

(If they had such intentions, they could easily take my life.)

The fear that I had first felt when I started working for Crown started to paint over my heart, when…

Darius: …Are you nervous, by any chance?

Donning a childlike innocence, Darius looked into my face.

Kate: Ah… umm…

Darius: Well, well… if we did possess a strong ability much like Sir Rex…

D: I wouldn’t blame you for feeling powerless even while simply conversing.

D: But you can relax around us. My ability will not kill you.

D: ——In fact, there is absolutely no way it will. Okay?

Nica: Oh, me and my brother’s abilities aren’t really harmful too.

N: That said, it can probably make you feel really good and maybe make you feel a bit fuzzy, but that’s actually a good thing, isn’t it?

Kate: R-right…

(Just what ability does that entail…?)

Although I still held my doubts, I knew that their abilities didn’t pose a danger to my life, which ebbed my fear.

Darius: Now then, now that you know we mean you no harm, how about we partake in these?

With Darius’ encouragement, Ring quickly reached out to a cake in front of him.

Ring: Mm…! This is really good.

Taking large bites, the cake was gone before I knew it, and Ring then reached out for another snack.

Nica: Geez, Ring, why are you just taking whatever’s in front of you? Pick the ones that especially look good.

While saying so, Nica reached for a baked pastry diagonal of him.

Nica: I recognize this shape. Isn’t this from the high-class bakery near the castle?

Kate: I’m surprised you know of it! That shop——

Nica: Mn… hm? It’s good, but did it really come from that shop?

Kate: Well, what I wanted to say was that shop’s pastry shapes were the inspiration for these homemade sweets.

That said, this time, Victor and I did make our rounds around a variety of bakeries, and put this together.

And I tried to make homemade pastries here at the castle that were freshly made or were hard to obtain.

Nica: They’re ‘homemade’? So they’re basically cheap foods, in which case I don’t want any.

Kate: Eh—

Nica: Here, Ring, say ‘ahh.’

Nica pushed his half eaten pastry into Ring’s mouth.

Ring: Mn… this is also really good…

When he was eating it, Nica said it was ‘good,’ but maybe he’s actually not good with homemade pastries…?

Darius: Hey, miss fairytale keeper, this is Baumkuchen [2], isn’t it?

This time, Darius called out to me while pulling on my sleeve.

Kate: That’s right. We figured since you’re here, we could prepare some German pastries… or that’s what Victor said.

Darius: Ho-oh…

Darius used a knife to lightly cut a slice before he carried it to my mouth.

Darius: Here, have a bite?

Kate: Mn… mmm, it’s really fluffy and delicious!

Darius: I’m glad to hear. Then it’s my turn.

With layers of the Baumkuchen spilling, Darius brought it to his mouth.

Darius: Mm, it’s delicious. …But, I take it it’s not something made in most of England. So where did you get this?

Kate: Actually, while I was racking my head on how to make Baumkuchen…

K: Victor made a gadget that could make it.

In order to make a delicious Baumkuchen by the tea party, I practiced baking it day in and day out.

…I feel that I can keep the fact that for some time the castle’s snacks consisted of nothing but Baumkuchen to myself.

Darius: He made a whole gadget just for this? Hmm… he’s quite strange, I’d say.

Kate: I can’t argue with that… but I’m sure it’s just that he was happy.

K: Happy that you guys, who are also Cursed, have come to England——or rather, to Crown.

Darius: …The pleasure is ours. I’m delighted at how warmly we’re treated here.

D: I do like the Baumkuchen, so do make it again sometime.

Kate: Alright!

I was so glad he liked it that I gave an immediate answer, but…

(Making it is quite time consuming and requires skill… but I’ll try my best.)

Nica: This topic’s all well and good, but what I really want to hear about the Spatzi [3] herself.

N: You know, like what fragrances you like, or which types of guys you fancy, that kind of thing… what about you, Ring?

Ring: Mngh…!? U-uhm…

R: ………M-maybe, like, which color of the sky she most likes?

Nica: The sophistication’s lacking, I see.

Ring: And what’s the problem with that?

Darius: I do agree with Nika here though. I would also like to get to know you better.

D: But simply asking would be a bore, so how about we play a guessing game?

Nica: So, Ratespiel? Now we’re talking.

Darius: Let’s make it so each person can make a single guess, and until then, we can continue asking questions…

D: Come play with us, why don’t you, miss fairytale keeper?

D: If possible… I would prefer you choose a topic that pertains to yourself.

Kate: Alright, then…

K: Out of the foods on this table, which one is my most favorite?

Darius: Hehe, that’s quite a charming topic? Then let’s start.

Nica: Sounds good to me, though I’d like to propose another twist.

N: The first person to guess the correct answer will be able to ask the Spatzi out on a date. Well, how about it?

Ring: A date…!? [surprised]

Darius: You do make a good point. A competition does call for a prize of sorts… well, miss fairytale keeper? Are you fine with this?

Kate: U-um, I think a date may be a bit——

When I tried to speak up, though, the three of them looked at me, causing my breath to catch in my throat.

Ring was looking at me with a guarded look, as though he were a guard dog who could tear my neck apart with a single order.

Nica was looking at me with a scrutinizing look, as though he was thinking about how to play with a toy.

And Darius was wearing an amiable smile, but his eyes alone were sharp, like that of a predator aiming for its prey——

With the three of them looking at me in their own way, I couldn’t bring myself to disagree, feeling myself surrounded by a heavy air.

Darius: ‘I think a date may be a bit’ what was that now?

Kate: …Nope, never mind. That works for me.

Overwhelmed by the pressure, I could only nod, and Darius returned the gesture with an angelic smile.

Like a signal, the tense atmosphere became more lax.

Darius: Thank you. Then, let the game start.

With that, the tea party proceeded such that Darius, Nika, and Ring asked me questions.

While the discussion occasionally went off track, this peaceful time continued to pass by——

Ring: I got it!

The one who had his answer ready first was Ring.

Darius: A friendly reminder that you only have one chance. If you miss the mark, that will be the end… are you sure you would like to answer?

Ring: Don’t worry, I’m sure of this.

R: The answer is——that fruit before your eyes!

Kate: …Miss.

Ring: Wh…!? I-I see… so it was wrong…

Ring looked a bit despondent at my answer, and though he looked like a guard dog before, in an instant, he looked more like an abandoned puppy,

and I had to desperately fight the urge to say ‘actually, it’s a hit.’

Nica: …Hey, Ring. Mind if I say how you got to your answer?

Ring: ‘How I got to my answer’?

Nica: When you were about to grab that fruit, the Spatzi said ‘go ahead’ to you with a smile and put it on your plate,

N: and so you held a positive association with that fruit, leading you to your answer?

Ring: N-now that you mention it… that might’ve been the case… it was completely unconscious…

Darius: Ahaha, you’re so adorably honest, Ring.

Nica: Well then, it’s about time I guess too. The correct answer is… this chocolate.

N: It’s a bit on the mini side, and it looks cute too, and not to mention the packaging is also intricate. It practically oozes the traits a girl would like.

Kate: Miss.

Nica: Oops, too bad.

As opposed to Ring, who seemed down upon getting his guess wrong, Nika didn’t show any signs of caring, even if he did.

It was as though he knew from the beginning his answer was wrong.

Darius: I would prefer you make a serious guess, or this game will really end up in a bore.

Nica: But I thought long and hard about what girls would like and picked based on that?

N: Besides, this is where a subordinate hands the torch to the master.

Nika gave a smug wink, and Darius shrugged his shoulders in response.

Darius: It seems I bear a great responsibility now. If I’m unable to answer correctly, I’m afraid the little miss fairytale keeper——

D: And Crown as well would be disappointed in me.

Kate: Don’t worry, I won’t be disappointed even if you don’t answer correctly. It’s just a game, after all.

Darius: Hmm, so you believe I won’t get the answer right, is that it?

Kate: That…

(If I’m being completely honest, yes, I did think that.)

(Because the answer to this question is… a bit special.)

Darius: Hehe, seeing you have such low expectations of me makes me want to try my utmost hardest.

D: Alright, I have my answer.

D: I see you were trying not to eat this chocolate cake, right?

D: Because you like it, you saved it for last, I take it. So, my answer is that chocolate cake.

I was about to reply with an immediate ‘miss,’ when he opened his mouth before me.

Darius: …is what a normal person would say, but that would be incorrect.

Kate: Eh…

Darius: The answer to your question is——-

D: ‘Everything here on the table.’

Kate: …That’s a hit.

Ring: A-all of it…!? Is that answer even possible?

Nica: Well, we never established that the said thing had to just be a single thing, so yeah, it’s fully possible.

N: But even so, way to bend the rules there, Spatzi. I didn’t think you had it in you.

N: …You really are an interesting one, aren’t you.

Darius: I did think it was a strange answer, but considering the little miss fairytale keeper’s character, it wasn’t too difficult.

D: Perhaps you thought something like, ‘If I’m preparing something for guests, I would choose the things I believe are the most delicious’… am I right?

Kate: It is as you say…

While consulting with Victor, I chose all of the pastries here.

So, that’s why if I were to choose my most favorite among these, the answer would naturally be ‘everything.’

Kate: It was a bit of an underhanded answer, so I didn’t think you would get it.

Darius: Hehe, but I did. Oh, but, I don’t think it’s underhanded.

D: After all, I take it you thought up of such an answer so that you didn’t have to assign winners and losers, yes?

Kate: Yes, there was also that. Since it was such a fun tea party, I didn’t want to label anyone as winners and losers…

Darius: To see you try to put us on an equal footing without assigning a winner…

D: You truly are sweet to the point it’s cloying… and kind as well.

Ring: B-by the way… will Darius ask her out? O-on a date, that is…!

Darius: Ahh, that nearly slipped my mind. Well, miss fairytale keeper, will you go out on a date with me next time?

Kate: …I will.

I didn’t have much reason to turn him down, and now that I got to talk with them like this, I started to become more interested in the members of Vogel.

(…And going out together with them seems pretty fun too.)

Nica: Okay, then, when you’re done with your date with Dari, let me know, okay? We can plan a date of our own then.

Kate: Eh—

Nica: The prize for the game was the right to ask you out on a date, but there’s no need to hinge something like that on a game, right?

N: Besides, if the answer to the question is ‘everything on the table,’ that would technically make my answer right, too, yeah?

Kate: I… guess so…?

Nica: And you caught my interest too anyway…

N: …Ah, that’s right. Since we’re talking about this, why don’t you invite the Spatzi on a date too, Ring?

Ring: O-on a date…!? I… I’ll pass.

R: …But when you go on your date with Nica and Darius, I’ll tag along behind you guys.

Nica: Wait, why though?

Ring: If she’s around, you’ll let your guards down and lose sight of your surroundings, right?

R: So I’ll cover those bases during your date.

Nica: Ehh…

Darius: Hehe, thank you, Ring.

D: …Hey, miss fairytale keeper. I must say that half a day isn’t nearly enough.

D: Why don’t we take our sweet time chatting on our date, the two of us?

A smile played on Darius’ lips, and I couldn’t look away from his honey-colored eyes.

Just then, I remembered Victor’s words from before I went out.

—— Flashback ——

Victor: Ahh, that’s right, Kate. There’s one thing I should say.

V: If you wish to return to your normal everyday life after this month passes… you mustn’t let your heart get stolen by them.

—— End flashback ——

(It’ll be alright… I think I was able to enjoy this time today when I tried talking to them.)

(This feeling won’t blossom into love. Surely…)

Fin.

will vs darius jude vs nica alfons vs ring

NOTES:

[0] according to our handy google translate, the title of this story, Liebe geht durch den Magen, translates to “love goes through the stomach.” I assume this may reference or be the equivalent to a similar English saying, “the way to one’s heart is through their stomach.”

[1] “virgin” in German nhdkshfds

[2] and here we have a quote from Wikipedia: Baumkuchen is a kind of spit cake from German cuisine. It is also a popular dessert in Japan. The characteristic rings that appear in its slices resemble tree rings, and give the cake its German name, Baumkuchen, which literally translates to “tree cake” or “log cake”.

[3] originally, I had Rotkehlchen, which is like the literal translation for “robin” as far as I know. Spatzi means “sparrow,” but can be used as a term of endearment in the same way the Crown members call Kate “robin” out of endearment. In his collection story event, he mentions that the word he used is German for robin, but it could be localized to something like “it is a German-equivalent term of endearment for robin.” Thanks to @.citrusmornings for providing this link!

END NOTES: did you enjoy this story? because i know i did, haha. i really enjoy all the vogel characters so far; they all have interesting personalities, and they bounce off each other in a fun way as well.

honestly, i’m still trying to sort of get an idea of how i want to sort of translate and write these characters. overall, though, i tried to give darius a more innocent air, with some hints of his nobility, while also having a strong sort of presence. and i tried to capture nica’s sort of casual and flippant (but also clever and sharp) air, which contrasts with how ring gets shy and flustered pretty easily.

i’d love to hear your thoughts!

full masterlist 🕊️

[judesmoonbeauty]

Ikémen Series Expo 2024 - A “Villains” Original Short Story

This is a fan translation. 100% accuracy is not guaranteed. Cybird owns everything. This is exclusive content for IFC members that gained it via point accumulation during the event. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not share my translations. Thank you! ☾

This story features: Ellis, Liam, Harrison & Ring. The stories are dialogue only (Cybird's doing not mine.)

Ellis: Oh, it’s my acrylic stand.

Liam: It is, and this is my card.

Ring: There’s also buttons. 

Liam: I don’t know which one I want.

Ellis: For now, why not collect and organize your own merch?

Liam: Good idea, then….what should I get?

Ring: Isn’t this armor cool.

Ellis: It’s Mr. Nobunaga’s acrylic stand, his armor isn’t something found in the West.

Ring: Ah, it doesn’t exist in the UK or Germany. Are there other types of armor that exist.

Liam: It’s nice they each have their own colored armor, I wonder what our colors would be.

Ellis: I think you’d be pink Liam. Ring is…

Harrison: What are you excited about?

Liam: Ah, Harry!

Harrison: Your hands aren’t moving. Aren’t going to work hard so the robins can enjoy it.

Liam: Sorry, I got really excited.

Ellis: Harry, you’re all done?

Harrison: I organized the goods so they’re easy to grab.

Harrison: You guys only put your own merch up…..

Ellis: I want people to see and get my goods first…..

Liam: I put my merch upfront because I want them to see how well made it is…

Ring: ….I….for some reason

Harrison: Haaa. Come on, put it back. This won’t be done no matter how long it takes.

Liam: Okaaay.

Ellis: Yeah.

Ring: Sure.

Liam: Hey, doesn’t this Harry merch look good? 

Ellis: These Jude goods are so cute. 

Ring: Nica’s merch is nice too.

Harrison: Hey. 

Liam: Will’s card looks so stylish. 

Ellis: Roger’s acrylic stand looks just like him.

Ring: Dari’s too….

Harrison: ….Oi.

Liam: Oh, Lord Elbie is beautiful! His beauty doubles when merch is made of him.

Ellis: Victor’s hair looks so smooth seeing it like this. 

Ring: Alfons’ personality comes out in his goods too…..

Harrison: …..Set up!

Liam: Oh, sorry!

Ellis: Sorry.

Ring: I-I’m sorry.

Harrison: The space you guys touched is nothing but a mess.

Harrison: Who said they’d work hard to get set up.

Liam: Me…..

Ellis: Me…..

Ring: I did…

Harrison: ….Liam line up the larger goods. Ellis, clean the shelves, and Ring handle the smaller items.

Liam: On it! Ring, let’s do our best.

Ring: Oh, by the way, where should I put this?

Liam: Is that this one.

Ellis: I’ll dust the upper shelves.

Harrison: It’s finally getting it done…..

Harrison: Why am I in charge?

Ellis: Harry?

Harrison: Hm, something happen?

Ellis: I hope the robins will be happy.

Harrison: ….Oh, that’s right.

Ellis: I hope they’ll be the happiest when they see our merchandise stand.

Harrison: I’m not sure about the happiest, but they’ll be happy.

Ellis: Heh, I’m looking forward to it now.

Harrison: ….I see.

Liam: Harry, come here!

Harrison: Yeah, what is it now?

Liam: Do they look better placed this way, or that way?

Harrison: Either way is fine….

Liam: No it’s not, I have to arrange them in a way that’s easy for the robin to look at them.

Harrison: In that case, I think it’d be better to put the larger items on an upper shelf.

Harrison: Since they’re shorter than us, it might be harder for them to reach the items on top shelf.

Liam: That’s true, thanks Harry.

Harrison: No problem, you okay?

Harrison: Your fingers are shaking as you line up the merch?

Ring: I’ve never done a task like this before.

Harrison: You don’t have to fine tune it so much.

Ring: But, I want them to think that the display looks pretty when they see it.

Harrison: ….Want me to help too.

Ring: No, I’ll do each of these here…..ah.

Liam: Huh!

Ellis: Wah!

Harrison: ….Bad move.

Liam: All the goods you lined up fell like a trail of dominoes.

Ellis: The dust pile fell down, due to the impact,

Ring: There’s a lot of dust the fell on top of the merch…..

Harrison: Worst’s come to worst……

Ring: I-I’m sorry! It’s my fault, I’ll clean it up quickly! 

Liam: Wait! You’re going to bump into something,

Ring: [Gasp!]

Ellis: Ring’s arm bumped into a lower shelf, and now it’s all messed up.

Ring: S-sorry!

Liam: It’s okay, let’s start again, we’ve got dust in our heads.

Ring: Ah…..

Liam: Haha, we’re all matching.

Ring: ….Haha, it’s true.

Ellis: It’s kind of funny.

Liam: Harry’s the dustiest…..Harry?

Ellis: Harry？

Ring: What’s wrong？

Harrison: ……I, am NOT your guys’ babysitter!

Fin.

Quick, someone get Harry a double shot of extra extra super sweet strawberry milk, a cupcake, and a Sherlock Holmes novel STAT! ....Poor Ring lmao.

Dividers: @.adornedwithlight

Tags list: @sh0jun @theimaginativelyreticent @sapphire-323 @letter-from-afar @nateko @raeraeks

If you wish to be added to my translations tag list, please comment or DM me.

[dark-frosted-heart]

Roger Barel Main Route - Chapter 6

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this. I’m doing this for archiving purposes and you can probably find a better translation out there.

Kate and co.’s lively voices could be heard throughout Crown’s castle’s garden.

There, two figures slink about unnoticed.

Nica: Oh, sounds like they’re having fun. Crown’s closer than I thought. They’re like a “family”.

Ring: …

Nica: What’s wrong, Ring? Do you want to be their friend?

Ring: Ah, well…

Nica: You can’t. You know we’re not here to make friends.

Ring: I know that. I’ll only follow what you and Dari tell me to do.

Nica: I don’t want to control you like a puppet, Ring. But if that’s what you want, then I will.

Eyes peek through a blue-grey gap before landing on Roger.

Nica: Roger Barel. Apparently he’s conducting research on Cursed Ones.

Ring: Research on Cursed Ones? That guy…what does he want to do?

Nica: Who knows. Maybe it’s research that’ll interfere with our ambitions. The kind that will shake the meaning of our existence.

Ring: …Should we eliminate him? No one will notice if I take care of it.

Nica: What are you talking about, Ring? We’re here as goodwill ambassadors. We have to stay white and clean for now. Besides, that guy can be both poison and medicine for Vogel, so let’s let him go for now.

Ring: But— 

Suddenly, his lips curled into a ferocious smile.

Nica: The nail that sticks out gets the hammer* and beautiful flowers get plucked. Let’s just hope no one else notices him and makes him disappear.

--

—Meanwhile.

Within the palace, “Her Majesty the Queen’s Privy Council” is full of frustration.

Privy Council Lord: A few days ago, “Vogel”, an organization under German rule, arrived as goodwill ambassadors. Why don’t the chief of Vogel and his subordinates show any interest in us? Instead, they’re only interested in “Crown”...

One member spat out words full of hatred, and the others joined in on cursing Crown.

Privy Council Lord: With strange powers called curses, they do whatever they want under Her Majesty the Queen. This stain on our country must be erased!

Privy Council member: Her Majesty must be out of her mind, keeping these cursed monsters as pets.

Privy Council Lord: As the Privy Council, we must protect Her Majesty before Crown’s existence becomes known to the public.

Privy Council member: Crown must be dissolved then.

This was what “Her Majesty the Queen’s Privy Council” wanted.

Privy Council member: …But to object to an organization directly under Her Majesty’s control, you must know a weakness.  

Privy Council Lord: Let’s look for a weakness immediately. The best kind to take Crown down.

Little did they know that darkness was about to creep back into “Crown”...

--

Kate: *sigh*...I’m finally done.

Finally free from my self-defense class, I trudged up the stairs with wounds all over.

(I need to work my legs out more…)

Exhausted, I rubbed my weary legs that wouldn’t even let me climb up the stairs.

Concealed under my skirt was a garter belt holding a gun wrapped around a leg.

The gun was a gift from Roger.

~~ Flashback ~~

Roger: Kate, I got something for you. The best from Victor’s armory.

Kate: A…gun?

Roger: Give it here. I’ll teach you how to shoot.

When I handed the gun back to Roger, he immediately fired at a distant target.

(Amazing…)

Roger: The height you hold the barrel depends on the opponent’s feet. In close range, point it down. Long range, horizontal. If you’re in a room, on a train, or some place with obstacles, you can point it up. But keeping it steady takes practice. If the muzzle’s shaking, you have a higher chance of hitting a comrade so the basic rule is to aim down.

Roger explains while demonstrating with the gun.

Roger: That’s about it. Now we just have to practice.

Kate: I’ll give it a shot…

The gun was placed back into my hand and I held it up like I was instructed.

Roger: Grip it like this. Yeah, good. Keep your finger on the trigger…no, don’t squeeze it. Loosen up.

Kate: Okay.

Roger: Relax. Just pull it back.

Roger’s hand slowly moves away from the gun and I pull the trigger.

—There was a dry sound and a bullet grazed the target.

Roger: A little more to the left. Fire them all.

Kate: …

I repositioned my arm and fired in rapid succession.

Roger: Out of 6 rounds, 1 was a hit. 2 grazed the target. Not bad for a first time. I’ll add this to your training so you better start doing push-ups every day. Also— Kate, use this as a last resort. Got it?

~~ Flashback end ~~

(At the time, Roger looked a little scared…no, he looked serious)

My breath shuddered at the memory and I heard the sound of a piano coming from somewhere…

(It sounds beautiful. Who’s…?)

I followed the sound and opened the door.

William: …

There sat William playing the piano.

He glanced at me, raised his fingers high and then continued playing dramatically.

The song eventually comes to an end with a decrescendo and as the final note fades, I give a generous round of applause.

Kate: So it was William playing the piano so beautifully.

William: Thank you for the praise, Kate.

In response to my applause, William gracefully placed his hand on his chest and then suddenly lowered his gaze.

William: Ah…He gave you a gun. Robin with a gun is quite the image.

Kate: H-how did you know? It’s concealed under my skirt.

William: I could tell from the way you walked. When going undercover, be careful not to let others notice.

Kate: The way I walked…I hadn’t considered that.

William: However, it looks like you’re growing well. The “robin growth map” was it?

(Ugh…it’s embarrassing hearing it said to you)

William’s smiling, blood-red eyes held a subdued power that seemed to see through everything.

(William’s a curious person)

(It’s like he knows everything, but I’m not uncomfortable)

William: Kate, do you know why Roger uses a hunting rifle?

Kate: No…Now that I think about it, Roger’s the only one that uses one.

(Everyone else uses either swords or pistols…)

Roger’s hunting rifle stood out and as an amateur, I thought it looked difficult to use.

Kate: I was under the impression that hunting rifles were used by people with good eyesight. So initially I wondered why.

William: One reason is that he used to go hunting with his father, so he’s familiar with it. The other is because of his “abnormal hearing”.

My eyes widened at the unexpected answer.

Kate: Ah, Roger can tell where a target is by listening out for them!

William: That’s right. Rather than risk injuries at close range, he can shoot from a distance. It’s very like Roger to value efficiency. However, those are the reasons he gives. I’m sure there are others.

Kate: Other reasons…?

William: Did you know, Robin.

William spoke softly.

It was like he was telling a fairy tale.

William: In war, 80% of those given guns wouldn’t “dare” to shoot the enemy.

Kate: …I didn’t know that.

The percentage is a lot higher than I expected.

Kate: Even when faced with the enemy, it might be too much pressure to shoot another person…

William: What if it’s a hunting rifle? A hunting rifle’s original purpose is to hunt beasts, not people. It would be an undeniable evil for a former doctor to kill someone, even if it’s to condemn them.

At that moment, I remembered—Roger’s serious expression when he was teaching me how to use a gun.

William: I heard from Victor that when Roger joined Crown, he chose the hunting rifle.

Kate: He chose the hunting rifle on purpose…?

William’s smile was an affirmation.

Roger willingly chose the hunting rifle to kill people and condemn them of their evil, while also having the skills to save lives.

Roger had more knowledge about medicine than anyone else, yet called himself a former doctor and lived in darkness.

(...The more I learn about Roger, the more questions I have)

Why did Roger decide to live on with Crown?

It wasn’t just out of curiosity—that is obvious…

(Would I be able to ask him why?)

(And William…)

Kate: Um, why did you give me this information about Roger? 

William: Hm?

Kate: You don’t seem like the kind of person that says things without a reason.

William: I see…

William frowned in thought.

William: Perhaps it’s because humans are creatures who meet people and gain wisdom at the right time.

Like the scriptures in the Bible, his words weren’t immediately understood.

But it felt like I received some sort of “guidance”. 

Kate: I don’t really understand, but..thank you.

William: You’re welcome.

Kate: Ah, that’s right. William!

(There was something I wanted to ask him)

Kate: I was told that the palace library has books on medicine.

William: Books on medicine?

Kate: Um…Since I’m going to be around Roger, I thought it’d be good to gain some knowledge.

William: Wouldn’t it be easier to ask Roger?

Kate: I can’t.

William: Why?

I want to make him happy with my growth

I want to beat him

It’s a secret surprise +4 +4

Kate: I want to keep it a secret and surprise Roger later.

William: So it’s a special surprise.

William chuckled when he heard about my plan.

William: In that case, I’ll show you the way. Of course, I’ll keep it a secret from Roger.

--

—That night, Roger and I were summoned to Victor’s office at the palace.

Victor: Her Majesty has entrusted Roger and his exclusive Fairytale Keeper with a mission.

(Our next mission…)

Since Roger started teaching me a lot of things, I’ve felt myself grow every day.

Realizing that it was time to put my abilities to the test, I straightened up.

Victor: There's a village out in the countryside. It may be small, but it’s a special place where the people live by their own rules.

Roger: Hmm, is that what they call village customs? What’s wrong with it?

Victor: The other day, skeletons were found in the mountain by the village. There were a lot of them.

I came to the realization that the previous mission to infiltrate the “death party” was a lot simpler than the usual missions.

I quietly swallowed down the fear rising from my chest and mentally organized the mission.

Kate: But burials are normal in this country, and if it’s the village’s custom, then— 

Victor: I had thought so too. So I did some research. Police sent to investigate the village never returned.

(Even the police…that can only mean something’s happened in the village)

Victor: And I found something else. There is a village chief who they call the spirit god. Supposedly this man can ward off illness.

(Spirit god…? The heck…)

Roger and Kate: That’s really suspicious!

Grimacing, we both said it at the same time.

Roger: I see. If illnesses are involved, then I’m the right guy. It’s possible this man’s a new Cursed One…

Kate: New Cursed One?

Roger: It’s nothing.

(What are you talking about?)

While I tilted my head in confusion, Roger spoke enthusiastically.

Roger: Alright. Kate and I will go undercover at the village. And we’ll expose the evil spread in the sandbox. Right, Kate?

(This time I’ll help out with the mission and not be a burden as Fairytale Keeper!)

Kate: Right, leave it to us.

Victor: Thank you. Liam, with his power to disappear, will sneak into the village first and gather intelligence. Once you’re in the village, make contact with him without getting noticed.

Victor turned toward us— 

Victor: Roger, Kate. Don’t get hurt. Now, let’s pledge allegiance to evil.

He sent us off with a few words that were very “Crown-like”.

His POV | Next

-

*Idiom meaning those that stand out are forced to conform

[weepinglycoris]

Nica and His Rings (Nica Scwartz x Reader

Disclaimer: Again, I'm in that weird moment of zen where my brain decided I should cook after long downtimes so please don't expect much lmao I put this together at 2 AM. AGAIN. HELP. Dari brainrot soon? 👁️👁️

Warnings: None

WC: 1232

Dividers by: @/saradika-graphics

It was really just harmless curiosity on your side of things. Maybe Liam rubbed off on you. You weren't sure.

Nica was particularly invested in showing you the way he could tie cherry stems with his tongue, but instead of actually paying attention to that act, your eyes kept wandering to his hand that he used to feed himself the cherries and fingers adorned with an abnormally high number of rings. You ended up getting entranced by the joints and contours of his fingers, the small, subtle movement the rings would make whenever he would bend them, and the sole, barren ring finger that had not a single piece of jewelry adorning it.

“Now, now, Robin, are you actually more focused on my hands instead of my tricks?”

Of course, Nica was not going to beat around the bush because you were just so cute and helpless, not even hiding the fact that the moment your eyes wandered to his hands. That almost too innocent, unaware gaze made him feel many things, like wanting to aggressively squish you until you were out of air.

He's not cruel like that, of course, so he settles for grabbing your chin with the hand that you were so eagerly staring at, metal-studded fingers settling on your cheeks and squishing them together, your lips forcefully puckered as he makes you meet his eyes. You make an involuntary sound at the action as he tugs you closer to his own face, an alluring smirk gracing his lips.

Almost forgetting that he asked you a question, you mustered the best of your ability to answer him, but you couldn't think of an excuse because you were still fixated on the way the cold metal touched your skin.

“’M sorry… Your rings kinda distracted me.”

A harmless action, really, but Nica chuckles in amusement at your honesty. Ever the earnest little robin were. He liked it.

So, he'll entertain you.

“Oh? What about my rings? What's so interesting about them?”

As he asked that question, he removes the firmness of the force he used to grab your cheeks as his thumb tantalizingly started to rub on your cheek, deliberately getting close to your lips but pulling back once he was about to touch it. Your poor, poor lips.

Gods above, how were you going to be able to focus with his antics?

Still, you weren't going to fold so easily (even if every fiber of your body wants to, at this point), so you steeled your gaze at him. You could've sworn his own deep blue eyes just glinted.

“You wear a lot of them, on every finger except the actual finger you should be wearing them on.”

Nica leaned back a bit as he rested his chin on the palm of his free hand, and again, your eyes ended up breaking contact with his just to observe the accessories he wore. Why were they so eyecatching?

He hummed in interest.

“So you noticed that. Quite perceptive, Robin.”

Now, you can't tell if he intentionally did that to take as bait or he was actually praising you for noticing, but something inside you is quite annoyed with that tone he used to call you robin.

He then goes wordless as he picked up another stem of cherries and popped it into his mouth using his other hand. The one he was using to keep you captive right now never left your face. And frankly, you could easily push it aside as he didn't put any actual force behind the grip anymore.

Something just kept the both of you glued to your current positions.

“Do you really want to know why? The answer may disappoint you. You might stop making such a cute face.”

Okay, now he's really just messing with you. He might not even give a truthful answer, but a part of you is secretly hoping you would be made privy to that information. You've spent enough time with him to start noticing his little habits. The way his eyes would drift off to a whole other plane at moments of silence, the way his practiced smirk would be replaced with a thin line in a split second once he was caught off guard, the brief moments of vulnerability he would unintentionally show you the more often you stayed by his side amidst his frivolous nature, all of those moments made you believe that you were slowly starting to creep into his closed off heart. Albeit slowly.

Regardless, you think of a response.

Driven by instinct, you reached out to gently take the hand he used to cage your face in and gently clasped it between yours. Treating it like a delicate thing, you trailed your fingers over the rings embracing his skin as your ears picked up the sound of his breath hitching. He didn't expect that kind of reaction.

Entranced, you began to talk.

“It’s probably just conjecture but… with the way you act around others… you're not looking for commitment.”

That much was obvious.

Nica just lets you talk first. You just seemed so enraptured by the sight of his hand and rings, even he found it difficult to break you out of that trance.

“It’s probably a reminder.”

As if bursting you out of that bubble, Nica breaks into a laughing fit, and you blink in confusion like you had just woken from a dream.

“Interessant, Robin. No one's ever told me that before.”

You were quite hopeless, psychoanalyzing him like this. Entertained by your answer, the hand you were holding moves to grab you by the wrist as he then brought his other hand to remove a ring resting on his index finger.

“Wh- Hey!”

The silver material shined faintly in the light of the sun’s rays as he eyed the ring before planting a kiss on it, slipping it into your own ring finger.

“You could have just told me you wanted one of my rings for yourself.”

“I wasn't-”

“Return this ring to me and put it on this lonely little ring finger of mine if you really think I fear commitment like what you're assuming.”

You do not understand what thought is running in that mind of his.

“I could just be not in the mood of wearing one there, but you and your adorable little head might start flapping to a thought I'm completely unaware of too. Feel free to keep this one if you wish, as well. I can always get more.”

With one last enigmatic gaze into your eyes, Nica lets go of you and stands up with his bowl of cherries, continuing to snack on them as he leaves the parlor, and you alone.

“Bis dann, Robin.”

You were left to your own devices, and you looked down at the trembling hand that had its ring finger seized by a foreign object glinting in the light.

As you tried to rationalize the way your heart skipped a beat at the way he challenged you, you gulped as your eyes turned resolute to look at the door where Nica left.

“You'll regret that, Nica Schwartz.”

Nica had left the room with a smile different from his usual one, with none bearing witness to the change.

For all the focusing you gave his hands...

...you failed to notice that it was only his right ring finger that didn't have any rings.

Silly robin.

Brain juice drained, goodbye, I'll proofread this once I'm free lmao

Edit 2 hours later: Bonus ending added bc of my silly ass not paying attention to details enough

[frenziedslashers]

Hey, so I saw that you had requests open for TWD stuff on your Daryl post! I LOVED that fic so much! I read it last night and oh my lord, you write for Daryl so well! It felt like I could picture him right in front of me with how well you captured him. He wasn't ooc at all!

Anyways, I was wondering if you could write a part two? Maybe Reader stays with Daryl while he is in the kingdom and they find Carol together. Maybe reader stays with her and she picks up on the signs and tells the reader to get tested to see if she's pregnant 👀 Sorta just want a fic where Daryl has a baby <3 And I feel like you could write that super well! If you are uncomfortable with this request feel free to ignore this! Thank you for the beautiful fic last night 🙏 I will be reading it again now.

Baby, It's Okay

Pt. 1; I Love You, and I Don't Say It Enough{smut}

A/N: Ahh I am so glad that people like it! I wasn't sure if people would be too into it lmao. I had the idea, but I wasn't sure haha. Glad that you think I wrote him pretty in character too! I was a bit worried lmao. Apologies if this isn't that well written. I have been struggling with words lately.

Pairings: Daryl Dixon x Reader

Warning: AFAB!Reader, She/her pronouns used, pregnancy,

REQUESTING INFO || TWD MASTERLIST

Carol reached over to hand you one of the apples that Ezekiel had brought for the two of you. A soft smile on her lips. "So, you and Daryl," she motioned to her own neck with a smirk. You swore you couldn't feel any hotter at the moment. Hands reaching up instinctively to feel your neck, even though you knew you wouldn't be able to feel the hickeys she was motioning to.

She only laughed softly, shaking her head with a sigh. "Don't worry, I get it. I'm just glad he has you," You chuckled softly, nodding. "Yeah, I am too. He treats me better than anyone I've ever dated in the past," "he better. Or else he'll be dealing with me." She commented and you snickered, rolling your eyes with a soft sigh. Carol had always been yours and Daryl's number-one supporter. She was always there when one of you needed advice. Though it was mostly you that went to her, Daryl would occasionally ask or wait for advice from her. She was pretty good at reading when he needed some.

"I'm glad that we found you out here. Daryl doesn't want me in The Kingdom in case they find him. He knows Negan and his men will probably come looking for me next in order to teach him a lesson." You added with pursed lips at the thought of it all. "So he thought me being here would be better. Plus, then neither of us is alone." She smiled at your words. Reaching across the table to hold your hand. "I asked to be alone here, you know?" Your smile was quick to fade at that. Looking her over cautiously, hoping that you didn't say the wrong thing. Or that you weren't intruding. "But I wouldn't ask for anyone else to break those rules than you and Daryl." You chuckled, giving her hand a light squeeze. "We're thankful, Carol. I'll try my best not to be a burden."

You tried not to get in her way for the next few days. Daryl coming to visit the both of you every night and leaving back for The Kingdom or Hilltop in the morning. Promising to return later that night. He always came back, too. You and Carol both knew he wouldn't stay long, though. He loved you, but he had to keep moving. Keep helping the groups prepare for the fight against the Saviors.

"Are you all right?" Her voice was hardly audible as you held your head in your hands. You had just thrown up again, the third time that morning. Carol frowned as she looked you over. "Honey, do you feel all right?" She asked, coming to sit beside you. When you finally processed what she was asking, you nodded. "Yeah, just feeling nauseous is all. I don't know what's going on." "Morning sickness?" You froze at those words. It couldn't be.

You shook your head, dropping your hands to look over to Carol. "What? No, it can't be, I..." You were about ready to tell her that you and Daryl had used protection, but thinking back to it. You hadn't. He'd came inside you and that was that. "I.." you stammered again, the realization of it all finally setting in. "Hun, relax, everything will be okay." She assured you. Reaching out to place her hands on top of yours once more. "But what if he doesn't..?" tears were pricking your eyes. Unable to finish the question as dread set in. "Look at me, Daryl won't be mad at you. This is just as much his fault as yours. He might be a little scared at first, but he won't be mad. He'll love you and the baby if you are pregnant. I know he will." She smiled, and you nodded. She was right.

You both sat there quietly for a moment or two before she let out a sigh of her own. "I can go into The Kingdom today. Get you a pregnancy test to make sure. No use telling him just to find out you're getting sick 'cause of stress. Don't wanna put any ideas in that head of his." She spoke and the both of you chuckled. Nodding your head while sniffling. "Thank you, Carol." "Anything for my favorite couple."

It wasn't long before you had the test in hand. Staring at it with anxious eyes as you waited for the stick to decipher your future for you. To your disfavor, it was positive too. Frowning with a sigh as you tried to rake your brain for a way to tell Daryl. How would you? Maybe you could just wait it out, and he'd notice. Or wait until you were further along to be sure you would stay pregnant and nothing would happen to the baby. God, what if something happened to it? You were so overwhelmed, holding the test in your hand while entering the house again. Staring down at it while your feet led you to where Carol last was.

"Darlin', everythin' okay? What's the matter?" your head snapped up in a panic. Wide eyes stared back at Daryl who was now standing in the kitchen with Carol. You held your breath, hoping that she would say something to get you out of this situation. But when you looked over at her she was sneaking into the other room. Neither of you expected him to be back for another few hours, so you were both surprised by his arrival.

Your mouth opened to say something, but no words came out. A tear rolling down your cheek while you stared back at your lover. You didn't know what to say without scaring him away. You had a feeling that whatever you said or did would send him out the door, never to come back. Even if you knew that he wouldn't leave you. So, when he approached you with worried eyes, you extended your arm to hand him the test.

He was quick to reach out for it. Grabbing and inspecting it. It took a moment of looking it over and finally, he read over the words on it. Finally realizing what was going on.

Daryl's worried brows relaxed as reality set in. Blinking while he stared blankly at the test. If anything, this felt worse than him pushing you to the side and bolting out the door.

"Is this.." He pursed his lips, eyes flickering up to yours and then back to the test. "Is it mine?" The fact he even asked that made you frown. Nodding your head with sad eyes. "Yes it's yours, why would you even ask that?" He only gave you a shrug in response. Trying his best to figure out how to feel about the situation. He was happy, hell. He'd never felt so excited about the thought of kids! He just wasn't prepared for it. Nor was right now the time for you two to be worrying about a baby. It was already a lot making Sure Maggie and her baby stayed safe. This would be a whole other ball game for Dixon.

"So, I'm gonna be a daddy, huh?" He asked, flashing you a half smile as if to assure you that he wasn't upset by the whole thing. You nodded, letting out a relieved sigh while sniffling, which caught his attention real quick. Though he smiled, you couldn't help but worry it was just so you wouldn't freak out. That was too late. Every bad thought you could have was already plaguing your mind. "If you want to, if you wanna leave me, I get it." It was his turn to frown. He hated that you thought he would leave you over this. It was his kid, why would he want to leave?

Daryl put the test in his pocket. Unsure what else to do with it. Living in the apocalypse he had a habit of shoving everything in his hands into his pocket. Once his hands were free he grabbed you to pull you close. Cradling the back of your head with his hand, kissing the side of your head with a hum. "Baby, it's okay. I ain't leavin' you. I just.." He pondered for the right words, and you clung onto his shirt. Trembling a little while you waited anxiously for what he would say.

"I just never thought I'd be able to be a dad. With the dead and all, plus. I just never supposed I'd be a good one." He told you, and you pulled back to look up at him. Reaching up to cup the side of his face. "Dar'," you called, and he sighed. Resting his forehead against your own. "You'd be one of the best fathers in the world. You've proved that with how you treat Judith and Carl, and how you watched over Beth... I was worried you wouldn't want it." He shrugged, smiling softly. "Well, it wasn't on my to-do list, but we can't really do anything else. I ain't leavin' you anytime soon, either. Not over no damn kid. I'll love you and them just fine." He muttered in assurance, leaning in to press a soft kiss to your lips and you giggled lightly. "I'm glad." He nodded, leaning down to press a kiss to your jaw. Sighing while his free hand came between the both of you to rest on your stomach. Forehead now resting on your shoulder. "Can we name 'em, Little Ass Kicker?" It was time for you to roll your eyes, sighing deeply at your lover. Which only seemed to make him smile more. "Daryl," he hummed, pulling back so his eyes met your own. "You aren't allowed to name the baby." He chuckled, sighing while pressing another kiss to your lips. "Alright, fine. You and Rick ain't no fun." And so that was that. Daryl knew about the baby, and everything was going to be all right. He would be sure of it. Or at least you hoped everything would be all right. As good as it could be in this fucked up world, anyhow.

You and Daryl had decided on keeping the baby between the two of you and Carol until the whole Negan situation was handled. Or until Daryl could find a safe place to keep you. Carol would get you the supplies you needed. Such as vitamins, and enough food to make sure you were somewhat healthy. Daryl would spend a lot more time with you, too. The further along that you got, the harder it was to get the hunter to leave your side.

Once Negan was somewhat stopped and finally imprisoned within Alexandria. You and Daryl finally told the group about what you were both expecting. It was like a weight was lifted off everyone's shoulders. Even if it was something that they would have never known until you were showing significantly. It was wonderful to hear the great news after stopping the Saviors for what you all hoped was for good.

Rick had pulled Daryl in for a hug. Smiling widely at his friend. "Never saw you as a father type," Daryl chuckled, shrugging. "Me neither." He spoke, looking over at you as you spoke with Maggie and a few of the others. Smiling and laughing as you talked about the big news. "Guess Abraham was right though, is nice thinking about settlin' down. 'Specially with 'er." Rick nodded, squeezing his friend's shoulder with a sigh. "I'm happy for you. If you two ever need anythin', you just give me a holler. Got it?" Daryl nodded, keeping his eyes on you. Smiling when you glanced over and waved at him. "Thank you, Rick." "Anything for family."

It was a little weird having Daryl at your beckon and call at all times of the day. Once he was finally able to feel the baby, you were done for. Privacy was a thing of the past and Daryl couldn't get enough of you. He had to have his eyes on you at all times. Making sure that you were safe and okay, that nothing would happen to you or your baby. He'd never forgive himself if anything happened.

When he did have to leave your side. Michonne or Carol, sometimes both of them, would be with you. Helping you and giving you the time away from your lover that you needed.

"I don't think I've ever seen him stay in Alexandria this long, he's always going on runs and doing something" Michonne stated. "Well, he's got a baby to take care of now," Carol spoke with a smile, and you chuckled, sitting back in your chair with a sigh. "Well, he's driving me crazy." You huffed, a hand resting on your stomach while you looked between the two women. "I love him, but god. He's been a lot, lately." You laughed, and they laughed with you. "Give him a break, he's just trying to do what he thinks is best for you and your guys' little one." You nodded, shrugging. "Yeah, I guess you're right." "I'm always right," Carol spoke, and the three of you laughed once more.

When Daryl came back from his hunt later that night, you were already asleep. Michonne was passed out on the couch downstairs with a book in her hand. Carol back in her own house. He smiled faintly at the woman on the couch, thanking her silently in his head and reminding himself to do so later when they were both awake. She nor Carol didn't have to stay with you, but they did, and he appreciated that more than either of the women knew.

When he made it to the room he cleaned himself up, first. Showering to get all the blood and grime off himself before climbing in bed with you. His hand instinctively came to rest on your stomach while he curled up beside you. Kissing your shoulder with a sigh. "Hey," you muttered, and he smiled. He should have known you would have woken up. "Hey," he spoke back. Both of you lay there for a moment before you spoke again. "You get anything good today?" You spoke groggily and he shrugged. "Nah, not really." He lied, but you believed him. Cozying up next to him with a hum. "Better luck next time," you muttered, and he nodded. "Yeah," he mumbled, kissing the side of your head.

Daryl didn't want to tell you that he actually did hit the jackpot out on his run today. Not only did he have a deer hanging in the garage to butcher later on. But he also found you some stuff. Some clothes for the baby, some baby food, and even a set of rings for you and him. Or at least he hoped the ring would fit you, if not he'd put it on a necklace for you. He had never asked you to marry him, and everyone already assumed that you were both married if they weren't a part of your original group. Hell, even the original group considered you both to be spouses, so why not make it official with rings? It may not actually be official, but to Daryl, and hopefully yourself, it would be.

Daryl never knew that he would ever be married to the love of his life. Let alone having a pup with them. He'd never been happier with the idea. Smiling softly at the thought of the baby being born. Being able to hold both of you. Being able to teach it how to hunt and track. He had to chew on his bottom lip to hide back the wide grin that threatened to show. Watching you sleep while rubbing your stomach. He'd never felt more normal in his life than now, and he sure as hell wasn't going to let anyone take this away from him. Not Negan, not the dead, no one could hurt his family. Not on his watch.

Not now, not ever. He'd be sure of it, too.

You hoped that he would lay off being protective after the baby was born, and he knew it. But truth be told, Daryl knew he'd only get worse as time went on. The moment he held the little one in his arms, and realized what you both had made. How precious it was and perfect. This little bundle of joy that brought hope for the future. Your future. You'd both just have to grow to live with it because he'd never let either one of you out of his sight. Not in a million years.

"Daryl, we aren't having any more kids," you'd tell him, but Carol was right. Back when she mentioned not to tell him until you knew it was certain you were pregnant. Because even just the thought of a baby might give him ideas, and right now. The thought of having more kids with you after this one got old enough for you both to care for another baby. God, it was definitely giving him ideas.

[sleepyconfusedpotato]

Hi Sleepy!

I found you accidentally from Pinterest, and I'm a huge fans of how you are depicting all my bois from Modern Warfare!

And knowing you are fellow Indonesian is an amazing delight!

Haha sumpah, jarang kayaknya nemu artist gaming dari ini negeri!

I haven't play MWII since it's so expensive rn (sejuta cuuuyyy), so I've been sliding in constant alert to avoid mild spoiler. I am so sad, but somehow your Tumblr has made me smile everyday ever since I found it, I'm so grateful.

Anyway... enough of my blabber.

This is my fanart of Ghost X Jade, been loving them since I saw both of them. Just a quick sketch, but I hope I did them justice.

I hope you have a nice day, because you sure made my day lovely by your art.

Regards,

Glendy Lucast

OH MY GOD??????????

ASTAGA NAGA BONARRRRR??????

Okay, so first of all : Yes I'm Indonesian. Indo tulen peranakan Jawa Batak 😂 anak asli Jaktim hampir ke Bekasi, tapi sekarang tinggal di Bandung buat kuliah!

Second of all, thank you so so so so much for the kind words on my Tumblr! I recognize there's not a lot of Indo game artists both in IG nor in Tumbr. So then I became Thanos and I was like, "Fine I'll do it myself." and started Tumblr-ing!

I'm glad that I can light up your day and bring a smile to your face. It's always an honor 🤗 (Yeah and about MWII, I too didn't have any money. I literally grinded commission after commission to buy it 😭 (Game's 75 USD = Like a million in Indo's currency).

Lastly, the fanart is AMAZING!!!! I LOVE ITTT ASDFLASDFASDIOFSDF HAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH Love the posing and the soft vibe! ☆*: .｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

Terima kasih banyak!! (❁´◡`❁)

[cielcreations]

Mate Life - Ch. 1

AN: Probably won’t post too much of this story on Tumblr because it’s going to have a lot of 18+ content, so you can either read it on my Patreon or AO3.

Also, loooooots of shipping. So ye.

Grian and Zed looked at their communicators, smiling. The counter ended and, in green text, "OMEGA" was displayed on both of their screens. They then hissed and held their necks.

"Shoot, forgot to mention that." Grian removed his hand from his neck, rubbing it a bit. Zed saw a mark on the dirty blonde's neck, an omega mark, "So, to help identify what everyone else is, we get marks on us."

"Ah, okay!" Zed smiled, "So, we got three extra hearts, right? Thank goodness, I think that actually helps ease my nerves a bit." He then began to type away on his communicator, "I wonder what Impy and Tango are! Maybe we can be Team ZIT!"

Grian also began messaging on his communicator. He was hoping for Mumbo and Scar, or at least one of them. He sent them both a message.

GoodTimesWithScar whispers to you: I'm an Alpha! I'm a little nervous though, hopefully I don't die first! You whisper to GoodTimesWithScar: That's Timmy's job. I'm an Omega. Want to be a team? Hoping to get Mumbo too, so long as he's a Beta. GoodTimesWithScar whispers to you: Do you want Mumbo as your Alpha? If he is one. You whisper to GoodTimesWithScar: No. I want you. I want to make up for Double Life and we never got to hang out in Limited Life. You don't have to if you don't want to, I understand. I just really miss you. GoodTimesWithScar whispers to you: I really miss you too. I mean, i know we hang out in HC, but these games could go on for months and I don't want to go through a repeat of Limited Life. So, guess I was a bit worried. Mates? You whisper to GoodTimesWithScar: Mates. :) You whisper to GoodTimesWithScar: Oh, Mumbo responded, brb!

Grian heard Zed huff, "Dangit!"

"They already found someone?" He asked as he moved to Mumbo's messages.

"Well, yes and no. Tango is an Omega too and said he promised to team with Solidarity if things aligned. So, it's gonna just be ZI instead of ZIT." Zedaph joked.

Grian chuckled.

MumboJumbo whispers to you:  I'm a Beta, you?

Grian cheered.

***

Solidarity spawned beside Joel, which the two immediately joked it was fate. The two began to collect materials as they talked.

"So, you wanna team if possible?" Joel asked.

"I kinda want to team with Tango. And I expect you want to team with Lizzie?" Solidarity hummed.

"Yeah... But who knows! If you're an Omega, me an Alpha, and Tango or Liz are Betas, we could team!"

Solidarity nodded before their communicators beeped. They checked their communicators as it counted down from five. Once it hit zero, Solidarity saw "ALPHA" in red. Both then hissed as their necks burned.

"Grian must've forgotten to mention that." Solidarity groaned before hr chuckled, "Well, I'm an Alpha, you?"

Joel stared at him, "...HOW ARE YOU AN ALPHA AND I'M AN OMEGA?!"

Solidarity burst out into laughter, falling to the ground. Joel began texting Lizzie, huffing and muttering "this is insane, this is bull, how are you an Alpha?!"

"Lizzie's an Alpha too! Bro, hooooooow?!"

"Guess I'm just better than you!" He teased before he smiled, "Ah! Tango is an Omega! Guess we can't be a team." He then smiled, "Want to have a truce?"

"For now, yeah, sure." Joel teased, "I'm gonna go find Lizzie, see ya later!"

Solidarity waved and began walking the opposite way, Tango sending him cords. He then got a beep, a message appearing on his screen.

Dangthatsalongname    whispers to you: I'm a Beta. You? You whisper to Smajor1995: Alpha. Smajor  whispers to you: Want to team? You whisper to Smajor1995: Tango is gonna be my Omega. Still want to be my Beta?

It took another minute or two before Scott responded.

Smajor1995 whispers to you: Sure.

 Far away, Scott whispered to himself, "Oh my god, Dary, you can't just ask if I want to be yours..."

***

(Suggestive Content Ahead!)

Martyn wasn't a big fan about team games. Well, team games in the sense you have to have a team. Double Life was awful, him and Cleo just didn't work out. And even though this time he could pick his team, it still just wasn't something he was interested.

Not to mention he was an Omega.

He sighed and walked around, trying to find a cave. He managed to get some wook, his tools were stone, a couple of iron ingots was turned into a helmet and axe. Martyn continued walking around, trying to find a cave or even other people, just for a bit of socialization.

"Martyn!"

The blonde turned and smiled, seeing a familiar wolf hybrid running over. He was nearly tackled by the hug, laughing a bit, "Hey Ren! Missed you last game!"

Ren's tail wagged happily as he pulled back, "Missed you too! Oh, are you an Omega? I'm an Alpha! Wanna team? It would be great to catch up!"

Martyn hesitated before he smiled and nodded. He teamed up with Ren once, he wouldn't mind doing it again!

"Sure, why not?"

Ren smiled brightly before leaning down, licking his neck.

"Ewwww!" Martyn pushed him back, "Hey, hey, what're you-"

"What's wrong? I have to bite your mark to claim you as mine." Ren said matter of factly, "Did you not read the message that came with your assigned role?"

Martyn blinked before rechecking the the chat.

You are... an OMEGA

Make sure to find a Beta and an Alpha to team up with. An Alpha will need to bite a Beta and an Omega's neck to complete the pack. Omegas and Betas biting their Alphas is optional.

"Crap. No, I didn't read that." Martyn said before lowering his hands, "Okay, just try to be gentle?"

Ren nodded. He leaned forward and licked Martyn's neck again. Martyn cringed, but relaxed. The brunette gently nibbled at his neck to prepare the blonde before opening his mouth. He bit Martyn's neck, right where his omega mark was.

Martyn's eyes widened. It didn't hurt, it felt good. Really good. The blonde's knees buckled as he leaned into Ren, moaning. He felt Ren's teeth sink more into his skin and he moaned more, holding onto the brunette's arm to keep him on his feet.

Ren removed his teeth and looked at Martyn, the blonde panting and holding him. He smiled brightly at the brunette.

"Can you, like, undo the mark and redo it...? That felt amazing."

Ren blushed before he smiled, "I-I'm glad."

Martyn then fell against his chest, knees giving out, "S-Sorry, c-can you just...?"

"Carry you? Happily."

"Ren?"

The two turned and saw a Beta standing there, looking at them.

Ren's tail began to wag at the dog hybrid, "Big B!"

(End of Suggestive Content!)

***

Solidarity whispers to you: Sorry man, I'm teaming up with Tango and Scott. Maybe you can team with Gem or Pearl? You whisper to Solidarity: Can't. Asked Gem, she's also a Beta and Pearl said she's teaming with Gem if possible. Solidarity whispers to you: Sorry man :/ You whisper to Solidarity:  No worries, it's cool. Figured you would team with Tango, just wish I could've gotten to you before Scott. Not your fault, Scott's just a cheater. Solidarity whispers to you: Yup, he will make Flower Husbands happen no matter what.

Pixlriffs chuckled at the joke before he sighed a bit. He's never played a Life Series game, he was hoping he could team with some familiar faces. Granted, he knew of everyone, but he was more comfortable with people he has played with on other servers, like Joel, Solidarity, or Lizzie!

Ah well. Pix thought to himself, Teaming with new people isn't the end of the world. He began to collect materials, spending a lot of time in the caves. He had gotten full iron armor, iron tools, and a diamond pickaxe for later. He then began walking around, looking for a place to build his base.

"Huh- oh, hey!"

Pix turned around and smiled, "Hey! Skizz and Vintage, right?"

The cow hybrid chuckled, "Vintage Beef, yes, but I prefer to go by Beef."

"You're Pixlriffs, right?" The man in a tuxedo with sleeves ripped off, Skizz, asked, "Nice to meet you more properly! Didn't get to talk to you much at the beginning! This yours and Beef's first time, so it'll be a bit interesting!"

Beef nodded, "What are you, by the way? I'm an Alpha, Skizz is an Omega."

"Beta." Pix replied.

"Oh, nice! Wanna team?!" Skizz exclaimed, "We can be the Big Tits Gang!"

"W-WHAT?!" "Hahahaha!" Beef blushed, Pix trying not to fall to his knees.

"SKIZZ!" Beef yelled.

"What?! You can't even keep the top button of your shirt button, your tits are so huge! And look at how tight Pix's shirt is!" Skizz huffed, "And I'm not a narcissist or anything, but I got some pretty big tits myself! So, Big Tits Gang! BTG!"

Pix continued to laugh as Beef just blushed, groaning, "Oh my god, Skizz..." The cow hybrid then looked at the brunette, "Listen, you can just ignore him."

"No, no, it's fine! I don't mind." He then showed off his yellow Beta mark, "Wanna be a trio?"

Beef smiled and nodded.

***

"IMPPPPPPPY!" The demon turned around and quickly caught the blonde ram hybrid with a gasp, "IMPY! HAHA, I FOUND YOU!"

Impulse chuckled, holding Zedaph up, "Hi Zed. I can't believe you found me so fast!"

"Tango is an Omegaaaaa! And Soli stole hiiiiim!" Zed huffed, "Can you believe that?!"

"They did get close in Double Life and during Limited Life, they would sneak off to have some fun." Impulse chuckled, "It's why we added Soli to our relationship, remember?"

"I knooooow, but I still wanted Tango, or even Soli so we can be a trio! Either Team ZIT or... ZIS?"

"What about Team ITS?" Impulse teased.

"Noooooo!" Zed huffed, "You promised we'd be together this game if possible!"

"I know, I know, I'm teasing."

"Impulse!" The two turned and saw Bdubs running over, smiling as he waved his hand, "Oh, and Zed too! Hey guys!"

"Nope! Six feet apart!" Zed joked, "Only I can be on Impulse at this time!"

"Wha- ZED!"

"Be nice, Zed." Impulse playfully scolded, kissing his cheek before looking at Bdubs, "Hey B, how you doing?"

"Ug, everyone I've ran into is already teamed or planning to make a team!" Bdubs huffed, "I tried to get Etho, but Lizzie and Joel got to him first! Then I ran into Scar, but he had Mumbo claimed and they were going off to find Grian, which makes sense, those three will be together no matter what, if possible. Then I found Cleo and you know what she said?! She was teaming up with Gem and Pearl! Something about wanting lesbians to win? Which, honestly, respect, I think the lesbians winning would be great. But Cleo and Pearl?! In a Life Series game?! Shit is gonna go down."

"Language." Impulse scolded.

"Zed, you haven't seen it, but Pearl is like coocoo for Coco Puffs crazy in Life Series games, and Cleo is... well, Cleo."

"So expect chaos?" Zed chuckled.

"Major chaos."

"Niiiice. Anyways, so, like, wanna be our Beta?" Zed pointed to the other's neck, "I can tell you're a Beta and Impy and I are already planning to team up!"

"It would be nice to team up again." Impulse suggested.

Bdubs smiled and nodded, "Yeah, sure!"

***

"Ha! There she is!"

Gem turned around and smiled, running over, "Cleo! Pearl! You guys were quick!"

"You gave us cords and agreed to team, we booked it." Pearl chuckled.

Gem smiled, "Well, I've been just making a base and a farm, so hopefully you guys have everything you need!" She chuckled.

Cleo nodded, smiling, "So, you're a Beta right?"

"Yep!"

"Perfect!" Cleo hummed, "Pearl is an Omega and I'm an Alpha."

"Team Lesbians for the win!" Pearl exclaimed as Gem laughed.

"I-Is that our team name?" She laughed.

"Seems like it. Bdubs called us that."

"Don't lie, Cleo. You said we were going to form Team Lesbians first!"

"Shut up, Pearl!" Cleo teased, pushing the brunette, all laughing.

***

Joel groaned, pushing another branch of leaves out of his way. He was trying to find Lizzie, but she wasn't responding to his messages. He tried contacting a few others, but everyone had already gotten their trio set up.

"LIZZZZZZZZZZIE!" Joel screamed into the woods, ducking under another branch, "Geez, where in the bloody-" He gasped as he stopped, nearly falling down into a ravine, "W-Woah!"

"Are you going to pull a Solidarity?"

Joel turned around and yelled, stepping back. However, before he could fall back, an arm grabbed him and pulled him back, away from the ravine. He stared at the taller man, blushing a bit.

"Etho!" Joel exclaimed as the platinum blonde pulled him away from the ravine, "W-What're you doing?"

"You trying to keep your Bad Boy persona?"

"Shut up." Joel blushed and pushed him away, "I'm looking for Lizzie! You seen her?"

"Yeah, she's the one who told me to find you."

"What, why?!"

"Have you checked chat?"

Joel blinked and looked at his communicator, seeing multiple chat displays.

[ Alpha Rendog has claimed Omega InTheLittleWood ]

[ Alpha Rendog has claimed Beta Bigbst4tz2 ]

[ Alpha Solidarity has claimed Omega TangoTek ]

[ Alpha impulseSV has claimed Omega Zedaph ]

[ Alpha impulseSV has claimed Beta BdoubleO100 ]

[ Alpha ZombieCleo has claimed Beta GeminiTay ]

So on and so forth, everyone having gotten a trio. The very last message read:

[ Alpha LDShadowLady has claimed Beta EthosLab ]

"So, I'm the last person unclaimed." Joel hummed.

"Pretty much. Come on, this way." Etho grabbed his wrist, beginning to lead the way.

Joel huffed, "Why did Lizzie claim you? Doesn't she realize we were enemies last season?!"

"We were also soulmates two seasons ago-"

"Shut up!" Joel blushed, looking away, "Last season was more important!"

Etho just laughed, "Let's see how long you can keep your brat behavior up."

Joel just huffed as they continued making their way to Lizzie. Once they arrived to their little base, Lizzie smiled and waved happily at them. Joel smiled and ran over to her.

"Bout time! I messaged you!" 

"I was building!" Lizzie giggled, "Sorry! Besides, Etho found me first! He's gonna be our Beta, in case you couldn't tell!"

"Yeah, you hired an enemy!"

"Oh, so that's how he's been?" Lizzie looked at Etho, the platinum blonde shrugging and chuckling as he went inside their base. She then looked at Joel, "Be nice to him."

"Nuh uh, he kill me last season! And he killed my fellow Bad Boys!"

"You are such a brat, you know that?" Lizzie teased.

Joel chuckled and smiled, leaning down as they shared a kiss, "You love it though."

Lizzie smiled and nodded.

[biggerbetterbat]

WITH YOU II | [2] WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LORD’s HOUSE

Daryl Dixon x OC!Charlie Reed

Summary: The group’s happiness ends with scary events that fate brings at them. Charlie has to say goodbye to her friends and that brings her attention to what happens to her.

Warnings: language, killing walkers, death

Song

Words: 6.214

A/N: Hello! It’s a second chapter in part 2! Soon, the action will be more dynamic and we will jump to my favorite seasons. I hope you like this chapter, and if you do then like, comment and share! Enjoy :)

Two feelings dominated her at the moment. Charlie sat alone on the floor, her thoughts consumed by a sense of regret. She was worried about Bob, feeling angry that she left him alone in the dark, while she should have waited for him and help him if he needed. At the same time, she knew that Bob probably saved her life, because she could have been the missing one right now, if he never followed her outside.

Which was only making all of it worse.

And there was also disappointment. It wasn't the first time Dary had disappeared without a word, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unspoken promises. Their friendship had always been a delicate balance—a dance between loyalty and uncertainty, trust and doubt. She knew he wanted to rescue Beth from whatever, and bring her back home - to them. And yet, despite his understanding, Charlie couldn't shake the sting of disappointment that lingered in the air like a bitter aftertaste.

Charlie's mind wandered to Beth. As she sat alone in dimly lit church, the memories of Beth flooded her mind. She remembered how they first met on the farm, Beth had approached her with a warm smile and a kind word - she was always approaching everyone like this. Charlie's mind drifted back to that fateful day. She remembered the hollow emptiness in Beth's eyes, as she was talking about death. Of course, Andrea said it was her, who saved Beth; however, Charlie liked to think that her words were the those who kept Beth alive.

As time passed and their paths diverged, Charlie had allowed the distance to grow between them. Was it a lack of communication? A failure to understand one another's needs and desires? Charlie's selfishness?

"What happened to her?" she asked Maggie who was sitting next to her. "Beth."

"Daryl said they were running from the herd and she was taken," she answered.

"Taken?"

"By a car with a white cross on the back," she said. "But he doesn't know if she's still alive."

Charlie looked at Maggie, and tried not to show the skeptical glint in them. Maybe all of the above were the reasons why she hadn't even noticed the lack of bright presence of Beth, once the group reunited. Or maybe, Charlie already buried her in her mind, thinking she died in the prison. So maybe even now, Beth was already dead in her mind.

"You shall not give up faith," said Gabriel and placed his hand on her shoulder. Charlie jumped, not expecting such contact, looking up with furrowed brows.

"What could you possibly know?" she answered. "You've been alone here for this whole time."

"I wasn't alone," Gabe said. "God was with me."

"Great," Charlie muttered under her nose.

"I know it's hard, but we have to keep going," he said. "We can't afford to give up hope."

"What do you want, Father?"

"I just noticed you seemed... troubled. Is everything okay?"

"Everything's just dandy," Charlie scoffed. "Especially knowing you're lurking around."

"I get it," he nodded without any offense. "You don't trust me."

"Why would I trust you?" she looked at him. "Because you're the priest? I don't know you, and you didn't give me a reason to trust you."

"We're all the creation of the same Master," he answered. "We must hold onto faith. Faith in something greater than us, in ourselves, and each other."

"Or else what? What if we doubt?" Charlie asked. "We will all burn for this?"

Father Gabriel swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat as he grasped the weight of Charlie's accusations. She observed his reaction intently, searching for any hint of guilt or deception in his eyes. Sensing the scrutiny, Father Gabriel rose abruptly from his seat and strode away, his intended task abruptly interrupted by the confrontation.

"Stop. What are you doing?" angry Sasha commanded, as she stormed into the church. "This is all connected. You show up, we're being watched, and now three of us are gone!"

"I don't have anything to..."

"Where are our people?!" she screamed and pushed him. Father Gabriel stood before her, his expression a mask of calm despite the storm of emotions raging within him.

"Please, I don't have anything to do with this," he said softly, reaching out a hand in a gesture of peace. His gaze never wavered, his eyes reflecting a deep well of sorrow and understanding.

Rick's instincts kicked into overdrive as he watched Sasha, stepping forward and blocked the angry woman's way, protecting Gabriel from potential injury. As he pulled her away, a surge of something dark and primal washed over Rick—an anger so sudden and consuming that it threatened to swallow him entirely. His muscles tensed, his jaw clenched. Charlie had known Rick for some time now, she had watched his transformations from lost husband and father, to dictator, to farmer. But in that moment, as Rick loomed over Gabriel with a menacing glare, she could sense something different than just leadership —a darkness lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed. Just how Carl was talking her about.

With almost a primal grunt, he took Gabriel by his collar. "What are you gonna burn for, Gabriel? What did you do?!"

"I lock the doors at night. I...always lock the door at night," the priest cried suddenly. His voice so thin and panicked due to Rick's outburst. "They started coming, my congregation. Atlanta was bombed the night before and they were scared. They were...They were looking for a safe place, a place where they felt safe. And it was so early. It was so early. And the doors were still locked," he said. "You see...it was my choice. There were so many of them, and they were trying to pry the shutters and banging on the sidings, screaming at me. And so the dead came for them," he confessed. "Women...children. Entire families calling my name as they were torn apart, begging me for mercy. Damning me to hell," one more sob left his lips as he relieved the memory. "I buried their bones. I buried it all. The Lord sent you here to finally punish me," he finally said and as Rick's grip loosened, Gabriel dropped to the ground and entered some kind of trance. "I'm damned. I always lock the doors."

Charlie felt a chill going down her back, as she couldn't shake the image of him standing there in the church, his hands stained with the blood of those he had sworn to protect. She didn't trust him from the beginning, thinking that he was the bad guy. But now, as the truth of his betrayal came to light, she felt a wave of disgust wash over her—a sickening realization that the man was nothing more than a coward and a traitor. How could he, she wondered, how could he betray the trust of his congregation, forsake his sacred vows, and abandon those who had looked to him for salvation, those who trusted him? The thought made her stomach churn with revulsion, a bitter taste of betrayal lingering on her tongue.

However, hadn't she done the same thing? Lurked people who trusted her to a place that was supposed to be safe, and then run, letting them die.

From her thoughts she was taken by the whistling. Not any whistling, a special melody that once almost made her go crazy.

"There's someone outside lying in the grass," Glenn reported.

The sight that greeted the group outside the church was enough to turn their stomachs. Bob lay crumpled on the ground, his face contorted in agony, white cloth wrapped around the place his leg should be, turning red. Sasha cried and the group was fast to get Bob inside of the church; however, the Walkers were taunted by the smell of blood, appearing from behind the bushes.

Charlie's anger ignited like a flame, burning hot and fierce within her chest. Every swing of her weapon was fueled by the rage that burned within her—the anger at Daryl for his absence, at Gabriel for his betrayal, at the people who had hurt Bob, and at herself for the sins of her past that came back to her once again. Each blow struck with the force of her pent-up emotions, a release in the face of overwhelming despair.

But amidst the chaos, a sudden shoot echoed through the air. Rick was quick to react. "Get inside!"

Charlie's hands trembled as she drove the blade of her knife into the skull of the walker, again and again, long after it had dropped to the ground and stopped being any danger to anyone. The sound of gunfire echoed in the distance, a grim reminder of the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of their makeshift sanctuary. But Charlie paid it no mind, her vision blurred by a haze of emotion as she fought to drown out the chaos that raged around her.

With each thrust of her weapon, she felt a fragment of her anger slip away, replaced by a numbness that spread through her like a wave. She no longer saw the walkers as mindless corpses, but as symbols of her own inner demons—monsters that she could kill with the sharp edge of her blade.

"Hey! Hey. He's already dead," Rosita said and pushed her body up holding her arms. "He's dead. And if we won't move...we will be too," she looked her in the eyes and forced Charlie to get inside the church.

"Somebody knocked me out," confessed Bob, and it was the first thing Charlie heard after entering the church. "I woke up outside this place...it looked like a school. It was that guy, Gareth."

Charlie glanced at Rick, unaware of Gareth's identity. She speculated that he might be someone from Terminus, perhaps as nice as the man they had encountered in the shed. However, Rick's reaction betrayed his knowledge, his expression changing into one of fear and fury.

"They were eating my leg right in front of me," Bob said. "Like it was nothing. They couldn't do that back there, so they were so proud. Thinking that they have all figured out."

"Did they have Daryl and Carol?"

"Gareth said they drove off."

Charlie's heart sank as the news of Daryl's departure with Carol reached her ears. A profound sense of betrayal washed over her, mingling with the ache of abandonment that gnawed at her insides. She had trusted Daryl, relied on him as an ally, and now, to learn that he had left without a word, left her feeling as though the ground had been ripped out from beneath her feet. One thing was certain—no matter the reason, the sting of his departure would linger long after he was gone, a bitter reminder of the fragility of trust and the scars left behind by those we hold most dear.

She looked with a heavy heart at the man on the ground and that's when she saw it. Missing flesh from his shoulder. Bob was bitten...Shock coursed through her veins, freezing her in place as she struggled to comprehend the cruel twist of fate that had befallen her friend. Fear gripped her, tendrils of dread snaking their way around her chest as she grappled with the harsh reality of their situation - Bob's tragic fate.

Her heart broke one more time.

With gentle hands and heavy hearts, the group carefully lifted Bob's limp form, cradling him as though he were made of fragile glass. Charlie led the solemn procession, as she guided them to a secluded room - where Bob could rest and not hear about their master plan, at least for the time they were making it. They laid him down upon a bed of blankets and pillows, arranging his belongings with care beside him.

"Time for reality check," Abraham said. "We all need to leave for DC right now."

"Daryl and Carol are gonna be back," Rick said.

"I respect that, but there's a clear threat here to Eugene," he said. "I need to extract his ass before things get any uglier. So if y'all won't come, good luck to you. We'll go our separate ways."

Tension crackled in the air like static electricity as Rick and Abraham stood face to face, their expressions locked in a silent battle of wills. Abraham's eyes burned with a fierce determination, his jaw set in a stubborn line as he squared off against Rick. Who, on the other hand, radiated a quiet intensity, his gaze unwavering as he met Abraham's challenge head-on. His fists clenched at his sides.

In the midst of the chaotic yet sipent battle between Rick and Abraham, Charlie seized the opportune moment of distraction. With a swift movement, she pulled Eugene close to her, his startled eyes meeting hers in wide-eyed bewilderment. Pressing the barrel of her gun firmly against his temple, she felt a surge of adrenaline course through her veins, her heart pounding in her chest with the weight of her actions.

They heard a click of a gun and turned around, seeing Eugene almost crying from fear. Without hesitation, Abraham held his gun up and pointed at Charlie.

"Don't shoot!" Glenn yelled both at Abraham and his best friend.

"Charlie," Rick said.

"Stop right now," she commanded. "We're in this together. So you will help us and wait, or you won't have a reason to go to DC."

"Eugene's mission is too important," Abraham said firmly.

"Then you leave us no choice," she said. "We'll take Eugene with us."

"You threaten me?"

"I'm giving you a choice," she said. "Eugene's life is in your hands."

"You lay a finger on him, and I swear..."

"You'll what? Shoot me?" Charlie scoffed. "Go ahead."

Abraham's grip tightens on the gun, his expression torn between duty and sympathy. He stood amidst the palpable tension, his mind raced with a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. He thought of the road they had traveled together, the trials they had faced, and the bonds they had forged in short time. But amidst the memories, a nagging voice whispered in the back of his mind—a voice that urged him to break free, to strike out on his own in search of a life untethered by the constraints of duty and obligation.

Glenn's frantic pleas cut through the haze of his thoughts, pulling him back to the present with a jolt. The urgency in Glenn's voice was unmistakable, his eyes wide with fear and desperation as he implored Abraham to lay down his weapon. "Let's calm down."

"If you stay just one more day and help, I'll shut the hell up and go with you to DC. And I'll never question your decisions. No matter what," Charlie said.

"After what you just did, you're not getting close to Eugene without my permission!" he yelled. "There's no way I'm letting you go with us. I want Glenn, Maggie, and Tara."

"No way," Rick shook his head.

"We will go with you," Glenn agreed immediately.

"Glenn, no."

"This is not your call," he said angry and then he turned back to Abraham. "You stay...you help.

With a heavy sigh, Abraham lowered his weapon, the tension in his shoulders easing as the grip of his anger and frustration. Glenn's relief was palpable, as he reached out a hand to clasp Abraham's in a gesture of solidarity.

"Dammit," the ginger muttered under his nose. "12 hours. Then we go."

"Charlie let him go," Glenn told his friend.

She released the grip she had on the man, hands shaking and feeling tired by her own actions, and pushed him slightly. "But I will shoot if you try to break the deal."

"And I will shoot if you try this again," Abraham warned her and passed without a word.

In the dim confines of the room, silence hung heavy like a suffocating shroud. They waited with bated breath, the tension in the air palpable as they strained their ears for any sign of movement outside. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of fabric, sent shivers down their spines. It only intensified, once they heard steps and creaking of the floor, each of them tried to manage their feelings on their own.

Rosita's boredom was palpable, her restless energy vibrating in the air like a live wire. Her fingers tapping impatiently against her thigh as she struggled to contain her frustration. Carl fidgeted with his weapon, his eyes darting restlessly around the room as he longed for the opportunity to confront their enemies. Gabriel, on the other hand, was a picture of fear and resignation, his hands clasped tightly in prayer as he sought solace in the familiar rituals of his faith. And then there was Bob, lying m on the bed, his body weakened by the bite of the undead.

As the footsteps drew nearer, their anxiety reached a fever pitch, the air thick with anticipation and dread. Especially Eugene, who was on a verge of crying. And then, with a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomachs, they heard the voices—cold and calculating, filled with malice and intent.

"Well, I guess you know that we're here," the man said. "And we know...you're here. We're armed. So there's really no point in hiding anymore. We've been watching you. We know who's here," he said. "There's Bob...and Eugene...Rosita...Martin's good friends Tyreese...and Charlie...Carl...Judith," he was counting them down, and a chill ran down Charlie's spine. Also, Charlie looked at Tyreese as she was shocked that the guy from the shed was alive. "Rick and the rest walked out with a lot of your guns. This is a big place! Let's stop now, before things get painful."

"You're behind one of these two doors, and we have more than enough firepower to take down both," once again Gareth spoke. "Can't imagine that's what you all want."

The guy was talking too much. Charlie wanted to kill herself right there right now so she wouldn't have to listen to his annoying voice. If that was supposed to scare them? It wasn't working...Maybe a little, but it was just due to the fact that she knew what they were capable of.

"How about the priest?" Gareth asked. "Father, you help us wrap this up, we'll let you walk away from this."

The first mistake they made, entering the room: forgetting not to trust the priest. They focused so much on everything around that they forgot that Gabriel was a coward, who let the whole community get killed for his safety. They should have at least tie him and put something in his mouth.

"You can take the baby with you. What do you say?" he taunted the priest.

Charlie's gaze flickered towards Gabriel, her expression hardened by the gravity of their situation. With a silent determination, she shifted her gun, its barrel now aimed squarely at him, a silent warning to remain quiet. Her eyes bore into his, a silent plea for compliance as she conveyed her message without a word. It was better to be safe than sorry.

But then someone else opened their mouth. Judith started crying out of nowhere, the sound of her voice seemed even louder in the silence of the night.

But then, as if from out of the darkness itself, a sudden commotion erupted beyond the closed doors—conversation that shattered the oppressive silence like a thunderclap. Charlie's breath caught in her throat, her senses heightened as she strained to discern the source of the disturbance. Panic surged within the group, their eyes wide with fear and confusion as they exchanged frantic glances, their minds racing with a thousand unanswered questions. And then, amidst the chaos, a piercing screams tore through the air—a sound so raw and primal that it sent shivers down their spines. It was a cry of agony, of despair, a haunting lament that echoed long after it had faded into the darkness.

Tyreese cautiously pushed open the doors, a wave of dread washed over him, freezing him in his tracks. Charlie, standing close behind, felt her heart lurch at the sight that greeted them—a scene of carnage and horror. Blood spattered the walls in grotesque patterns, the metallic scent thick in the air as it mingled with the stench of death. Corpses littered the floor like discarded dolls, their lifeless eyes staring blankly into the abyss, their bodies contorted in the final throes of agony. Charlie's breath caught in her throat, her stomach churning with disgust as she took in the scene before her. It was a scene straight from her worst nightmares, a nightmare made real in the dim confines of the room.

As Charlie's gaze met Rick's, a chill raced down her spine at the unsettling glint she saw in his eyes. He placed his hand - covered in blood, just like everything else, on her shoulder as he hugged her slightly, and Charlie tensed her body. The group passed her as if nothing had happened and Charlie's eyes then locked with Maggie's, Glenn's, and Tara's in a fleeting moment of connection. Their eyes held a quiet resolve, a steadfast determination to protect those he loved at any cost.

"This is the Lord's house," she heard Gabriel saying, barely holding on.

"No," Maggie said. "It's just four walls and a roof."

It was a sunny day, giving hope after last night terrors. However, their hope was rather crushed and destroyed to pieces with the prospect of saying goodbye. She entered the room that became empty as she was the last person to talk to Bob.

Bob lay on the simple cot, his breaths shallow and labored. His body was wracked with pain, the effects of the walker's bite spreading through his veins like wildfire. His eyes, once bright with life, now held a distant gaze as he fought against the inevitable.

"Charlie," Bob cooed and smiled. She managed a weak smile, though pain. Charlie moved closer, taking a seat beside the bed. She reached out, gently clasping Bob's hand in her own, the gesture a silent offering of comfort. "What's with that face?"

"It's just...hard to accept," Charlie confessed, searching for his eyes.  "I'm sorry, Bob," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "I wish there was something I could do."

Bob squeezed Charlie's hand weakly, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "You coming here to say goodbye is enough," he whispered. "Thank you for everything."

Tears welled in Charlie's eyes as she struggled to find the right words. She shook her head. "You've been a good friend, Bob," she said hoarsely. "I'll never forget you."

Bob managed a faint chuckle, though it quickly dissolved into a coughing fit. Charlie leaned in, offering support as Bob struggled to catch his breath. When the fit passed, Bob's breathing was even more labored, his strength fading with each passing moment. He smiled weakly. "You have to promise me something."

"Just name it."

"Promise me you'll keep fighting. Promise me you won't let this world crush your spirit. Do it not just for me...but for Luke."

"What?"

"I knew it was you," he said. "He showed me a picture once. He was carrying it everywhere," he added. "He was a good man, Charlie. He talked about you all the time. When we met I recognized you immediately and it was as if I knew you."

Tears welled in Charlie's eyes as she listened, her heart heavy with the weight of loss and remembrance. "I miss him every day," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"He always had my back...so did you," Bob said. "He loved you so very much. You and your brothers. So...Promise me you won't give up."

"I promise, Bob. I'll keep fighting. I'll make sure your sacrifice wasn't in vain."

"Thank you, Charlie."

Sasha's mournful cries echoed through the stillness of the church, not so long ago after Charlie left them alone. She stepped back inside and closer to Sasha, she placed a hand on her back.

As Charlie's eyes fell upon the lifeless form of Bob, a wave of sorrow washed over her, mingling with the empathy she felt for Sasha. She couldn't help but feel a pang of compassion for Sasha, whose cries now seemed to echo with an unbearable sense of loneliness and abandonment. With a heavy sigh, Charlie knelt beside Bob's lifeless body, gently reaching out to comfort Sasha, knowing that in this moment of tragedy, they were all bound together by a shared sense of mourning and sorrow.

"I can't," she sobbed, squeezing the knife.

The weight of the decision hung heavy on her shoulders, torn between the desire to ease Sasha's suffering and the moral implications of taking a life, even one already on the brink of becoming something monstrous. With a furrowed brow, Charlie wrestled with herself, knowing that whatever choice she made would alter the course of their shared fate. But before she voiced her thoughts, a spread hand moved next to her and reached for a knife.

"You step out," Tyreese said to his sister, but then looked at Charlie. He wanted to help her as he knew what the girl was forced to do.

Perched on the worn steps of the church, Charlie watched in silence as Abraham and his group hurriedly packed their belongings, preparing to depart. A sense of sadness enveloped her as she observed the bustling activity around her, feeling like an outsider in their midst. Despite the familiarity of their shared surroundings, there was an undeniable distance between her and Abraham, his attention focused solely on the task at hand. As she sat alone with her thoughts, Charlie couldn't shake the pang of loneliness that gnawed at her heart, longing for a connection that seemed to elude her grasp. 

"He likes you," Rosita said, stopping next to her. "And he can't get over the fact that you can't go."

"He didn't let me."

"He's a man."

"He's a soldier," Charlie corrected her.

She chuckled. "I think I might have judged you wrong."

"Yeah," Charlie nodded. "I thought we would have more time together."

Rosita nodded with a small smile, patted the other girl's back, and before turning away, she said: "Take care, Charlie."

"Rosita," Charlie called her name, stopping her. "Just...stay safe out there. All of you," she added nodding her head in Abraham's direction.

"We will," she nodded.

"And promise me to take care of Glenn."

She nodded with a small smile.

As Charlie watched Rosita walk away with a heavy heart, she couldn't shake the feeling of regret washing over her. She realized that she hadn't given Rosita a fair chance for friendship, and now she was leaving, perhaps never to return. The missed opportunities to bond and connect weighed heavily on her mind, and a pang of sadness settled in her chest. She wished she had taken the time to get to know Rosita better.

As Charlie turned around, she found herself face to face with Glenn, a familiar face amidst the bustling crowd. Her heart skipped a beat as memories of their first encounter flooded her mind. She remembered how they had met in Atlanta, and how Glenn had became a beacon of hope.

And now, as she looked into his eyes, she saw the same unwavering resolve that had drawn her to him all those months ago. "We were supposed to stick together."

"It sucks," he nodded. "But this is what we have to do."

"I'm gonna miss you, Glenn," she whispered.

She squeezed him tightly, as if trying to imprint the feel of his embrace into her memory, knowing that soon it would be just a distant echo in the recesses of her mind. She felt his grip tighten in response, his silent reassurance a balm to her frayed nerves.

She wanted to tell him how much he meant to her, how grateful she was for his friendship and his unwavering support, but the words caught in her throat, choked by the lump that had formed there.

Instead, she buried her face against his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of sweat and dirt and something uniquely Glenn.

"This isn't goodbye forever. It's until we find a way," he said, pushing her slightly away and holding her face in between his hands. "And we will. We always do. Soon we will meet in DC."

She nodded her head. "I don't want you to go."

"Come on, no tears," he said and wiped a single tear that ran down her cheek. "You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow... less freaked out by my terrible jokes."

Charlie chuckled through tears and Glenn smiled, too.

"That's better," he nodded and once again he hugged her. His arms wrapped around her felt like a lifeline, anchoring her in a world that seemed to be slipping away with each passing moment.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, Charles," he said.

"Take care of yourself out there, okay?"

"You too, Charlie." he answered and they let go of each other and sighed. "See you around."

"Count on it."

"This is our route to DC," Abraham said and gave a map to Rick. "We'll stick to it as long as we're able. If not, well, you got our destination. This group should be there for it. To see a new world."

"We will," Charlie looked at Abraham but he didn't even looked at her, then he passed her with offended face.

As the group prepared to part ways, there was a somber yet determined atmosphere lingering in the air. Charlie stood among them, her expression a mix of sadness and resolve.

Each member exchanged heartfelt embraces, conveying their gratitude, love, and respect for one another. Glenn shared a final hug with Charlie, his eyes conveying a silent promise to stay strong. Maggie hugged Charlie tightly, whispering words of encouragement and hope. Tara stretched her arm to bump their fists, but Charlie just pulled for a hug - not as tight as Maggie.

Then, everyone got into the fire truck and Charlie watched them go, her heart heavy with the weight of their absence yet lifted by the bonds they shared. Charlie couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with her. It wasn't just the usual flutter of anxiety that accompanied social interactions; it was something deeper, something darker that clawed at the edges of her consciousness.

Charlie felt a lump form in her throat as she watched her friends disappear down the street, the engine fading into the distance. She wanted to call out to them, to beg them not to leave her, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she hugged her arms around herself, trying to hold herself together as the tears threatened to spill over. She knew she couldn't keep running from her thoughts forever, but the thought of facing it head-on was almost too much to bear.

And later that day, they buried Bob's body.

Charlie was sitting outside the church in the dead of night, surrounded by the dense forest. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows around her. She was haunted by memories of Bob's death, his face etched in her mind. It wasn't the only loss she experienced that day. Thoughts of Glenn were flooding every part of her brain, consuming her to the bottom. But now, her most loyal companion was gone, and she had no idea where in the world he could be. His absence left a gaping hole in her heart. As she sat alone in the quiet of the night, Charlie found herself longing for the warmth of Glenn's presence, yearning for the comfort and strength he always provided.

Moreover, she missed Abraham's lingering presence.

"Mom, dad, Finn, Luke, Will, Pete, Amy, Jim, Jacquie, Sophia, Shane, Patricia, Jimmy, Lori, T-Dog, Oscar, Axel, Merle, Andrea, Zach, Patrick, Hershel, Mika, Lizzie, Bob,” she whispered. “Mom, dad, Finn, Luke, Will, Pete, Amy, Jim…”

When she said his name, a sudden realization ran down on her, and the thought made her mortified to the bone. As she sat alone on the steps of the church, her thoughts drifted to Jim, a friend she had lost not long ago. His words echoed in her mind like a haunting refrain: "You will wake up and you will feel empty inside, but before you will watch everyone go. Each death will take a piece of you and you won't be yourself anymore. You will be mad just like me."

At the time, Charlie had brushed off his words as the ramblings of a man on the edge of death, but now they seemed to carry a weight she couldn't ignore. Was she destined to lose everyone she cared about, one by one, until she was left alone in the darkness? And would she truly go crazy, as Jim had predicted, her mind unraveling like a thread pulled too tight?

Charlie shook her head, trying to banish the dark thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her.

"Mom, dad, Finn, Luke, Will, Pete, Amy, Jim, Jacquie, Sophia, Shane, Patricia, Jimmy, Lori, T-Dog, Oscar, Axel, Merle, Andrea, Zach, Patrick, Hershel, Mika, Lizzie, Bob.”

As Charlie sat lost in her thoughts, the sound of approaching footsteps disrupted her reverie. She looked up to see Michonne, sitting down slowly.

"I heard you talking," Michonne said softly, her eyes searching Charlie's face. "What's on your mind?"

Charlie hesitated, unsure if she was ready to share her inner turmoil. But something in Michonne's gentle gaze urged her to speak. "It's just... my thing," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Michonne nodded in understanding, her silence offering a comforting presence. She touched Charlie's arm and squeezed it. "We all need to learn how to live with what had happened in the prison."

"Yeah," Charlie nodded, knowing very well that her problems reach far beyond prison's walls. "But I think worse things happen after the fall."

Michonne's gaze flickered briefly, a shadow passing over her features before she met Charlie's eyes. "It's true," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret. "After what happened to Hershel... I saw him being killed with my own sword. The very weapon I had wielded to protect us."

A heavy silence settled between them as Charlie absorbed the weight of Michonne's revelation. The air seemed charged with shared grief and the acknowledgment of the burden they both carried.

"I thought I could move past it, keep fighting," Michonne continued, her tone a mix of vulnerability and determination. "But every time I pick up that katana, I see his face. It's as if I'm reliving that moment over and over again."

Charlie nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. The shared pain of losing someone close. Charlie placed her hand on Michonne's shoulder and rubbed it gently. "We all carry a burden," Charlie finally said, her voice a whisper. "The weight of the past can be suffocating."

"What happened in the forest Charlie?" the woman asked. "It's been crazy those past couple of days, but you can talk to me."

Charlie hesitated, her eyes reflecting the weight of a secret she could no longer bear alone. Finally, she took a deep breath and looked directly into Michonne's eyes. "It was Lizzie and Mika," she confessed, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.

"The girls Carol was taking care of?"

"Lizzie... she killed Mika. I had to do it," she stated, tears welling up her eyes. "I...had to do that. To protect us. To protect Judith."

As the truth spilled from her lips, the darkness seemed to close in around them, suffocating in its intensity. But in that moment of raw vulnerability, Charlie felt a sense of release, as if the burden she had carried for so long had finally been lifted. Michonne pulled Charlie into a comforting embrace, wordlessly offering solace in their shared pain. "You did what you had to do," she said firmly. "And you're not alone. We'll get through this together."

The sound, sharp and unexpected, pulled them from their hug with a jolt of apprehension. Instinctively, they turned towards the source of the disturbance, their senses on high alert. The darkness seemed to deepen around them, the shadows growing more ominous as uncertainty hung heavy in the air.

With hearts pounding in their chests, Michonne and Charlie exchanged a silent glance, a silent vow passing between them.

"Where's Carol?" Michonne asked the question, so Charlie already knew who to expect.

Her heart skipped a beat when a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. It was Daryl, his silhouette outlined against the moonlit backdrop. For a moment, Charlie's emotions threatened to overwhelm her—anger, hurt, and relief all swirling within her chest. She had thought he was gone for good, his sudden departure leaving her feeling abandoned and alone.

But none of them made a step forward. None of them even said a word to each other. Daryl was the first to break the silence, but his words were directed at someone. "Come on out!"

But it wasn't Carol.

[plasterdrain]

i hope our paths cross again.

wonbin janji waktu itu jika lain waktu mereka bertemu lagi, wonbin juga janji di malam perpisahan sekolah waktu itu ia tidak akan melupakan sungchan sampai tua nanti, meski harus berpisah di malam dengan judul yang sama. wonbin harap mereka berdua tetap bertemu lagi dengan jalan yang berbeda dan akhirnya bersinggungan di perempatan hingga akhirnya bertemu lagi. sungchan juga janji kalau wonbin sebagai teman dan seumur hidupnya ia akan terus mengingat wonbin.

kalau saja waktu itu mulutnya tidak diam dan mengatakan segalanya pada sungchan, mungkin malam ini ia akan lebih baik. wonbin tetap lebih baik dengan apapun yang terjadi, mau bagaimana pria itu memilih bahagianya sendirian dan tanpa wonbin pun, wonbin mengerti. semuanya belum telat untuk merasakannya lagi.

"kenapa nggak sama yang lain?" yang dipikirkan orangnya datang juga. mengapa sungchan harus tahu keberadaannya di sini sih.

"ketemu juga..."

"aku udah perhatiin kamu dari kamu datang tadi. kenapa?"

"nggakpapa, kita ketemu lagi. kamu apa kabar?" masih sendiri? belum berani jadi pertanyaan wonbin malam ini, mengingat di waktu yang sama ia tidak mengatakan perasaannya.

"haha iya, akhirnya bertemu lagi, baik, kamu gimana? baik-baik juga?"

"baik." wonbin tidak percaya diri juga dengan jawabannya, apakah ia baik-baik saja, atau karena ada sungchan ia harus berlaga baik-baik saja.

"kenapa?"

"aku jawab baik, kok kamu tanya kenapa?" decak wonbin menatap lawan bicaranya yang kini tetap lebih tinggi darinya, sungchan tidak berubah hanya menambah minus di kaca matanya saja, lalu rahang yang lebih tegas, dan sekarang pria itu lebih rapi memakai kemeja ketimbang pas sekolah dulu. "kamu beda dari malam kelulusan waktu itu."

"oh ya?" sungchan masih sama, "malah kamu yang tetap sama."

"apanya."

"terakhir aku lihat di malam itu dan sekarang, kamu masih sama terlihat lebih baik. aku nggak tahu harus ngomong apa, wonbin, tapi aku kangen kita."

you don't have to say you will miss us in every sentence, sungchan. harus apa kalau sudah seperti ini, mereka sekarang sudah bukan anak kecil lagi.

"kamu datang sendirian?" tanya sungchan.

"iya."

"aku juga sendirian." maksudnya... pikiran wonbin kosong sekarang, sibuk menatap langit dengan sama seperti sepuluh tahun lalu dan sungchan di sampingnya lagi. kali ini berbeda, mungkin malam ini mereka tidak perlu berpisah seperti waktu itu lagi, tapi itu urusan mereka berdua. tidak ada yang tahu juga.

"i miss your baked muffins and cookies, sepuluh tahun nggak makan masakan kamu, rasanya beda aku udah kebiasaan makan masakan kamu waktu sma dulu. and how's everything?"

"good, aku pulang dua tahun lalu, buka florist and cafe, you should come."

"two years? i should've meet you soon, wonbin." dengus sungchan, bagaimana bisa waktu berjalan secepat ini. "florist?"

"ya, ada winter, yang mengurus juga."

"i miss you so much, wonbin."

"i know."

"i divorced."

"what?!"

"that's the reason why i came here alone, i just got divorced, i am okay, right now. you know business marriage is a thing, right? jadi malam pesta kelulusan seminggu kemudian aku dijodohin, i should tell you sooner, tapi kita nggak pernah ngomong lagi, kamu sibuk, aku juga sibuk kuliah dan kerjaan. setelah lulus mesti ngurus rumah tangga. we're okay now, setelah pisah demi kebaikan aku dan dia juga."

"did you guys have—"

"iya, aku udah punya anak. newsflash for you." bahkan sungchan masih bisa tersenyum manis dengan apa yang dirasakan dirinya selama sepuluh tahun belakangan.

"oh my god, you really are an adult and growing up, right now."

"she's four-year old, this year. she's getting big, nggak kerasa udah besar, dan kita makin tua juga."

"everything's changed." sekali lagi harapan wonbin waktu itu kala mereka bertemu lagi dan menceritakan segala hal yang telah dilakukan, jika semesta menginginkan mereka bertemu tentunya. semuanya berubah dan sungchan pun juga.

i would take every chance to have our paths crossed again, wonbin, i will miss you.

"i am so lost, everything is so different now, you have a child, sungchan. you are a father now, i am so proud of you..." pelukan hangat yang wonbin rindukan, begitu erat dan hangat, bahkan wangi sungchan masih sama saat mereka sma, mengapa mengingat masa lalu buat wonbin sedih. padahal mereka akhirnya bertemu lagi.

"i miss you like crazy, wonbin. thank you for being here, i miss you."

"i miss you too, i am so sorry for leaving you alone, i should be there with you when everything's happened, i should've been there for you like you did to mine, i am sorry."

"it's okay, aku baik-baik saja sekarang, tapi aku kangen kamu." rindu, sungchan rindu wonbin yang rasanya ingin mati saja saat itu juga, beban di dadanya seakan berkurang begitu wonbin memeluknya dengan hangat, mengapa tidak dari awal mereka berpelukan hangat seperti ini, mengapa harus malam ini, setidaknya sungchan tidak perlu rindu sendirian lagi. ada wonbin yang memeluknya.

"kamu kebanyakan bilang kangen, jung."

"please call me that again, i miss it already."

"okay."

"aku antar kamu pulang ya?"

"or have a drink with me, please?"

"sure."

[asmrtist-brainrot]

Could I request a Corrupted V x Cheeky where they almost die (you can pick how) and V freaks out and when they get back to wherever they’re living, V try’s to heal them?

Man, y'all really be asking for pain now, aren't you?

Hey, if that's what you like, I'm not gonna judge you. Let's me flex my angst writing.

This is a little short though.

Could be Pre or Post-Corruption V.

Gender Neutral! Reader + Reader is Cheeky

~ Dari

On the Other Foot

He promised to protect you.

So how did it end up like this?

His hands were shaking violently, though he attempts to force himself to stop. Especially as there was no one else around to help.

There's so much blood.

Red spilling across the pavement.

V shouldn't be so bothered by it, spilling and seeing it should be a normal occurrence. Having seen all his beloved siblings and loved ones butchered and broken meant that he should have been prepared.

His breath wheezed from his chest, willing his magic to close the wounds.

Cuts sting on his arms but he barely feels them.

... Is this how you felt?

An ugly twisted mass of turmoil set itself in his throat and he needed to force back the bile.

Helplessly, he choked out, "Ch - Cheeky..?"

You didn't even flinch, body splayed out on the gray cement. His head dropped to your chest, praying to the gods he compelled to exist - to hope against hope that you were alive.

The thuds of your still beating heart resounded against his head, he practically choked on his lungs when he realized how slow it was. His hands were shaking as he lifted you up, scrambling to his feet.

V felt like he could vomit, that he could fall apart if he failed to keep you alive. He just kept running and running, even with breaths that burned on the way down and aching legs - he keeps going and going.

"Please, please," He begged the skies internally "let Cheeky be okay."

[classicschronicles]

Hi lovelies,

A few days ago this new Bollywood movie called Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and John Abrahams, came out and so obviously I HAD to go and watch it. But fun fact about me is that I am literally a melting pot of different cultures. My dads family are Indian-Kenyan. My mums family were initially (back in the 5th-7th century) a family of Jewish royalty in what is now Afghanistan (which is actually pretty cool). They converted to Islam some time later and became part of a very particular Afghani tribe called the Pathaan (also another reason I had to watch this movie). Over the course of the next few centuries they migrated from Afghanistan to India, before being forced into Pakistan because of colonialism. Throughout all of this, my mums branch of the Pathaan tribe stuck together and so even still, my mum’s family in pure Pathaan, but I’m only half Pathaan because my mum married out. However, me being me did some deep diving into this because it’s actually pretty cool that my family tree can be traced back that far. Okay so at this point you’re probably wondering how on earth this related to Classics, but I found out that the Pathaan langue (Pashto) is actually about 2500 years old, which makes it about the same age as Latin and therefore a classical language! And so today I thought I would tell you a little bit about Pashto.

The Pashto language belongs to the Indi-Iranian language family and is mainly spoken by the ethnic communities of Afghanistan and western provinces of Pakistan, which is partially inhabited by Pashtuns (aka Pathaan’s). It is also still the native language of the indigenous Pathaan people. The language is said to have originated in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan and is said to be one of the two national languages (the other being Dari, a Persian language).

The vocabulary of Pashto has actually not been borrowed or derived from other languages, which is extremely rare for any language still spoken in a modern setting. Many of its lexis do, however, relate to other Eastern Iranian languages such as Pamir and Ossetia.

The exact origin of the Pashto language and the Pathaan tribes are unknown, but the word ‘Pashto’ derives from the regular phonological process. Nevertheless, the Pathaan are sometimes compared with the Pakhta tribes mentioned in Rigvenda, around 1700-1100 B.C., apparently they are the same people that the Greek historian Herodotus referred to Paktika (a northern province in Afghanistan). However, this comparison appears to be due in large part to the apparent similarity between their names, despite the fact that etymologically it can’t really be justified. But there are some archeological compilations and historical data and so the majority of researchers now believe that the Pashto language is around 25000 years old.

Herodotus also mentions the Paktika ‘Apridai’ tribe but it is unknown what language they spoke. However, Strabo (who lived between 64 B.C. and 24 C.E.) suggests that the tribes inhabiting the lands west of the Indus River were part of Ariana and to their east was India. Since about the 3rd century B.C. and onwards from that, these tribes were mostly referred to by the name ‘Afghan’ (or ‘Abgan’) and their language as ‘Afghani’.

Many historians and scholars believe that the earliest piece of written Pashto work dates back to the 8th century. However, a lot of history outside of the western empires lacks the same clarity and information and so even this is highly disputed. However, during the 17th century, Pashto poetry became very popular amongst the Pathaan.

To be honest, there isn’t a whole lot of information on the Pashtun language or the origin of the Pathaan, other than that they have been around since the B.C. But it’s pretty cool to me that my families culture has such a long history. This entry was pretty special to me so hopefully you all enjoyed it and I hope you all have a lovely rest of your weekend!

~Z

[palialaina]

For someone who says he's a tough Grimalkin, don't need no one, Zeki sure is soft-hearted.

So, a few days ago I found an old cat toy. I was looking for palium in those old caves that people apparently use for storage, and it kind of tried to kill me.

Okay, yes, I know it's dramatic, but it's my journal!

I stepped on it, and it rolled, so I fell and even as impressive as my pickaxe is, it still *hurts* when it lands on my chest okay? I was told I wasn't allowed to carry things for a few days. Fussy dad. Fussy everyone, really. I bet it was Kenyatta who tattled >.>

Then again, Chayne does talk to Dad a lot.

Bah, anyways.

Since it tried to kill me, I picked it up to deal with later. Jellybean and her sibs got their claws on it the other day and reminded me it existed, so I figured I'd take it to Zeki, since he's the only cat-being around.

Yeah, it was Zeki's. Apparently his mom left it for him. And he said there should be a letter too, and asked if I could go find it. Since fishing wasn't on my list of banned activities (seriously Nai'o showed up to take care of my garden for me so I didn't strain myself. They're all such fusspots, I love them so much.) I figured it couldn't hurt, and it didn't take too long to find the bottle.

Man. I am still super curious about what the letter said, but like. Zeki's nice. Ruthless in business maybe, but outside that, I like him. He's a good friend. So I brought him the bottle, got a lucky coin for my troubles, and then this morning he turned up to ask me if I could talk to Najuma about her obsession in getting deeper into the mines!

Seriously. He's such a softy.

Naj's a good kid, and I have been worrying about that. Like, I get it, it's her Path and she's dedicated to it, but She's also like.. twelve. And I think she's carrying around a ton of survivor's guilt for her mom.

I did get the story, finally. It was rough, but you can't blame a five year old for doing unreasonable five year old things. And like... I don't know. She blames herself so much. I think she needs to talk to Chayne about it, but it's taken me this long to get her to trust me, so it probably won't happen.

...maybe I could talk to Chayne, and to Dad. I don't know if it'll do any good, but I can try.

Anyways, after that Hodari came by and asked if I could help him find some missing pages from his wife's old notebook. I'll have to do some chappa hunting, I think, and then he sais Zeki is also a good person to talk to about where some of the sketches might be.

I am glad he's trying to meet Naj halfway. Even if he is still being an ass about letting her go into the mines. Like. It's her Path. And he must've accepted it at the time.

Maybe Hodari needs to talk to Chayna and/or Dad about what happened to Leta too. I don't really think either one of them (Naj and Dari) have really actually processed what happened in a healthy way. Naj blames herself for being a baby, and Hodari plainly blames himself for not being fast enough.

It's so complicated.

But I guess that's what I'll be doing for a bit, trying to find those darn missing papers. I hope none of them got shredded, or weather-wrecked. That would entirely defeat the purpose of this.

[fake-protagonist]

Aku sedang berada di fasa, mati rasa.. kalau dulu aku tertanya betul ke yang kita ni boleh switch off perasaan kita? Sekarang ni baru aku faham… masa mula-mula tu rasa peliklah juga, sebab tak pernah berada dalam situasi dimana kau sedang tak kagumi sesiapa pun.

Situasi dimana kau masih berdoa untuk sesuatu hal itu, tapi dalam masa yang sama, kau cakap dengan Tuhan, kalau Dia tak bagi pun, kau okay, sebab kau dah cukup happy dengan apa yang kau ada sekarang. Walaupun kadang terdetik nak macam orang lain tapi jauh disudut hati kau, kau sebenarnya dah mula selesa sendiri, buat apa, pergi mana semua sendiri.

Of course akan ada masa kau akan rasa sunyi, tapi sunyi itu lebih menyenangkan dari suasana yang riuh tapi mencengkam tangkai hati.

Somedays, I craved to be able to be soft and clingy in the presence of someone who loves me for me despite of my flaws. But on some days, I really hope that I could love myself better that I don’t need anyone else presence to fill the void.

That I am enough, even when I’m alone.

[ask-de-writer]

About SEE ST0RY, Parts 3 to 5 of 5,

WORLD OF SEA

@nevermord​ READ, LIKED, REBLOGGED

and COMMENTED on

SEE ST0RY, Parts 3 to 5 of 5

World of Sea

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to World of Sea

About SEE ST0RY, Part 3 of 5 he observed :

Barad's biggest failing early on. He underestimates others far too easily. Even upon seeing Cat's unearthly skills with his own eyes he still thinks she is less than others.

One part of his underestimating Cat is simple. Seeing her in action is hard to believe. The other lies in his plot to cause the Longin trouble.

About SEE ST0RY, Part 4 of 5 he observed :

Barad is a lying, cheating, foul sack of dung... I certainly hope by the end of this tale he gets what he rightly deserves. It's been a while and here is much I don't remember. XD

Oh, fear not. Cat and Mord have a few plans of their own!

About SEE ST0RY, Part 5 of 5 he observed :

This ending makes me wonder, did Mecat always know she was a dragon? Was this a test of some kind for the humans? Are dragons born in human form to be raised by them? If she did not know, when did she find out?

So many questions...

Okay, this requires digging into some Lore of Sea. The Great Sea Dragons are immortal, sort of. Blind Mecat is about 3 1/2 million years old. This is not a natural lifespan. Roughly every thousand years or so, they move their conscious self into a host body, which may be artificially created or a natural one. While in the host, their natural body is given many types of treatments to restore its optimum youth and vigor.

Cat's human form was an artificial one created by Dari. As she was going to be raised by humans, (the Dragons did have a tentacle in that happening) her awareness as a Dragon was encapsulated to allow her to experience what being human was all about. That knowledge will be used in their ecology work with humans. As she became adult, her awareness of what she was began to flower.

Due to the symbolic importance of the Dragon's Moons, she had the Longin steered north into the Dragon Sea to find out if her body could be ready in time for the human ceremony to come. That is what that singing from the bowsprit was all about.

I hope that the ending answered that question. It was.

[bubblygiggles]

As per request; CONNIE X DARYL TICKLE FIC

@rwateringcan03 I hope you enjoy!

Connie has been teaching Daryl how to sign new words from time to time. From what she noticed, he’s an impressively fast learner. He even picked up on a few of the signs she and her sister exchange. As someone who does not communicate with sound, she expressed her joy with a big proud smile.

“What’s up with .. you smiling .. all the .. time?” Daryl said softly, trying to remember the hand gestures for each word. ‘I’m proud of you!’ Connie signed back.

He gave her a shy smile, brushing it off. “I’m no good yet. Give … me.. some .. time.. and I’ll be ..better.” He finished with two thumbs up.

She shook her head smiling. ‘Better’ she gestured by putting her right hand in front of her mouth then curling it into a loose thumbs up by her face.

“Better.” He copied, nodding after as a ‘got it’.

They continued their walk quietly, Connie was looking around the forest. Her eyes crawled up the tall trees to the very top, squinting at the bright sky peaking through the branches above them. Hands behind her back, she walked with a slight skip. Daryl glanced at her. She seemed so light, like a little dandelion seed carried by the wind. She caught his stare and he quickly looked the other way.

‘Mmmh…’ she put her index finger on her thumb, cartoonishly.

“What?” He gave her a side eye, still flustered from before.

‘I’m just thinking of what else I can teach you.’ His eyes followed her hands as she addressed him.

“Anything. Something useful.” He didn’t know how to sign that.

‘Here, let’s sit down.’ She gestured, lowering herself. Daryl followed, plopping himself heavily to the ground.

‘I’ll ask you questions, and you try to understand what I am asking.’

“Okay.”

Facing each other, she moved closer to him, their knees touching.

‘Are you … hungry?” She dragged down her dominant hand in a C shape from her chest to her stomach.

“Am I .. hungry?” He said, mouthing the last part.

‘Yes!’ She clapped her hands from joy.

‘Okay, next. Are you …' she looked around as if the word she was looking for was written on the trees. Daryl kept glancing at their knees touching.

‘…tall?’ Connie placed her index finger on her flat palm facing Daryl, sliding the finger up.

“Am I up? Like, awake?” She shook her head no, repeating the gesture. He looked at her do it another time, thinking of the most logical answer possible. All he had in his head was ‘elevator’.

“OH! Tall! Am I tall!” Another round of quiet applause from Connie. He chuckled at her reaction.

‘Are you .. happy?’ She circled her hands, palms flat facing her chest, in a up and down motion.

“Uhh.. happy? Cuz you’re smiling? That mean’s happy yeah?” He was repeating her gesture.

She showed both thumbs up. She hasn’t stopped smiling since they decided to take their little walk.

‘Are you .. stinky?’ She pinched her nose and gurned.

“Hey!” He pushed her gently while grinning. She let out a giggle, amused by her own joke.

“How do you sign .. ‘I like your laugh’?” He asked, his pink cheeks hidden by his messy bangs.

Her smile softened, and she showed him how. He repeated her gestures, saying along "I like your laugh".

He was expecting a slight awkward moment of silence, but Connie interrupted his train of thought of what to say next.

‘I don’t know what your laugh sounds like.’ She pouted with a smile.

“I don't care. Just think of it as this,” he grabbed his belly, slapping his knee and mouthing ha-ha-ha in a silly manner.

She rolled her eyes. ‘I could know what it’s like…’ she tilted her head to the right, looking at him with doe eyes, ‘if you let me.’

He looked at her, raising his brow, unsure of what she meant.

‘Are you ticklish?’ She wiggled her fingers at her sides without touching them.

“What?”

‘Are you … ticklish?’ She reached for his sides and did the same gesture on him. He jumped at the touch, wrapping his arms around his stomach.

She grinned signing ‘Yes, you are.’ She reached for him again, but Daryl caught both of her hands with his.

“Wait, wait, wait! You won’t even hear me.” He said panicked.

Having grown up with a mean older brother, Daryl hated being tickled. Merl would torture him when they were younger, and tickle him so hard that it was more painful than ticklish.

She patted his knee as reassurance. He let go of her arms and she signed to him that she can feel the vibration of sounds. That’s how she used to enjoy music and her family’s laughter.

He looked at her hesitant. “Just tell me something funny instead. Don’t gotta tickle me.”

‘I’m not that funny. Besides, tickling is fun.’

Daryl signed a harsh no.

‘Please? I’ve never seen you laugh!’ She pouted, making Daryl throw his head back and grunt.

“I fucking hate you.”

‘I’ll be gentle. Turn around.’

He sighed heavily and did as he was told, facing away from her. He could feel the agitated anxious moths filling his stomach as he anticipated the fingers drilling into his sides.

At the very first touch, goosebumps ran down his spine as she moved his hair gently away from his neck. He scrunched his shoulders and leaned away from her. Connie slapped his back gently and gestured for him to get back up.

"Sorry." He forgot to face her so she could read his lips. He relaxed his shoulders and slouched. Connie pulled down his shirt collar and wiggled her fingers gently on his neck. His head swung back and his knees went straight to his chest as he hugged them to stop himself from grabbing her hands.

Connie smiled at his reaction. She spidered her fingers down his back, making him arch as much as he could without unlocking his tight knee-hug. She couldn't see his stupid-looking face as he held a big breath to not let out a giggle.

That didn't last very long as her fingers found their way to his exposed armpits. He clamped his arms to his sides and leaned back, hitting his head on her shoulder. She couldn't help but laugh too as he wiggled in her lap, squealing. He kept saying stop, but it was useless.

Her hands made their way out from underneath his arms and onto his stomach. All of his limbs followed, folding into a clumsy looking ball of a man. She slipped her hand under his shirt and pressed it on his chest as she felt the strong vibrations of his loud and husky laugh.

"AAAAHHH STOHOHOHOPPPPLEAAASEEEE CONNIEHIHIHIH!" He kicked his legs, face red and sweaty. Even if she tried to read his lips, his hair was covering every surface of his face. His squirming was out of this world crazy. As she clawed his stomach gently, his laugh went a pitch higher and he turned his cheek and pressed it against her arm that rested on his chest. She took the opportunity to tickle his neck again, making him scrunch his shoulders and kick his legs like a little kid. He didn't know what was worse; Merl's painful torture of her feather-light tickling. Either way, he was running out of breath and energy. Connie picked up on it as his squirming gradually stopped and his body went limp in her lap. he waved his arms in a 'stop' motion. She pushed his hair out of his face and looked down at him smiling. Daryl, getting rid of his last few giggles from his lungs, rested his arms on his chest, breathing deeply. His exhausted eyes and smile made her blush. 'I like your laugh too' she signed to him.

"Whatever." He growled, smiling, and got up. She did the same, and they brushed the leaves and dirt off of each other. He felt his sides getting squeezed. Immediately, he crouched down, letting out a "nnooOOOO" and getting out of her hand reach. He turned back to look at her as she laughed and ran at him, wiggling her fingers, as he darted away as fast as he could. Soon, the forest echoed with laughter once again.

[benry-coinings]

May you do gordon freeman names/pronouns? the source can be form half life of hlvrai i dont mind!! -☣️

yaaa :3 sorry this ask has just been sitting here 4 a bit btw ive been busy(hyperfixing on something and not wanting 2 do anything else LOL) anywayz i did base this mostly on HLVRAI gordos hope thats okay mrow~

General themes:

Science, Engineering, Technology, video games, crowbars, getting easily irritated, overworking, feeling tired, managing your mental health, being a good father, bad jokes, dad music, having a chaotic but loving friend group, laughing so hard you wheeze, being in/breaking out of a simulation/game

Names:

Gordon, Gordo, Lambda, Vox, Mesa, Orange, Morton, Coda, Data, Techne, Gadget, Newton, Tycho, Daris, Miles

Titles:

(things like The One/[pronoun] can b switched around and such) The scientist, The engineer, [pronoun] who holds the crowbar, [pronoun] who needs a break, The exhausted, The one with dwindling sanity, The easily annoyed, The leader of the science team, [pronoun] whos been 2 Xen and back, The one who beat the game, [pronoun] who escaped the game, The one who didn't bring [pronoun] passport, [pronoun] who should get 2 the test chamber, The one l8 2 the test, [pronoun] who wears the HEV suit

Pronouns:

Half/Life/HalfLifes/Halflifeself

Co/code/codes/codeself

Tech/tech/techs/techself

Crow/bar/crowbars/crowbarself

Test/test/tests/testself

Sci/ence/sciences/scienceself

Head/crab/headcrabs/headcrabself

Gun/gun/guns/gunself

Bullet/bullet/bullets/bulletself

Cas/cade/cascades/cascadeself

Lamb/da/lambdas/lambdaself

Vox/vox/voxs/voxself

λ/λ/λs/λself

🦾/🦾/🦾s/🦾self

🧠/🧠/🧠s/🧠self

👓/👓/👓s/👓self

🪳/🪳/🪳s/🪳self

💥/💥/💥s/💥self

💦/💦/💦s/💦self

🎮/🎮/🎮s/🎮self

🖥️/🖥️/🖥️s/🖥️self

💿/💿/💿s/💿self

🔌/🔌/🔌s/🔌self

🪫/🪫/🪫s/🪫self

🔧/🔧/🔧s/🔧self

💢/💢/💢s/💢self

🗯️/🗯️/🗯️s/🗯️self