#i am sick of what your soldiers do to the women and children in our countries | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

dontcare77ghj · 1 month ago

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Pinterest, Brains and Chocolate Sauce

Team x reader

Bold Italics is Venom speaking in your head.

Bold is Venom speaking aloud.

Italics is the reader's thinking.

A/N: Hello dear friends, I am not dead surprise!

"Ugh, that's disgusting, you two." Clint's lip curled up in disgust. "Seriously, I think I'm gonna be sick." He said, covering his mouth and turning his head.

"Then don't watch," Venom said, licking the chocolate sauce off your finger.

"And if you're gonna throw up, do it away from the food." You told the archer. "What do you think, bud? Need salt?" You asked, spreading the sauce further with a spoon.

"Salt would be good."

"When did you start adding things to your sheep's brains, Vee?" Natasha questioned the symbiote, watching the two of you with interest.

"Yeah, don't you usually just open your gullet and swallow in one go?" Tony questioned, causing Clint to gag.

"I'm not eating this one."

"This is mine." You told the man, eating a section before letting out an appreciative hum. "This is done. The salt was a good choice." You said, grabbing your plate and moving to sit beside Steve.

"Doll, isn't that raw?" Steve wrinkled his nose as he looked at your meal.

"Yeah, it adds to the flavour." You nodded, cutting your meal into sections.

"Oh, I'm really gonna be sick." Clint groaned, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Which one of you did it?" Bruce called as he entered the kitchen with Thor right behind him.

"I didn't do it."

"It was just a joke."

"Not me."

"Did what?" Natasha rolled her eyes at the table's reactions before turning to Bruce with a fond smile.

"I got a medical alert from FRIDAY," Bruce said, cocking his head. "And when any of you are in the kitchen it's not safe."

"Yeah, that was from me," Tony said, raising a hand. "I got FRIDAY to get you. It's this one." He added, pointing at you.

"I'm not injured, Tony." You rolled your eyes, continuing with your meal.

"Physically, maybe not, but something is going on in your head if you think that's a normal meal," Tony said, cringing as you took another bite.

"Vee eats stuff like this all the time, and no one says anything." You scoffed.

"That's different."

"Yeah, Vee's not normal."

"Hey!"

"No offence, big guy." Clint was quick to reassure the symbiote. "But you're an alien. Your normal is still pretty strange to us." He said as Bruce moved towards you and placed his hand on your head.

"Do you feel sick? You don't feel warm." Bruce tsked.

"You know we can't get sick, Brucie." You said, pushing the scientist's hand off your face.

"We eat the germs." Venom grinned, running his tongue over his teeth.

"Why can't I just eat a meal and not be judged?" You sighed, stabbing at your delicious treat.

"Because that's your second brain of the day," Natasha pointed out to the room.

"Second?"

"I can feel my lunch coming up my throat."

"I've never seen you eat one brain before, let alone two."

"Many women experience a change in appetite when with child." Thor shrugged, sitting beside you. "It's perfectly normal." He added, licking a bit of chocolate sauce off your plate, ignoring the looks the rest of the room shot him.

"What?"

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not pregnant, Thor." You choked on the food in your mouth. "Oh, shit." You coughed, hitting your chest.

"I got it," Venom said, smacking you on the back.

"Okay, okay, thanks, Vee." You brushed his hand away. "Just because you can heal broken ribs, doesn't mean they don't hurt."

"Thor, we're all on some sort of contraceptive, or just can't have children," Natasha said, with Bruce nodding along. "What makes you think Y/N's pregnant?"

"I am the God of fertility." Thor shrugged. "I know these things. Just as I know that it was Steven and my sperm that created the lives of our children."

"Children? More than one?"

"God and super-soldier sperm. That should do it." Tony muttered.

"Vee?" You murmured, the symbiote extending himself towards your uterus.

"Oh. That's what that is." Venom said before retracting and wrapping himself around your womb.

"I know the situation isn't ideal, not being planned and all, but isn't this kind of what we've always talked about?" Steve wondered. "Having a family of our own?"

"I'm not mad about this. I might need some time to adjust, but," Clint shrugged. "I want this. I want to teach our children to shoot. I want them to have better than me or my brother ever did."

"You know I've always wanted children," Natasha admitted, scratching the table before her. "Even when they told me weapons don't deserve children, I wanted one."

"You're not a weapon, Tash."

"I mean, we've already adopted the spider kid and Barton's sidekick." Tony nodded, resting his hand on Natasha's lower back. "Our kids would grow up with older siblings."

"And we were just talking about the possibility of adopting." Bruce agreed.

"Y/N? How are you feeling about this?" Steve asked and all eyes turned towards you.

Your stomach felt heavy as your lunch began to make its way back up your throat. The taste of chocolate sauce and brain, which had tasted so good going down, did not have the same flavour coming back up.

"Bathroom." You muttered, rising to a stand and rushing towards the nearest bathroom.

You'd been in the bathroom for hours. Your partners had found you pretty quickly, FRIDAY being the snitch she was, and had been at the door ever since.

The knocking had stopped around hour two of you ignoring your soulmates, but someone was always at the door, talking to you through it.

As Steve talked you through his latest painting, you were curled up in the bathtub, the curtain hiding you from the empty room.

'How did we let this happen?' You shook your head, pressing your head into your knees. 'How didn't we notice sooner?'

'It didn't seem dangerous. I didn't see the danger.'

'I can't do this again, Vee. They don't even know. We never told them.'

'It never came up.' Venom comforted you, rubbing a tendril down your back. 'We may have to tell them.'

"They're gonna hate us." You whispered aloud, feeling a tear run down your cheek.

'I can eat them.' Venom offered, wiping your cheek.

'That's alright, Vee.' You shook your head as you rose to a stand. 'We can't keep this a secret anymore.'

'No.'

'Are you okay if I tell them?'

'He won't come back because we thought of him. We already knew that.'

"Steve?" You called, causing the soldier to fall silent.

"Yeah, doll?" You heard him stand outside.

"Can you get everyone to go to the bedroom?" You asked, wringing your hands in front of you.

"Of course, doll," Steve said before you heard him walk away.

"Are you ready, bud?" You asked, stepping out of the tub and moving towards the door.

"If you are," Venom said, shifting so his head rested on your shoulder.

Exiting the bathroom, you slowly made your way through the hall before entering the bedroom where your soulmates sat waiting for you.

"How are you feeling?" Natasha asked as you stood awkwardly in the doorway.

"Gross." You said, crossing your arms over your chest.

"Did you throw up?" Tony looked green.

"No." You huffed out a laugh at Tony's germaphobic nature.

"Y/N, we've been talking." Steve started, watching you with serious eyes. "And we shouldn't have started talking about the babies like that without checking you wanted this first."

"So, if you don't want this, Bruce found the names of some good doctors," Tony told you, with the other scientist nodding along.

"It is your body, draga." Natasha smiled at you gently. "And ultimately your choice."

"And there's more than a few adoption agencies in New York who are very discreet if that's the way you want to go," Bruce added.

"We're good with whatever you decide," Clint promised, Thor, nodding at his words.

"It's not that I don't want kids with you." You told your soulmates. "It's just, there's something we haven't told you."

"Whatever it is, we can work through it, together," Thor assured you.

"Well, to be honest, we've been telling everyone a bit of a fib for a very long time." You admitted.

"Okay, what kind of a fib are we talking about?"

"Do I need to call the lawyers?"

"Do you have another alien living in you?"

"Pretty big, no, and no." You answered your soulmates' questions. "We didn't actually leave San Francisco right after Drake. We thought maybe we could handle staying and that we could keep our lives there. So we helped Eddie with an interview with Cletus Kasady."

"The serial killer?" Clint raised a brow.

"Yeah. We got left alone with Kasady, and he got weird."

"Y/N?"

"We were under guard, but it was as if he'd researched us before we got there. He knew about my childhood, where I went to school, the name of my first boyfriend, creepy shit like that." You shivered, Kasady's voice still fresh in your mind. "I wanted to leave, but we got too close to the cage, and Kasady grabbed us. He bit us and tore a chunk of our neck out. The guard pulled us away, but it was too late. Kasady ingested a lot of our blood, and that's when it happened." You said, absent-mindedly rubbing the side of your neck.

"What happened?" Steve asked, leaning forward slightly.

"Kasady had our child." You sighed and the room fell into a stunned silence. "Guys?"

"I'm sorry?"

"What?"

"You said nothing like that happened."

"Also, how did that happen?"

"Nothing like that happened." You assured your concerned soulmates. "Venom's species reproduces asexually, and a host's gender doesn't matter. And when our blood mixed with Kasady's DNA,"

"He made Carnage," Venom spoke, lowering his head as he did.

"Where is he?" Tony wondered curiously.

"Carnage wasn't, Carnage didn't," You licked your lips, struggling to find the words. "Kasady ruined Carnage. His DNA, his insanity, and his blood lust ruined Carnage, and there was no other way."

"Carnage was a red one." Venom took over, running a tendril down your arm. "He tried to kill us. He killed people for fun, not food. Carnage had to be put down."

"We tried reasoning with Carnage, we begged, we tried to separate the two, but it didn't work. They weren't symbiotic like us. They were just tangled. We couldn't separate them." You shook your head.

"Oh, Y/N, Vee, why didn't we know?" Natasha asked, standing and pulling you into her arms.

"It was our condition to Fury. We'd meet the team if he kept it off the books." You mumbled into her shoulder.

"And Y/N thought you'd reject us if you knew," Venom added, wrapping around Natasha's waist.

"That's not going to happen." Thor was quick to deny it. The common Earth practice was akin to torture in the blonde's mind. He would never deny one of his chosen.

"It wouldn't have in the beginning, and it won't happen now," Clint agreed, rubbing the Gods' knee.

"So, you think these children will be the same?" Bruce questioned you as you and Natasha pulled apart. The spy wrapped her arm around your waist and pulled you towards the bed.

"I don't know. This didn't happen last time." You gestured to your stomach. "We didn't think it could happen."

"It feels strange," Venom spoke up, curling around your waist. "We feel the heartbeat but it's not ours. They think but it's not like us."

"We can feel it." You nodded. "Not just movement, but we can feel them sitting there, stretching themselves out." You said, placing your hand on your stomach.

"Not like our kind."

"Then maybe Venom's genes didn't pass on." Bruce hummed, causing you all to turn to him.

"What do you mean, Bruce?"

"Well, if Venom's species reproduce asexually, then perhaps he didn't pass his DNA onto the children," Bruce said, adjusting his glasses. "Or maybe God and super-soldier DNA is just stronger." He added with a shrug.

"We are strong." Venom huffed. "Do you want to put it to the test?" He challenged, turning to Steve and Thor.

"That's not necessary, Vee," Steve assured just as it looked like Thor was going to agree. "We know you're the strongest here." He said placatingly.

"Yes, we are."

"We want these babies." You said, glancing at your soulmates. "But we can't lose another one."

"Y/N,"

"Carnage was ours. We didn't know him, and we couldn't help him, but he was still ours. He was a part of Venom and when we killed him, we felt his pain. We felt the agony of not being able to merge with Kasady and everything we'd done to him. And we can't do that again." You shook your head. "We can't kill another part of us."

"It's not going to come to that," Tony promised you.

"And if Kasady is what turned Carnage, then if these two are like the two of you, they will be fine," Bruce said assuringly.

"You don't know that."

"Kasady was insane, clinically insane. He was a murderer, a sociopath, that's neither of you. And none of us." Bruce said firmly. "Nurture is just as important as nature."

"That's right." Tony nodded. "These kids are going to grow up with Avengers as their family, literal Gods too. They're gonna be just fine." He added, reaching over to take your hand.

"We're pregnant." You whispered, after a moment, the words loud in the quiet room.

"We're pregnant," Thor repeated as a smile crept onto your face.

"We're gonna have a family."

"We already do, doll. It's just getting a bit bigger is all."

And as you sat surrounded by your family, the weight of the twins in your womb and Venom settled protectively around them, you found thoughts of Kasady and Carnage being pushed to the back of your mind.

For now, everything was as it was supposed to be.

"Okay, Vee only two hours max, remember?" You fussed as the symbiote appeared by Clint's shoulder.

"We remember."

"Because you are not allowed to burn Clint out."

"We will not burn out the bird."

"Babe, we'll be chill." Clint smiled, brushing hair from your face. "Vee and I are buddies. Right, dude?"

"Right, bro."

"Please, never say that again." You sighed as Steve chuckled behind you.

You were just over three months pregnant and a combination of super-solder, God, alien DNA and the fact you were carrying twin, meant you were already showing a lot more than you were supposed to.

It was one thing to know you were pregnant, but to see your body physically changing to accommodate for the two had made it all the more real for you.

As well as your six soulmates.

They were already overprotective, despite Venom's assurances he could take care of the two of you, but when you became four instead of two, it kicked into another drive.

They had begged and pleaded with you for weeks to see reason and stop your patrols with Vee.

At first, you had gently brushed their concern off, but when you woke up one morning with a visible bump, you finally agreed to step back as an Avenger and swing with Vee.

But Venom got bored, and hungry, quickly.

It had been Thor's suggestion to find the symbiote a temporary host and when Clint turned out to be the most compatible after you, the hawkeyed Avenger had quickly agreed to take Venom out on the town.

"No promises," Venom smirked.

"Just breathe, go sit with Stevie and Tasha, eat your brain while I'm not here, and I'll close my eyes real tight while Vee gets his." Clint smiled before a frown quickly took over. "I can't throw up while he's in control, can I?"

"You know, there's a first time for everything." You sighed, pressing a kiss to Clint's cheek and then Venom's when he took over. "I'll see you soon, hon."

"You will," Venom promised, licking your cheek before he, and Clint, were gone.

"Don't think you're going to be staring out the window all night," Natasha said, causing you to look over your shoulder. "Because you picked out the movie and you won't be able to see it from there."

"Nat is right, doll. You need to sit." Steve said, jumping up and moving you towards the couch.

"We're, I'm not an invalid you know." You reminded the two as you settled between the two.

"We know."

"But stress isn't good for you, or the babies," Natasha said, resting her hand on your bump and her head on your shoulder.

"So for the next few hours, you're going to breathe, watch a movie with us, and enjoy your food," Steve added, grabbing your plate from the side table, with only a slight shudder.

"Clint will be fine, Med. He and Venom will look after each other."

"I hope so."

It was almost four hours later when Venom finally slipped back through the window, a smile on his face even as he reduced himself to a mere head on Clint's shoulder.

"I'm gonna kill the pair of you." You shook your head, struggling to sit upright. "What happened to two hours?"

"Sorry sweetheart, got a bit sidetracked there." Clint had the decency to look apologetic. "In my defence, you were right. The flying part is fun."

You let out a long sigh as you fondly shook your head.

"So what was it? Chickens or a bad guy tonight?"

"He had to make do with a few of my feathered friends." Clint joked. "But he'll survive another day."

"Did you at least have fun, bud?" You asked as your symbiote transferred back to you.

"Clint took me to a rave." Venom grinned as Clint groaned.

"What?"

"Barton,"

"That was supposed to be our secret dude." Clint shook his head. "Look before anyone freaks out it was a costume rave, everyone was really chill and thought Vee was just an elaborate costume."

"More like really high." Natasha glared at the archer.

"Clint, that was irresponsible and you know it," Steve started.

"Ooh is daddy mad? Are you going to put me across your lap?"

"Why are we having children again? There's two right here." You sighed, leaning back. "I need a nap."

"Bunsen burners down." You demanded, striding into the lab as you pulled your hair into a ponytail.

"Y/N, we're a bit busy," Bruce started even as Tony did as you said.

"Don't care. Burners down, pants off." You ordered, ripping your shirt off. "We're pregnant,"

"You're pregnant."

"We're horny."

"You're horny."

"And you two are going to fix it."

"That is true."

"Y/N,"

"Bruce we are six months pregnant with your children. We feel fat, we feel starving and we are horny." You said, narrowing your eyes at the man. "Is your experiment more important than your pregnant mate?"

"Of course not."

"Then take your pants off and join us and Tony on the couch before I start crying about how we can't just do it on the counter anymore." You demanded, grabbing Tony by the hand and dragging him to the couch.

"Yes, dear."

"Tony, why are you walking like that?" Clint snickered from his seat "Did you fall out of the elevator?"

"You're the only one who has ever done that, Clint," Thor spoke, patting Clint's shoulder.

"I'm pretty sure my pelvis is broken." Tony groaned, collapsing into a chair. "I need ice. Someone, please. Ice me."

"Your pelvis is not broken." You said, helping Bruce into his own chair.

"Thank you, love." Bruce sighed, weakly patting your hand. "But it all likely very well could be."

"Just what are you two up to in that lab?" Natasha tutted as she moved to the freezer.

"Might want to make that two orders of ice, Nat." You told her, sitting between the boys.

"Just science. Science stuff." Tony sighed, taking your hand in his. "Gotta test things to prove things, you know?"

"We had sex in the lab." Venom grinned as his head appeared on your shoulder. "A table broke."

"That, that tracks." Clint nodded, shooting a sympathetic look at the two scientists. "They got me in the training room a couple of days ago. Broke one of the balance beams."

"Movie room." Steve nodded. "Though I do want to talk logistics on the balance beam." He told Clint.

"I got them in the showers last night," Natasha smirked, dropping a bag of ice each on Bruce and Tony's laps.

"If we weren't already married, itsy bitsy." Tony sighed.

"Well the three of us thoroughly defiled the kitchen just this morning." Thor grinned.

"I knew that was jizz on the counter!"

"Hey!" You interrupted your partners with a couple snaps of your fingers. "You all got us pregnant you can all suffer the consequences. Consequences include high libido and extra high libido from the symbiote." You told the six.

"Not exactly a consequence." Tony chuckled before pressing a kiss to the back of your hand.

"Damn right."

"Get that out of here."

"You heard the symbiote. Can't come in here." You said from your spot on the floor.

"Vee, Coulson had this made for us. He's going to be upset if he doesn't see it in here." Natasha said, taking the onsie from Thor.

"Smells bad. Not going near spawns." Venom shook his head.

"What do you think of this, bud?" You held up the 'My godfather's the coolest' onesie from Rhodey.

"Smells good." Venom nodded, taking the outfit and putting it in one of the many overfilling drawers. "The colonel has good taste."

"Someone had to influence Tony."

"What if we have it washed? Would that appease you?" Natasha asked, holding up Coulson's gift.

"Maybe."

"I need help, please. Our hips are locking." You said, holding a hand up.

"Elsking, are you sure you are up to this today?" Thor asked as he helped you to your feet. "The twins are very close."

"That's why we have to do this." You reminded the God. "This will be the twin's room for a long time and they need to know their parents made this nest for them thinking only of their safety and comfort. Everything has to be just right."

"You take nesting far too literally." Natasha rolled her eyes as Thor pushed you to sit in a rocking chair. "The twins are hardly going to notice if the paint is chipping."

"Where?" Venom demanded, pulling you to your feet.

"Perhaps not the best joke, darling." Thor smiled at Natasha as he placed his hands on your shoulders. "My loves there is no chipped paint."

"Forgot who I was dealing with for a second." Natasha chuckled, patting the blonde on the arm. "The nest is fine. The twins will love it."

"I hope so." You sighed, still looking over each of the walls. "I just. I want them to know how loved they are. That we want them, even if they were a surprise."

"They will know. We will make them know each day they breathe." Thor swore, his large hand cupping your face.

"How about we go find a couple things of ours to add to here? Would that make the two of you happy?" Natasha asked.

"Yes."

"Very."

"Alright. Thor, keep them off the floor, please. I'll start raiding closets." Natasha said, kissing both you and the God before leaving the room.

"It is not just the twins you think of today, is it?" Thor asked softly, resting his hand on your cheek. "Carnage?"

"He wouldn't have been a baby, but he still would have been ours." You murmured, leaning into his hand.

"He would have been safe with us." Venom huffed.

"Safer than any other in the universe." Thor agreed, smiling at the symbiote. "Often I find myself wondering if I could have done more for Loki." He mentioned, the smile falling from his face.

"You love Loki. They know that." You assured your God.

"Aye, but if I had more care with my words, if I had been as mature as they, I wonder how our paths may have been altered." Thor nodded, his thumb drawing circles on your cheek.

"You may have never come to Earth." Venom pointed out. "We never would have met."

"My point. If we dwell on the past, on what we may have done, we will miss our future and may even sour our present." Thor spoke. "I wish more than anything Loki did not have to spend all those years feeling alone or unworthy, but we cannot change the past."

"We couldn't have fixed Carnage, we couldn't have saved him, we know that. And these babies are not him, but if the worse were to happen it would be our fault this time." You shook your head. "Nothing to do with psychopaths or failed symbiosis,"

"It would be us." Venom agreed. "We have to do the best from the beginning. We have to keep the spawn safe in our nest."

"And we will keep them safe," Thor promised. "Our children will be safe with us."

"I hope so."

"Now, you heard our widow, I am to keep you from the floor. How do you propose I achieve this?" Thor smiled, his hands sliding down to hold your substantial bump.

You let out a sound, a cross between a sigh and a groan, as your eyes rolled back in your head and your hands anchored themselves on Thor's shoulders.

"Take us to bed, feed us brains, and scroll through Pinterest with us?" You suggested and the God smiled.

"Of course, my loves."

"Don't forget the sprinkles."

"We're going to give birth today," Venom announced as the two of you stood in the doorway of the bathroom.

"What?"

"Oh shit! Get the emergency bag!"

"Doll, you need to be sitting down."

"Do you see what happens when we announce things like this?" You groaned at the symbiote. "Everyone calm down, our water hasn't broken yet." You held up your hands placatingly.

"Your water."

"Our water. If I'm pregnant then we're pregnant."

"We are pregnant. You are giving birth."

"You're not gonna just sit there silently watching. You're doing shit too."

"You're going to shit. Bruce told me."

"Do you two need a moment or can we take you two down to the med bay?" Natasha clicked her fingers, drawing your attention back to your confused and amused partners.

"I guess so. We've got everyone on standby just in case this turns into some Cuthulu shit?" You breathed heavily, holding onto your enlarged stomach.

"About twelve, doll," Steve said, wrapping his arm around your waist. "Clint, Tony, can you two grab the bags? Tash, you want to call ahead?"

"Already on it."

"Are we fully packed? Because I coulda swore the list wasn't all checked off."

"You got it, daddy."

"Clint!"

"Oh, I hate you! I hate you all!"

"You're real close, love."

"Why the fuck couldn't we just have a c-section?"

"That's my fault."

"It's all good, Vee, it's an alien thing. She knows."

"I don't know! I hate you all! Oh, fuck, I'm gonna die."

"Elskan, you will not die."

"Time to push, you two."

"Oh fuck!"

"They look like potatoes." You hummed, smiling as one of your daughters suckled at your breast.

"Don't say that. You're gonna give them a complex." Tony shook his head.

"They're an hour old. Give them another hour and they won't even remember I said that." Clint chuckled, trying to get the girl in his arms to burp.

"They most likely cannot understand a single thing we are saying," Bruce said, holding the baby in Clint's arms hand.

"They smell funny," Venom commented, tasting the air as if he were a snake.

"I wouldn't smell them too much big guy. You might smell something that's a bit more disgusting." Steve joked.

"Alright, I think this little girl is done." You announced as the girl in your arms popped off your boob.

"Ooo, gimmie." Natasha grinned, holding her hands out towards you.

"All yours, love." You smiled as Natasha began to murmur to the baby in Russian. "Vee, what are you doing?" You asked as the symbiote leaned closer to the baby.

"They smell strange."

"It's baby smell, Venom. All newborns have it." Thor explained, but the symbiote continued to sniff at the babies.

Venom's face gently rubbed against the newborn in Natasha's arms. The baby let out a snuffle as it shifted in Natasha's hold, leaning into Venom's touch before letting out a cry of discomfort.

"Don't worry sweetheart. Mama's got you." Natasha hummed, beginning to try to burp the baby.

With her sister crying, baby girl two wasn't far behind. Venom let out a whine at the loud noise, retreating back to your side.

"Scared of the babies, Vee?" Tony teased.

But before Venom could respond, the eight of you watched as the babies in Natasha and Clint's arms both seemingly flickered. Their still pink skin turned shades of purple and black disappearing as quickly as it had appeared.

"They're like us," Venom announced with pride. "We have strong DNA!" He boasted.

"They sure are, bud." You smiled, wrapping your arm around the symbiote.

"What does the purple mean?" Bruce wondered.

"Besides being awesome!" Clint grinned, kissing the baby in his arms cheek.

"They're strong," Venom responded simply. "We have made strong children."

"Well, what do you expect? With God, supersoldier, and symbiote DNA, we're gonna have a hard time finding a daycare." You sighed, leaning back in the bed, watching your soulmates, your symbiote and your children with a smile firmly on your face.

This was your family.

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misskuromichan · 1 year ago

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Hi! You thought I was finished? Nope, not at all. Here's your reminder that we've reached day 106 of the genocide in Palestine. We should NOT be reaching 100+ days of a LITERAL MASSACRE. Therefore, I'm not going to let y'all live this down, because NOBODY should be okay with what's going on. Once again: Men, women, and children are being brutally tortured, mocked, and massacred by IOF soldiers. Gaza has gone without Internet for a week, and god forbid more are being killed without anyone's knowledge. How can anyone sit here and not be disgusted by the fact that tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed for existing, yet these colonizing monsters aren't being punished for being inhumane including the US and UK, who are definitely contributors to this?? The occupation NEEDS to stop. No person on this earth deserves to be wiped out so senselessly.

Another thing: If, for some godforsaken reason, the world has the audacity to make this evil genocide go on for 365 days, I will be SO GODDAMN PISSED. I am once again asking for you all to STOP ABANDONING YOUR HUMANITY AND RAISE YOUR VOICES. SCREAM IF YOU HAVE TO. WE NEED TO BE WASPS IN THE EARS OF OUR REPS. ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LIVE IN COMPLICIT COUNTRIES. I'm sick of seeing people's lives be cut short, all because some can't be bothered to care. I'm standing with Palestine and doing the best I can to help. You should be too, it's your obligation and your right as a human to care about them. No more dead children. No more dead civilians. No more mocking the innocent. No more famine. No more displacement. No more erasure of culture. Free Palestine, Free Palestine, Free Palestine 🇵🇸

P.S.: Pay attention to other genocides as well, like in Sudan and the Congo. Keep your eyes on all the countries that are forced to survive a genocide, because they need their freedom too. Everybody needs and deserves to be freed from oppression. Keep talking about everything! To everyone who's going through these genocides, I love and care about you. I'm proud of you for perservering, and I want y'all to get your land back. Stay safe, be careful, and always know that there are people fighting for you all and your freedom. You shouldn't have to prove that you're worthy of living a life free of occupation and cruelty: you were already worthy the second you were conceived. You are not just numbers and statistics. Your lives, cultures, families, and experiences are just as essential as anyone else's, and deserve to be kept alive and remembered.

Nobody's free until EVERYONE is free.

#endisraelsgenocide #free palestine #free gaza #gaza #palestine #free sudan #keep eyes on sudan #free congo #congo genocide #If there's anything else I can do to help please let me know. I don't want anyone else to keep suffering.#free palestine 🇵🇸#i stand with palestine 🇵🇸#from the river to the sea 🇵🇸#stop the genocide

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differentpostrebel · 4 months ago

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Lost and Found: A Pirate's Promise

Chapter 21: Race Against the Ruin

A/N: We are back at it again with another new chapter! This chapter was one of my fav chapters, we get some Sanji POV… and there even a little bet going on in the end.. (hehehe) I have a few ideas what will be done. But thank you guys for reading and following along. Liking, sharing, reblogging, interacting. I am still going back to chapter 18-21 to add the previous links to the other chapters. These next chapters, we hitting Dressrosa! But without further ado, lets get to it!

Word Count: 5.4K

Sanji x Reader, Sanji x Y/N, One Piece x Reader

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19, Chapter 20, Chapter 21 (Here)

Y/N POV..

The ceiling continued to crumble above us, sending dust and debris raining down as the children clung to me, their tiny faces etched with fear. I could hear their worried whispers and see their anxious eyes searching for comfort.

“The poison gas is also ahead!” one of the G-5 soldiers shouted, his voice tinged with urgency.

Nami stepped forward, her face set in determined resolve. She quickly activated her Clima-Tact, using the Gust Sword technique to create a powerful wind that began to disperse the thick, noxious gas. "Come on, Nami, you can do it!" I encouraged, trying to keep the children calm as they huddled closer to me for security.

The wind howled through the tunnel, pushing the gas away and clearing the path ahead. My heart raced as I watched the swirling gas dissipate, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety as we pressed forward.

Finally, we burst out of the tunnel and into the open air. The sight of the sky and the fresh air was a welcome reprieve from the suffocating atmosphere inside. Everyone erupted into cheers, a collective sigh of relief echoing through the group.

“So, you finally show up! I was getting tired of waiting!” I exclaimed, spotting Franky among the crowd. Relief washed over me as I saw him unharmed from our last encounter. The little girl, who had been clinging to me, let go, and the children began to cheer with newfound energy.

As I slowly tried to stand up, Law was at my side in an instant, his hand gently pressing against my lower back to steady me. “Come on, Princess,” he said, his voice warm and teasing. “We’ve got to get you some medical attention. You’re not getting out of this one so easily.”

I was about to retort when Law suddenly stepped forward, his hand still protectively against me. “Buffalo and Baby Five?! What are you doing here?” he demanded.

Baby Five, with a concerned look, turned toward Law. “Oh, there you are, Law honey. I’ve been worried sick about you,” she purred, but her gaze shifted as she noticed Law holding me protectively.

“So... this is the harlot that stole you from me!” Baby Five exclaimed, making her way toward us with a dangerous glint in her eye. Just as she was about to make a move, Zoro stepped in, blocking her path with a stern look.

I turned to Law, frustration and exhaustion evident in my voice. “Are there any more women who want to, I don’t know, KILL ME?!”

“Come on, Princess,” Baby Five taunted, still advancing despite the commotion. “Let’s go.”

I grabbed my sword, gritting my teeth against the pain. Just as I was about to make my way down, a sharp pain shot through my right leg, causing me to stagger.

“Y/N!” both Sanji and Law shouted in unison, their concern unmistakable.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Law demanded, his concern for me evident as I struggled to stay on my feet, in dire need of medical attention.

“We?” Baby Five shot back. “What about you? What are you doing helping the Straw Hats and children escape?”

“Let me at her!” I said through gritted teeth, ready to confront Baby Five despite the pain.

“Hold up, Law,” Luffy interjected. “Are they your friends?”

“Negative,” Law said sharply. “They’re my enemies.”

As Baby Five and Buffalo seized Caesar, Usopp took the opportunity to boast, “Looks like this is a sniper’s job to handle.”

Before Law could use his Room, Luffy added, “Hold on, Law. If Usopp says he’s got it, let’s see him do it.”

“First-class sniper, don’t underestimate him,” Zoro chimed in. “Even if his nose is giant.”

“That last part wasn’t necessary!” Usopp protested, though he seemed pleased with the compliment.

“What if he misses?” Law asked, still skeptical.

“Law, listen to me,” I managed to say, struggling to catch my breath. “If we’re in this alliance, you’ve got to trust us. Have a little faith in the crew.”

Just then, Usopp and Nami launched their techniques—Little Bolt and Thunder Brin Tempo—shocking both Baby Five and Buffalo. Usopp followed up with a Special Attack, Meteor Storm Assault, hitting Buffalo with rocks and causing him to fall.

As Caesar tried to escape, Usopp launched the Sea Prism Stone handcuffs, weakening him instantly.

“Way to go, guys!” I cheered, my voice filled with relief and admiration for Usopp and Nami’s success.

“Fine, looks like the initial phase is accomplished,” Law conceded.

Luffy grinned, “See, told you they were strong.”

Just as I was about to get off the cart, the world began to fade to black. The last thing I heard before losing consciousness was Sanji’s desperate call, “Y/N!”

Sanji POV…

I turned just in time to see Y/N collapse. Panic surged through me as I reached out, catching her before she hit the ground. "Y/N!" I yelled, cradling her limp form. "Hey, stay with me!" I said, desperately tapping her face. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was shallow. "Chopper, come quick!" I shouted, but it was Law who arrived first.

"Princess!" Law said urgently, kneeling beside us and attempting to take Y/N from my arms. Her sword slipped from her grip, clattering to the floor. Law’s expression was grave as he assessed her condition. "She looks pale. She's lost a lot of blood!" he exclaimed.

"Chopper, you have her medical records!" Law continued, his voice a mixture of desperation and authority. "We need to perform an emergency blood transfusion fast!"

"Stay with me, Y/N, please!" I said, my voice breaking with emotion.

"Blackleg!" Law said sharply, directing me. "Take her to an area where I can perform the necessary procedures and tend to her wounds."

"I'll take her to the Sunny; Chopper has all the medical equipment there!" I said, my heart pounding as I carried Y/N swiftly towards the ship. "Hold on, Y/N. Don’t die on me," I thought, my mind racing with fear.

When we arrived at the Sunny, Law was already there, poring over Y/N's medical records. "She’s AB Positive," he said, looking up with a mix of urgency and determination. "And based on your crew's blood type, none of you match."

"I happen to be O Negative, so I'll transfer some of my blood to her," Law continued, rolling up his sleeves and preparing for the transfusion. His hands were steady, but his eyes betrayed the concern he felt.

As Law worked swiftly, I stood by, unable to do anything but watch, hoping against hope that Y/N would pull through.

I watched anxiously as Law and Chopper worked over Y/N, my heart pounding with worry. My hands trembled slightly as I gripped Y/N’s hand, trying to stay as steady as possible.

Law’s usual calm demeanor was replaced with an urgent intensity. “Stay with us, Princess,” he said softly, his voice filled with both concern and affection. “Please, stay with me.” His hands were gentle yet determined as he placed a hand on Y/N’s face, brushing a stray lock of hair away. He sat down next to her, holding her hand in his, and placed a tender kiss on her fingers.

I felt a pang of mixed emotions, but there was something undeniably comforting about Law’s presence. His touch was gentle yet firm, conveying a deep concern. I mirrored his actions, leaning in closer and placing my hand on Y/N’s other side. I brushed my lips softly against her forehead. “Hang in there, Y/N,” I whispered, my voice cracking slightly. “We need you. I need you. Please, don’t leave us now.”

An hour passed by, and neither Law nor I had taken our eyes off Y/N. The tension in the room was palpable, our combined worry keeping us glued to her side. Just then, Luffy entered the room, his usual cheerful demeanor slightly subdued by the gravity of the situation.

"Hey Sanji," Luffy said, his voice carrying a note of reassurance. "Don’t worry, Y/N will pull through. She’s a fighter."

“I know she will,” I replied, trying to hold back my tears. My gaze remained fixed on Y/N, hoping for any sign of recovery.

I heard a soft groan and saw Y/N’s eyes flutter open slowly. “Where am I?” she murmured, her voice weak but steady.

“You’re in the Sunny’s medical area,” Law said softly, leaning over to kiss her forehead gently. “You lost a lot of blood, but you’re safe now, Princess. Just take it easy.”

“Y/N,” I said in a whisper, my voice barely above a breath, afraid that any sudden movement might cause her more harm. “We’re right here.”

She managed a small smile, even in her weakened state. “Hey, Sanji, how are you?” she asked, her voice a bit stronger now but still tinged with fatigue.

“Good to see you up and recovering, Y/N,” said Luffy, his smile returning as he approached her bedside. “We’ve been worried sick.”

“Come on, Captain,” Y/N said with a chuckle despite her condition. “You think I’d just give up like that? Hell no.”

Luffy laughed and gave Y/N a gentle hug, his warmth a stark contrast to the clinical atmosphere of the medical bay. “That’s the spirit!” he said, his voice brimming with encouragement.

Law and I exchanged a glance of relief, our shoulders visibly relaxing as we witnessed the first signs of Y/N’s recovery.

Y/N POV..

"Beep... Beep... Beep..." The rhythmic sound of the heart monitor was the first thing I noticed as my eyes fluttered open. The brightness of the room made me squint, but I soon focused on Law, who was sitting beside me with an intense yet tender expression.

"Where am I?" I asked weakly, trying to make sense of my surroundings.

"You’re in the Sunny’s medical area," Law said, his voice gentle and reassuring. He held my hand with a careful grip and leaned in to place a soft kiss on my forehead. "You lost quite a bit of blood, but you’re safe now, Princess." He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to my forehead.

Sanji’s voice cut through, bringing a sense of normalcy. "Y/N," he said quietly, his concern evident. "We’re right here."

I turned my head to him, managing a weak smile despite the pain. I gently squeezed his hand and asked, "Hey, Sanji, how are you?"

Before he could respond, Luffy burst into the room, his cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the earlier tension. "Good to see you up and recovering, Y/N!" he exclaimed, his grin wide. "We’ve been worried sick."

"Come on, Captain," I said with a chuckle, feeling a little more like myself. "You think I'd just give up like that? Hell no."

Luffy laughed heartily. "That’s the spirit!"

I looked back at Sanji, who was already looking at me with a mix of affection and determination. "Hey Sanji, what’s for food today? I’m actually a little hungry."

Sanji’s face lit up with a smile. "For you, my dear, anything. I’ll whip up the most delicious meal you’ve ever tasted." He leaned in and kissed my forehead with a gentle touch.

"Let’s go, Sanji," Luffy said, practically bouncing with excitement. "I’m starving!"

"You’re always hungry!" I giggled at the sight, feeling the warmth of their presence and the comfort of their playful banter.

Law remained by my side, his gaze softening as he observed the interactions. He continued to hold my hand, his touch reassuring. “I’ll be here with you,” he said softly, his eyes reflecting his genuine concern.

“Law,” I said, trying to sit up despite the lingering fatigue. “We’re still docked on Punk Hazard, right?”

“Yes,” Law confirmed, a trace of relief in his voice.

“Good,” I said, determination seeping into my tone. “Then help me get changed so I can meet my crew. They must be worried sick about me.” I began to rise, but Law’s firm grip on my arm stopped me, his touch both steady and gentle.

I examined myself in the mirror: bandages covered my left arm, chest, and right leg. “At least I know that bird woman won’t be bothering us again,” I said with a small smile. “Law, could you take me to my room, please?” I added with a teasing pout.

Law’s smirk was subtle but unmistakable. “Room,” he said, his voice commanding. In a flash, we were teleported to my room. He carefully set me down as I started to regain my balance.

I checked for my belongings. My jewelry was with me, but my sword was missing. “I must have dropped my sword before I fainted,” I said, examining my reflection. “If anyone touched it, they’d be in for a shock. Literally.”

Law’s gaze lingered on me as he observed my movements with a mixture of admiration and desire. As I adjusted my clothing, I noticed him watching me intently. I decided to turn up the flirtation and teasing a notch.

I reached out and gently toyed with the hem of his shirt, feeling the fabric between my fingers. Law's breath caught, and his eyes followed my touch. He swallowed hard, clearly affected by my proximity.

“Law,” I said, leaning in a little closer, my lips almost brushing his ear. “I do want to thank you for taking such good care of me.”

His eyes fluttered shut briefly, trying to maintain his composure. “You really don’t have to—”

I cut him off by planting a slow, deliberate kiss near his lips, lingering just long enough to feel his pulse quicken. I then pressed a tender kiss to his neck, enjoying the way his body tensed under my touch.

“In fact, Doctor,” I said, drawing out the title playfully, “you’ve done such a marvelous job that I’m tempted to give you a special reward.”

I lightly ran my fingers through the back of his hair, letting them linger just long enough to make him shiver. His gaze locked onto mine, his usual calm demeanor slipping as he struggled to keep his voice steady.

“You’re quite the tease, Princess,” Law said, his voice a low, heated whisper. “Is this how you always thank your saviors?”

I gave him a sultry smile, my fingers tracing along his collarbone. “Maybe. But you’re not just any savior, are you?” I leaned in a little closer, letting my lips hover near his. “You’re the one who made sure I’m still here, and that deserves more than just a casual thank you.”

Law’s expression softened, a smile playing at the corners of his lips despite the intense look in his eyes. “You’re certainly making it difficult to keep my focus,” he said, his voice warm and inviting. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I chuckled softly, enjoying the playful tension between us. “Well, I’m glad to hear that,” I said, my fingers still gently caressing his shirt. “Because I’m definitely not done showing my appreciation.”

Law’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and affection. "Now lets go, I wanna see everyone." I said, laughing. Law smirked as we teleported down, his "Room" making the transition seamless. As we landed, I immediately heard Smokey’s voice barking orders at his G-5 men.

"Where the hell did you get the idea to waste your time fraternizing with pirates?!" Smokey snapped, glaring at the marines.

"Sir, there's no better way to enforce it than by drawing the line, sir," one of the marines stammered, pointing to the black line they had drawn to separate the sides.

I rolled my eyes, stepping over the line with a smirk. "Now, Smokey, is that any way to treat us?" I teased, making my way past the line. "Hello, boys."

Immediately, the G-5 men began to fawn over me, their flustered reactions almost too easy to predict.

Smokey’s face turned red with frustration. "What did I tell you about her looks, men!" he growled, clearly annoyed.

"Sorry, sir!" they shouted in unison, snapping to attention, but still sneaking glances at me.

I couldn’t help but giggle at the sight. "Oh, there’s no need to apologize, boys. It’s all in good fun." I winked at them before turning my attention to Smokey, whose irritation was palpable.

"And you, Smokey," I said, sauntering over to him with a sly grin, "you need to learn to be a little less tight."

His eyes narrowed, but I could tell my words had caught him off guard. Leaning in closer, I whispered in his ear, my voice low and teasing, "Maybe you just need someone who knows how to tame that inner beast of yours."

I let my fingers trail slowly down his chest, watching the way his muscles tensed beneath my touch. His composure faltered, just for a moment, and I smirked to myself, satisfied with the reaction.

Standing back up, I shot him a wink and turned on my heel, leaving him standing there with a bewildered expression. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to find my sword," I called over my shoulder, laughing softly to myself as I walked away.

As I walked away, I could hear the G-5 men whispering among themselves, trying (and failing) to be discreet.

"Admiral Smokey’s done!" one of them whispered, awe lacing his voice.

"No way!" another gasped.

"Yeah, he’s got blood on his nose!" a third chimed in, his tone a mix of disbelief and admiration.

I couldn't help but chuckle at their reactions, glancing over my shoulder to see Smokey still standing there, stunned, his face flushed. It was clear I’d gotten to him more than he wanted to admit.

Just then, I heard Brook’s voice cut through the chatter, his usual whimsical tone carrying over the scene. “And there, by the way, you mind telling me what you are planning to build here?”

Sanji took a slow drag of his cigarette, flicking the ash with practiced ease. “A fire pit,” he said simply, his eyes still scanning the area, probably already planning out the perfect meal in his head.

Curiosity piqued, I made my way over, a smirk playing on my lips. “Oh, a fire pit? Sounds like fun. So, what does the great chef have on the menu for us today?” I teased, knowing full well that Sanji always had something extraordinary up his sleeve.

Before Sanji could respond, Brook’s joyful voice rang out again, “Yoohoo! Y/N! It’s so lovely to see you full of life and not dead! Although you and I would have lots of fun together if you were!” He let out his trademark laugh, and I couldn’t help but smile as I reached over and hugged him.

“Thanks, Brook,” I said warmly, my arms around his bony frame. “I’m glad to be feeling somewhat better, thanks to that blood transfusion.”

I approached Sanji with a teasing glint in my eye. “So, Sanji, what do you have in store for us today?” I asked, my tone playful. Before he could answer, I added, “Oh, and before I forget, I have one more thing I wanted to give you.”

Stepping closer, I placed my hands gently on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my fingers. Slowly, deliberately, I leaned in, brushing my lips close to his, letting the kiss linger just long enough to leave an impression. As I pulled away, I noticed the flush creeping across his cheeks, his usually suave demeanor faltering.

With my hands still resting on his chest, I looked up at him, catching his wide-eyed expression. “I wanted to thank you for being there for me during the transfusion,” I said softly, letting my voice drop to a whisper.

Sanji’s breath hitched as I leaned in even closer, my lips brushing against his ear. “For that,” I whispered, “you deserve an extra special reward.”

Before he could respond, I placed a slow, teasing kiss on his neck, feeling his pulse quicken under my touch. Sanji’s cigarette almost slipped from his fingers as his usual charm gave way to a flustered silence.

He finally managed to stammer, “Y-Y/N, I—”

I grinned, stepping back slightly, giving him a playful look. “What’s the matter, Sanji? Cat got your tongue?” I teased, watching as his hand reflexively moved to his neck, still feeling the warmth of my kiss.

Sanji, recovering slightly, tried to maintain his composure, but the blush on his face betrayed him. “I—I'll have to make the most incredible meal now, just to match that,” he said, his voice shakier than usual, though he attempted to regain his confident tone.

Before I could respond, Brook chimed in with his usual dramatic flair.

"Ohh, Kin'emon, I wish there was something we could do," Brook sighed, shaking his head. His skeletal face, while expressionless, somehow managed to convey a deep sorrow.

I made my way over to Brook, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Brook. Law and Chopper might have something for him. We’ll figure it out.”

Brook, ever the emotional one, cried out, “It’s unbearable to see you like this, Kin’emon! I have to avert my eyes—even though I don’t have any! Yohohoho!”

I giggled at his antics and gave him a light pat on the back. “Well, I’m off to find my sword. I’ll see you all in a bit.” With that, I made my way to the cart, where I finally spotted my sword. “Bingo! Gotcha!” I said triumphantly, pulling it free. “You’re going back to the hilt.”

As I secured the sword, I suddenly heard Chopper's panicked cries. "Chopper, what's wrong?" I called out as he ran into me, his eyes wide with fear.

"You’ve gotta stop him!" Chopper wailed, tears streaming down his face.

“Stop what, Chopper? What’s going on?” I asked, my heart rate quickening at the sight of his distress.

“Law! He’s…he’s committing murder!” Chopper sobbed.

“Law? Are you sure?” I asked, my eyes narrowing in confusion. Chopper rarely panicked like this unless something serious was happening.

“Yes! I’m sure, Y/N! Please, you have to stop him!” Chopper cried, clinging to me.

“There, there, Chopper. Don’t worry, I’ll stop him,” I said, holding him close to calm him down.

Just then, Brook started freaking out, looking down at Kin’emon’s body. “Y/N, I’ve done something terrible! I smashed Kin’emon! He’s dead…although he’s already dead! Fix him!” Brook wailed, flailing his skeletal arms dramatically.

“Brook, what did you do?!” I exclaimed, still holding a tearful Chopper.

“He’s dead, I broke him!” Brook continued, “Although he’s already dead, but now he’s even more dead!”

Sanji, overhearing the chaos, facepalmed. "What if we glue him back together?" Luffy suggested, as usual, completely missing the point.

“Guys, that’s not how this works!” I said, feeling the tension in the air. Just then, Kin’emon's body suddenly stirred, and his torso sat up, yelling, "Momonosuke!"

“AH!” I screamed, jumping back in surprise. Before I could react, Sanji, on pure reflex, kicked Kin’emon's torso, sending him flying a few feet away.

“Why are you attacking him?!” Brook exclaimed, panicking all over again.

“It was a reflex!” Sanji defended himself, waving his hands in the air as if to ward off further blame.

"Father?" came a small voice, and we all turned to see Momonosuke, no longer in his dragon form, standing there in disbelief.

Kin’emon, now reunited with his son, sat up shakily, and reached out. "Momonosuke, my son..."

The touching father-son moment filled the air with warmth, and even amidst the chaos, it was a reunion we had all been hoping for. Luffy grinned, arms crossed, “See, told you he wasn’t dead dead!”

Sanji rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, glancing at me with a sheepish grin. "Guess things worked out... somehow."

I shook my head, still holding Chopper, and smiled. "Well, I’m glad Kin’emon’s okay. But next time, Sanji… maybe no more reflex kicks, okay?"

Sanji chuckled, giving me a quick wink. "I'll do my best, for you, Princess."

Sanji’s chuckle faded into the background as Chopper’s trembling voice reached me. He was clearly upset, confronting Law with a level of intensity that wasn’t common for the normally gentle reindeer.

“How could you do that to those poor kids?!” Chopper cried, his voice trembling as he faced Law. “You sliced them up!”

“Law,” I said cautiously, stepping closer, my brow furrowing, “what is Chopper talking about?”

Law turned to me, his expression calm but guarded. “There’s a reason I told you not to look,” he said, his voice steady but firm. “You wouldn’t understand why I had to do it.”

Chopper, tears welling up in his eyes, let out a shaky sob before running inside, unable to handle the situation anymore. I watched him go, feeling a pang of guilt in my chest. “Really, Law? You’re scaring the poor guy,” I said softly, turning back to him.

Law crossed his arms, his usual composed demeanor intact, though there was a subtle tension in his jaw. “It was the fastest way to remove the drugs from their system,” he explained, his voice low but unwavering.

I bit my lip, the weight of his words sinking in. I knew Law’s methods were sometimes harsh, but they were always calculated. “I know you had a reason, but… slicing them up like that? You have to see how it would look to someone like Chopper,” I said, meeting his gaze, searching for a flicker of emotion.

Law sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked away for a moment. “I know how it looks. But those kids—what Caesar did to them—there wasn’t time to do things gently. The drugs in their system were too strong. Cutting them open and removing the drugs directly was the only way to save them.”

His explanation made sense, but it didn’t make it any easier to hear. I stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm, the tension between us palpable. “I get that you're trying to save them, Law, and I trust you. But maybe next time, you could explain it to Chopper first. He’s sensitive, and seeing that without knowing the reason… it shook him up.”

I sidled up to Law, my fingers gently trailing across his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath. "You know," I started, my voice dripping with mischief, "you could’ve warned me about all that slicing and dicing back there. Gave me quite the scare."

Law raised an eyebrow, glancing at me with that familiar unreadable look. "I told you, it was the fastest way to remove the poison," he replied calmly, though I could see the flicker of something in his eyes, something that told me he knew exactly what I was doing.

I stepped even closer, close enough to feel the heat radiating off him. "Hmm, fast, efficient... typical you, Doctor," I teased, letting my fingers graze the hem of his shirt. "But I wonder... what happens when you're not in such a rush? Do you still take things apart so quickly?"

Law’s eyes narrowed slightly, but I could see the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. "I don’t rush unless necessary," he murmured, his voice low, the challenge clear in his tone. "I prefer precision over speed."

I laughed softly, leaning in closer, so close that my lips were barely an inch from his neck. "Precision, huh? I like that," I whispered, my breath hot against his skin. "I bet you're very… thorough."

His composure faltered, just for a second, as I planted a slow, deliberate kiss on his neck, right beneath his ear. I could feel the tension in his body, the way his muscles tensed beneath my touch, but he didn’t pull away. Not yet.

"Careful, Y/N," he warned, though his voice was slightly breathless now, betraying the control he was trying so hard to maintain. "You're playing a dangerous game."

I smirked against his skin, letting my hand drift up to the back of his neck, fingers tangling in his hair. "Oh, I’m counting on it," I whispered, placing another kiss, this time just a little closer to his jaw. "But I think you like this game just as much as I do."

"Y/N..." His voice held a warning, but it was laced with something else

Just then, Chopper’s voice cut through the moment. "Y/N! Traffy didn’t hurt the kids!"

I pulled away, turning toward Chopper. "Oh? So what did they say?"

"They said some guy with a big hat did a cool trick and helped them!" Chopper exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.

I glanced back at Law, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. "A big hat, huh?" I teased, crossing my arms as I leaned against the wall. "Looks like you have a habit of playing the hero after all. So much for being cold and ruthless."

Law’s smirk returned, though his eyes held that familiar glint of challenge. "Don’t get used to it," he muttered.

"I’m starting to think you like proving me wrong," I shot back with a wink before turning away. "But don’t worry, I’ll leave you to your secrets for now."

As I made my way toward Sanji, the warmth of the firepit came into view, and I could smell the delicious food he was preparing. "Sanji!" I called out, drawing his attention. "What do you have cooking for us?"

Sanji’s face lit up, and he gave a playful bow. "Ah, my dear, for you, I’ve prepared something extra special. Only the finest for a lady like you."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You always know how to spoil me." But as I sat down by the fire, I couldn’t help but glance back at Law, knowing that this little game between us was far from over.

"Alright, guys, listen up!" Luffy's voice cut through the noise as he raised his mug high. "We got trouble heading our way, so let’s party fast and hard! Dig in and get down!"

Everyone roared with excitement, clinking drinks and diving into the food. I spotted Zoro sitting nearby, about to take a hefty swig of his beer. Grinning, I quickly snatched it from his grasp. "I’ll take that!"

Zoro’s eyes widened in surprise before narrowing at me, his lips curling into a playful smirk. "Hey!" he protested, reaching for it as I took a long sip. "This stuff’s too good for you to steal, you know."

I grinned, handing it back after taking my fill. "Too bad. It tastes even better when it’s yours."

Zoro raised an eyebrow as someone handed him another beer. "You sure you want to challenge me to a drink-off?" he asked, his voice low with amusement. "You’re still recovering. You might wanna rethink that."

I leaned closer, matching his smirk. "Listen, Roronoa, I survived a life-or-death situation, outsmarted a crazy scientist with poison gas, and had to deal with a jealous bird woman. I think I deserve a few drinks."

Zoro chuckled, tipping his head back as he took a long gulp from his beer. "Alright, if you're that confident." He lowered the mug, eyes gleaming with mischief. "But I’m warning you, don’t complain when you can’t keep up."

Sanji, nearby, overheard us and rolled his eyes. "Typical mosshead. She just got out of a near-death situation, and you're making her drink? You really are brainless."

I laughed and waved Sanji off. "Don’t worry, I’ve got this. Besides, I’ve got two doctors on standby just in case things go south."

Zoro scoffed, clearly ignoring Sanji’s remarks as he raised his mug to me. "Alright, then. But if I win, you owe me one."

I grinned, raising my own drink in response. "And if I win, you owe me a favor. Deal?"

Zoro’s smirk grew wider as we clinked our mugs. "Deal. Don’t expect me to go easy on you."

We both took a long drink, eyes locked in playful challenge. "May the best swordsman win," I teased, setting my empty mug down.

Zoro wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, clearly impressed. "Not bad. But this is just the beginning."

From the side, Chopper looked between us nervously, while Law watched with mild interest, arms crossed. "Y/N, just... don’t overdo it," Chopper said hesitantly, worried.

Sanji sighed dramatically. "If you pass out mosshead, I’m not responsible for carrying you."

I laughed, turning to Zoro with a grin. "Looks like the stakes just got higher."

Zoro chuckled, lifting his mug. "Let’s see if you can handle the next round."

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dirtyvulture · 1 year ago

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😎 I HATE AUTO Correct with a BURNING PASSION!!!!!! When I was writing the “ dialogue” of R discovering pads the first “ Wait” was turned into “ what” and “ your” was turn into “ our”. And not to mention that it turned “ Esther” into “ Ester”. And I get and understand people still understood it but I always double check everything before I post but that DAMN autocorrect stuck again. It just really bugs me , thanks for bearing with my Ted talk rant. Plus I sometimes really suck at spelling things .

I also tried checking on nurses in WWI and II and them wearing dog tags but I couldn’t get any information ( at lest not information about WW I nurses ) but I do know that WWI nurses had to be the ages between 25 and 35 and could have been subjected to gases and even casualties of being shot and killed. But were working in the back lines of war. While Nurses of WWII had to be ages between 21 and 40 and could not have children under the age of 14 . Nurses were also brought up into the front lines ( Working on Land , Water and Air) . The invention of pads were only given credit to WWI nurses as a whole and not individual ones . But that is not to say R doesn’t have other historical significance and records tied to her . Pictures and articles and firsthand accounts past down throughout history from her time in the wars. I already stated how she sent her time in those wars which would lend itself perfectly to all of those historical records.

I am just imagining R really fucking annoyed by the gassing after protecting her charges or was just in wrong place wrong time in both world wars ( because gas attacks happened in both ). She is holding her throat hacking up a lung ( possibly coughing up blood, gunk, and god knows what else) , her eyes sting as all hell and her eye sight is shot to all hell. The gases probably cause R’s voice to get all deep and gruff the first time( not as bad as it is now but still) . R being really annoyed by having to get the blood out of and fixing the bullet holes or other holes in her clothing after protecting her charges ( every single sick and injured soldier, other nurses and civilians - especially women and children R considered her charges) in all the wars she was in . She probably fixed and got the blood out of other people’s clothes ( R “ bicthed”up a storm “ complaining” about fixing up the men’s clothes but was happy to do so for the other nurses and for the local civilian women and children. Especially the kids’ clothes) .

For pictures in WWI Esther made R do them (alone or in group photos) as Esther was her favorite nurse or at the very least one of her favorites in that war ( I say as if I literally didn’t just put down a random vintage female name for the bit of R helping to invent pads 🤣) but R told Esther that R had to pose with her , R wasn’t doing the pictures alone. For WWII her favorite Nurse of that war was who made her do the photos again( and again R posed only with that nurse as R wasn’t doing pictures alone) . People also just took pictures of R when she was distracted tending to soldiers or the children and local civilian communities in all the wars R was in .

I am looking and saving up for my first car and when I was reading your first chapter of the darkest knight au and I got to the scene where Nat and R got to R’s pickup truck.And I was like “ Girlllll you better NOT be side eyeing the truck !!!!” 😤😤🤬🤬 Like I was soo offended on R’s behalf and the truck and that got me thinking that R just loves her truck . Like that is HER BABY ( if anyone has seen Supernatural think Dean and Baby the 1967 Chevy Impala) and lord help anyone that side eyes or comments badly on her truck.

I also love the idea that R named her truck Esther because the truck is Red ( plus as I said before Esther was her favorite) and it would be a inside joke to her and her alone or R named it Betty Carver ( From the Peggy Carter series) as R met Peggy Carter in WWII and knew her and the “ Betty Carver” of the radio show made her cry laughing. So that name amused her so much that R named her beloved truck that and made a inside joke out of it for herself and herself alone. It doesn’t matter if R remembered the full reason behind the truck’s name because it still amuses the hell out of R , she can still FEEL the inside joke there . Even if she had forgotten R knows that the truck’s name is a inside joke to herself.

Bonus points if R’s favorite nurse or one of her favorites of WWII is actually related to Esther in some way , make it a family thing . You can choose the name of the nurse and how they are related to Esther , Vulture. And if that family line severed in all the wars that R was in . If that family member in that war was R’s favorite nurse or whatever service member of the military. Double bonus points if R knows that it is a family line of people serving in wartime and that they always become R’s favorites in that war.

Don't worry about your autocorrect, we can still understand what you're saying :)

Look at you digging through history just for one little headcanon 😂 I love the dedication and thank you for sharing it with us!

I literally love Esther so much 😭 Definitely gonna try and sneak in a reference for her in a future chapter. She sounds like a really good friend of R's who she probably misses so much.

LOL Nat was definitely judging R's truck a little bit 😭 But it's good she didn't say anything out loud

There's definitely a whole line of nurses who served in wars who all know R somehow 😂 But it's like a family secret to not talk about how well R has aged and how she goes back to knowing great-grandmother Esther

#😎 anon #vulture answers #darkest knight au

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marvelshifter111 · 1 month ago

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Luke 7 - retold version

The Faith of the Centurion

When Jesus had finished teaching, he went to Capernaum. A Roman centurion there had a servant whom he valued highly, but the servant was very sick and near death.

The centurion heard about Jesus and sent some Jewish elders to ask him to heal his servant. They came to Jesus and pleaded earnestly, saying, “This man deserves to have you do this because he loves our nation and even built our synagogue.”

So Jesus went with them. When he was near the house, the centurion sent friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. That’s why I didn’t come to you personally. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t found such great faith even in Israel!”

When the men returned to the house, they found the servant healed.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

Soon afterward, Jesus went to the town of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. As he approached the town gate, a funeral procession was coming out. The dead man was the only son of a widow, and a large crowd from the town was with her.

When Jesus saw her, his heart went out to her, and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he went up and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”

The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

The people were filled with awe and praised God, saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us!” and “God has come to help his people.” News about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding area.

John the Baptist’s Question

John the Baptist, who was in prison, sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

At that very moment, Jesus was healing many people of diseases, casting out evil spirits, and restoring sight to the blind. He replied, “Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard:

The blind receive sight,

The lame walk,

Those with leprosy are cleansed,

The deaf hear,

The dead are raised,

And the good news is proclaimed to the poor.

Blessed is anyone who does not stumble because of me.”

After John’s disciples left, Jesus spoke to the crowd about him: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? No? Then what did you go to see—a man dressed in fine clothes? Those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury live in palaces.

What then did you go to see? A prophet? Yes, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

The people who heard this, including tax collectors, acknowledged that God’s way was right because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves because they had not been baptized by him.

Jesus continued, “To what can I compare the people of this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplace, calling out to each other:

‘We played the pipe for you, and you didn’t dance; we sang a dirge, and you didn’t cry.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

Jesus Is Anointed by a Sinful Woman

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him. Jesus went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.

A woman in that town, who had lived a sinful life, learned that Jesus was eating there. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume and stood behind Jesus at his feet, weeping. She began to wet his feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them.

The Pharisee who invited Jesus thought to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus said, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he replied.

Jesus said, “Two people owed money to a certain lender. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither could repay him, so he forgave the debts of both. Now, which of them will love him more?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You didn’t give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing my feet. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has poured perfume on my feet.

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other guests began to whisper among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

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almaqead · 2 months ago

Text

"The Flaunt." From Surah 26, Ash Shu'ara, "The Firing Line."

Donald Trump is openly calling for retribution from the Light. Give the man what he has been asking for his entire life and everyone who supports him. He supported a human trafficking ring in Washington DC that provided children to important politicians and their allies for sexual purposes. Some of them did not survive, many of them now do the same. He has to die for this. Anyone who participated in the Cock Ring or contributed to the attacks on Israel or the demise of Ukraine has to perish. Take to the streets and tell Joe Biden and Kamala Harris you want revenge for allowing us all to be held captive by men and women like this. Do it now. This devil worship has to stop.

26: 69-154:

"Relate to them ˹O Prophet˺ the story of Abraham,

when he questioned his father and his people, “What is that you worship ˹besides Allah˺?”

They replied, “We worship idols, to which we are fully devoted.”

Abraham asked, “Can they hear you when you call upon them?

Or can they benefit or harm you?”

They replied, “No! But we found our forefathers doing the same.”

Abraham responded, “Have you ˹really˺ considered what you have been worshipping—

you and your ancestors?

They are ˹all˺ enemies to me, except the Lord of all worlds.

˹He is˺ the One Who created me, and He ˹alone˺ guides me.

˹He is˺ the One Who provides me with food and drink.

And He ˹alone˺ heals me when I am sick.

And He ˹is the One Who˺ will cause me to die, and then bring me back to life.

And He is ˹the One˺ Who, I hope, will forgive my flaws1 on Judgment Day.”

“My Lord! Grant me wisdom, and join me with the righteous.

Bless me with honourable mention among later generations.1

Make me one of those awarded the Garden of Bliss.

Forgive my father, for he is certainly one of the misguided.

And do not disgrace me on the Day all will be resurrected—

the Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit.

Only those who come before Allah with a pure heart ˹will be saved˺.”1

˹On that Day˺ Paradise will be brought near to the God-fearing,

and the Hellfire will be displayed to the deviant.

And it will be said to them, “Where are those you used to worship

besides Allah? Can they help you or even help themselves?”

Then the idols will be hurled headlong into Hell, along with the deviant

and the soldiers of Iblîs,1 all together.

There the deviant will cry while disputing with their idols,

“By Allah! We were clearly mistaken,

when we made you equal to the Lord of all worlds.

And none led us astray other than the wicked.

Now we have none to intercede for us,

nor a close friend.

If only we could have a second chance, then we would be believers.”

Surely in this is a sign. Yet most of them would not believe.

And your Lord is certainly the Almighty, Most Merciful.

The people of Noah rejected the messengers1

when their brother Noah said to them, “Will you not fear ˹Allah˺?

I am truly a trustworthy messenger to you.

So fear Allah, and obey me.

I do not ask you for any reward for this ˹message˺. My reward is only from the Lord of all worlds.

So fear Allah, and obey me.”

They argued, “How can we believe in you, when you are followed ˹only˺ by the lowest of the low?”1

He responded, “And what knowledge do I have of what they do?

heir judgment is with my Lord, if you had any sense!

I am not going to expel the believers.

I am only sent with a clear warning.”

They threatened, “If you do not desist, O Noah, you will surely be stoned ˹to death˺.”

Noah prayed, “My Lord! My people have truly rejected me.

So judge between me and them decisively, and save me and the believers with me.”

So We saved him and those with him in the fully loaded Ark.

Then afterwards We drowned the rest.

Surely in this is a sign. Yet most of them would not believe.

And your Lord is certainly the Almighty, Most Merciful."

The people of ’Âd rejected the messengers

when their brother Hûd said to them, “Will you not fear ˹Allah˺?

I am truly a trustworthy messenger to you.

So fear Allah, and obey me.

I do not ask you for any reward for this ˹message˺. My reward is only from the Lord of all worlds.

˹Why˺ do you build a landmark on every high place in vanity,

and construct castles, as if you are going to live forever,

and act so viciously when you attack ˹others˺?

So fear Allah, and obey me.

Fear the One Who has provided you with ˹the good˺ things you know:

He provided you with cattle, and children,

and gardens, and springs.

I truly fear for you the torment of a tremendous day.”

They responded, “It is all the same to us whether you warn ˹us˺ or not.

This is simply the tradition of our predecessors.

And we will never be punished.”

So they rejected him, and ˹so˺ We destroyed them. Surely in this is a sign. Yet most of them would not believe.

And your Lord is certainly the Almighty, Most Merciful.

The people of Thamûd rejected the messengers

when their brother Ṣâliḥ said to them, “Will you not fear ˹Allah˺?

I am truly a trustworthy messenger to you.

So fear Allah, and obey me.

I do not ask you for any reward for this ˹message˺. My reward is only from the Lord of all worlds.

Do you think you will be ˹forever˺ left secure in what you have here:

amid gardens and springs,

and ˹various˺ crops, and palm trees ˹loaded˺ with tender fruit;

to carve homes in the mountains with great skill?

So fear Allah, and obey me.

And do not follow the command of the transgressors,

who spread corruption throughout the land, never setting things right.”

They replied, “You are simply bewitched!

You are only a human being like us, so bring forth a sign if what you say is true.”

Commentary:

What God has forbidden in this Quran and in the other scriptures given to the other messengers, what is deviant, this we pounce on.

Donald Trump and his followers have the lay of the land- they know the White House and the Department of Justice are weak and trapped by their own disbelief. The North Korean generals know it, the enemies of Israel know it, all the world knows the US Gov is a corrupt rusted out contraption that cannot light a single match in order to chase a single shadow.

Donald Trump needs to go to jail now. He led a siege against a legitimate government to protect himself from being arrested for trafficking kiddie porn down the street from the White House and engaging in organized crime and terrorism.

This fully prevents him from holding office ever again.

The Quran is telling us to set things right and sign our names in Account how the Messenger warned a vain and vapid mankind and saved it from certain depravity. We cannot flaunt the Quran, not when we are in so much danger and need God's voice.

So fear Allah, and obey me.

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fordecree7 · 5 months ago

Text

THE BIBLE BOOK OF GOD

New Testament

Luke 7

Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant

7 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Jesus Raises a Widow's Son

11 Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.

Messengers from John the Baptist

18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

A Sinful Woman Forgiven

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among[h] themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Luke 7

Diane Beauford

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dailyaudiobiblechronological · 1 year ago

Text

12/14/2023 DAB Chronological Transcription

Acts 27 - 28

Today is the 14th day of December . I’m Jill. Welcome to Daily Audio Bible Chronological. so good to be here with you, as it is every day. and we are winding our way to the finish line of reading the Bible in chronological order. Another year, pretty exciting, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here we are today to stay in this present moment, to Center ourselves around the word of God so Jesus. finishing the book of Acts today acts chapters 27 and 28, and this week we're reading the Voice Translation, Acts chapter 27.

Prayer

Today, as we have taken this time to Center ourselves around your word, and allow your word to speak to us, give eyes to see to the Blind, and give ears to hear to the deaf. open our hearts to receive all that you have for us this day and every day. and we pray this now in the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, amen.

Announcements

Daily Audio Bible, That's home base. check it out, that's the website, take a look around. there is a store if you have not started your Christmas shopping just yet, something for everybody hopefully take a look around at the store. If you would like to partner with us here at DAB, thank you so much for your partnership. we could not do this without you people. or utilizing your mobile app, that give up at the top right hand corner on the website. If you need prayer, if you'd like to pray for someone that's previously called in, there are several different ways for you to do so 800-583-2164. or once again, top right corner. you have two minutes, hit submit, turn the wheel to chronological, and it will get to the right place. That's it for me today, I'm Jill. we’ll turn the page together tomorrow, start a brand new book of the Bible, as we wind our way to the Finish Line. until then, love one another.

Community Prayer Line

This is Dorothy Jean Brown and will be known as my joy from now on, giving thanks and glory to the Harden family for such a wonderful platform. It is my joy to be a part of such a wonderful program. and it is a blessing to have the Harden family give the reading every day and then explain it, and to hear so many wonderful world prayer Partners praying for so many wonderful people. God bless you and may he keep you in perfect peace. I love you and how much joy it is my joy to love one another.

Hello my wonderful day 11 of 2023 you guys I am sick with a cold and Trayvon is asking me to swear in as a group tomorrow Into the Navy. you guys please pray for Trayvon and these others, I think it's four more people that's going as well. Please pray to God to surround them with angels' wisdom guidance and they will do good and they will all just get along and they all will become best friends. they're all from Mississippi and they want to pair them together for when they left the house. so I'm happy that you guys my baby journey is about to begin. I don't know what I'm going to do, but you guys thank you for all your prayers. I love you guys have a great day cuz this is covered in his blood.

This is Victoria Soldier just calling to pray for some of the DABbers. I was good to hear from Standing on the Promises. it's good to hear your voice. also sending on the promises and I just wanted to pray for some of the people. I want to pray for the young man who's been out of prison for about 25 years and is having some challenges and coping with the changes of life. I will pray for him and his family. I want to pray for the marriages the young men and young men and women are going through in their marriages and they are having challenges that they can't seem to come together. on I'm asking for God to be in the midst of that of that marriage and there's no families of those who lost their loved ones who lost their precious father and of your precious mother and even those who are going through with missing their children and being separated from their children I'm asking for God too too to come in and bless and make their Christmas marriage in the then bring families together during the holidays that they can share a thought we want another or love for that exit you have your way in the name of Jesus I thank you so much for Standing on the Promises in mentioning my name is just good to know that that people miss you when they don't hear your voice We asked you for life in favor and to bless you people everywhere and nobody will give you the glory in the mighty name of Jesus have a good day Deborah love you all bye-bye

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qqueenofhades · 3 years ago

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Everything else aside let's talk about how completely fucked and tone deaf it is for them to over turn the right to an abortion in the middle of a huge formula shortage. Like sure we're going to force you to carry these kids but good fucking luck feeding them. That's not our fucking problem. It makes me so damn sick.

Like number one, no one should be forced to be pregnant.

But also, if you're going ti try and push that rhetoric of oh but the children, then idk approve and fund social services that'll actually make it feasible to raise them. Instead of sentencing women to a life of poverty while the man can just fuck off with no responsibility. It's just so ludicrous and backwards and I don't get how anyone can support that thinking. Or why they feel the need to care about what anyone else does. Like if Susie q gets a damn abortion what effect does it have on your life Karen? Oh that's right, none.

Sorry for venting. I just am do mad right now.

No need to apologize. Anyone who isn't absolutely fucking furious right now isn't paying attention.

First, like... everyone knows that the baby formula crisis is also Trump's fault, right? His Shiny Special Deal in 2018 to replace/override NAFTA had a specific provision that banned the importation of baby formula from abroad, especially from Canada. (Because you know, America First.) So when the plants had to shut down earlier this year due to contamination, that made it literally impossible to supplement with supplies from other countries. Hence, the crisis. And yet, of course, nobody in the media mentioned this in their coverage of the situation, because that, like everything else in existence, was obviously Biden's Fault!!!

Next, as other people (and myself) have pointed out, the total lack of social services, funding, paid parental leave, affordable childcare, or literally anything else that would make raising a baby easier, is also by design. First, the Republicans don't give a shit about the kid after it's born; they only pretend to care about it beforehand for fake moral cred. Once it's born, that sucker is on its own, man! Especially if they can blame the mother for being a Loose Wimmen who shouldn't have dared to have sex if she didn't want to get pregnant. So yeah, who cares if you can afford to feed the kid, or clothe it, take care of it, or send it to school/daycare? That's up to you, slut! PULL YOURSELF UP BY YOUR BOOTSTRAPS!!!

As I have also said, and so has everyone else, this has absolutely nothing to do with "life," given as Republicans hate gun safety, vaccines against deadly and contagious diseases, or anything else that is designed to, you know, protect life. They don't care that abortion is a necessary medical procedure used to treat a wide range of failed pregnancies, and that women can and will die when it's withheld. They also don't think women have any function aside from serving as incubators for the next generation of Christofascist foot soldiers. This is why it is so fucking stupid to claim that "rich white women will always be able to get abortions!" They have been equally bald and obvious about stating that they want more white babies. The racist asshat who massacred African-American grocery shoppers in Buffalo literally referred to falling white birthrates and the white supremacist "replacement theory" that Tucker Carlson and his fellow slime have been spouting off about for years. That is literally what the "you will not replace us" slogan MEANS: they are terrified of becoming the numerical plurality in America, let alone the minority, and are desperate to force more white women to have more white babies, to outnumber all those pesky people of color. As I have said, Fascism 101.

Likewise, the evangelical Christian adoption industry makes big, big bucks, they want more grist for the mill, and if you give your baby to them, they will be happy to raise it as a cheery little fascist. This is also why they don't want to give any support to people who find themselves stuck in an unwanted pregnancy, and like to push the "you can just give it up for adoption!!" line so hard. They likewise don't care about the bodily trauma and life-changing medical experience that it is to be pregnant for 9 months and then being forced to give birth. Because they are fucking monsters.

Anyway. It's all so disgusting and terrible on every level. I don't know what else to say apart from that, so... yeah.

#anonymous #ask #politics for ts

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solinarimoon · 4 years ago

Text

Fields of Wildflowers

Chapter 8

A Sihtric x OC story

AN: Nothing really to note for this chapter except friendships and more fluff and some small angst I guess. Please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from my tag list for this story. If you wish to catch up on previous chapters, you can do so here. Or visit my masterlist.

Warnings: Mentions of past trauma and alcohol consumption.

Word Count: 3378

“Please, you deserve a few days to yourself, without the duties of a handmaiden, Cwen. After all you and the rest of the group have been through, it is the least I can do.”

Cwen found herself standing peering out the window of Aelfwynn’s chambers, watching the everyday commotion of the people going about their lives. The woman walking with her basket slung on her hip and her other hand holding onto their child who desperately tried to race to something across the yard. The soldier’s casually strolling on their rounds. The smithey and alley where Sihtric had pulled her the night before. Cwen’s eyes lingered on the small alley for several moments. A longing began to stir low in her pelvis.

Cwen was broken from her thoughts when she heard Aethelflaed speak her name a bit louder.

“Cwen, I don’t think you've been listening. Which just further justifies you taking a few days to yourself. It is not only Aelfwynn who has been through an ordeal. Please take some time,”

Aethelflaed was seated next to Aelfwynn’s bedside where the young girl was stirring. “I know, Lady Aethelflaed, but,”

“My daughter is safe and at home because of you, Cwen,” Aetheleflaed interrupted Cwen’s argument. “And we have Wyllath to help care for her as well. She has missed Aelfwynn and caring for her while you all were at Saltwic. The children will be well looked after. I insist.”

Cwen sighed but felt her lips tug upward in a grin, “As you wish, my lady. But you know I would have done anything in my power to protect Aelfwynn and would do it again if needed.”

“I know this, Cwen. She and I are both blessed to have you.”

“Thank you, my lady. I will take my leave then.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After allowing herself a few hours of sleep, Cwen’s feet could not help taking her out to the yard where she knew the children were playing. It did not matter that she did not have handmaiden duties to fulfill this day. She still wanted to check in on her little ones.

Aelfwynn and Aethelstan were both giggling and dashing behind trees and bushes. Wyllath, Aelfwynn’s Mercian handmaiden was playing a lively game of hide and seek with the children.

Aethelstan was the first to notice Cwen watching them. He immediately raced to her with his arms outstretched.

Aelfwynn came near after similarly enveloping Cwen’s waist in a tight embrace.

Chuckling at their youthful exuberance, Cwen asked, “and how are my little birds faring this morning?”

Both children clamoured to speak over one another.

Continuing to laugh at their antics, Cwen told them to speak one at a time.

Aelfwynn spoke first.

“I am doing much, much, much better, Cwen. Wyllath has been chasing us and we keep surprising her.”

“Yes and then she squeals and we run away! Would you like to play with us? Please!” Aethelstan pleaded.

Cwen smiled at them. It was beautiful to see them carefree and happy, being children once more.

Wyllath had joined them, giving Cwen a slight hug while addressing her, “Cwen! It is so good to see you. You look well. Aelfwynn has told me all about your adventures.”

Cwen stopped her, “I would hardly call it adventures. More like running and fighting for our lives,” she said albeit with a smile.

Aelfwynn looked up to Cwen and scrunched her nose, “But I think it was adventurous. I was scared and sick, but there was still a lot of excitement. Remember playing in the river? And the huge tree we slept under?”

It amazed Cwen to see the resilience of youth. Despite all of the trauma from their journey, Aelfwynn remembered the glimmers of happiness.

“You are right, I guess little bird. I think I am just remembering the more upsetting parts of our journey. Some of which you would not remember.” Cwen replied while placing her hand on top of Aelfwynn’s hair.

Aelfwynn smiled as if she had won an argument.

“And you got to spend more time with Sihtric,” the young girl added while giggling with Aethelstan.

“Oh, run off and play more you two.” Cwen demanded, feeling her cheeks heat up.

Even the children have taken notice, she thought.

Wyllath lingered a moment longer, “Aelfwynn has mentioned this man several times. It is clear by how she speaks of him, of all of your warrior companions really, that they took great care over you all.”

“Yes, they did. They are good men.” Cwen replied, not missing the knowing smirk and glint in Wyllath’s eye.

“And maybe one in particular that took great care of you, Cwen? This Sihtric?” Wyllath could not help herself asking. The curiosity of a girl a few years younger than Cwen could not be held at bay.

Feeling the heat continue to rise in her cheeks, Cwen replied, “Possibly, Wyllath. But if you will excuse me, I need to speak with Eadith.” Allowing no other confirmation or denial of Wyllath’s questions, Cwen slipped away from the young woman and headed towards her friend.

Eadith sat on a bench beneath a sprawling tree observing the children in their play.

“Good day, Eadith. You look well.”

“As do you, Cwen. I see a healthy blush to your cheeks. But that may just be a response to young Wyllath’s questions about a certain Dane of our acquaintance,” Eadith replied with a laugh.

Cwen’s mouth dropped open in shock as Eadith continued, “the wind carries. I could hear her prodding.”

Sitting down with a huff, Cwen responded, “Wyllath has always been curious to know about the lives and loves of those around her. She is a sweet woman, though still very young. Kind and loving with Aelfwynn. I usually enjoy speaking with her…” she trailed off watching Wyllath and the children run and laugh.

“But not now?” Eadith questioned. “Or just not when it comes to Sihtric?”

When Cwen shifted her eyes to glance sideways at Eadith, she smirked but said nothing.

“Finan and I wondered where you and he disappeared to last night. You weren’t gone long enough to have…”

But her words were cut off by Cwen shushing her and playfully pushing her shoulder into her friend.

“No, of course not. But…” Cwen took a deep breath, “you were right. Anout your observations before. About his passion. I have never felt so…” Cwen trailed off, struggling to find the words.

“We all see the way he looks at you. He is yours, Cwen. And I suspect that you are his as well, if you will allow it.”

A gentle breeze wafted through the yard, bringing with it the laughter of the children. Cwen kept her eyes fixated on the scene in front of her but felt her brows pull into a frown. Her fingers twisting and ringing each other in her lap. No matter how strong her feelings for Sihtric, the idea of allowing herself to be intimate and vulnerable dredged up painful thoughts.

As if knowing where her friend's mind had drifted, Eadith reached over to take one of Cwen’s hands, stopping their worried fidgeting.

“Please do not let what my brother has taken from you, what he has done to you stop you from finding happiness.”

Cwen searched Eadith’s face and squeezed her hand in return offering her a slight nod and smile. “Thank you Eadith. I have made promises to myself to not allow my history to get in the way of my future. But making good on those promises will take time.” Cwen patted Eadith’s hand and continued, “Sihtric has said he will wait for me. So we are moving slowly.”

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Cwen continued with a knowing smile, “As I suspect you and Finan may be as well.”

Eadith gasped and turned her face to meet Cwen’s own, but before she could speak their conversation was interrupted.

“Excuse me, ladies.”

“Lady Aethelflaed, good day,” Eadith spoke while standing to greet the Lady of Mercia.

“My Lady,” Cwen replied while standing to embrace her.

“I thought I told you to take the day to rest, Cwen?”

“You did, but I could not help coming to check on them for a short while. I did rest some this morning.”

“I am glad. In truth I came to speak with Eadith though.”

Aethelflaed turned her body to meet the other woman’s.

“I must thank you, Lady Eadith. I was wrong to doubt you. You delivered my message to Lord Uhtred as you said you would.”

“I was happy to be of assistance,” Eadith replied with an eager smile.

“And from what Cwen has told me, you cared for Aelfwynn on the road. Helped to cool her fever.” Aethelflaed’s eyes gazed across the field at her daughter.

“She is a fearless child. It must be in her blood,” Eadith replied.

“My daughter is fond of you.”

“And I her.”

Cwen watched the exchange between the two women in cautious silence. Having grown up with Aethelflaed, it was easier for Cwen to know when the woman was mulling over a serious matter rather than engaging in social niceties.

“Perhaps,” Eadith invoked, “I could be of use to her here. I could help Cwen and Wyllath with their handmaiden duties for Aelfwynn?”

Cwen’s eye darted to her lady to gauge her reaction to such a request. Aethelflaed brought her eyes to meet Eadith and took several steps closer to speak and yet not be overheard, “I am curious. Why did you reveal your brother as Aethelred’s murderer?”

Sighing, Eadith replied “Eardwulf may be my brother, but I knew what he did was wrong.” Cwen’s eyes found her friends as she continued, “My brother did many things that were wrong. And I would like to try and correct his errors if I can. I chose to be loyal to you, my lady. And to Lord Uhtred because I believe in what you and he are doing.”

“I thank you. But your loyalties remain to be seen.”

Cwen interjected, “My Lady Aethelflaed, I can vouch for Eadith and her loyalties,” But her words were cut short.

“I will judge that for myself. But I thank you, nonetheless, for your aid in seeing my daughter safely returned to me.”

After Aethelflaed said farewell and returned indoors to complete her other duties, the ladies returned to the bench.

“I fear I will never win her trust. And I do not blame her for that.”

“That may be true for the lady. But if it is any consolation, you have earned my trust. And my respect. And in equal measure, my friendship. You were the one who brought our attention to the healer in the forest. And the one who broached the difficult choice to use the wormwood. I still do not know and probably never will know if that is what saved her or if it was something else.” Cwen reached out and clasped Eadith’s hand once more while giving the red haired woman a small smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that afternoon saw Cwen tagging along with the Coccham warriors as they drank themselves silly. Stiorra was also in their midst enjoying spending time with her father’s oathmen and attempting to keep pace with them.

The group pushed through the doorway into the ale house with a boisterous Finan encouraging the usually stoic baby monk, who was protesting any more ale.

“Come on, Osferth. Everyone knows you cure like with like. We drink.” Finan admonished Osferth as they approached the bar. Cwen laughed wholeheartedly at the exchange between the men.

“If the man wishes to be done drinking, you will let him, Finan. I, for one, do not wish to be taking care of a sick baby monk.” Cwen chastised, receiving a raucous round of laughter from her friends. The alcohol had made her lower her guard and allowed her to feel a lightheartedness that had been missing since their water fight by the stream.

“Well here then dear Cwen, you will drink his mug,” Finan all but shouted while trying to hand Cwen a mug.

“Oh no, I will take a break too,” she laughed.

“Alright and what is your excuse then?” Finan questioned exasperatedly.

“I do not know any of you well enough to let my guard down and be drunk around you,” Cwen quipped, an impish smile gracing her face.

“Oh no, living on the run with us, traveling in the wilderness, running for our lives. You are right, we barely know each other.” Finan’s retort was met with another round of laughter.

“Well, I do.” Stiorra glided in between Finan’s outstretched arm to grab the mug of ale.

“Oh no, you have had enough,” Finan countered.

The rest of his words were lost to Cwen. Sihtric had casually slung his arm up to rest on her shoulders. The Dane continued to hold a quiet and reserved manner in relation to his Irish brother, but the alcohol had definitely reduced some of his brooding nature to allow a more carefree demeanor. The closeness of him captured Cwen’s focus like a candle in a dark room. She felt him stagger slightly and held on to his torso to steady him.

“Careful, Sihtric. You may be too much in your cups now too.” Cwen looked up to meet a soft and relaxed expression on his face. Her smile reached all the way to her eyes as she watched him.

She felt Sihtric lean his lips towards her ear, “your smile is like the stars at night, my lady. I never tire of looking at them.”

Cwen felt a rush of heat settle low in her belly once more.

She placed a chaste kiss on the tip of his nose which prompted an equally large grin to grace Sihtric’s lips. He pulled her closer into him and kissed the top of her head before reaching behind her to tweak Osferth’s chin.

“Hey,” he got the warrior monk's attention, “stay awake.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Several rounds later they emerged from the ale house, blinking at the brightness of the day.

A passing soldier shoved Osferth who stumbled into an unassuming Cwen.

“Hey!” Sihtric hollered at the soldier while reaching out to steady her.

“I’m fine. Osferth?”

The young man just simply held up his hand as he hunched over gathering his breath. He could obviously not keep up with the amount of ale he had been served.

Glancing around, it was easy to notice the unusual movements of the Wessex soldiers. All across the yard, soldiers were hurrying this way and that. The general attitude around seemed harried and bothered.

“If today were a day of celebration for the new lord of Mercia, I would fear that King Edward’s guards are seizing Mercia.” Finan mused as they all began shuffling along the street.

“They do not look like they are celebrating,” Sihtric pondered aloud.

“Something has changed. I must see Aethelflaed,” Cwen mused.

“We will see you to the hall safely, Cwen” Finan assured her.

The group began to quickly make their way towards the great hall, as Sihtric and Finan instinctively moved to walk on either side of Cwen. Cwen felt a hand gently guiding her along her lower back and she glanced at Sihtric.

Any trace of the carefree, intoxicated man was wiped from his face. In its place she saw that focus and concentration she had first identified with him all that time ago, in Saltwic.

His eyes scanned the surroundings constantly, while his hand remained a solid and guiding force on their way to find Aethelflaed and their lord.

In their haste to find their lord and lady, they rounded a corner and almost bumped into a guard who immediately brandished his sword at them.

Cwen found her body shielded by Sihtric as the men raised their hands.

“We meant nothing. Just didn’t see you there.” Finan spoke for all of them, quickly defusing the situation.

The guard sheathed his weapon and returned to his business while Sihtric, Cwen, Finan, and Osferth found another route to the great hall.

“Stiorra, find Eadith. Make sure you two stay together and try to stay indoors somewhere. I will find you soon,” Cwen instructed, her voice taking on a harsh tone unusual for her.

Finan gave Stiorra a stern look and word when the young woman made to protest the demand.

Upon entering the great hall, it was clear that the lords of Mercia were unaware of the occupation that is occurring outside their doors.

Finan spoke quietly to Uhtred who informed Aethelflaed of her brother’s seizure of Aelesburg.

While the others stood on the steps of the hall discussing matters with Father Pyrlig, Cwen waited just inside the doors.

Eyes searching, Sihtric scanned the faces surrounding him when he realized Cwen was not among those outside.

When his eyes did find her, his feet took him to her side before his mind could give the command.

Cwen watched him approach her with eyes wide open, anxious.

“This is bad, isn’t it?” She questioned him as he took his place beside her, also watching the exchange between the figures on the steps.

“It is,” he replied. Simple and honest.

“I hope Stiorra listens and has found Eadith,” Cwen worried.

“I am sure they are well and safe.”

When Cwen did not reply, Sihtric shifted his gaze to see her staring but unseeing. Brow furrowed.

“What is it, lady?”

Broken from her thoughts, Cwen looked at her feet a moment before replying.

“It is times like these, when men are drunk on power, that women have cause to be afraid,” she breathed. Her words were so soft, Sihtric had to strain his ears to hear her.

“Is that why you stopped drinking with us? You feared we were drunk on power from our lord's new position?”

Sihtric’s words were not angry. Not accusing. But his voice was low and deep, pained.

“It was a jest meant for laughs and to take the attention away from Osferth,” Cwen stalled while fidgeting with her fingers again and not meeting Sihtric’s eyes.

After a breath, she felt the knuckles of Sihtric’s hand gently guide her chin up to meet his gaze.

“And many jests have foundations in truth,” he whispered.

“Yes,” Cwen breathed as her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears.

Sihtric did not pry. He did not ask her to go on. He waited for her to speak. And if she did not, he would understand.

All these things Cwen knew. She knew he valued her words and did not push her to be ready prematurely. He had proven this to her in the forest and again after kissing her in the alley.

“Eardwulf was fond of drinking. Especially when he felt the need to feel in control. To exert power. So that is the truth behind my words in the ale house.”

Sihtric stared deeply into Cwen’s eyes as his hand shifted from her chin to cup the nape of her neck. He placed a kiss on her temple before shifting his position as he and Cwen followed his lord and the others inside. It was a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Aethelflaed.

Once inside the hall again, Uhtred spoke hurried words to Finan and then turned to his other men.

“You two, with me.”

“Where to, Lord?” Osferth asked as he followed along behind Uhtred.

Knowing his lord meant them to likely put themselves at risk and definitely taking him from Cwen’s side, Sihtric clasped arms with Finan conveying unspoken meaning before he turned to Cwen.

Quickly, he brought his forehead to meet hers while grasping her hips tightly..

“If tensions rise, stay close by Finan.”

Cwen clasped her hands on either side of his neck and breathed him in for the briefest moment.

“Be safe.”

And he swept silently and quickly from the hall to catch up with his lord.

Tag List: @maggiescarborough @pokeasleepingsmaug @nxrdist @mystic-shadows42 @emilyhufflepufftlk @magravenwrites @lauwrite1225 @morosemagick @thebohemianpenguin @mrsalwayswrite @notyourwildestdream @obipoelover @ecarroll1978 @93xdiagonxalley @nobodys-business-world

#The Last Kingdom #Sihtric #sihtric x oc #finan #Uhtred #osferth #Eadith #Fields of Wildflowers

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nordleuchten · 3 years ago

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heyy, gm/gn wherever you are!

So, I'd like to know Adrienne and Gilbert dealt with her being sick during their imprisonment in Olmutz? And also, how were their daughters during all of that??

Thank youu :)

Hello msrandonstuff,

Thank you, it was actually morning for me, when I read your message.

Adrienne’s time in prison and her health are best described by her daughter Virginie in the book that the two women co-wrote (each of them wrote about their mother respectively). In the second half (Virginie’s half) of Life of Madame de Lafayette we can read the following:

As might have been expected, my mother's health had suffered much. The sudden passage from the most violent agitations to the most sedentary life, for we had neither air nor exercise, all contributed to give her an illness which declared itself a few months after our arrival. Never did she show more meritorious submission to my father's wishes, than when she determined to write to the Emperor for permission to go and consult the doctors at Vienna. She only consented to do so in the hopes of being of use to the prisoners'. At the end of seven weeks the Commander of Olmütz, who had not yet visited her in prison, came to intimate a verbal refusal to leave it, unless she gave up all hopes of returning. He asked at the same time for a written answer. It was soon made.

Adrienne’s written answer was:

April, 4th 1796.

The Commander of Olmütz having declared to me that, on my request to go for a week to Vienna in order to consult the doctors, His Imperial Majesty does not permit me, under any pretence whatever to go to Vienna, and only allows me to leave this prison on condition never to enter it again, I have the honor here to renew my answer. It was my duty towards my family and friends to try and obtain the advice necessary for my health, but they well know that I cannot accept the conditions offered to me. I cannot forget that while we were both on the eve of perishing, I through the tyranny of Robespierre, M. de Lafayette through the physical and moral sufferings of his captivity, I was neither allowed to receive any accounts of him, nor to let him know that his children and I were still alive. I shall not expose myself to the horrors of another separation.

Therefore, whatever may be the state of my health, or the hardships of this abode for my daughters, we shall all three take advantage of His Imperial Majesty's goodness in allowing us to share this captivity in all its details.

Noailles Lafayette.

The letter that Adrienne send to the Emperor is also printed in the book:

Olmütz, February 6th 1796

Sir,

Had I sooner been given leave to write, I should long since have offered my grateful thanks to Your Imperial Majesty for having permitted us to share the captivity of one so dear. To these thanks, Sir, I shall add no details on M. de Lafayette's condition, however different it may be from what I imagined on leaving Your Majesty's presence; to my great regret, I shall only speak of myself. My health, impaired by sufferings and misfortunes, my duty towards those who are still left to me in this world, constrain me to solicit permission to go for some days to Vienna, leaving my daughters with their father, in order to consult doctors on my state. I should not have importuned Your Majesty with this request, had I not been told that it could only be granted by Yourself.

I entreat, etc.

Continuing in her daughters book, we can read:

My mother's illness made rapid progress. The doctor was only allowed to see her a moment during the officer's visit. Being ignorant of the French language, he could not understand her, but would express in Latin his fears to my father. She had a violent eruption, first on her arms, which swelled in such a manner that she could neither make use of them nor lift them up, and afterwards on her legs. Fever scarcely ever left her. This state lasted eleven months, from October 1796, till September 1797. During these eleven months no alleviation of the prison treatment was obtained. She had not even an armchair. Her sufferings did not in the least impair her spirits. Seeing her always serene, always enjoying my father's company and the consolations she had brought with her, we were all less anxious than we ought to have been. This explains how, save in the beginning of the illness, we found pleasure in our quiet life.

As we can see, there was not an awful lot that either Adrienne or La Fayette could possible do. We see from Virginie’s writing (but also from other statements) that La Fayette urged and pleaded with Adrienne that she should leave with their daughters but Adrienne (and Anastasie and Virginie) refused and I think at a certain point in time La Fayette just gave up trying. Their company brought him an immense relief and a great deal of comfort after all.

The question remains, why was Adrienne not permitted to visit the doctors in Vienna and than to simply return to the prison? After all, she and her daughters had been already granted access. The answer is, the woman’s presence shed a very bad light on the Austrians. La Fayette had been imprisoned, without actual charges, but he was a men, he was a soldier, a revolutionary – Austria could find ways to justify his imprisonment. But Adrienne, Virginie and Anastasie were woman, young children, they were pious and virtuous woman of noble birth, sharing their husband and fathers captivity despite their own sufferings – that caused quite a stir in Europe at the time and I think the Emperor was happy for very change to get them out of his prison without making himself looking even worse.

As to Virginie’s and Anastasie’s health, it seems as if they did rather well. In his first letter to Washington after being released from prison, La Fayette writes on October 6, 1797:

My own Health, altho it is Impaird, Could, I think, tolerably Support a Voyage [to America] —My daughters are not ill—But Mrs Lafayette’s Sufferings in this Cruel UnHealthy Captivity Have Had Such a deplorable effect Upon Her, that in the opinion of Every phisician, and Every Man of Sense, it Would Be an Act of Madness to Let Her embark at this Advanced Season of the Year (...)

Most other accounts agree with that narrative. Adrienne was seriously ill, La Fayette was not well but ultimately fine and their daughters were healthy. I have only ever come across one account that said that one of the two sisters was ill as well, without going into detail which one. I think that account was from one of their aunts but I can not remember, I am sorry!

It is however highly unbelievable that Virginia and Anastasie never once did fell ill during their time in prison. Even their “luxury-treatment” (the guard had an awful lot of pity for them) was terrible but their illnesses were probably never long-lasting or overly concerning.

I hope that could answer your question and I hope you had/have an amazing day!

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amiramorozova · 4 years ago

Text

Dual Summoner x The Darkling pt. 35

Pairing: Dual Summoner Amira Silina x Aleksander Morozova/General Kirigan

word count: 1241

Glossary: Sol Koroleva - Sun Queen, Moya Soverenyi - My Sovereign, Moye Serdtse - My heart, lapushka - darling, honey, sweetie

I was able to make the tunnel for the skiff keeping the Volcra away as I looked out keeping my focus as I knew I was stronger now. My family was just watching as I looked out seeing those monsters but my heart went out to them because I knew the truth. Women, children, and men were still stuck in this area. I knew they wanted to reach us if they could but we made it through as we had the resources and as we walked off the skiff once we were back on our side of Ravka as the Grisha cheered.

Aleksander raised my hand as if to give me the credit for what was going on then he led me to his coach as we got in and my family was in the other one. We were almost about to move when I got out and went to get Genya as She grabbed her kit then got in the coach. Genya looked nervous but we were already moving as she waited till we were steady before checking her work.

"You look fine, but why did you pull me here?" Genya asked, "I didn't want you to walk and I missed your company." I admitted with a shrug

Aleksander watched but then he took my hand pulling me over making me sit on his lap which made me blush. I knew this was his coach he could do as he pleased, not like I was complaining but we were closer with being over in West Ravka. Genya smiled watching us as I didn't get to say anything because Aleksander adjusted me. "Genya, Amira is coming around but she has her hesitations on the wedding but maybe you could work through those worries she has." Aleksander said

"Of course, maybe for the next party the royals have and there is no rush." Genya said as I appreciated someone was on my side that there was someone who saw my point. Aleksander did not seem happy with this answer but I knew there was no rush. The way back was long but we managed to get there safely as we got out and I stretched with my cloak.

It's done, We're connected but Baghra was wrong. I am not a slave. I thought

As we made it back into the little palace some of the Grisha soldiers were worried about the king sick and the apparat missing. I assured them to calm down as they listened to me even though Aleksander was to lead them. I talked them into going into life as usual which they agreed as they walked away going to their normal routine. Aleksander stood beside me as I put my hands down under the black cloak "Impressive, you calmed them down and got them to trust you so easily." Aleksander said, "they are my allies, why would I lie to them?" I asked

I went to my room where my things were already prepared, I figured Ivan was already here and left it so I wouldn't have to. I changed out of this golden dress with the black for the design as I was ready to put their Sol Koroleva back somewhere far away. I would be that to those who worshipped the Sun Queen but no one else. I dressed in my normal clothes and black kefta as I went to see Baghra for once.

Baghra was in her place as I knocked on the door before walking in taking a seat as she sat across from me. She seemed to be examining me as she walked close, moving the collar of my Kefta not seeing the stag bones showing. I waited as she looked at me for a few minutes and then waited till she sat back down.

"So how did you do it? How did you make the tunnel without the stag?" Baghra asked

"I do have the stag's bones, Baghra, he put them on me the moment I agreed to it." I said as she didn't look happy, "I absorbed it the moment it was fused with me and he is connected to me but I still have control. I am not his slave and I accidentally used the cut." Hearing that somehow I used the cut caught her attention.

"How did you do it?" Baghra asked and I shrugged, still unsure myself, Aleksander wanted me to do it again but I had no idea how.

After that, we started to work on my training again so I could figure out how to do the cut. It didn't come without its problems but she said I was like Aleksander when he was a child trying to learn it without focusing. To be compared to my fiancé was not helping me but I still proceeded to do what she asked. She moved me outside when it was dark as we kept going but she kept pushing me to my limits.

"You almost had it." Baghra said

I sighed a bit as I focused like when I was protecting against the West Ravkan soldiers and when I had my focus the cut formed and I used it on the tree. Breathing heavily I fell to my knees knowing that there was not enough time today to do it again. "You are getting more powerful but you must be careful." Baghra said, I wanted to say something or do anything when I felt someone lift me off the ground. "She's had enough for today, mother, the cut and making a tunnel. Soon you'll be talking her into Merzost." Aleksander said

He took me away from there as I didn't even fight him, closing my eyes as I relaxed while he walked. "Lapushka, you need to not push yourself so hard." Aleksander said and I didn't feel like arguing. I was tired but I needed a bath and he set me on my feet as he put a hand on his cheek. "Moye Serdtse, sleep in my room. People might come looking for you in your room and I'd rather not lose you."

"I appreciate that but I need a few things from my room and I just want a bath right now." I assured him

I walked into my room going to the bathroom and just prepared a bath as I got in to relax. For the first time, I appreciated the little palace big bath that was here. I needed to figure out everything over time but this was something no hotel had and no other home had. The water was great as I washed up then got ready for bed. Then I walked to Aleksander's room having the robe that Genya left on seeing Ivan.

"More war talk before bed? I asked, "Nothing, you need to worry about Milaya." Aleksander said as he went over and hugged me. "It can all be taken care of tomorrow, you need sleep after your training."

I nodded as Ivan bowed "Moi Soverenyi, Moya Soverenyi have a good night." Ivan said before leaving for the night.

Aleksander led me to the bed where we laid down on the bed and I fell asleep instantly in the black silk sheets. I wasn't going to move to the next level with him until I was sure and right now I was still debating where I wanted our relationship to go.

Taglist: @lifeisingrey, @anonymous-storyteller

#aleksander morovoza #general kirigan #ben barnes #team darkling #darkling x reader #the darkling #darkling #shadow and bone fanfiction #grishaverse #shadow and bone #fanfic

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thefudge · 4 years ago

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Do you have any Romanian (language or just content-wise) media recs? Particularly novels and poetry but really any must-sees/must-reads are welcome!

uuuu!

my brain is too fried right now to do any kind of exhaustive list so i’m gonna rec a few things that i know you could get your hands on/available in translation:

for two thousand years, by mihail sebastian - really heartbreaking yet also lucid, adventurous and darkly humorous memoir of a Jewish writer in his youth at the height of nazism in romania (there’s even a Penguin classic of it)

diary of a short-sighted adolescent by mircea eliade - a funny and bittersweet bildungsroman about a bookish teenager who wants to read everything now and be the cleverest person alive while also struggling with being super lazy and unmotivated because he’s young and restless, it’s very #relatable. but it’s also fascinating to read this in opposition with “for two thousand years” because eliade entertained legionnaire nazi sympathies at one point. (also, you should check out his novellas too, especially the fantastic ones)

anything you can find in translation by gabriela adamesteanu - just lovely, delicate prose about growing up, being an adult, inhabiting your body and your feelings in an oppressive world

the hatchet by mihail sadoveanu (apparently, there is a translation) - a lot of people give this novel flak, mostly because we had to read it in high school, but it’s a great and deceptively simple little novel that says a lot more about people than it cares to admit. the action takes you through several villages in the East-Carpathians, where a peasant woman goes in search of her missing husband. it’s a fascinating mixture of crime and folklore and mythology.

any novella by costache negruzzi, but especially “alexandru lapusneanu”, another classic we had to read in school and which gets a lot of flak. it’s so bonkers and #quality-trash. let’s just say there’s a scene where the power-hungry voievod/prince lapusneanu enacts a red-wedding situation and builds a pyramid of freshly severed heads to impress his lady wife *swoon*

the forest of the hanged by liviu rebreanu - i know people argue this isn’t his best novel, but it’s got the most heart. it’s the story of a soldier/philosopher in WW1 who falls in love with people again. that’s it. he falls in love with people, and the war and everything in between doesn’t matter anymore. or it matters only as it pertains to people, and people alone.

gallants of the old court by mateiu caragiale - a bizarre gem of early 20th century Romanian nightlife, a wonderful, orgiastic fugue, feverish and infuriating. it’s mostly about rich men and social-climbers getting into existential trouble, but also into real trouble. normally, because the action takes place right before WW1, this would signify the end of an era. but we don’t really have a beginning or end. we are part-balkan, part-french imitators, part-whatever-sticks. nothing moves us, and everything does. and that’s why it’s a sort of love/hate letter to romanians

in terms of poetry, some personal faves: nichita stanescu, ana blandiana, monica pillat, marin sorescu, a.e. baconsky, lucian blaga, emil brumaru, nora iuga, marta petreu, nina cassian. and yes, mihai eminescu, our national poet, though i’m often in two minds about him.

poetry in translation is really hit and miss because of the “untranslatable”, so here’s two lines from a poem by nina cassian, because i want to show you what i mean:

De când m-ai părăsit mă fac tot mai frumoasă ca hoitul luminând în întuneric.

this roughly and poetically translates to:

Since you left me I’ve grown more beautiful

like the corpse lighting the dark

and this is sort of lovely on its own, but you’d need to know and hear and taste the word “hoit” in romanian to really feel the abjectness, because “hoit” is a smelly, ugly yet also alluring, already decomposing version of “cadavru” aka cadaver/corpse. also “ mă fac tot mai frumoasă” cannot be accurately summed up in “i’ve grown more beautiful”. a literal translation would be “I make myself more beautiful”. in romanian, this is obviously idiomatic and not literal. and yet, these strange self-reflexive valences make these lines strong and eerie, as if the speaker were authoring her beauty, shaping it out of clay and darkness and “hoit”, like a butterfly cracking the corpse’s shell to get out, but also retaining some of its mesmerizing stench. why did i pause to do a close-reading of romanian poetry??? anyway, you catch my drift

in terms of movies, a recent one i really loved was sierranevada by cristi puiu, which is a neurotic family drama that drains you but also lifts you up

and yeah, the hype is real, 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days by cristi mungiu really is that good (about two young women trying to get an illegal abortion in communist romania. it won the palme d’or for very legit reasons. it breaks you in small ways. the very last shot of the film you’ll carry with you forever). i also liked graduation by cristi mungiu, where a young overachieving girl is about to graduate high school and go on to study abroad, until a terrible event unmoors both her and her family. the movie turns almost hallucinatory at one point, filled with ambiguity and a kind of sleep-walking quality

tales from the golden age by cristi mungiu (him again!) is also fantastic for anyone who wants to get a taste of communist romania and the sad-funny absurdities of everyday life. this movie is split in 2 parts and the format is that of an anthology, almost like watching several short films at once. and there is one film in the anthology that always turns me inside out, and it’s really silly, it’s this bonnie and clyde type story about this girl and boy who meet at a party and devise an ingenious get-rich scam and just run around a few neighborhoods trying to put it into practice and it’s...the sweetest, most incomplete thing. there is such a strange, lovely connection there that never gets realized, and there is a MOMENT between them where he helps her step down from this ledge and he holds her briefly to him and i remember being in the cinema and thinking THIS, this is THE MOMENT where i felt these people were real. it was such an honest, lovely moment. like the equivalent of this song. ANYWAY, why am i rambling so much??? this ask was supposed to be SHORT.

aferim! by radu jude is also a really neat movie and provides a look into the historical romanian/rroma relationship and why it’s so messed up, yet also so organic

the death of mr. lazarescu by cristi puiu is also a great little film about a man who gets sick and goes to the hospital. and...dies, as you can tell from the title. on the surface, he dies because of institutional ineptness and a broken healthcare system. at a deeper level, he dies because we no longer know how to help people. various hospital staff in the film do try to help him and fail for various stupid or quietly heartbreaking reasons. it’s a movie about being physically unable to care. there’s indifference, sure, but also this great exhaustion of the human spirit. but the movie is also darkly funny. might not be a great pandemic watch, but then again it might be exactly what you need

there are soooo many other classics in terms of books (morometii by marin preda, for instance, about a patriarch in a small village in the South who slowly realizes the world he used to live in doesn’t have room for him anymore, and maybe it never had) but i’m gonna end on a quote from ion creanga, one of the most cryptic classics of romanian lit:

“Şi eu eram vesel ca vremea cea mai bună şi şturlubatic şi copilăros ca vântul în tulburea sa”

my translation: “and I was cheerful like the best weather and frolicsome and childish like the wind in its cloudiness”

and again, the words in romanian and their particular sound and bite (”şturlubatic”, “tulburea”) immediately take me elsewhere. creanga writes about childhood, but it’s never really childhood. he writes as an adult who, in my opinion, was never really a child, but a weird, small god of the land. i mean the word “tulburea” can mean both “turmoil” and “muddiness”. the wind can be anguished, but also just a little cloudy, just a little hazy, shrinking its agony, howling it in the child. it’s eerie and gorgeous. so, that’s what he does: creanga writes about children as if they were wind-like spirits. he writes stories about devils and the peasants who trick them and school books filled with spit and flies, and warm eggs stolen from nests and fairy-tales of a world that is buried somewhere inside us, but not too deep, things hidden under our clothes or nails or even in our hair. and it’s all so physical and convoluted, just like his prose. and i don’t think anyone will ever make sense of him and that’s what makes him so discombobulatingly great.

anyway, this was supposed to be...like, really short! and not gassy! i’m sorry. i love waxing about all this gay stuff. i’m so gay about it.

realistically tho, the nearest thing you’ll find in your local bookshop is probably books by famous ‘theater of the absurd’ playwright, eugen ionesco, or novels in translation by contemporary author mircea cartarescu. both are pretty good, so go for it! (if you want to start small, i’d recommend REM by mircea cartarescu, because it’s so trippy and meta and captures that summer holiday eeriness so well. it goes well with this romanian song sung in english)

okay byeeeee

#romanian lit #recs #romanian literature #reference #my thoughts #romanian cinema #i hope no actual romanians come across this list and eviscerate me haha #im sorry this is such....MUCH

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dirtyvulture · 1 year ago

Note

😎 I have said it before I am Nerospicy and I ask specific questions( this is a addressing the last SB Au post ) , have weird thoughts ( addressing the last weird thought post I had about Wolverine R ) . I needed the specific questions for a lot of reasons and it does help me with creating more of my little thoughts later on. As for the weirder thoughts….yeah I can’t say anything about it , it just happens.

I will tell you this, Movie Wolverine ( I don’t know about comic version of Wolverine) was in very war since the American civil war so who is to say that our dear Wolvie wasn’t , maybe she was one of the nurses in WWI that discovered that the cotton that was used on the soldiers were way better at soaking up the blood than whatever they were using at the time . Creating pads as we know them. Plus Our Wolvie severing as a nurse and in the background watching out for and protecting the innocent ( especially women and children) and those who couldn’t protect themselves ( the sick and injured soldiers , the other nurses and again Women and children civilians) in very war does aline and just really fits in well with her. She only really ever showed her more …… beastly side when these groups of people were in danger during this time in the wars ( Side note I don’t know if historically nurses wore dog tags in WW I and II). Depending on what Vulture wants to do Wolvie could have gotten her dog tags probably in more recent wars ( maybe the Korean or Vietnam war as during that time all personnel wore dog tags) or gotten her dog tags from her time in the weapon x program ( which she may or may not remember) but the detail of the chain of the necklace being beads is very interesting to me and I would like to know more.

I am just in love with the idea of R just in a medical tent in wwI , she is in pain and she is on her period. She just finished using whatever products they used at the time . She is using cotton medical pads to keep some dude from bleeding out and she is looking how the cotton is soaking up the blood. R : “ what a damn minute…. WAIT A DAMN MINUTE, Hey Ester get our ass over here !!!! You wouldn’t believe this shit !!!!!” 🤯

R a hundred some years later in a store getting all the monthly supplies that she and possibly Nat needs (ones she may or may not remember help invented).

Also I full heartedly believe that R during her time in the wars severing as a nurse she played and entertained and was soooo good with the local civilian children. She would sing to them and tended to all the communities and everyone loved her. The soldiers loved her too because she was gentle and caring with them and she would sing to them as well ( some to help ease pain in injury’s, in helping to keep calm and sleep. Some to help ease them as they died) .

I love your specific questions though ❤️ They really make me think a lot about my own AUs lol

Not you coming up with a whole backstory of how pads were invented, involving our very own Wolvie!R 😭 I love it. (Also, I googled it and apparently nurses in WWII did wear dog tags as well! But I imagine R, like the OG Logan, actually got hers from the Weapon X program.)

I screamed at the thought of R calling for Esther 😂 A true pioneer, I hope she has a Wikipedia page for her invention honestly.

I think R would honestly only be gentle with the kids lol. But she would be very beloved by them, and the soldiers would probably see her as a no-nonsense badass who handles business, but they also felt very comfortable and safe around if it was their time to go. ❤️

#😎 anon #vulture answers #darkest knight au

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songsoomin · 5 years ago

Text

Let Me Down Part 3 (A, F)

Synopsis: CollegeStudent!Mingi x CollegeStudent!FemaleReader, BestFriend!Yunho. You’re still struggling without Mingi but circumstances lead you to get closer to Yunho.

Song inspiration: “From the Heart” Another Level (Not related but I would kill to hear Jongho sing this song)

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Warnings: None really, just a suggestive line towards the end.

Word count: 10.5K (I’m so sorry)

Posted: 6th July 2020

Note: I just got this photo off Google but I think it must have been made by someone going by the name ‘Fix On’ because the tag is on there - so just making it clear it is not my photo.

Part 1 Part 2

"Can we have more water for our table, please?"

"Sure, I'll just get that for you." You said politely as you went to get the water for Table 7.

"Y/N, Table 10 are ready for their mains now and Table 5 want their bill." Your supervisor, Max, told you as you headed back with the water.

"Sure thing." You said, wishing your shift was already over but you were only an hour into it. It was lunchtime on a Saturday so the restaurant you worked at part-time was rammed, as usual. You had graduated but still hadn't found a permanent job yet.

"Y/N, you look exhausted - are you ok?" One of your colleagues, Tiffany, asked you as you took a few seconds to breathe at the till station as you printed out Table 5's bill.

"I don't know...I've felt tired for the last couple of weeks now. I'm probably just low on iron, I haven't had much appetite lately." You admitted, "I'll get some supplements after work."

Since you last saw Mingi you hadn't been eating properly again. Impossibly, saying 'goodbye' to him for a second time had caused you much more pain than the first one. You should never have given in to your emotions and slept with him that night. You gave in because you weren't strong enough to say 'no' when he was right there looking at you like he used to - like he still loved you - but you didn't have the courage to take him back and risk being hurt again. Now, it had become clear that your heart also wasn't strong enough to deal with the fall out from that decision. You'd fallen into the same cycle you had the first time; not eating, not sleeping, trying to ignore the aching in your chest but while you were trying your best to carry on with your life without him, you were really just walking around like a zombie. Just existing while all the life had been drained out of you.

"You should look after yourself better." Tiffany said, concerned. She was older than you and married with two children and her natural mothering instincts seemed to come out with everyone. "Especially working on your feet in such a busy place like this."

"I know. My appetite has been almost non-existent since I've been a bit sick and when I get home I'm too exhausted to do anything. It's just a bug but I'll try to eat better - I promise." She looked at you skeptically but let it go.

You carried on with your shift, running here and there after demanding diners but just felt worse as it wore on. You had picked up quite a few shifts lately so it was no surprise you had worn yourself out but you needed the money. You were living on your own now since Suzy had moved in with Lucas after graduation and Jina had moved back home. Your parents owned their own company and had bought you a small one bedroom apartment - nothing fancy, just enough for you - but you still needed to pay the bills.

Coming to the end of your shift you started to feel dizzy and nauseous again but soldiered on, thinking if you could just get through it you could go home and sleep. As you were passing the bill to one of the tables in your section you all of a sudden started to lose all your focus, darkness washing over you and you felt yourself slipping.

"Y/N?" You felt something cold and wet being pressed against your face as you blinked your eyes open to see Tiffany looking down at you. She was seated next to you as you lay on the couch in the staff room. You obviously looked confused at the situation as she gently explained, "You passed out. Max carried you in here and asked me to take care of you."

"I what? I'm so sorry." You apologised trying to sit up but doing it too quickly and feeling dizzy again.

Tiffany passed you a vitamin energy drink and told you to keep still and drink it. While you drank it, you noticed she was eyeing you, as if there was something she wanted to ask but wasn't sure how.

"Is there something wrong? You look a little uncomfortable." You said, smiling a little, trying to ease her discomfort.

"Well...I'm just worried about crossing the line. We're just work colleagues so I don't want to pry into personal matters." This had you confused so you asked her to go on, curious to know what on Earth she was thinking.

"It's ok, you can ask what you want. I can see something is bothering you."

"Ok..." She started slowly, "You said you'd had a bug recently and it had made you sick...."

"Yeah, I have. I'm still feeling it a bit - I was nauseous before I fainted, actually." You recalled the last thing you remembered feeling before you woke up here.

"How long has it been going on for?" Tiffany enquired gently.

"Oh...I'd say about two weeks really. It comes and goes though." You still didn't know where she was heading with this; you imagined she was going to nag you to see a doctor, though.

"Each day but mostly in the morning?"

"Yeah..." You blinked in surprise, "How did you know?"

Tiffany sighed, "Y/N...I think you may be pregnant."

You sat there looking at her like an idiot for a second. There was no way.

"Don't be silly. I just haven't been looking after myself. I'm just run down, that's probably why I feel so bad."

"Y/N...I have two children, I know the signs of early pregnancy. Morning sickness, tiredness, fainting - I'd bet you have tender boobs, as well, right?" That last bit shocked you a little. It was true, you did but you thought that it was just because your period was due. Now you really thought about it, though, you realised it had been a while since you'd had one.

"But...I can't be." You said, still thinking Tiffany was overreacting a little. "I haven't been with anyone since my ex and we always used con-" You stopped short as the realisation hit you. "Oh."

You and Mingi had always used condoms. Except that one night about six weeks ago.

Mingi, I want you inside me.

Baby, I don't have any protection on me. I didn't expect this to happen.

Mingi! I need you. Please fuck me.

You hadn't thought about it the morning after, hungover and too caught up in the pain of letting him go again.

"I think you should go and take a test, Y/N. As soon as you feel up to moving."

You nodded dumbly at Tiffany, desperately hoping she was wrong and that the symptoms were just a coincidence. An hour later, however, you were sitting in your bathroom crying and staring at two little blue lines.

********

It had taken you days to accept the situation you found yourself in and then a few days more before you could face telling your parents about it. They had been really supportive, although, a little disappointed that you were in this situation due to being drunk and stupid. They told you that they would support you in whatever decision you made so you set about trying to decide if you were really ready to be a mother or if it was better to end the pregnancy.

You'd always wanted children and, at one time, you had even imagined having them with Mingi - somewhere in the future - but Mingi wasn't the father you needed for your baby. He was immature and unreliable. Your parents lived quite far away now and were busy running their company. Suzy and Jina had promised their support and offered advice as best they could but Jina also lived some way away and Suzy had her own life and her job to worry about. You knew they would all help as much as they could but you couldn't ask them to neglect their own lives for you. If you were going to do this, it would be alone.

After much soul searching and many sleepless nights, you decided you would keep this baby. You weren't against abortion, per say, but it wasn't for you. Deep down you knew you would never be able to go through with it.

Now you just needed to prepare as best you could and really hope you could do this.

********

You were nearly 3 months gone now; not showing yet but some of the worse symptoms were still there. You were starting to fell a bit more energetic but the morning sickness hadn't gone away yet. You really, really hoped you wouldn't turn out to be one of those unlucky women who had it for the whole 9 months. Today, however, you were still very much feeling it when you ran into Yunho.

"Y/N! Oh my god - I haven't seen you since graduation." Yunho beamed at you, "How have you been?"

"Hi Yunho!" You said, giving your tall, blonde friend a hug. True you hadn't seen him for a while and you had been close until about three months ago but avoiding Mingi meant avoiding all his friends, as well.

"What are you up to? Do you want to grab a coffee?" Yunho asked in his usual warm and friendly manner and you couldn't resist; you weren't good at making new friends so it had been a while since you'd had anyone to chat to like this.

"Sure, I'd love to. “I am quite thirsty after shopping." You said looking for the nearest coffee shop and spying a nice-looking one a couple of shops down. "Is this one ok?"

"Oh, yeah, this one is nice - I've been here a few times." Yunho said as you walked together. As you walked through the door, though, a particularly rough bout of nausea hit you and you darted for the bathroom, dropping your bags on the nearest table and trying to convey an apology to Yunho as you ran.

You must've been in the bathroom for about five minutes being sick and trying to think of something to tell Yunho - after all, he was Mingi's best friend and, whether right or wrong, you were trying to keep this from him. You didn't want him involved. Eventually the sickness passed and you made your way back out to the front of the coffee shop.

You reached the table Yunho was sitting at to find him with a coffee already and, opposite him on the table, a glass of water and a small packet of ginger biscuits.

"I hope you don't mind; I got these for you." He said, smiling. "My cousin had a baby recently and said ginger biscuits really helped ease her morning sickness."

"Yunho...What are you talking about?" You said, trying to sound light, as if he had jumped to the wrong conclusion. In reality, you weren't doing a good job of it, you could hear the hint of anxiety in your own voice.

"These rolled out of your bag when you dropped them on the table." You looked at the small bottle Yunho held in his hand - it was the pregnancy vitamins you had bought earlier. You looked away, not knowing what to say. There was no denying it now.

"So who's the lucky guy?" He said, trying to ease the tension.

"Mingi." It came out as a mumble but he heard it fine given the shocked look on his face.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"It's Mingi's baby." You looked down at your hands, feeling uncomfortable.

"Right. Ok." Yunho looked lost in thought for a moment - probably trying to work out how, given you left Mingi about six months ago but you were clearly in early pregnancy.

"Graduation night." You explained simply.

"Ooohhhh! I remember!" Yunho exclaimed, "He didn't come home that night but the next morning he came back in such a state. He wouldn't tell us what happened, though."

You recounted the details of the evening to Yunho; about the man who tried to assault you, how Mingi saved you from him and that you spent the night together. You didn't go into detail except to admit that you'd both been half-drunk and had failed to use protection.

Yunho nodded in understanding but seemed bothered by something, "I know he's been a mess lately but why didn't he tell me about this? I'm his best friend."

"He doesn't know." You mumbled, looking at your hands again.

"Y/N....don't you think he has a right to know? He's going to be a father." You looked up to find Yunho looking at you but not in a judgemental way - more sympathetic.

"I know and I've struggled with it. I've wanted to tell him but he isn't capable of being the father my baby needs. He can't even look after himself, how would he look after a family? He constantly lied and let me down just so he could have fun - he only ever thought about himself."

"I'm not saying you should take him back but I do think you should tell him. He deserves that much." Yunho replied gently, seeing how upset you were becoming.

"I know it's selfish of me...but I don't know if I could stand him being in my life - seeing him but not being with him. I still love him, Yunho." You spoke earnestly, hoping he could understand. "I'm sure he probably has someone else now and, to be honest, I wouldn't be able to bear seeing him and some other woman playing happy families with my child."

"There's been no one else, Y/N." Yunho admitted, surprising you. "He's been an absolute mess since you left him. He was starting to get it together but after graduation night he fell further. He goes out to work but that's all he'll leave the apartment for. When he gets home he just shuts himself away. Hongjoong and I are really worried about him, he doesn't sleep well and drinks more than is good for him."

As you took in this new information the ache in your chest, that never went away, throbbed. It hurt to hear that Mingi was hurting so badly but it didn't change your decision.

"All the more reason why he can't be my baby's father. Please, Yunho," you almost begged the man sitting opposite you, "...please don't tell him."

Yunho looked uncomfortable and you knew he didn't like to keep something this big from his best friend but he agreed nonetheless, "Ok, I won't tell him but I really want you to rethink doing it yourself."

The atmosphere turned a bit lighter from then on; you fell into a comfortable conversation about work and life in general until you realised it was getting later and you had an appointment to go to.

"I'm sorry to have to go, Yunho but I actually have my first ultrasound scan today." You apologised while gathering your bags.

"You're not going alone are you? You said earlier that you didn't really have anyone close by." You smiled at the look of concern on your friend's face; he'd always been a good listener and cared for others so much.

"I'll be fine, Yunho. You don't need to worry about me."

"Y/N, you can't see your baby's heartbeat for the first time and have no one to be there with you. I won't let you." The look of determination on his face suddenly turned less confident, "I mean, as long as that's ok - I don't want to intrude but you should have someone to share such a special moment with."

You couldn't disagree with him; it would feel a little lonely. If your parents were closer you would have asked your mum to come with you. You also didn't want to ask Suzy to use one of her allotted leave days from work for you. Although you had accepted you'd be doing this pregnancy alone, you had to admit it would be nice to share moments like these with someone - even if it was just a friend.

"Come on then, I'd love to have some company."

Yunho beamed and stood with you to leave, offering one arm for you to hold and the other to carry your shopping as you made your way to the clinic.

You laid on the bed while the sonographer squeezed the gel on to your pelvic area and used the ultrasound probe to spread it around; you were really excited to see your baby for the first time. Yunho sat quietly on a stool next to you looking quite curious himself, having not seen one of these scans before.

The sonographer found your baby and pointed out the head, arms and legs and, most importantly, the heartbeat. You looked at the screen in awe at the tiny fluttering heart and when the sonographer turned the sound of the machine up you could hear the whooshing sound each beat created. You looked back at Yunho with tears in your eyes and he smiled back and took your hand in his large one and gave it a squeeze for emotional support. You were so glad you'd accepted his company; it would have been sad to experience this all alone.

You both sat there watching the screen as the sonographer took the measurements and declared you to be 11 weeks and 5 days pregnant and gave you your due date. Lastly she printed out some pictures of your baby and popped them in a little envelope for you to take home. Once back outside you had to make your first appointment to see the obstetrician for your 16 week check. The receptionist was very friendly and told you all the things you would need to bring along.

"We'll need to know your family medical history, details of any medicines you take...basically the more info you can give the doctor, the better. Oh, and Daddy, we'll need your family's medical history, as well."

"Oh, he's not the -" You tried to correct her but she wasn't listening.

"So, we'll see you in about four weeks." The friendly receptionist finished with a smile.

You figured it didn't matter anyway, you could just let the doctor know at the next appointment that you didn't know the father's family history.

Yunho walked you back to your apartment, chatting with you the whole way.

"Thank you for being there with me today, Yunho. I really appreciated your support."

"Anytime, Y/N." Yunho waited as you found your key and opened your door then popped your bags just inside.

"Listen...I don't want you feeling you have to go through all this completely alone." He began, "I may not be able to do much but I can at least come with you to appointments if your family can't be here and keep you company, if ever you feel lonely here all by yourself."

"Yunho, I really appreciate the offer but I don't want to take up your time." You smiled at Yunho's caring and generous nature but didn't want to be an imposition to him.

"Y/N. Don't be silly. My work place is really flexible and I don't have much on otherwise. Anyway, we've known each other since school, I think you can let me be there for you as a friend."

"Thank you, Yunho, that means a lot."

"Anytime." He rubbed your arm gently and made his way down the hall of your apartment complex.

********

Just over four weeks later you were arriving back at the clinic for your 16 week check with the obstetrician when you heard a familiar voice,

"You didn't call me." You looked around to find Yunho leaning against a lamp post, waiting for you.

"I was going to....but I thought I'd be being a nuisance." You smiled as he walked towards you.

"Why do you think I'm here," he laughed, "I knew you'd think like that. We may never have been super close but I've known you for a long time."

"Fine.” You smiled up at him, “Let's go in then."

The appointment went well, the doctor checked your health and listened to the baby's heartbeat but when it came time to talk about medical history it became a bit awkward.

"I...Well, I'm not with the father so I can't really get his family's medical history."

The doctor looked at Yunho, clearly having thought it was him but he held his hands up and explained, "Aah, it's not me - I'm just a friend here for support."

The doctor nodded in understanding but asked gently, "If you can access it at all, it would be very helpful."

"I'll try." You sighed. You knew it wouldn’t be easy.

You made your next appointments which were the anomally scan at 21 weeks, followed by another check up with the doctor.

"I know when those appointments are so if you don't invite me, I'll just turn up again." Yunho playfully threatened as you left the clinic.

"Yunho?"

"Hmm?"

"How difficult do you think it would be to find out Mingi's family history?"

Yunho stopped and looked at you with furrowed brows. "It's not the kind of thing that comes up in normal conversation. If I start asking him whether his family ever had any birth defects or genetic illnesses, he's going to wonder what the Hell is going on."

"Ok." you sighed, defeated, "Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be fine. I was with him for 5 years and he never mentioned anything like that."

You moved closer to Yunho's side and held on to his arm, "Thank you, though...for being with me again. It felt a lot less lonely with you there."

"My pleasure. Do you want to grab something to eat? It's almost dinner time."

"I am hungry. My appetite has come back since the morning sickness went away."

"Great," he looked at you with that bright, beautiful smile that always made you smile back, "what do you wanna get?"

As the weeks went on you began to spend more and more time with Yunho. He gave you a lot of his time when he wasn't working; you guessed he was free because the other guys' jobs were more 9-5 than his more flexible one. Most of the time he came over to your apartment and you watched a movie or show on Netflix with a bowl of popcorn. You'd become much closer with Yunho, so much so that it was him you always thought of first when you needed someone to talk or just to have fun with. You still saw Suzy often but she was with Lucas so much you ended up feeling like a third wheel and seeing them so happy tended to remind you that you were alone.

Although you tried not to ask about Mingi, Yunho occasionally said things that made you think that he didn't spend a lot of time with his best friend these days. They still lived together but it seemed Mingi was still shutting himself away a lot of the time and drinking a lot. It hurt you to think of him suffering alone and, as much as you tried to stop, you still thought about him a lot. You still cried often, mostly at night when you laid in bed alone and wishing with all your heart that things had turned out differently and he could be here with you, holding you in his strong arms. The aching in your chest that had been with you since you left Mingi still refused to go away, becoming more painful on those night you laid in bed thinking about him.

At least when Yunho was with you it was better, you felt calmer and happier. He had become so important in your life now - your best friend, really - and you didn't know what you'd do without him. Sometimes you'd look up at him as you cuddled against his side on your couch and think that he would make the perfect boyfriend and an amazing father. He was funny, always making you laugh and cheering you up when you were down, and so caring. In fact, it was because he was so caring and loved skinship that it felt comfortable for you guys to cuddle while watching TV and he often grabbed your hand or slung his arm around your shoulders while you were walking together. To top it all off he was amazingly good-looking, especially with those big, warm eyes and the bright smile he always seemed to have but, even when you thought this way, something stopped you from feeling anything more than friendship. As hard as you tried, you didn't seem to be getting over Mingi, at all.

********

You were at 22 weeks now and visibly pregnant with your bump obvious for everyone to see. You'd had your anomally scan and doctor's appointment a week ago and, to your relief, everything looked absolutely fine - you'd even got more detailed scan photos of your growing baby now it was bigger. You were offered the chance to find out the sex of the baby but you'd decided to keep it as a surprise so, as you shopped for baby clothes, you were picking out neutral colours.

You'd only really bought maternity items and a few baby basics until now but as you were over half way you decided it was really time to start picking out more important items. You had spent Saturday with Yunho looking at the big things like prams and cribs but hadn't made any firm choices yet, however, you did have lots of bags full of baby clothes, soft toys, bathing accessories and all the things you were going to need ready for when your 'Little Bun' came. You had asked Yunho along for the company and a second opinion but he was also a really good bag-carrier and absolutely refused to let you carry any bag he deemed too heavy.

It was when you were walking through the park on your way home that you felt a movement. You had felt a kind of fluttering before but not been sure if it was your baby moving or not but this was a very definite kick. You stopped and gasped, your hands on your bump so at first Yunho thought something was wrong and started to worry.

"It's ok, Yunho..." you laughed, "I just felt the baby kick for the first time."

"It's kicking?" He replied, amazed.

"Do you want to feel?"

"Of course I do!" Yunho playfully looked at you like you were an idiot to think otherwise.

"Wow, you're growing so strong, Little Bun." Your now-best friend exclaimed as he felt the tiny kicks.

Yunho looked just as excited as you were, it was a common mistake for anyone seeing you to think that he was the father because, true to his word, he had been with you every step of the way making sure you never felt alone in this. You both knew you were just friends and he'd told you on one of the many deep conversations you had late at night that he wasn't trying to take Mingi's place, he just wanted to be there for you.

However, the way you both stood there as Yunho held his large hand on your growing bump with a look of awe on his face at feeling your baby kicking would make anyone think that you were a young couple about to become parents - and that's exactly how you knew it looked when you turned to see Mingi standing a few feet away from you.

You'd never really considered the possibility of running into Mingi because Yunho had told you how he'd shut himself away in the apartment when not at work but now you saw him standing in the park watching you and Yunho looking for all the world like a couple in love. He was with Hongjoong, Jongho and Yeosang and they all stood there slightly behind him with equally shocked expressions. The look on Mingi's face, however, caused your heart to clench painfully. He stood there, his eyes moving from you, to Yunho, and then to Yunho's hand on your obviously pregnant tummy, with a look of utter betrayal and heartbreak.

"Mingi...." Your voice was small, you didn't know what to say, you couldn't seem to get any other words out.

Mingi looked away from you, like he couldn't bear to look at you, and over to his best friend.

"Mingi...it's not what it looks like." Yunho quickly said, trying to fix the misunderstanding as he could see exactly what Mingi was thinking.

"Oh, really? Because it looks like my best friend has got my ex-girlfriend pregnant." He was angry, Yunho tried to calm the situation, worried Mingi’s temper would get the better of him again.

"It really isn't like that, Mingi." Yunho almost pleaded with him.

Mingi scoffed, not believing a word of it. "You must've swooped right there in after we broke up - or did you even wait that long? Was this all going on before?" Suddenly he turned to look down at you with accusation in his dark eyes, " Is that why you left me?"

"Mingi...no." You wanted to explain but Mingi wasn't hearing it. He gave you both one last pained look and strode right past you.

As the others followed your ex-boyfriend, you felt helpless; Hongjoong gave you both a look of pure disappointment, shaking his head as he went with Jongho looking much the same but adding, "Wouldn't have expected this of you, bro." aimed directly at Yunho. Yeosang passed by last and placing a hand on Yunho's shoulder briefly, he simply said, "You must have some big fucking balls to pull this kind of shit."

You stood there frozen for some minutes, tears just streaming down your face as Yunho hugged you, doing his best to console you.

"It'll be okay, Y/N. I'll talk to him...make him understand."

You hadn't wanted Mingi to know but now he had found out in, perhaps, the most hurtful way he possibly could have. You felt horrible. You were an awful, awful person.

"You're not an awful person, Y/N." Yunho tried to reassure you but the guilt was already making a home inside you. "Let's just get you home and then I can find Mingi and explain all this."

********

Mingi POV

Mingi sat on the couch in the apartment he shared with Hongjoong and Yunho, drink in hand, glaring at the door. He was waiting for his supposed best friend - he knew he'd come home soon and attempt to explain away his betrayal - but Mingi was so angry. As if it wasn't bad enough that he saw you had moved on and were pregnant with someone else's child, it was his own fucking best friend who had got you pregnant!

He didn't even look at Hongjoong, Jongho and Yeosang as they hovered around the apartment; most likely waiting for the inevitable fight Mingi would start. He knew they'd all been worried about his behaviour for some time now but he didn't care, he was in too much pain himself to care about how anyone else felt.

Mingi was pulled from those thoughts as he heard Yunho's key in the door, signalling his arrival and as he walked through the door, it was all Mingi could do to not leap up and punch him in the face.

"Mingi, please listen, it's not -" Yunho started but was quickly cut off.

"I can't believe you could do this to me!" Mingi shouted, "You more than anyone else. We've known each other since we were five and you do this to me?" Mingi stood and took a few steps towards Yunho who was holding his hands up and looking somewhat nervous. They had the same height and build but Mingi had a temper and Yunho didn't want to fight him.

"I didn't do -"

"Stop lying to me!" Mingi shouted and Jongho subtly moved closer ready to hold Mingi back if he made a move towards his best friend.

"You know better than anyone how much it killed me when Y/N left me....how hard it is for me to get over this." Tears were starting to fall from Mingi's eyes as he was trying to let out all the hurt and frustration he had felt since you left him, "Did you think what it would do to me to see you with her - and to see her carrying your fucking baby, as well?!"

"It's your baby, Mingi!"

Yunho had to shout to stop the angry tirade and it worked, silence filled the room as Mingi just stared at Yunho and the other three men stared between the two of them.

"It's mine?" Mingi asked in a small, uncertain voice.

"Yes. It's yours. Do you not remember the night after graduation? You took her home and fucked her without using protection."

"Jesus Christ, you fucking idiot, Mingi." Hongjoong sighed out loud.

Completely stunned, Mingi sat down on the couch again; he remembered it but it had never occured to him that this would happen.

"Why didn't she tell me?" Mingi asked, "And why didn't you?" He threw at Yunho accusingly.

"She didn't want you involved and it wasn't my place to tell you. She begged me not to."

Yunho came closer to his best friend now he was calmer and handed him a small envelope, "Y/N asked me to give you this."

Mingi opened the envelope and took out the photo from your last scan, he stared at the image of the baby, touching the paper where he could see its tiny hand.

"This is my baby?" He asked again, trying to process this sudden shift in his life.

"Yes. It's your baby, you idiot." Yunho rolled his eyes, happy that the tension in the room was easing.

Mingi picked up his drink and took a swig, suddenly remembering something.

"Is this what you've been doing during all that time you spend out of the apartment. Seeing Y/N? Are you together? It might be my baby but that doesn't mean you haven't still stolen my girlfriend."

"For fuck's sake, Mingi!" Yunho shouted, exasperated. "No...you know what, I do like her. She is amazing. While you've been here drinking and shutting yourself away from everyone, she's been trying to do all this alone with no family and hardly any friends here with her. Do you even know how strong she is? Or how hard this whole situation is on her? Of course not because all you think about is yourself! I have just been being a friend to her; trying to support her through this so she's not alone. And I would have made a move except for one problem.... she's still in love with you. So stop fucking drinking and get your shit together because in 3 months you're going to be a father and right now you're nowhere near good enough for Y/N or your baby!"

Shock crossed Mingi's face as Yunho slapped the drink out of his hand. He couldn't take all this in. You still loved him? He had thought he had seen it in your eyes that last night you slept together but in the morning you told him to go so he had assumed you'd only been with him that night because you'd felt vulnerable and needed someone.

Yunho knew he'd been harsh but he needed to be. Mingi needed to grow up if he was going to be there for you and the baby. "Look, I know quite a lot about this pregnancy stuff now and I know what Y/N needs from you. If you want, I’ll help you get back on track. I want her to be happy and I don't think she ever will be without you. And even though you've been a complete dick, I want you to be happy, as well."

"Thank you." Mingi quietly said, feeling he didn't deserve a friend like Yunho. He'd been so awful to everyone over these last months and they'd only been trying to help him. And if he was ever going to deserve you again, he knew he'd have to get his act together quickly.

********

Can we meet? Please.

You'd been staring at the text message from Mingi for about an hour now. You hadn't heard anything from him for about a week after he saw you and Yunho on the street and you could imagine the hurt that must've caused him but Yunho said he'd explained everything and he'd calmed down. He was still a mess but to just give him a little time to get his head around it. It was fair enough, after all, you'd had months already to process the fact that you were going to be a mother three months from now but Mingi had only just found out he was about to become a father. As you thought about it, you felt guilt spreading through you. Was it the right thing to have kept it from him just because he hurt you? He was always bound to find out one day but how much of his child's life would he have already missed by that point.

Meet me at the coffee shop we used to go to. 2pm

You replied, feeling anxious; now he knew there was no point trying to keep him away but you'd have to deal with seeing him on a regular basis whilst knowing you still weren't over him.

At 2pm you sat in the coffee shop; you and Mingi used to come here all the time back in college, when you were still together. You'd been waiting nervously, playing with your fingers and looking up every time the little bell signalled the door had opened.

Mingi walked in and scanned the room for you then made his way to your table. You looked at each other for a moment before either of you spoke.

"Would you like anything?" He asked a little awkwardly.

"Just an orange juice, please. I can't have too much caffeine."

"Oh, yeah...I guess not." At your reply he looked down at what he could see of your bump behind the table and away again quickly. He went up to the counter to order the drinks, returning shortly after with your orange juice and an iced Americano for himself.

You looked at each other for a minute or so, without saying anything. Last time you'd seen him he looked a mess - thin with dark circles under his eyes and longish, messy hair where he'd not bothered to cut it. Generally like he wasn't looking after himself. Now he looked almost well; still tired and somewhat thin but much better than before.

"You look better than when I saw you." You ventured carefully, not wanting to remind him of that day too much.

"Yunho's been helping me get myself together." His deep voice was quieter than usual as he ran his hand through his freshly cut black hair.

You were both feeling awkward seeing each other after the last time but one of you was going to have to acknowledge the elephant in the room.

"I'm sorry I kept this from you. I was so hurt that I didn't want you involved so I wouldn't have to see you but it was selfish of me. I should have told you."

Mingi looked at you, surprise on his face, as if he hadn't expected you to say this. Maybe he thought you'd still be too angry at him, after all, he'd been surprised you agreed to meet so quickly.

"I understand why you didn't. I realise now that you leaving me was my own fault. I neglected you when we were together and put myself and my friends first. I know I let you down and hurt you a lot." Mingi didn't look directly into your eyes as he said this, feelings of guilt present within him. You sat and listened quietly as he continued on. You were surprised at seeing a level of maturity he'd never shown before.

"I'm not going to ask you to come back to me - I know I don't deserve that - but please...let me be a part of our baby's life. I want to show you I can be there for you both, for whatever you need."

"Mingi, I'm not going to keep you out of our baby's life. I realised by not telling you it wouldn't only be you missing out; I'd be robbing the baby of knowing it's father...and it's grandparents, too."

Mingi's eyes widened like he'd suddenly thought of something bad. "What's wrong?" You asked a little worried.

"I hadn't even thought about that." He said groaning.

"What?"

"How the fuck am I going to tell my parents that I'm going to be a father in three months? They're gonna kill me for being so stupid and not using a condom."

You giggled quietly at this man who was about to become a father but was still worried about his parents scolding him.

He looked at you apologetically, "I'm sorry about that, by the way. I should've been more careful but I missed you so much - I wanted you so badly, I didn't think about what could happen."

"Hey," You replied gently, "It was both our faults. We were both stupid and I seem to remember me being the one begging you to do it."

"How did your parents take it?"

"They're supporting me but, of course, I got the lecture about how stupid I was to not use contraception." You admitted laughing.

"I'm glad they're ok with it. Let's just hope my parents are ok, too." He still looked worried but a little more relaxed now.

"Mingi," you started, turning more serious, "As I said, I won't keep you out of your baby's life but if you let Little Bun down like you did to me, there won't be any more chances after that."

Mingi looked at you earnestly as he replied, "I won't be letting either of you down. I promise you."

"Little Bun?" He enquired, cocking his head to the side.

"Oh...yeah, I decided not to find out the sex of the baby so he or she is 'Little Bun' for now."

Mingi smiled finally - you'd missed his smile so much but it still hurt to see him so for now you decided to cut short your meeting.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" Mingi asked, still polite and a little awkward.

"I'll be fine but thank you."

You walked home feeling a little lighter now that you weren't keeping it a secret anymore but still apprehensive as to how you were going to manage to see Mingi so much. You realised upon seeing him that you were no longer angry at him for how he treated you but still you couldn't trust him enough to take him back. You knew you still loved him and it was going to be hard to see him so often and not be able to be with him.

********

You were sitting with Yunho on your couch in your apartment, watching Netflix, as usual, and talking about things in general so it was inevitable that Mingi was going to be mentioned sooner or later.

"How is everything going?" Yunho asked carefully, knowing it was still a delicate subject.

You sighed, looking down at your hands - a habit you had when talking about or doing something uncomfortable. "I guess it's ok. It's still difficult seeing him but he seems like a different person somehow."

"How so?"

"Well...he seems a little more mature, I suppose."

"Probably the consequence of finding out he's going to be a father in a few months." Yunho snorted.

"It's more than that, though." You paused, thinking; you weren't quite sure how to convey it in words. "I can see he's still hurting and that he's still a bit of a mess inside but it's...it's like there's something missing from him."

"There is." Yunho replied, seriously now, "You're missing."

You cocked your head, looking at your best friend questioningly.

"Mingi isn't Mingi without you. He took it for granted that you'd always be there and so he didn't treat you right but when you left him, it was like a part of him left, as well. I've been friends with him since we were five years old and I've seen him go through some hard times but I've never seen him like this. Being without you broke him."

A stray tear rolled down your cheek as you listened; you'd thought from how Mingi had treated you that he didn't love you anymore.

"If only he'd shown me that he still cared when we were together, it wouldn't have had to end with us both getting hurt."

Yunho hummed in agreement as he wrapped his strong arms around you for comfort, "Believe me, I don't think he'd make that mistake again."

"I just don't know whether to trust him, Yunho."

"He's trying really hard, Y/N. He's quit drinking, he's looking after himself better and not shutting himself away." Suddenly Yunho laughed, remembering something, "I probably shouldn't laugh at this because he really is trying so hard...but the other day I walked past his room and saw him trying to put a nappy on the teddy bear he's had since he was a baby."

Your eyes widened in astonishment, "On Ted?" You remembered the slightly tatty old teddy Mingi always kept on his shelf in his room but couldn't imagine the picture Yunho was painting.

"Yeah..." the tall blonde continued laughing, "...looked like he was trying to follow a YouTube video on baby care."

"Wow. I can't believe he's really taking this seriously." You thought for a few moments before continuing, "Yunho, I think I should start taking Mingi to my appointments now." You watched carefully for signs Yunho might be hurt by this. He had been such a huge support to you, you were worried he might feel like you were casting him aside.

"You don't know how much you mean to me, Yunho, you've been such a huge support to me and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it but if Mingi is going to be in Little Bun's life, I need to make him feel a part of it already. Also," you continued smiling, "it's probably best if I take him to my ante-natal classes where he can learn about baby care without trying to do it in secret."

Yunho looked at you, smiling back, "It's the way it should be," he shrugged, "I was just filling in for him but he should be the one taking care of you and Bun."

"Thank you." You whispered, cuddling into your best friend's side as he gently kissed the top of your head before hugging you closer to him.

********

Over the following weeks you thought about Mingi a lot - it wasn't hard to do because he'd been texting you everyday to see how you and the baby were doing. You were thankful it was mostly texting because it gave you time to get used to having him back in your life without seeing him too much yet. Maybe he knew you needed time and that's why he didn't ask to see you too much. You'd only seen him once or twice for ante-natal appointments; the first was just a standard check up with the midwife but you asked Mingi along to make him feel more involved. You were glad you did when the midwife used her portable monitor to check the baby's heartbeat because the look on Mingi's face was one you think you'll never forget. As the whooshing sound of the tiny heartbeats came out from the monitor's speaker, a look of pure wonder came over Mingi,

"That's our baby's heartbeat?"

He looked at you wide-eyed and you nodded, smiling, not able to help the warmth that spread through you as he then looked down at your bump in awe. It was quickly replaced by guilt, though; Mingi looked so happy that you felt awful for having kept this from him and not letting him share in it with you. In reality you knew you wouldn't have been strong enough back then to see him but, still, you felt guilty.

The second appointment was for a growth scan; the midwife had been a tiny bit worried about the baby's rate of growth so she sent you for another scan. Luckily, nothing was wrong and it was nice that Mingi was able to see the baby on the screen as he hadn't been there for the other two. When the sonographer pointed out all the features to Mingi he looked absolutely enthralled; you knew this because, as well as looking at your baby on the screen, you had been watching Mingi closely. In your uncertainty about whether you could really trust Mingi to be there for you wanted to see his reactions and, although you weren't convinced yet, you were happy that he seemed to be taking this seriously. To be honest, you think that was the moment it really hit him that he was going to be a father and you understood completely as it was at your first scan that it all became more real for you.

"So...I told my parents about Little Bun." Mingi said as he walked you home after the scan.

"Really? How did they take it?" Mingi's parents were a little more strict than yours so you didn't imagine it went down too well.

"About as well as you think they would." He said grimacing at the memory.

"Was it really bad?"

"I got a very long talking to about how stupid I was and how could I have been so reckless? At least by the end of the call they had calmed down enough to ask if the baby is healthy and if you're doing well so I think they'll be ok. They were just shocked, I guess."

It was only a few days after the scan that you were spending a relaxing Saturday at home alone when you heard a knock at your door and, upon opening it, found Mingi on the other side. He looked a little awkward as he apologised for showing up unannounced but that he had some things for you. Curious, you stepped aside so he could come in but he stepped out of your view and appeared again wheeling a pram into your apartment. You hadn't actually asked him for anything so it came as a real surprise - especially as it was the exact pram you had been admiring when you had gone baby shopping with Yunho. Yunho did say he'd been helping Mingi get himself together so you suspected he'd been giving him advice on what to buy as well as supporting him to get better. Your suspicions only grew as Mingi then went back out into the hallway to retrieve a big box containing the crib that had been your favourite that day, as well.

As you stood there looking a bit stunned, Mingi stood looking a bit sheepish.

"I hope I got the right ones. I wanted to buy you some things but I had no idea what you had already or what style you wanted...so I asked Yunho. He told me which ones you seemed to like the most."

"I love them...thank you."

"Oh!" Mingi suddenly remembered something and pulled a bag from inside the pram, "I got this for Little Bun, as well."

You opened the bag and took out a stuffed toy giraffe. You laughed as you remembered they had always been his favourite animal when you visited the zoo.

"It's perfect."

It got a little awkward then so you offered Mingi a drink and you sat talking about jobs and friends. Mingi caught you up with as much as he knew about his group of friends but he looked a little sad while talking about it.

"To be honest, Y/N, I've been a terrible friend to them. I know Yunho must've told you what a mess I've been... I shut myself away and barely spoke to any of them. I don't really know much about how they've been doing since you last saw them. I was too wrapped up in myself."

"I'm sure they understand." You said quietly.

"I want you to know how much better I am now, though. I've stopped drinking entirely and I feel like Little Bun has given me something to look forward to...to make my life worthwhile."

"Mingi," you replied, trying to make him feel better, "...your life is already worthwhile."

"Not without you." He said, looking down. "When you left me I felt like everything was over. I had never really realised just how much I loved you and how important you were to me. Without you everything else seemed so pointless and miserable. It was like all the colour had been drained from the world."

You could feel tears welling in your eyes, Mingi had told you he loved you when you were together, of course, but towards the end of your relationship it always felt like he was saying it out of habit more than really meaning it. He'd never sounded so sincere as he did now.

"I'm sorry," he apologised quietly, "I'm not trying to make you feel bad; I just wanted you to know how I feel."

You couldn't help it then; you found your hand moving towards Mingi's and resting upon his. You looked up at him, into his beautiful, dark eyes that you had always loved most about him, and they were looking back into yours with such an intensity that you found yourself moving closer. You weren't sure if this was a good idea or if you were setting yourself up to be hurt again but what you did know was that everything Mingi had said he felt without you - the world devoid of colour and joy, and life seeming so pointless - was exactly how you had felt without him.

As you moved closer, Mingi's hand moved up to rest against the side of your neck while his thumb gently stroked your cheek. You closed the distance and felt his soft, plump lips against yours and, despite your worries about him, everything felt so right again.

Pulling away, you looked down and Mingi closed him arms around you, kissing the top of your head lovingly.

"I love you, Y/N. I'm so sorry I never showed you how much. I promise if you give me another chance, I'll never let you forget it. I'll never let you down again."

You took a deep breath, looking up at him you knew you had never stopped loving him, even though you'd tried to move on.

"We can try." You told him. "Let's see where this goes."

Mingi took your face in his hands and kissed you more passionately now; you could feel the joy radiating off him as his lips moved against yours, asking for entry as he gently swiped his tongue across your bottom lip. You stayed this way for a while, kissing and enjoying being able to hold each other once again until a tiny movement made you stop and laugh.

"What?" Mingi asked, wondering if he'd done something weird.

"Nothing," you smiled, "it's just the baby kicking."

Mingi looked at your bump with wonder in his brown eyes, "Can I feel?"

You realised at that moment that up until then Mingi hadn't touched your bump, at all. In fact he hadn't even tried and you wondered if he'd been trying to be considerate of you, not wanting to make you uncomfortable with that level of closeness given that he was your ex. It didn't matter now, though, you wanted him there with you.

"Here...give me your hand." You reached for Mingi's hand and placed it on your bump where Little Bun had been kicking. After a second there were a few more kicks and you couldn't believe the way Mingi's face lit up like he'd just felt the best thing in the whole world.

"My baby." He whispered and you could've sworn his eyes looked a little wetter than usual, "I promise I'll never let you down, Little One."

It was as if he'd suddenly felt a real connection with the life he'd helped create; he spent most of the evening laying with his head on your lap talking to your bump. You felt a happiness you hadn't felt for so long just sitting and listening to Mingi talk to your baby while his large hands caressed your bump.

After some time you felt Mingi pick you up off the couch and carry you into your bedroom; in your sleepy haze you vaguely thought about how strong he was as you were definitely heavier than you used to be now you were more than seven months pregnant. He laid you on your bed and left a gentle kiss on your forehead. As he went to go, you reached out to him,

"Don't go. I don't want to be alone anymore."

Mingi paused, not expecting such a request, "Ok, Baby...let me just lock up and turn the lights off."

After a minute or so Mingi joined you back on the bed, covering the both of you up and holding his arm out for you to cuddle into his side. You went to sleep feeling complete again, the dull ache you could never get rid of, finally gone.

In the morning you woke on your side with Mingi's arm over you and his hand lightly stroking your bump as every now and then you felt a little kick.

You rolled over to face him, closing the distance between you to kiss his lips. Mingi smiled at you when you pulled back,

"Good morning, Baby."

"Hi" You said feeling slightly shy, not used to this yet.

You laid together just looking into each other's eyes until Mingi inevitably broke the romantic atmosphere - like he always used to,

"Is it weird that it kinda turns me on that I got you pregnant?"

You sighed heavily. Who'd have known your boyfriend had a breeding kink?

"Yes. It is." You replied, laughing. Then added, "And inappropriate given that that baby is kicking right now."

You moved his hand from your behind, where it had somehow snuck around to, back to your bump to distract him from such things. You still found him hot as fuck but in your heavily pregnant state, feeling a bit like a beached whale, you did not even want to contemplate anything like that.

It worked because he soon turned more serious again.

"I really thought I'd lost you. I'd always held on to a tiny shred of hope but when I saw you with Yunho, pregnant and looking so happy...I thought you were with him...that I'd lost you forever."

"You never lost me completely." You said, cupping his face with your hand and running your thumb over his soft skin. "And if you can't even lose me to Yunho who is, basically, the perfect man...then you never will."

You laughed as Mingi suddenly let go of you, a huge put on his face at your assessment of his best friend being perfect.

"I love you, you idiot." You said pulling him back to you.

"I love you so much, too. I meant it when I said I'd never let you down again. Either of you."

********

Epilogue

Over the last couple of months of pregnancy you and Mingi got closer than you ever had been before and decided to move in together as neither of you wanted to be without the other. You sold your apartment and bought a bigger one together with Mingi who, despite having been such a mess, actually had a really well paid job.

As your due date approached he barely left your side and when you woke up to feel your waters breaking, he took you to the hospital, despite the look of complete horror that never left his face the whole way there. Once you were at the hospital with trained medical staff he visibly relaxed and helped you all the way through the labour, holding your hand and telling you how well you were doing and how much he loved you. When your daughter was born the look on his face was ecstatic and, as much as he tried to hide it, you know you saw some tears.

Mingi was so excited, calling both sets of grandparents, followed by all his friends to tell them the news. The grandparents came down while you were still in the hospital - and fell in love with her immediately, of course, despite their previous concerns about the situation.

Mingi's friends came round to meet your daughter once you'd got settled back at home and he was so proud to show her off.

"Guys, this is Soo Min" he said beaming,

Of course Yunho rushed in for the first hug.

"Hey, Little Bun...do you remember my voice? I looked after you and Mummy for a bit so I'd better be your favourite uncle as you grow up."

"Hey!" The other guys all chorused.

Everyone wanted to take their turn holding her but she was a bit fussy from being passed around. In fact, out of all Mingi's friends, the one she was obviously most comfortable with was Yunho - now a best friend to both of you. As Soo Min settled down and fell asleep in Yunho's arms you couldn't help teasing Mingi by whispering,

"See? I told you he's the perfect man."

Mingi looked affronted and smacked your behind, whispering back,

"Do I still have competition? Once you're feeling better I'm gonna remind you who you belong to." winking cheekily after the last statement. At any other time that would’ve send a thrill straight to your core but you were still really sore down there.

As time passed your favourite sight to see was your daughter sleeping on Mingi's chest. You'd feed her and then pass her to Mingi to be burped and she'd always fall asleep on his broad chest, looking so tiny laying on him.

He was keeping to his promise of never letting you down so well that after a few months you had to force him out with his friends for an evening because they kept asking him out as one of their birthdays approached.

"Mingi," you said, worried he was telling them 'no' because of you, "I'm not going to think you're neglecting me if you go out for one evening. Just go and have fun."

"But I don't want to leave my precious girls." He said whining.

You leaned up to cup his face in your hands and kiss him softly on the lips,

"I love you and I know how much you love me and Soo Min but, really, go and have fun - the guys will be sad otherwise."

"Ok," he pouted, "...but just a few hours. I don't think I can be away from you two for much longer."

"Jeez, Mingi...you spend longer than that away from us when you're at work!"

"And it's Hell for me." He whined over dramatically while you could only laugh.

At least you never had to question if he loved you anymore.

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