#i am so damn close to finishing up aster

[metalbvcky]

I kinda miss posting a bunch (esp oneshots; those'll happen again eventually) but while I haven't updated in a hot second, I have so much prepared to share in the coming months. I'm feeling myself with multi-chapters and I'm beginning to think they're my biggest motivator. It only took almost four years of writing Steve/Bucky to come to that realization 😂😂

[aminiatureworld]

Frustration

Characters: Childe, Diluc, Xiao, gn!reader

Word Count: 2,068 words

Premise: Commissions don’t always go as planned, much to your frustration. Luckily there’s someone there to make you feel better.

Author’s Note: So I’ve been thinking of writing Genshin stuff for months now but haven’t, for various reasons mainly that being how much this blog is already a bit of a disarrayed mess. But after awhile I decided another fandom won’t hurt. Besides I think it’s better to write something than nothing, even if the fandom keeps changing. So… yeah?

This particular scenario was basically my day today. The characters have been chosen out of my own personal will. I was going to do Zhongli as well but I’m exhausted so if this is well received perhaps I’ll do that another day.

Also I’m so tired I’m halfway to a headache and feel a bit floaty so sorry if there are grammar mistakes and such. Anyways, hope you like!

Character Banners in progress

Ao3 link in reblog

Childe

“I’m gonna kill someone.” You muttered, slamming your weapon down on the table, causing the ginger next to you to start.

“As long as that person’s not me I’ll be glad to help you.” You weren’t sure whether you found the comment worrying, insulting, or charming, and decided not to reply, instead throwing yourself in the chair across from Childe, usually reserved for customers or some member of the Fatui higherups, though today you could care less.

“Hey, am I not good enough?” Childe half whined half joked. You only grunted before getting up and walking over to his chair, plopping yourself on his lap and promptly picking at a stray thread on his coat which had caught your eye and was now becoming an increasing source of irritation.

Taking this as a sign Childe gently pried your nails away from the offending thread. Placing your palms in his gloved hands he smiled and placed a kiss on your forehead. “Want to tell me about it?”

“It’s this stupid ley line! You know, the one in the stone forest? I was commissioned to keep an eye on it, normal stuff, but this one seems absolutely crawling with all sorts of slimes and the like, hilichurls too and a stray bandit here or there. They keeping breaking the damn thing and the minute I fix it they’re back again. At this rate I’m not going to finish it!” You chewed on the inside of your cheek, thinking of the hours you’d spent fighting with the thing. You’d even let out a few tears of frustration in the process, and having nothing to show for it was intensely irritating, to say the least.

“Poor darling.” Childe’s smirk was timeless, but there was a softness to it that you took as confirmation that he understood. I mean if anyone was going to understand it was going to be a member of the Fatui. As much as you disliked the group on principle, you did have to admit that Childe was certainly a hard worker, and running around at the whims of the far off Tsaritsa certainly had its trials.

Slumping against his chest you allowed yourself to relax a bit, some tension brought out simply by the act of telling someone about the frustrations that were building up, like someone shaking a corked bottle. Childe kissed your hands, a welcome distraction, before giving you a peck on the nose. You smiled at that, squeezing his hands. It felt good to have someone to complain to, to have someone who understood. But that was Childe, surprisingly understanding. And always looking for a fight.

“So…” as if on cue Childe spoke up, tone becoming truer, his smile becoming more foxlike. “You have something you need help fighting I hear.”

“Don’t let this get you any ideas.” You smirked right back. “I can still whip you when it comes to sparring at you know it. Besides, won’t I get in trouble if you’re there.”

“Give me half the commission rate and we’ll call it square.”

“Such a steep rate!” You gasped in fake horror, nevertheless lifting yourself off the chair. Childe was up no sooner, giving you a mischievous grin.

“Well of course! I can’t have you fleecing me out of my money. Not when I’ve already given you my heart, which is quite expensive by the way.” Giving you a quick forehead kiss he took your hand then, giving some half assed excuse to the poor desk clerk when they asked where he was going. “I have to save someone some trouble.”

You scoffed at that, but it was true. Childe was saving you a lot of trouble, and keeping your pride in some sort of piece. That was Childe. Wild, passionate, aching for a fight, perhaps not a great person – no in fact decidedly not so. But he was also surprisingly caring, reliable, and steadfast. And that was all you could ask for in the moment.

 Diluc

“Do you know where in Monstadt someone is supposed to find 50 Windwheel Asters?”

Diluc whipped his head up at that one; out of all the things he expected you to say that was certainly not one of them. It was almost closing time at the Winery, and this was normally the time when you came up to see him, chatting about this and that, waiting for him to close the ledger so you two could have some time together. In the entire history of your relationship there’d never been an evening that began such as this.

“There should be some around here, and Windrise if you’re in for a bit of a hike. But 50 is an awful lot, and I’m not sure the florists would be happy if you carted off with all their flowers.”

“I know.” You raised an eyebrow, leaning against the wall, picking at your fingernails. “I know that finding 50 of anything in a day is a hard task. But I was given a short noticed commission by some wealthy tradesman who’s passing by and wanted some flowers for a gala or some such thing. It’s important for the Guild that I complete these you know, and I’m not looking forward to telling Katheryne about it tomorrow.”

You sighed, glancing out the window of the Winery. You thought of all the places in Monstadt the view was perhaps loveliest here, cozy, with a view of all that made Monstadt, the planes, the forest, even a glimpse of the waterways that ran through it. But right now all you could think about was how in such a vast swath of land you’d still failed to meet the goal, you’d still turned up empty handed.

“Would you sit next to me?” Diluc’s voice broke you out of your depressing reverie and you sat down in the chair adjacent to his – a recent addition to his office – laying your head somewhat awkwardly on his shoulder, running your hands through his soft hair. You two sat in silence like that for a bit, the steady flow of Diluc’s pen keeping your eyes occupied while your hands braided and twisted at random, gentle and absentminded.

Finally the ledger was closed and Diluc turned to you. Smiling he massaged your left shoulder slightly, eliciting a sigh from you.

“You shouldn’t blame yourself for things like this.” He began, his tone soft and low. “No reasonable person on Earth would ask you to gather so many flowers in a day. Even Flora doesn’t sell that many to a single customer without an order, and her whole job consists of selling flora. You’ve watched me work long enough, do you think I’d sell 50 kegs of wine to a tradesman on site?”

“No, of course not.” You mumbled. “But it’s my job to do the unconventional requests, how can I pick and choose at random? I can’t very well complete only half of my commissions.”

“Of course not, but nobody expects you to simultaneously catch 50 flowers out of thin air either. The Guild has its own regulations and rules you know, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a violation of one. No one doubts your prowess my dear. You’ve slain Eyes of Storms and have scaled mountains taller than most people in Monstadt might ever imagine. You done what might be considered impossible to some many times. So you should trust in the Guild and in the people of Monstadt. They aren’t well likely to turn their back on you over such a ridiculous request.”

You hummed a reply, resting your hands on Diluc’s. All he said was probably right of course, Katheryne could very well tell you how ridiculous such a request was, and no harm would come to your reputation. But your relationship with Diluc was still young, there was still so much to learn about the other, and so hearing such confident praise from him felt like a sort of gift, recompense for such a frustrating ordeal. Humming once more you leaned your head on his shoulder again. Tomorrow you would go and tell the Guild about the debacle, and let the man know the ridiculousness of his request. But tonight you just wanted to rest with the person you cherished the most. That was all you wished for.

 Xiao

“Something’s wrong.” Xiao’s voice was purposefully flat, and you wondered not for the first time how the adeptus in front of you had become so good at reading your mood, especially considering the fact that he admitted himself that his grasp on human emotions was a tricky one. He always seemed to know when you were upset at least, and your initial urge to attempt to hide your frustration immediately blew away.

“It’s been a rough day.” You admitted, standing next to him on the Wangshu Inn’s railing, letting the cool evening breeze cool you down. It’d been an obnoxiously hot day, and you were glad for any bit of fresh air. Xiao said nothing, but you could feel his gaze on you, waiting for your decision as to whether or not you’d let him know the reason you were upset. Not that it was really a question, at this point you couldn’t imagine a time when you didn’t tell Xiao practically everything, from the most mundane to those things that loomed largest in your life. You’d never met someone you trusted so much in your life before, and it felt rather freeing, knowing that he didn’t mind a bit, something that had scared you when you first began opening up to him.

“It’s just a commission, nothing ground shaking. Thankfully.” You added on, thinking of when Liyue had almost been swallowed whole; the moment when it seemed all would fail, before the miraculous traveler had bound the adept and the citizens of Liyue together. It was something you weren’t likely to forget, and something you never wished to relive. “That being said.” You added on. “It’s something that, well, is distressing me a lot.”

Xiao stood patiently as you explained to him that your deceptively simple commission of delivering food to someone had managed to go horribly awry after a group of Cryo slimes had left the food frozen solid, with the angry customer unwilling to pay or wait for a replacement.

“It wasn’t too expensive thankfully.” You remarked. “I mean it was just food. But it feels silly, and a bit embarrassing. I mean of course I should’ve paid, I don’t begrudge that. I just don’t understand how I managed to screw up something so fundamentally simple. It seems… somehow a bit of a slap in the fact. I mean, aren’t I any good?”

“Of course you are.” Xiao’s answer was firm, but not unkind. Instead it held in it the certainty of one who’d lived thousands of years, and whose trust in you was absolute. Drawing closer, the adeptus glanced around, making sure there was no one around, before slinging an arm around your own, drawing you close and running soft circles around your shoulder.

“You’re a great adventurer.” He remarked, voice filled with as much serious as there was fondness. “I’ve seen many warriors, many adventurers come and go in my time. Those whose feats will fill the pages of books and the staves of songs long after they themselves have been reduced to ashes. Those who will be called great heroes. All of them fell sometimes. And, if you must fall, I’d rather it be over something so simple as a botched food delivery.”

You glanced up into Xiao’s eyes. Normally he was reticent with words, even moreso with gestures. Every word let you deeper into someone’s life, into their past, their personality, their soul. No word was careless with Xiao. And as you stared at eyes filled with pride and love and worry, suddenly you felt as if what had just passed was small, oh so very small. There would be another commission, just as there would be another tomorrow. There’d be another failure most likely too. Many of them even. But they were small stones in a great big pond, quickly sinking out of sight and out of mind.

“I love you.” You breathed, and Xiao’s face seemed to open all of a sudden, shedding a thousand cares and a thousand worries. He pressed his forehead to your own.

“I love you too.”

[carriagelamp]

~ Queer Lit 30 Day Book Challenge ~

I decided to do this challenge I came across for June! Originally it was designed as a “day-by-day” thing, but my June was way too hectic to do a write up every single day… so I decided to make a nice compilation for the end of the month instead!

This is perhaps not the “purest” form of the challenge but I wanted it to be personal for me. Growing up when I did and where I did, I had very little exposure to queer books, especially age-appropriate queer books. That being said, there’s some books on this list that are really only “queer” by technically, or through a secondary character rather than the main character. I debated whether to include these but finally decided that, yes, I would. I owe it to myself. Even though some of these books that aren’t “as queer” as other, they were (or are) really important to me as a queer person and my journey is understanding that, so I wanted to acknowledge them!

More info about the books and the challenge under the cut!

Day One: First Queer Book You Remember Reading

Color by Taishi Zaou and Eiki Eiki

Remember how I mentioned a lack of available, age-appropriate queer books? I was one of those kids who was definitely exposed (probably too young) to queer manga/yaoi. It wasn’t necessarily what I wanted, especially as a wee ace teen, but it was the best I had at the time and it meant the world to me at the time, to see same-sex relationships even if looking back on them is very “YIKES”.

I’m sure I read others before this, but Color is one of the first that I really remember and which I a) actually owned and which b) wasn’t completely repellent in hindsight! I haven’t reread it in probably over a decade so I have no idea how it stands up, but at the time it read like a much more “realistic” account of two teenagers developing a crush and starting a relationship and as a questioning teenager it really helped me realize that this was a real, viable option.

Day Two: Queer Book That Reminds You Of Home

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag

I hummed and hawed about this one for a long time because honestly I tend to read books that make me feel far from home. I decided to go with The Witch Boy though because it’s a story that challenges gender norms and stars a large family out in the woods, running wild and exploring magic, and honestly it gives me vibes that remind me of vacationing with my extended family. We’re also partially ginger and inclined to run wild in the woods. If we knew magic we’d have used it for sure.

This book is about 13 year old Aster, who lives in a family where the women all become witches and the men all become shifters. Aster, however, has no interest in shapeshifting and instead finds ways to study magic and learn the arts of witchcraft while constantly being pushed out by his female relatives… though everything might change when a new danger, that may or may not be connected to Aster studying magic, begins to appear.

Day Three: Queer Book That Has Been On Your TBR Too Long

Beneath The Citadel by Destiny Soria

That was an easy choice, this has been sitting on my bookshelf for months, staring at me accusingly every time I enter my room. I’m really excited to read it (Magical heist? Rebellion? With an asexual protagonist? Yes please) but for some reason I have not gotten around to it. Some day, baby, some day.

Day Four: Queer Book With A Name Or Number In The Title

George by Alex Gino

George is an absolutely charming middle grade novel about a child named George who the world perceives as male… but who knows she’s definitely a girl. The novel begins when her class decided to put on a play about the novel they had just read: Charlotte’s Web. George is desperate to play Charlotte, her favourite character, but isn’t even allowed to try out because it’s a “girl’s role”. George and her best friend struggle with how to handle this problem and manage George’s secret amid elementary school and home drama.

This book is really adorable – it was a nice, easy, cozy read for an adult, and would also make a great read aloud to elementary-age children if you want to introduce them to transgender characters.

Day Five: Queer Book Where The Protag Has A Fun Job

The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris

Not actually a queer protagnoist, but a queer side character who plays a major role in the series. Mister Vernon, one of Leila’s fathers, has arguable the coolest job: he’s a retired stage magician turn magic shop owner, which is complete with large rabbit, hidden room, and tons of fascinating gadgets to help a young practical magician learn their trade. He is hands down one of the neatest character in the series and is a major catalyst throughout the series.

The first book follows Carter, a runaway orphan who practices street magic to get by, as he runs away from his horrible uncle and winds up meeting a gang of magic-loving friends in a small town. Hiding from his uncle is only the beginning though, and the mysteries surrounding the town and Mister Vernon become thicker and thicker as the series goes on.

Day Six: Favourite Queer Graphic Novel

Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu

There’s lots of fantastic queer graphic novels out there, but I have to name Check, Please! as my favourite (and not just because I’m Canadian and am legally obligated to at least show interest in a hockey story). Check, Please! is the friggin cutest story about Eric “Bitty” Bittle, former figure skater and avid baker, who joins the Samwell University hockey team. The story is told in the form of Bitty’s vlog as he recounts the bizarre quirks of the Samwell hockey team, his struggle to overcome his fear of checking, and his growing crush on the team captain, Jack. Seriously guys, this is cavity-inducing sweetness and you can read it all online for free, here on tumblr @omgcheckplease or at its own website, checkpleasecomic.

Day Seven: Queer Book You Often Reread

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Another book I haven’t reread in years, but this was the first queer novel I ever read (and owned!) so I read it obsessively, first the copy from the high school library and then my own copy (which is, let us say, well-thumbed by this point). It was pure fluff, in an aggressively diverse, relentlessly accepting, rainbow-coloured high school and it was exactly what I wanted in high school, and it still makes me happy whenever I remember it. It’s a straight-up high school romance, pretty traditional to the genre, but it has the most delightful supporting cast you could ever ask for. Maybe I should reread it again this summer…

Day Eight: Queer Book With A Happy Ending

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

This was a bit more of a “yeah it was fine” book for me, but honestly… queer people deserve some average, run-of-the-mill YA fantasies. As far as my normal reading preferences go, run-of-the-mill YA fantasies are my bread and butter. And this one has a cute sapphic romance to go with it. It’s about Denna, a princess with a dangerous secret: she has a magical Affinity for fire, despite being betrothed to the prince of a kingdom that aggressively prosecutes and fears magic-users. So now Denna is in a strange land, trying to hide her increasingly volatile magic, solve an assassination that rocked the kingdom, and deal with the growing connection between her and the prince’s wild sister, Mare. It has court intrigue, a murder mystery, horses, and lots of confused sapphic pining so it’s totally worth picking up if you want a light summer fantasy adventure.

Day Nine: Queer Book With (Over) 100 Pages

River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey

I decided to try to get as close to 100 pages as possible! River of Teeth is a 114-page novella that I haven’t quite finished (work and covid stress happened) but which I am fucking losing my mind for. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s peak alternative history, about queer hippopotamus-riding cowboys in Louisiana during the early 20th (late 19th?) century. Like… I don’t know how to emphasize how unbelievably cool this book is. Genderqueer demolition expert with a giant crush and a penance for making things blow up and attempting to poison guests when they’re bored?? Check. Gay gunslinging hippo-riding cowboy with an angsty backstory (and also a giant crush)? Check. Sexy, fat, badass lady con artist with an albino hippo that she spoils? Check. Like damn guys. I’m not done the book and I’ve already bought the sequel because I know the second I pick it back up I’m not gonna stop until I’ve ploughed through it all. This book is the epitome of “refuge in audacity” and “rule of cool”. Is it over the fucking top? Absolutely but that’s the point.

Day Ten: Favourite Queer Genre Novel

The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare

I’ll be honest, I’m a little shaky on what counts as a genre novel (isn’t… everything… a genre??) so I decided to interpret it as “slightly trashy YA supernatural fantasy” because that sure is a hella specific genre I’m weak for.

I really thought I was done with the Shadowhunter novels, I thought they were a goofy series I left behind in teenagerhood that I could look back on with amused indulgence. And then I found out that there was a novel specifically about Alec and Magnus and! Oh no! Ding dong I was wrong. I fell back in hard because listen… I love them. They were one of the first canonical same-sex relationships I ever read about in an actual novel, they meant a lot to me then and still mean a lot to me now. I have nothing to say to defend myself here except that this book wrecked me and I can’t wait for the sequel.

Day Eleven: Queer Book You Love In A Genre You Don’t Read

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connel

I am very rarely a slice-of-life / romance genre sort of person. I like my stories cut with a heavy dose of fantasy, scifi, action-adventure… something. So a graphic novel that’s not only a romance, but one about an unhealthy relationship and infidelity is like… super outside my usual range of reading material. But it was very much worth the read! The art was stunning, and the complicated emotions it tapped into really touched me. I’m very happy to have read it, and was so damn satisfied by the end.

Day Twelve: Queer Book With A Strong Sense Of Place

Belle Révolte by Linsey Miller

Linsey Miller is one author I very actively follow, I love her works and they always have very distinct, complicated worlds with unique societies and magic systems. Belle Révolte was her latest book and followed a prince-and-the-pauper type of story, in which wealthy Emilie des Marais is determined to learn noonday (magical) arts in order to become a physician, someone who can actually work to make her home a better place… but this is not something a proper lady would ever be allowed to do. So she flees her finishing school and meets poor, but magically gifted, Annette Boucher and offers her the chance to switch places. Annette goes back to school as “Emilie” and gets to hone her skills at the midnight arts while Emilie will use her name to sneak into medical school and fight her way up the ranks to physician. This is a challenging enough task, with rebellion roiling just beneath the surface and the country about to slip into a arrogant war that threatens the lives of hundreds…

Day Thirteen: Queer Book That Really Made You Think

Our Dreams At Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani

This is a four book manga series that is completely breath-taking. It’s touched by magical-realism and completely drowned in visually stunning metaphors and symbolism. Seriously, I’ve reread these books multiples times trying to digest how the wide variety of symbols overlap and contradict and compliment and challenge each other. I still haven’t really gotten a solid handle on it, it’s very fluid, so yeah… definitely makes me think.

The story starts with Tasuku Kaname who believes he may have just been outed as gay by a high school friend, and feels like he’s watching his entire world crumble around him. He is seriously considering taking his own life, when he runs into the mysterious woman “Someone-san” and winds up leading him to a drop-in center that’s run by a local non-profit, and is also a hub for a number of queer people in the community. The books follow Tasuku as he grows, learns, makes mistakes, and confronts his feelings, along with a number of other members at the drop-in center. It is completely beautiful, optimistic, but also quite stark and harsh at its look at homophobia and transphobia in modern Japanese society and how it can effect people in different ways. I just bought book four and can’t wait to read it and see how everything ends.

Day Fourteen: Queer Book That Made You Cry

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Holy shit guys. Listen. Listen. If you don’t read any other book on this list, please consider reading The Marrow Thieves. It is hands down the best book I’ve read so far this year. Another book that doesn’t have a queer character as the protag, but as one of the main supporting characters and listen, his story fucking destroyed me as a person. That romance just… aaaaaaah. AAAAAAAAH.

Anyway. The Marrow Thieves is a Canadian dystopian novel. It takes place in a post-climate change world in which society has been ravaged – partially due to the wildly different and extreme weather patterns, but also through a strange disease that has spread through the population that has left people completely incapable of dreaming. Now unable to rest, process their lives, and dream of a future, people are being driven insane and only one group appears to be immune: North America’s First Nations people appear to be unaffected. And so they begin to be harvested, rounded up and collected in “school” in order for people to suck the marrow out of them to give to white people afflicted by this disease. The Marrow Thieves follows a First Nations boy named Frenchie as he flees the recruiters and tries his best to survive in this post-apocalyptic like wilderness, banding together with other First Nations people who are heading north, where they hope to find communities of their own people with whom they can shelter and start to rebuild their lives.

It’s a YA level novel, not very long, and such an insanely good read. I cannot emphasize enough PLEASE GO READ THIS BOOK. 

Day Fifteen: Queer Book That Made You LOL

Mostly Void, Partially Stars by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor

Welcome to Nightvale always makes me laugh and it was a lot of fun to get to read the transcripts of the episodes. I’m a sucker for novelizations/transcripts of shows. It was a nice nostalgia trip and gave me an excuse to go back and relisten to some of my favourite episodes too! If you’ve never gotten into Nightvale… hey, it’s a classic! Podcast is fucking stunning if you’re into podcasts, and if you’re not but would enjoy a weird, queer, eldritch horror comedy then try the book! It’s the first “season” compiled in text form, exactly how it’s heard in the show.

Day Sixteen: Queer Book That Is Really Personal To You

Jughead volume 1 by Chip Zdarsky et al

Including this one because gee golly it sure did make me want to fight a lot of people for quite a while. It was one of the first stories I ever found/read that had an explicitly asexual main character… (and a character I already really loved! Which I now got to feel an even stronger connection to! It was so fun and validating!) so it was super awesome how like half of tumblr decided for a year there that this was apparently a cardinal sin. Imagine… one single version of old, long standing comic series deciding to retcon a character to represent a heavily under-represented community… imagine being so fucking angry about that that you decide to start a hate campaign on the internet. So much fun to live through that as an ace person. Anyway, these comics were nothing amazing but I sure do love them aggressively out of pure spite, even now that the aphobia on tumblr has died back down I will hold this to my chest and adore it.

Day Seventeen: Favourite Queer Book Sequel or Spin Off

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

Honestly do I even need to say anything here? Is there any queer person who hasn’t read Mackenzi Lee’s The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue series? If you are someone who hasn’t read it yet… go do that?? Absolutely stunning, one of my all-time favourite book series. It’s the perfect combination of hilarious and goofy, intense action, heartfelt character development, and a dash of “wait was that supernatural or??” This sequel was fantastic, this time focusing on Felicity, Monty’s sister, and her quest to become a physician despite being a woman in the 18th century. Awesome look at femininity, feminism, asexuality, and race. (Also… OT3? OT3.)

Day Eighteen: Favourite Queer Book By A Favourite Author

Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett

One of those “ehh is this technically queer? Not really but close enough, it is in my heart” books. It was one of the books I read as a teenager when I was still beginning to seek out and try to explore queer lit in so much as I could.

Terry Pratchett is, hands down, my favourite author, and though he doesn’t tend to write explicitly queer literature, his exploration of gender through allegory is top fucking tier. Everything to do with the dwarves in his series is fascinating, and a really great challenge/critique/exploration of gender, and this is the book that takes it to the next level (and brings in at least implicitly queer characters). It’s about Polly Perks, who lives in a small, war torn nation, choosing to join the army in order to find out what happened to her brother. However, as tradition dictates, she can’t join as a girl… so she disguises herself as Ozzer, a young man. There’s a lot of twists and turns, and as always Pratchett delivers fantastic humour and just absolutely delicious satire.

Day Nineteen: Queer Book That Changed Your Life

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson

This was the book that made me realize that I, as a queer teacher, could have queer kid lit in my future classroom. Maybe a comparatively small revelation, but a really important one to me. It made me realize that this didn’t need to be something I kept a secret in my professional life and which could really positively influence children, especially queer children. It was the first queer children’s book I ever bought.

Day Twenty: Favourite Queer Book Series

Candy Color Paradox by Isaku Natsume

Alright… I’ll admit it, this isn’t actually my favourite series, but I’ve used my favourites in other spots. And this is a good one! Definitely more of an actual “yaoi” than the other manga I’ve included (here there be sex) but it has a very different vibe that what I’m used to from that type of manga. The main pair are actually both capable, mature adults, with careers they actively care about, and who get together in the first volume! 

The rest of the series is less about them angst-ily toeing around their relationship, and much more about them learning to grow as a couple and balance their work and relationship and society. It’s funny and sweet, and I really enjoy these two losers. It’s a very low-stakes enemy-to-friends-to-lovers story, in which Onoe (a reporter) and Kaburagi (a photographer) are paired up on a news story they’re supposed to dig into together. What starts as a bickering rivalry gradually becomes respect, friendship, and love~ Onoe is a gremlin of a protag, so he’s a treat to follow.

Day Twenty-One: Queer Book That You Recommend A Lot

Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

To repeat myself: Linsey Miller is awesome! This is my favourite book of hers, the first of a duology. It’s kind of like an intense, edgy Tamora Pierce novel with murder. In this world, the Queen has a team of assassins known as the Left Hand. They’re an elite group that keeps the Queen safe and does the dirty work that needs to be done to protect the kingdom and keep the encroaching nations at bay. When the assassin Opal is killed, a contest is announced to find the new Opal. People from all over come to complete for the honour of being one of the Queen’s royal assassins, including gender-fluid thief Sallot Leon. Sal has some deep motivations to become Opal that go beyond a loyalty to their kingdom, but they’re going to have to survive their competitors if they even wants a chance at it… (Sal generally goes by either she or he in the books, but I’m using they in this instance since it’s in a more general sense.)

Day Twenty-Two: Queer Book That Made You Take Action

The Deep by Rivers Solomon

Uhh, I don’t really have any books that made me take action per se, but this one sure gave me a lot to think about. It’s about deep sea mermaids who originated from the pregnant slave women tossed into the ocean to drown during passage to North America. From those dying women, this race was born and were taken in by whales, raised and protected until they could descend into the deep ocean waters, to form their own safe society. Their collective past is so painful though that as a species they’ve developed a very short term memory. But a people can’t live without any ties to their roots and so one of them, the Historian, holds all the memories for their entire species and shares it with everyone once a year so that the community can be connected to their ancestors before once again returning the memories to the Historian for safe keeping. Yetu, the current Historian, is so overwhelmed by these memories, that she can no longer take it – she flees her people, her responsibilities, and her pain and escapes to the surface instead...

Day Twenty-Three: Queer Book By An Author Who I Killed Is Dead

Cybersix by Carlos Trillo

I cannot emphasize enough, this is not actually a queer comic, it is in fact a very homophobic, transphobic and sexist comic written by a horrible person.

That being said, he’s dead and I own it now the TV series was essentially about a genderqueer superhero and a very confused bi biology professor who has a crush on both personas. I had a passionate crush on both personas as a child, and I will cherrypick this comic until I die in order to enjoy the only kickass genderqueer/genderfluid noir antihero I’ve come across. I am valid and I am not open to debate or discussion. Do not read this comic it’s horrible (but consider watching the show).

Day Twenty-Four: Queer Book You Wish You’d Read When Younger

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

This is such an incredibly soft story with the nicest art. There’s so much understanding and compassion in it and its exploration of gender and self-confidence and being true to yourself would have been very reassuring to me as a child, especially by late elementary/middle school. 

Day Twenty-Five: Queer Book In A Historical Setting

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

A retelling of Achilles’ and Patroclus’ relationship from childhood to the Trojan war. So yeah, you can imagine that this was also a candidate for Day 14 :’) I haven’t read this one in years but god it was lovely and emotionally destroyed me as a person.

Day Twenty-Six: Queer Superhero Book or Comic

Overwatch: Reflections by Michael Chu and Miki Montillo

I don’t really read superhero stories very often (the comics have always driven me a little bonkers, trying to find a way to enter the totally unapproachable Marvel/DC canons, and the MCU burnt me out years ago for every other sort of superhero story) so this is the closest I can get. Tracer’s a superhero yeah? Anyway, I, like every other queer person in the Overwatch fandom, lost my fucking mind when this dropped for Christmas a few years back and officially declared Lena Oxton not only the face of the entire franchise but also a lesbian. It’s an adorable little comic and Tracer’s girlfriend is a sweetheart.

Day Twenty-Seven: Favourite Queer Children’s Picture Book

Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack

There’s a number of sweet queer children’s books that are popping up these days, but this is my favourite just because it’s less about “explaining the gays to children” (though those books also have their place) and more of a cute little fantasy adventure in which the actual protagonist is gay. It’s about a prince who sets out to find himself a bride who can help rule by his side, but it quickly becomes clear that he isn’t interested in any of the girls. Instead, when a fire breathing dragon threatens his kingdom, he meets a brave knight who fights along side him. It’s very supportive and the art is lovely.

Day Twenty-Eight: Queer Book That Made You Feel Uncomfortable

Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

This is a book with an asexual protagonist that I was originally really excited for. I know there are a lot of people out there who really enjoy this book and connected with it, but it didn’t do it for me. Maybe because my expectations were too high, but the protagonist’s experience with asexuality was vastly different than my own and the narrative voice ended up rubbing me wrong (and let’s be honest, slice-of-life romance is NOT my usual genre at all). So it’s not “made me uncomfortable because it’s Bad And Wrong” more just… totally vibed wrong with me. Maybe the perfect book for other people but definitely not for me, I had to return this one unfinished because it’s portrayal of asexuality just made me so deeply uncomfortable.

Day Twenty-Nine: Queer Book That Made You Want To Fall In Love

The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice And Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

This book had to make it on here somewhere, and honestly it could have gone in a lot of different spots, but I chose to put it here because the relationship between Monty and Percy is so incredibly sweet and authentic it really does make you want something like that. TGGTVAV (for anyone who has somehow not heard of it) takes place in the 18th century, and is about Monty, his best friend (and crush) Percy, and his sister Felicity going on a final “hurrah” tour of Europe before Monty's father finally tries to pin him down in England and force every part of Monty that’s deemed “unacceptable” out of him. So Monty intends to live this summer up… until everything goes off the rail and the three of them are suddenly fleeing across the continent with assassins at their heels and a strange, stolen artifact in their possession.

Monty has a lot of growing to do in this novel, and that’s one of my favourite things about it. For his and Percy’s relationship to ever have a chance, Monty needs to learn and change and actually communicate with other people, and it makes the relationship feel strong. Not a fluffy, surface level romance that often happens in YA but something built from the ground up by two friends who really want to make it work. Ahh, it’s lovely. One of my favourite novels.

Day Thirty: Queer Book With Your Favourite Ending

My Brother’s Husband by Gengoroh Tagame

A two-book manga series that was completely stunning. It deals with queer relationships and homophobia in a very stark, real-world manner that you don’t often get in manga, while still being incredibly loving and sympathetic. The book is about Yaichi, a single father whose estranged brother (Ryoji) recently died. One day, a Canadian named Mike arrives, introducing himself as Ryoji’s widower. Mike had come hoping to visit his late husband’s homeland to try to get some closure, and Yaichi ends up inviting Mike to stay. The whole story looks Japan’s societal biases, through Mike’s experiences, Yaichi’s thoughts, feelings and prejudices, and those of his daughter who adores Mike. 

Seriously, this is one of the kindest, most earnest looks I’ve ever seen to internal prejudices that critiques them without demonizing the person who feels them. Instead it lovingly embraces grief, growth, and love. This series made me cry multiple times, was good enough that even my straight brother practically ordered me to go out and buy the second book when he finished the first, and the ending was just *chef’s kiss*

Honourable Mentions

A few books I really wanted to fit on my list somehow but couldn’t quite manage it, so here: All Out an anthology of historical fiction short stories about queer teens. The Tea Dragon Society series and Princess Princess Ever After, graphic novels by the amazingly talented Katie O’Neill. Heartstopper a webcomic turn graphic novel by Alice Oseman about a pair of rugby players. The Different Dragon a cute picture book in which the boy has two moms and which is about accepting different ways of being. And Lady Knight a part of Tamora Pierce’s Protector of the Small series because because Kel is word-of-god aro(and/or ace) and I’ve adored that series and Kel since I was about thirteen so by god I’ll take it.

- 

Now for those that wanted to do their own challenge, I found it on @gailcarriger’s blog.

[youarejesting]

BTS Seoul mates: Tender Couple.3

[MASTERLIST]

Pairing: Namjoon x Soulmate!Reader

Warning: little steamy in the shower ;)

Summary:  Every bump and bruise he apologized to where ever you were in the world. All pain was halved between you. Two halves of a whole. When either felt extreme emotions they could feel exactly what the other was feeling physically.  All pleasure was doubled.

The two groups arrived in Queens town, they each dragged their bag inside the house that they had rented. It was huge enough for eleven people. It was a modern layout, and the sun had set. Everyone explored before they assigned the bedrooms. A quick game of bottle caps and you wheeled your things into your rooms. Namjoon was sharing with Jungkook who he assumed would probably sneak out with his soulmate while he slept.

Taking a shower, Namjoon felt the stress leave his body, he was always reluctant to leave the shower the feeling was too nice. He felt the beads of water rhythmically pat against the tight muscles over his neck, shoulders and back. He heard a commotion upstairs but tried to drown it out. He felt the warmth of his soulmate link spread across his back. You were taking a shower too. With careful hands, you washed your form in time with him. He felt so close to you, his heart racing, he couldn’t help the blood rushing to his nether regions. 

The two of you seemed to be insatiable, working together to find your euphoria. It didn’t take long and Namjoon came back to his senses washing any evidence from his hands and he felt the tapping on his hand. It was the same beat; he lost himself in thought when it finally clicked. You were using morse code. He flicked off the shower before wrapping himself in a towel. He grabbed his phone and began writing out the beat so he could decoded it. It was your name and age.

Your name was so beautiful and you had to be smart to think of this as a way to communicate. He quickly wrote out his name and age in English and translated it into dots and dashes and tapped the message back a few times. You placed your hand over your heart he could feel your heartbeat against his own palm. After a few minutes of silence, you began tapping your finger against his palm once more. He recognized they were numbers; he wrote them down and realised it was your phone number. Looking in the mirror, his hair still damp and his body still covered in soap, he called. 

He heard some static noise, and you didn’t say a word. “Hello?” he asked

“Hello” your voice was small and shy he felt his heart flutter. The silence dragged on and he was trying to keep calm pacing around the bathroom. He caught his pinky toe on the corner of the cabinet and out of habit cursed apologizing to his soulmate and you gave a small hiss in pain. You really were his soulmate.

“You should get back in the shower, you are making me cold” You spoke to him. He laughed, placing his phone -thankful for waterproof technology- on the small shelf and started up the shower once more. “What is your accent?”

Your accent and manner of speaking were very pleasing to Namjoon, you were shy but your voice was breathy it was alluring for him to hear and he was amazed by how happy he was just hearing you speak. “Uh, I am Korea, I mean from Korea. I am Korean, but I speak English”

“Oh, that’s cool, I am from (country)” you paused for another moment of silence he could feel you washing your hair and left you to it while he continued washing his own. “Can we make this a video call?” 

Nodding whilst rinsing conditioner, he facepalmed for realising you couldn’t see him yet. He agreed verbally, and the phone rang once more. He hit the green accept button the phone was propped up in a small ridge between the tiles and he saw your face, neck, breasts and upper torso. He swallowed thickly taking shallow breaths as you waved, washing your face with a foamy cleanser. You were gorgeous and absolutely amazing. You finished washing your face and looked into the camera whilst getting ready to brush your teeth.

“You are very handsome” you blushed brushing her teeth everything was becoming just a little too much for Namjoon as the blood was quick to run south once more. You paused in midst of brushing and grinned knowingly.

The two of you were all giggles and Namjoon had to remind you to keep your voice down the other band members were in the house. Namjoon couldn’t believe his Soulmate was such a Knockout, she could kill a man with her charms alone.

When he finally exited the shower, you told him you had to go to a friend's wedding and you could only text. Saying your goodbyes; he hung up, dressed and headed out. Feeling guilty for his lengthy shower time, he asked if there was anything he could do to help with dinner. All the garlic had been peeled and Beau was an expert with a knife. She could make thin slices of sashimi and make it look easy. He decided instead to tidy up the table and lounge rooms for them to sit comfortably. 

His phone chimed from the kitchen bench, Hoseok picked it up. “Hey, Joonie you got a text?” Without thinking, he asked him to read it, “uh do you know a very attractive young lady in a floral dress?”

Launching himself across the room, stepping on the coffee table which tipped and flipping rather unceremoniously over the couch. He had smacked his ankle against the floor, grabbing the injury he hopped hunched over the remaining distance and swiped to grab his phone from Hoseok. 

Hoseok stood still watching the scene unfold, his arms crossed. Holding the phone out to his leader but deciding to play instead. Pulling the phone out of reach, he leaned forward to meet Namjoon’s eyes. 

“What are you keeping from us, oh great leader?”

Jimin pinched the phone from Hoseok’s grip and grinned, showing Jungkook and Rose. 

“Ooh, who is the pretty lady?” Rose asked Namjoon who was chasing Jimin for his phone, only to be stopped by Melody who snatched the phone and handed it to its rightful owner. 

“She is your soulmate isn’t she” Melody grinned sitting Aster at the bench and drying, brushing and braiding her hair. “Sit down and tell me about her?”

Namjoon smiled watching the calm motions of Melody’s hands as he explained how they communicated and how she was so amazing. “She is like Wonder Woman, just so powerful and feminine” he smiled

“Let me see her?” Melody grinned, and he blushed showing her the picture. “Damn Yoongi, babe if we weren’t soulmates I would want it to be her”

“Wow, she is so pretty,” Aster hummed looking at the picture “like a young Brooke Shields meets Gal Gadot. She has a timeless look, I wish I looked like that”

“I know what you mean look at her curves. That dress is amazing. Where is she that she is so dressed up, is she a model?”

“Her best friend is getting married today,” Namjoon smiled “would you believe she is a mechanic”

“No way, really that’s so badass” Rose squealed taking Aster’s seat to get her hair braided as well and Melody grinned setting to work “Our Unnie will be a badass” 

“My beautiful blossom we are on tv you can’t swear,” Jin tapped her nose across the counter. 

Dinner was a lavish affair with lots of food, wine and singing. A game of UNO for the boys, while the girls took wine and snacks to the biggest bedroom and were playing never have I ever. This left them pleasantly buzzed except for Beau who just giggled along not fond of alcohol.

[hikarimiyanaga]

The Whole of Them

It's been a couple of years. Ellie Chu is killing it in college and Aster's a flourishing painter. The two meet again on the wall they painted together.

—

"Ellie!" Ellie turns and sees Paul running towards her. They hug and Paul picks her up. Ellie laughs as she shouts to put her down.

"How's the sausages going?"

"Good. Also, I got into Iowa now." Ellie laughs as the two best friends catch up on everything that's happened for the past couple years.

—

"Good work, Ms. Flores." Aster smiles as she loads the last of her bags on her car. "Your last piece was beautiful again." Aster nods.

"Thank you, professor." The old woman chuckles.

"Love can be such an interesting subject." Aster laughs. Of course, her professor would get it.

"Yes. It is."

"I'm assuming that you're going to meet her?" Aster smiles and nods, she can't help the grin forming on her face. "Tell her good luck from me, will you?"

"Why?"

"Because painters can be such difficult lovers." Aster laughs and the old woman walks away.

"That's actually true." She gets in her car and drives away.

—

'Your move.' Ellie finishes up her stroke and smiles.

"You done yet?" Paul offers up a taco sausage and Ellie chuckles as she accepts it.

"Did you change the recipe?"

"Yeah. A little bit." He watches as she takes a bite. "How is it?"

"Good. Really good." She takes another bite and smiles. "Better."

"Yeah?" She nods and he sighs in relief. "Thank god." She laughs and punches him lightly then they eat in silence.

—

'You really are something else, Ellie Chu.' She picks up the spray paint. She adds a stroke then begins writing her note.

'Are we still doing this?' She smiles as she walks away.

—

Ellie sighs. Was she being too repetitive? Damn it.

"What's wrong? Not gonna reply?"

"I-" She sighs then runs a hand through her hair. "Does she think this is boring?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Look at what she wrote!" She throws her hands up in the air. "It's like she's saying that she's tired of this!"

"Maybe?" Ellie glares at Paul. "You two are weird."

"What? Why?"

"You can just talk to each other, you know. I mean you guys are ghost messaging but…" He gives her a burger and she accepts it. "It's just not the same as talking face to face." Ellie hums as she takes a bite. She notes the juicy patty but holds it back.

"I know that. But. I'm not good at talking."

"Me either."

"I know. Ugh." She sits down on the hood of his truck.

"What if she hates me now?"

"What? Why?" Ellie shrugs.

"Because I'm boring now? Because I'm repetitive?"

"She won't think that. I mean, you're in college and you're smart." Ellie smiles at him then takes a bite. She finishes it before speaking.

"You're smart too."

"No, I'm not. I'm stupid."

"No, you're not. You're smart. Maybe not in the same way as I am but you are." They smile at each other. "Nice patty by the way."

"Thanks." She walks over and hums. She picks up the spray paint and adds a stroke and a note.

'Sorry if this was too boring… and I repeated it.'

She gets inside the truck and they drive away.

—

Aster smiles and puts her hand on Ellie's note.

'Nice. Smart.' She smiles at the photo that Paul sent her a year ago. 'And pretty.' She chuckles as she picks up the spray paint. She adds a stroke and a note.

'Sorry if that was what came across. It's not boring. Just that… I want to talk with you more.' Aster walks away then stops as she sees a container besides the cans. She picks it up and there's a note.

'Try my burger! It's a new recipe!' Aster laughs as she gets in her car, said container on her passenger seat.

—

"Talk, huh?"

"Told you." Ellie hums as she accepts a burrito from Paul.

"How's your girlfriend, by the way?"

"Three days that you're here and it's the first time you ask. I'm hurt."

"Shut up. I just forgot." Paul punches her lightly then smiles.

"She's good. We're good."

"She makes you happy?"

"Incredibly so." She smiles.

"How come I haven't seen her?"

"I told you she's visiting her parents for five days."

"Okay. When is she coming back?"

"Tomorrow."

"Want to go on a double date?" Paul beams and he nods excitedly at her. Ellie laughs then gets her phone out. Her fingers hover the screen but she pockets it.

"Not gonna ask her?"

"I will." She hops off. "I'll wait." Paul nods approvingly then gets in his car.

"See you later then."

"Yeah! Next lunch is on me!"

"Got it!" He drives away then Ellie sits down in front of the graffiti. She smiles before bringing out her book and reading. It's been an hour before Ellie hears the soft rhythm of a slow car and she smiles.

Aster hums as she gets out of her car but stops in her tracks when she sees Ellie. Ellie is pretending not to know that Aster is here. Aster hesitates but takes a deep breath then walks towards her. Ellie smiles.

"Hey." Ellie looks up and gives her a smile.

"Hey." Aster sits beside her then hums.

"What are you reading?"

"Dan Brown's Angels and Demons." Ellie closes the book and turns to Aster. "A professor actually recommended it. She says to make sure I find something to believe. Just like you said." Aster chuckles then turns to her.

"Hi."

"Didn't you just say hey?"

"You know it sounded familiar." Ellie laughs then takes Aster's hand. "Want to get lunch? Or go anywhere? You know-" Ellie kisses her suddenly and Aster smiles into the kiss. They break apart and their foreheads touch as they bask in the moment. They both chuckle.

"So, lunch?" They stand then gets into Aster's car.

"So… um."

"Yeah?"

"Apparently, Paul has a girlfriend and she… she's coming back into town tomorrow." Aster hums. "So… I was wondering if you wanted to meet her? With me? With also Paul." Aster chuckles.

"What are you really trying to say?"

"Go on a date with me. A double date, to be exact." Aster smiles. "But you-" Aster takes Ellie's hand to stop her rambling.

"I would love to." Aster smiles as Ellie squeezes her hand. They smile as Aster drives them to a diner.

—

Ellie smiles at Tv screen. She used to scoff and frown at Rom-Coms… but now, she just felt giddy whenever she watches them. Her phone chimes and both Paul and her dad looks at her. She just smiles at them then checks her phone.

DiegaRivero : Heathen. You up?

SmithCorona : Are you still calling me that?

DiegaRivero : It kinda stuck.

SmithCorona : Should I choose a nickname for you too?

DiegaRivero : Alright. Do your worst.

SmithCorona : How about beautiful?

Ellie blushes as she sends but then decides to push through the initial embarrasment.

SmithCorona : Angel? Hmmm.

SmithCorona : No. Goddess. It's perfect for you.

Both Ellie and Aster are now blushing.

"You okay?" Ellie turns to find both her dad and Paul staring at her.

"Y-yeah." Paul smiles teasingly as he goes back to watching.

"It's Aster, isn't it?" Ellie blushes even more but nods. The two men chuckle but leave her alone.

—

Both Ellie and Paul are waiting for the train to arrive. They're both waiting in comfortable silence. The train finally arrives and Paul stands then turns to Ellie who's still half-asleep.

"Ellie, wake up!" Ellie yawns then stretches. She gives Paul a smile then they both wait for the train to stop.

The train finally stops and a beautiful girl steps out. Paul quickly runs to her and gives her a hug while Ellie watches them with a smile. They kiss as the train leaves. When they break apart, Paul gets the girl's suitcase and duffel bag.

"Morning." The girl giggles.

"Morning."

"You must be Jen." Ellie holds out a hand.

"Yes." Jen takes the hand and shakes it. "Unless. Paul's cheating on me and have two different Jens." Ellie laughs.

"I like you already."

"That was fast."

"Sure."

"Come on." The three chat as they go into Paul's truck. The couple sits upfront while Ellie sits in the back with the luggage.

"How was the visit?"

"Fine. Everyone is still the same." Jen holds Paul's hand as he drives and Ellie can't help but smile at them. The rest of the drive was spent in comfortable silence. Ellie's phone chimes and she quickly sees who it was. She smiles as she sees Aster's number.

Aster : Are you awake?

Ellie : I am.

Aster : Huh. Did I wake you up?

Ellie : As nice as that would've been. Paul woke me up.

Aster : Did you meet his girlfriend already?

Ellie : Yeah. She's pretty and funny.

Aster : Should I be jealous?

Ellie : She wishes. She's got nothing on you, Goddess.

Aster : Only you would pick such a long nickname.

Ellie : It's fitting.

Aster : Whatever you say.

Ellie chuckles.

Ellie : It's true. You are like a goddess to me.

Aster smiles.

Aster : So you'd worship me?

Ellie : Anytime. Anywhere.

Aster blushes at Ellie's answer. God. The girl was smooth as hell.

The truck comes to a stop and Ellie sees that they stopped in front of a blue house.

"Wow!" She exclaims as she looks over it.

"I know, right?"

"You guys are really best friends." Ellie and Paul look at each other then fists bump. Jen chuckles as they all go inside.

—

Both Jen and Ellie are watching as Paul prepares breakfast for the three of them.

"So..." Ellie smiles. "How long have you two-?"

"About a year now." Ellie hums.

"Upcoming anniversary?"

"Yeah. This month too."

"Cool." Ellie leans away from Paul then gestures for Jen to do as she did. They huddled up.

"Any big plans? Anything I can help with?" Jen chuckles.

"How about Paul?"

"If he had plans, he never told me."

"Huh." Jen stands then gets something from her bag.

"I want to give him, sort of a poetry compilation."

"Yes! I can definitely help you."

"And I want an original there too."

"Is it finished?"

"About halfway through."

"Okay. You finish up. I'll compile."

"You sure? Aren't you busy?"

"And let my best friend and his girlfriend's anniversary go to waste? Hell no." Jen giggles.

"Thank you for helping."

"No problem." Ellie winks then they talk about anything and everything.

—

"I'll pick you up around 12."

"Got it." Ellie wears her helmet then gives Paul a fist bump before pedalling away. When she gets to the station, she sees Aster's car and said girl waiting for her. Aster smiles when she walks towards Ellie.

"Your bike hasn't changed?"

"Yeah. Had to leave it behind here."

"If you had the chance, though?" Ellie chuckles as she parks her bike.

"Not a chance."

"Why?" She shrugs.

"It's the only thing I allowed myself to buy before entering high school."

"How about driving?"

"Never learned. Didn't have a car too."

"Wanna learn?" Aster presents her car.

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Besides I trust you."

"Even when I have basically no knowledge?"

"Yep." Ellie laughs then takes Aster's hand.

"Maybe tomorrow. Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Yep. Pancakes. Yours?"

"Bacon and eggs." Aster hums as they walk towards Ellie's house. "Come in."

"Your dad?"

"Doesn't mind and he also knows." Aster chuckles.

"Ba." Ellie greets and Edwin looks up from his papers to see both girls.

"You're back. Did you meet Jen?"

"You know her?"

"Paul told me… and I also met her."

"Oh. Wow. Can't believe you met her before I did."

"Don't be rude. I can socialize."

"Just kidding." Ellie gives him a glass of water. "We'll just be in my room."

"Got it." The two turn to leave. "Ellie."

"Yeah?"

"No inappropriate things." The two girls blush to their roots.

"Ba! God!" Ellie quickly pushes Aster to her room and follows suit.

They both giggle and settle down on Ellie's bed.

"How did your dad know?"

"I told him when he visited me a year ago."

"At Grinnell?"

"Yep. It was a surprise visit too."

"You showed him around?"

"Yeah."

"I want to visit Grinnell too."

"Want me to show you around?"

"If you have the time."

"For you? Always."

"The thins is."

"Yeah?"

"I don't want to be worshipped." Ellie smiles. "I want to be loved."

"Of course." Ellie kisses Aster's forehead then they just hold hands basking in the moment and their closeness.

—

Paul honks and both Aster and Ellie who fell asleep got woken up. Ellie quickly looks outside and sees both Jen and Paul wave at her.

"Paul! You could've texted me."

"I did. Like five times." Aster shows Ellie's phone then Ellie sighs.

"Sorry! We fell asleep."

"We?" Ellie blushes then doesn't answer, instead she just goes downstairs with Aster.

"Ba?"

"Yeah?"

"We'll be going out now."

"Of course. Be careful."

"Yeah!"

"Nice meeting you, Mr. Chu."

"Of course. Ms. Flores." Aster chuckles before following Ellie outside.

"Oh! Aster's here already."

"Yep!" Ellie assists Aster on the back of the truck and Paul drives away.

"Where to?"

"I thought you picked already?"

"Nah. You pick. You'll pay."

"Oh. Right." Ellie considers her options then settles on the one where they've already gone and most people that they know wouldn't be. "How about Sparky's Diner?"

"Got it." Aster glares at Ellie who just shrugs.

As the truck stops. Aster stops Ellie from jumping off.

"Why this place? This is where me and Paul had our-"

"First date?" Ellie smirks. "I know." She jumps off then helps Aster. "But it is fitting."

"How?" Ellie winks.

"We can rewrite your memories." Ellie smirks as she holds out her hand. "It's our first official date."

"With us!" They both flinch as Jen shouts together with Paul. Aster laughs then takes Ellie's hand.

"Okay." All four walk inside, hoping to make memories now that they’re all together.

[alarawriting]

Inktober 2020 #5/Writeober 2020 #1: Blade

I have a feeling this might be based on a Tumblr prompt but I can’t remember where or when...

***

Aster finished haggling with the merchant for tomatoes, and turned, certain that someone was watching her. There was an old woman standing in the center of the market way, looking directly at Aster, and there was something strange about her – aside from the gray braid that went down to her knees, given that the old women Aster knew cut their hair short to make it easier to keep it, since they were going to put a kerchief over it anyway. After a moment, Aster isolated it – no one was looking at the woman. No one was looking away from her either. It was as if no one in the market could see her, aside from Aster.

She went on to the merchant selling cauliflower, broccoli and beans. The old woman followed her, and now she was closer. There was still no one else looking at the woman, but they all stepped out of her way, casually, as if they just felt like bending their path slightly.

Finally, Aster went to a tree on the side of the market, and waited. The old woman strolled over to her. “You’re Aster Sennadotter? Daughter of Canlon the Eater of Fire?”

“Who wants to know?” Aster asked. Mom and Dad had been heroes, once upon a time. Some of those who’d know that Dad was the legendary Fire-Eater were those who’d have nothing but praise for him and his deeds. Some… were not.

“I’m an old friend of your father’s. Has he never told you of the wizard Enteleki?”

Aster’s eyes went wide. “That’s you?” She looked the tiny, ancient woman up and down. “I thought you’d be taller.”

“Many say that. Tell me, has your father trained you in the blade?”

The phrasing was a little weird; it took Aster a moment to realize that Enteleki meant trained her to use blades, in general. “Mom taught me some dagger work. Throwing, mostly, but some up close, for self defense. Dad hasn’t taught me anything.” She abruptly realized how that sounded. “Anything like that. I mean, he taught me how to fish and ride a horse and identify weeds and things like that. But nothing about blades.”

“So you’ve never learned to use the Sword of the Eater?”

“Are you kidding?” Aster laughed disbelievingly. “I’ve never even seen it. Dad said it was lost after he defeated the last of the Servants of the Phoenix.”

“It wasn’t,” Enteleki said. “He’s still got it. He must have hidden it from you.”

Aster shrugged. “He probably had good reasons. He’s done adventuring, he says. He just wants to live on the farm and grow our crops in peace.”

Enteleki shook her head. “Short-sighted. Of course, he’s done adventuring, no one would expect a man his age, with a family and a farm, to go on a quest. But the thought never entered his mind that the world might need you, did it?”

“Why would the world need me? My mom and dad may have been heroes, but I’m just a farm girl.”

“Your father was a farm boy before he was a hero. Your mother, the granddaughter of the village wisewoman. They were nothing special, before destiny called them.” She leaned heavily on her staff. “Just as it’s calling you now.”

“Why me?”

“You’ll figure it out. Just know for now that you are your father’s daughter. Ask him for the sword and prepare to leave. Or the Lady of Light will destroy everything – including your town, including your farm.”

Aster scowled. “I’ve never heard of her, but, generally speaking, why would someone named the Lady of Light be evil?”

Enteleki looked up into her eyes, and it felt like the old woman was a hawk, sizing Aster up as prey. “Phoenixes are creatures associated with life and rebirth; why would evil people call themselves the Servants of the Phoenix? Evil people lie, Aster. And they lie to themselves, and tell themselves they are good, perhaps that they are the only good ones in the world. Battles are never between good and evil. They are between those who seek to cause harm, even though they may think they are doing what is best for everyone, and those who seek to mitigate or stop the harm, or to make something that helps come to pass.”

“Okay, but… if evil people think they’re doing what’s best, and good people think they’re doing what’s best… how do you tell which is which?”

Enteleki barked laughter, sharp and hard. “How indeed. But the Servants of the Phoenix were burning the wisewomen, claiming that those who followed the ways of the Phoenix would have eternal life, and wouldn’t need wisewomen to heal them, and therefore wisewomen were evil because they tempted people away from the righteous path of the Phoenix. Tell me, was anyone ever good because they burned healers to death?”

“No,” Aster said firmly. Her own mother was a wisewoman, just as her great-grandmother had been. “All of that sounds wrong. I mean… why would you have to worship the Phoenix? What if you have a different god? And even if you did worship the Phoenix… no one ever said the worshippers of the Phoenix come back to life, only the Phoenix itself. And even if you were going to come back to life, why would you not want willowbark for a headache, or a poultice if you get injured? Phoenixes come back to life by dying in fire first. You’re not going to set yourself on fire if you strained your leg.”

“And that is why your father had to defeat them, with the help of your mother and their friends. The Lady of Light claims that she will drive out the darkness, and bring enlightenment. But her idea of ‘darkness’ includes men drinking in pubs and tossing dice, women brewing beer, people telling stories where anything happens that involves an evil act even if the evil act is done by the villain of the piece, men and women who love their own sex, and people who join in love before marriage even if they’re betrothed. As well as many other things. She sees our land as steeped in sin, and she wants to conquer us and burn out the ‘sins’ of the people… by setting fire to their homes and farms, if necessary, and for some reason she always finds it necessary.”

“Okay… yeah, that does sound pretty evil. But how do I know you’re telling the truth? Maybe you’re an evil wizard and this Lady of Light person is actually great and you’re lying to me.”

Enteleki smiled. “Your parents taught you to question. That’s very good. A skill that will serve you, in life. But the answer is, firstly, your parents know me, so you can ask them if I am trustworthy in the things I say. Secondly, you can go deeper into town and give the crier a coin and ask them to tell you everything they know about the Lady of Light, and my suspicion is, they’ll back up what I’ve said, because there aren’t many of her followers around here – which is why she wants to burn it all. Ask a few women at the washer-well what they’ve heard. Ask your parents if they know anything about it. And then take everything you’ve heard, and use your own judgement to decide who’s right.”

“All right,” Aster said. “I will.”

Beginning with telling Mom and Dad all about this.

***

Canlon Shreveson, called by some the Fire-Eater, stormed out of his house in a fury, grabbed his horse, and rode down the dirt path outside his property far enough that he knew neither his daughter nor his wife would see or hear any of it. He dismounted, and yelled, “Enteleki!”

There was no guarantee she would come just because he’d said her name. Wizards weren’t summonable. They showed up when they wanted to. But he suspected Enteleki would want to, and he was not disappointed. One moment there was nothing at the edge of the forest, and in the next, there was an old woman wrapped in a cloak.

She hadn’t changed at all. Most old women, if they didn’t die between the time you first became a man and the time you were settled with a farm and a wife and a teenage daughter, became frailer, more wrinkled. Thinner, usually. Sometimes smaller. Enteleki looked exactly the same as when he’d last seen her, nearly twenty years ago.

“What in seven hells are you trying to do with my daughter?”

“I’d think it’d be obvious,” Enteleki said. “You’re in no shape to go kill the Lady of Light, or even stop her, and you’re not the right one for the job anyway. Your daughter is.”

“My daughter is the Chosen One for some new damned quest to stop some other monstrous person from causing death and chaos. Am I hearing this correctly?”

“Yes.”

“No,” Canlon said, almost roaring it, in the tiny woman’s face. “NO! Aster is fifteen. Fifteen, damn you! She’s not even old enough to get married!”

“Senna was sixteen.”

“Senna was our healer. We tried to keep her out of the fighting as best as we could. And I don’t know what you told her grandmother to let her come with us, but whatever it was, I suspect she cursed you to have the eternal crows pick your bones when she realized what you’d sent a child into. I was too young then to realize how wrong it was for Senna to go with us… and Senna was a year older than Aster is now.”

“Do you think I do this for fun?” Enteleki glared up at him. “Do you think I send children into battle out of love for their parents’ distress? Just once I would like to find that the Chosen One is twenty-six and an experienced mercenary, thank you. But no. You were eighteen when the bones and the ashes told me you were the one. And forty years before you were born, it was a girl of thirteen years, and I did my best to protect her as best I could, but she wasn’t as fortunate as you. She lived, but there was darkness behind her eyes all her life, and she took it finally, three years after you were born. And before her, there was Melen the Rogue, who was seventeen then. I don’t know why it’s always children. I don’t know why we need to have heroes at all – why can’t ordinary people taking up arms do what must be done? But it’s always the same – so much more war, so much more death, if the child heroes don’t go up against the evil of the day. Maybe the world would eventually prevail and become a bright and loving place again, but there would be so many dead, so many made displaced refugees.”

Enteleki had never spoken to Canlon this way before. She’d seemed so encouraging, so strong, when he was young. It had honestly never occurred to him that any part of what she did might bother her. “And so you need to sacrifice my daughter so that hundreds can live in peace.”

“Yes.”

“No! Not my daughter. Not this time.”

Enteleki’s eyes narrowed. “You know well that if the Lady of Light isn’t stopped, this whole land will burn. Your farm as well, and your neighbors’. You know that if the duke musters an army against her in time, which is unlikely in itself, your farm may be burned by your own countrymen so that the Army of Light can’t resupply here. Are those good fates for your daughter?”

“No. But she shouldn’t be the one.” Canlon took a deep breath. “I’m experienced. I know how to wield the Blade of the Eater. She’s never held a sword in her hands before. I’ve done this before and I can do it again. I’ll be the one to fight the Lady of Light, so that Aster can stay safe.”

Enteleki shook her head sadly. “You’re not the one. You’ll fail. Aster’s the one who can succeed.”

“My daughter is not taking up my blade – that she has no idea how to use – and going to war. End of story. I’ll go. And if I fall, at least I’ll fall knowing I was protecting my daughter.”

“Which will reassure her greatly when she becomes an orphan.”

“You can’t stop me, Enteleki. I know you. You can’t take my sword from me; I’d have to give it to you for you to give it to Aster, and I won’t. I’ll take it with me to challenge the Lady of Light. Now you can fight by my side and maybe make it less likely that I’ll fall, or you can get out of my way.”

“I won’t stand in your way,” Enteleki said, almost sadly. “And I’ll do what I can to help you. But it won’t be enough. You will fall, and then either Aster will take up your blade, or this land will burn.”

“We’ll see about that,” Canlon said.

[jlalafics]

“A Babysitter’s Life”-A THG Alternate

I’m trying something a little different. Actually…really different.

For some reference, this story takes place about seven-ish years after the Rebellion, putting Katniss and Peeta in about their mid-twenties. Consider a Post-Rebellion Alternate where Rue was not picked for the 74th Hunger Games. All other deaths, however, have occurred.

_____________ 

Summary: “It’s my lauded life to take care of you Mellarks.”

In need of something new, Rue takes a job in District 12 for the Victors of the 74th Hunger Games.

This is my first time on a train. Actually, it is my first time anywhere.

Underneath me, I feel every track as we head towards my destination—District 12. Outside, a forest envelops our rickety train and I take a deep breath when a whiff of pine hits my nostrils. Already, I am getting accustomed to something new; our trees are mostly fruit-filled, smaller but plentiful and sweet-smelling. The forest around me is encompassing, filled with the rustic scent of undisturbed life.

My mother tells me this is the opportunity of a lifetime. It is a chance to see another District; meet some new people and to really learn what skills I have. I can tell, however, that my mother is more anxious to see me settled in somewhere…anywhere, really.

I think that she’s just tired of finding me laid up in another wheat field staring up at the sky.

The train begins to slow down as we reach our last stop and my new home.

It is still early and my train had very little passengers; there’s a handful of people waiting for their loved ones—and one boy.

He is grey-eyed and olive skinned with thick, inky hair brushed back from his sharp face. The boy leans against a post and when our eyes meet, I know that he has come for me.

Steeling myself, I stand up when the train comes to a halt and make my way out.

The boy is already in front of me when I step down onto the platform.

He lifts a strong brow at me. “Rue Andrews?”

“Yes,” I confirm.

“Rory Hawthorne,” the boy replies. “I’m to take you to the Mellarks.”

Rory reaches for my lone bag and I whip it away. “No need. I got it.”

He guffaws, a small grin on his lips as he holds his hands up in surrender. “Just trying to be polite.”

“I’m sorry,” I say as we head off the platform into what I’m guessing is the main part of District 12. “I’m not used to—”

“People trying to be polite?” he responds.

I let out a snort. “It’s just very early…” Something niggles at my memory and I look to him, trying to remember where I may have seen him. A poster drifts into my thoughts… “Why do you look familiar?”

Rory gives me a long look. “Maybe you’ve heard of my brother—Gale?”

Oh yes—Gale Hawthorne.

Part of the Star Squad during the Rebellion and currently the sweetheart of District 2. His wedding to some businessman’s daughter was splashed all over the papers and the Capitol’s main channel. My mind recalls a picture of Gale with his family and I briefly remember an image of Rory in a fitted suit.

I turn to him. “You look better in your regular clothes.”

Rory colors. “Yeah…Alice, Gale’s wife, wanted us to wear those monkey suits.” He meets my eyes. “So, how did you fall into the job of glorified babysitter for the Mellarks?”

“My mom was visiting her sister in District 4 and met Mrs. Everdeen,” I explain. “She was telling my mom about how Katniss is expecting another child and has to limit her activities because this pregnancy is a little more difficult. Also, that their daughter needs someone to run around with while Peeta is at their bakery. So, my mom volunteered for me.”

I also jumped at the chance. I needed something new.

Rory nods in understanding. “It can get stifling sometimes.”

“Don’t I know it,” I reply as we reach the end of town and toward a border fence. “So, your family was close to Katniss’, right?”

“Yes. Katniss and Gale used to go hunting together,” Rory recalls. “He was in love with her at some point…but she chose Peeta. It was the right choice, in my opinion.”

“Oh…so you also knew Pr—”

“I knew Prim,” Rory finishes hurriedly. “We grew up together and when we were in hiding in District 13, we took care of each other. Then, she joined the medical team—” He stops, his expression heavy. “We’re here.”

I stare up at an iron archway, leading to the cul-de-sac of grand houses. “Victors’ Village.”

“Yup,” Rory replies wryly. “Population: Four and a three-fourth people. I guess with you—five and three-fourths.”

I roll my eyes at him. “Thanks for the math lesson.”

We reach the first house on the right. There’s a well-tended garden in front and a pathway leading up to the house created with…primroses.

Rory follows my gaze as we approach the front door.

“Peeta planted them when he came back from the Capitol.”

“For Katniss,” I muse. “That’s romantic.”

A laugh comes from in front of us.

“I don’t think we had romance on our minds…we were just trying to keep ourselves from attacking one another.”

I look up to find a very pregnant Katniss Mellark standing in the open doorway.

++++++

Katniss Mellark looks surprisingly young.

While we are just a few good years apart in age, Katniss’ smooth complexion and clear greys could easily fool someone into thinking we are school-age friends instead of employer and employee. I have a hard time registering that the woman in front of me was once a seventeen-year-old who, in one action, started a revolution.

“Thanks for picking Rue up,” she tells Rory. “What do I owe you?”

“Nothing,” he tells her easily. “I got to walk a cute, intelligent girl to your house. That’s reward enough.”

I turn to him. “I appreciate the intelligent. I hate the cute.” Reaching into my pocket, I hand him a few bills. “Here. Buy yourself a thesaurus and come up with some better adjectives.”

“I like you already,” Katniss says with a smirk before looking to Rory. “Stop by the bakery. Peeta has a few things that he needs help with.”

“You got it,” Rory replies. Stepping onto the porch, he gives me a wink. “I’m glad you’re here. See you around.”

He turns and saunters off before I can reply.

“Rory is a real charmer,” Katniss remarks as she closes the door.

“He’s a little much,” I tell her.

She laughs and then looks me over. “So, what made you decide to leave the lush orchards of District 11?”

“I don’t know.” I look around the entryway—painted a cool blue—before glancing to each side where the living room and den are. “There was just a yearning, I guess. A chance to do something new.” Turning, I meet her eyes. “Isn’t that what you fought for? A chance for the generations after you to live fully?”

“At the time, I was just trying to stay alive,” she says, somewhat shyly.

Her hands go to her belly; she’s entering her seventh month, from what I can tell. I’m the oldest of six and by the time Charlene—the last of my siblings—was born, I knew without my mom telling me that she was in labor.

“Well, it worked out in our favor. Thank goodness for that.” Katniss’ mouth opens just a bit as if to reply before it firmly closes. “Sorry. I’ve been told that I speak with absolutely no filter at times and it can throw people off.”

“You remind me a lot of Johanna,” she tells me.

“Johanna Mason?” I think for a moment. “She seemed a bit blunt during her interviews and I was never good at axe-wielding.”

“Talk to Johanna for five minutes and you might want an axe of your own.”

We both laugh and I can see the tension melt off her. I can also see that she is exhausted, her hands imperceptibly going to her lower back.

“Why don’t we go to the kitchen and you can tell me more about my duties?” I say gently.

Katniss nods, letting out a small breath. “Right down the hall towards the back.”

We head past the stairs and make a turn into the open archway where the kitchen is. It’s homey; peach wallpaper with a delicate filigree pattern and dark wood. A table stands adjacent to the backdoor heading to the yard and I lead Katniss to a chair, pulling it out for her.

“You’re perceptive,” she remarks. “Aster will like you.”

“Where’s your tea?” I ask and Katniss nods towards the cupboard next to me. I go to the cupboard and find the chamomile easily. “I like the name. Totally makes sense.”

Katniss gazes at me curiously. “What do you mean?”

“Aster—it means star.” The kettle is already filled on their stovetop so I just turn the flame on. “You know, because you and Peeta were ‘The Star-Crossed Lovers of District 12’.”

“Damn, I never thought of that,” she tells me with a smile. “She was born in September and that’s her birth month flower; we just kind of stuck with a theme.”

“If this one is a boy, are you going to give him some sort of bread name?” I tease as I search the cabinets for a mug. Their kitchen is organized well enough for me to find them in one of the upper cupboards.

“Actually, I wouldn’t mind a flower name for a boy,” a jovial voice says behind me.

Peeta Mellark looks quite different compared to the propos footage from the Rebellion.

Back then, he was gaunt; his blue eyes somewhat blank as Katniss stood at the forefront of the cameras. It was a little disheartening as he had so much charm during his Caesar Flickerman interview.

Besides Thresh, my mom favored him.

Putting memories of my past behind me, I watch as he greets Katniss, dipping his head to meet hers in a sweet kiss.

“Hello, my love,” he greets her tenderly.

In return, Katniss reaches to run a hand through his dirty-blond locks.

Present Peeta Mellark is, by far, my favorite.

“Rue, right?” He gives me a bright grin and I nod. “You’ve got Rory singing your praises.”

“It doesn’t seem all that hard to impress Rory,” I say wryly. Pouring the boiled water into the mug I find, I dip in the tea bag and place the cup in front of Katniss. “That tea bag would probably impress him.”

Peeta laughs warmly. “You’re going to fit in just fine here.”

++++++

Aster Mellark wakes up from her mid-afternoon nap.

By then, I have already set myself up in the room next to hers and I can hear her slight wail as she pulls herself from her slumber.

Without thought, I go into the nursery and find her in her daybed, staring up at the hanging mobile of the planets. The room is painted a sage green with the opposite wall being a beautiful mural of a meadow.

Going to the bed, I sit at the edge looking down at the toddler. “Hi Aster. I’m Rue.”

Aster has the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen. They are large and almond-shaped with thick lashes framing her gorgeous orbs. Her hair is raven black and thick; it hits her shoulders and I think of the many hairstyles that I can do with such locks.

When she’s a grown-up, Katniss and Peeta will have their work cut out for them.

“Woo,” she repeats my name. Aster holds her arms out to me and I can’t help but reach for her.

I love the ‘little one’ smell and mourned each time one of my brothers or sisters outgrew that innocent scent of babydom.

Standing up, I give her a smile. “Are you hungry?”

“My wuv,” she says simply.

“What does that mean?” I ask.

Aster points outside. “My wuv! My wuv!”

“Your parents might need to fill me in,” I tell her as I carry her down the stairs, heading for the den.

Katniss and Peeta sit on the sofa, her head on his shoulder and his hand on her belly, as they talk to one another quietly. I almost hate to break up the intimacy of the moment, but Aster is already scrambling down my body and heading towards her parents.

She waves her hands out at Katniss, who picks her up. “My wuv, my wuv.”

Katniss turns to her husband. “Now she will never call me Mama.”

I think back on Peeta’s greeting and I bite back the need to coo—I am not sentimental.

But the thought of Aster imitating her father is just too much for me.

Next thing you know, I’ll be singing love songs and reading sonnets.

++++++

The next few days are pretty much routine.

I wake up first to get dressed and ready before Aster wakes up. I am lucky because I get the hallway bathroom to myself. Katniss and Peeta have their own in the master bedroom.

After that, Aster usually wakes up and I bring her downstairs to make her breakfast and some toast for Katniss. Morning sickness did not go away after that first trimester and she remains nauseous mostly in the morning, though there is an occasional afternoon disappearance into the commode.

Peeta, who wakes up at the crack of dawn to heat the ovens, comes back to deliver a fresh loaf of bread to check in on his wife and Aster. I make sure that he brings his lunch to the bakery before he takes off with a final kiss to his family and a friendly wave for me.

I can tell that he is assured that his two ladies are safe with me. We share one goal; to make sure they are cared for.

Eventually, I meet Haymitch Abernathy. He is a bear of a man, but his dark eyes soften when Aster rushes into his arms.

“Nice to meet you,” he says gruffly. “You know…if it wasn’t going to be them, I was rooting for Thresh.”

“Yes, I know.” My eyes go to the rough ground. “Thresh was that kind of guy, though—kind enough to save Katniss from Clove. Had a bit of a crush on him back in 11, but he never saw me as anything but the little sister type.” I look up to see Haymitch still gazing at me, his eyes full of empathy. “Kind of broke my heart when he—”

Haymitch puts a hand to my shoulder. “Well, it’s a damn shame because you grew up very lovely.”

“For some reason, I feel like you don’t give compliments too frequently,” I say with a smile. “Thanks.”

I think I can find myself caring for Haymitch as much as I’m beginning to care for the Mellarks.

“Get out!”

A shout comes from the house and immediately Haymitch gives Aster back to me.

“Wait here,” he commands. “Do not come in until I say it’s okay.”

There’s nothing I can do but nod in agreement.

++++++

It’s a full hour before Haymitch emerges from the house—he looks exhausted.

“Katniss is asking for Aster,” he says.

“What happened?” I cradle Aster who has long fallen asleep against me.

We head towards the house and I can’t help but feel a little apprehensive. The house looks as it normally does in the evening; warm yellow light seeping through handmade curtains and quiet as a mouse. However, there is a sinking feeling hitting my core as we walk up the steps.

“Once in a while,” Haymitch starts. “Peeta has these…episodes. Usually triggered by stress or in this case, a memory of the old bakery. They’re infrequent but when they hit, they hit hard. Katniss, in her condition, isn’t able to handle it so their old mentor is in charge.”

“Thank you,” I tell him. “Not many mentors would care to help.”

“I like ‘em,” he says offhandedly.

A smile grows on my lips. “You more than like them.”

Haymitch opens the front door for me. “Well, just don’t tell them that.”

After telling him goodnight and promising to update him later, I close the door behind me. I go to the den first; Katniss is lying down on the couch, her eyes closed.

When my steps creak against the floor, she opens her eyes and sits up carefully, her hands resting on her belly. Every day, I see her little one growing even more. Her grey eyes are weary and lined with tears, but she reaches for Aster immediately.

I place her in Katniss’ arms. “Are you okay?”

“He came across an old rolling pin of his father’s,” she explains quietly. “Mr. Mellark was always such a nice man, but he wasn’t without his faults. He never defended Peeta or his brothers from their mother.”

I nod in understanding. “I’m guessing she wasn’t the mothering type.”

“Far from it. Peeta wanted to understand their relationship,” Katniss continues. “It’s just with being a father or a mother, it’s hard to understand how anyone could not love their child. Mrs. Mellark didn’t love her kids and Mr. Mellark couldn’t muster enough love to defend them.”

“But Peeta still loves them, anyway?”

Katniss smiles, her eyes faraway. “That’s just the way Peeta is. He can’t help but love—even if you treat him badly. I’ve been one of those.”

“It was hard to see that through the camera’s view,” I remark. “But for some reason, from the beginning, I thought it was real.”

“Maybe it was.” Katniss shrugs, her eyes full of tears. “I was just too young and stupid to see it. Peeta…he always knew—and that’s what I fell in love with. That damn hope of his.”

“It’s a good way to be,” I reply. “Do you need anything?”

“Can you just check on him?” she asks quietly. “Peeta never wants me to see him after one of these episodes.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.” However, I’m not sure if I’m wrong or not. “I’ll go make sure he’s okay and let him know that you’re down here.”

Katniss nods, before closing her eyes and cradling Aster even closer.

Going upstairs, I turn the opposite way of my room and toward the double doors. In the few weeks that I’ve been here, I have never been in the master bedroom as there was no need. However, I can’t help but worry about what state I’ll find Peeta in. Katniss has tiptoed around the torture tactics of the Capitol, but obviously it has damaged Peeta in some way.

Carefully, I knock.

“Come in,” Peeta says dully.

I let out a breath before turning the doorknob and stepping in.

I don’t close the door—just in case.

“I told Katniss I’d check on you,” I start as I walk into the room.

Peeta is laying on the bed, turned away from me, in a fetal position and I can hear him sniffle.

“I don’t know why…I acted horribly towards her.”

I stay where I am, but I feel like whatever happened has ebbed and now I’m facing a shell of a person.

“Katniss loves you,” I reply. “You know that, or you wouldn’t be feeling so bad.”

He laughs gruffly. “That’s true…I’ve always loved her, you know. Since we were kids.”

“I know.” Who doesn’t remember their time in the cave? My mom only let me watch it because it was featured on the screen at our town square. More than one woman swooned over Peeta’s sweet story of Katniss and the Valley song. “And that’s how I know that you never really mean to hurt her.”

“You have more faith in me than I do at the moment,” he tells me.

Peeta finally turns to me and I can see that his hands are bandaged. There is a small bit of blood on his lower lip while his blues are red-rimmed with regret.

“I do. I have faith that you love your family more than anything,” I say. “More than your parents may have loved you. Aster and the new baby will never feel that they weren’t adored because you and Katniss would rather die than let that happen.”

He nods in agreement. “I’ll go check on them…after I clean up.”

“I agree. You look like crap.”

Peeta guffaws. “Get to sleep, Rue. You’re done playing therapist for the day.”

I grin. “It’s my lauded life to take care of you Mellarks.”

“You’re doing a good job.”

I tell him goodnight, closing the door behind me. I listen briefly behind it, just to make sure that he’s alright and leave only when I hear him getting out of bed.

In my room, I remind myself to call my mother. She is a stoic woman—not quite as affectionate as others—but I can tell that she loves her children fiercely. She wouldn’t be working her butt off from dawn till dusk if she didn’t.

After I change and settle down, I still feel restless. It must be the adrenaline of everything that has happened in the last few hours. Also, I hate to admit, but I do worry about the Mellarks. Despite everything, Katniss and Peeta are still young adults just trying to make their way. They’re still learning how to be parents to Aster and their soon-to-be-arriving baby.

My mother tells me that she and my father made all sorts of mistakes with me, but it made them work as a team and made them stronger.

I hope it’s the same for Katniss and Peeta.

My stomach growls and I realize that I haven’t eaten dinner. There’s always a little something in the fridge so I’m quickly on my feet and out the door. It’s as I head down the stairs that I hear something; it’s coming from the den where I left Katniss.

“I’m so sorry, love.” It’s Peeta. “Sometimes, I don’t how you put up with me. Part of me thinks that I’m never going to be fixed.”

“There’s nothing to fix,” Katniss tells him. “You can’t repair what’s a part of you…a part of us. This damage from the rebellion and the Games, it’s not going to go away. But we can’t let it take over us. Every day, we just try and live as best we can. We fought so hard to get here.”

I hear the smile in Peeta’s voice. “When did you become the optimist?”

Katniss snorts. “All these stupid hormones have made me soft. As soon as this one is out, I’m going into the woods and shooting something.”

“I look forward to it,” Peeta tells her.

They laugh quietly and it fills me with happiness.

For all is well in our little home.

++++++

“So, everything is alright?”

I walk along the edge of the forest with Rory on a rare day to myself. It has been two months since I’ve come to District 12 and I feel like it’s become part of my skin. I know every creak of the Mellark house or the exact cry that Aster makes whenever she wants the blue spoon and not the pink one. I know the right amount of time it takes to make Katniss’ favorite tea and when a homemade loaf made by Peeta has been proofed enough.

I can even feel the seasons change; this autumn is tense. Baby Mellark is almost here—and sometimes I feel I’ll know the exact moment that he or she is ready to come.

“Yes, it’s been quiet since the incident,” I tell Rory as we walk into the woods just beyond the border of District 12. “How were they when they were younger? Before the Games?”

“I didn’t know Peeta all too much,” Rory says as he kicks a stone in his path. “He was always a good guy…like his Dad. I’ve known Katniss since I was a kid because she spent so much time with Gale. She was serious and stubborn like him; they were peas in a pod. In the end, they were too much alike. My mother always knew that they weren’t meant for each other, but Gale was insistent that she was his.”

“And the Games changed that?”

“Katniss learned to care for someone outside her circle,” he tells me. “She didn’t have to take care of Peeta, but there was something about Peeta that just made him special…and it killed Gale. I mean, any idiot watching the Games could see that kiss was real.”

“Is it silly that I always wanted a kiss like that one in the cave?” I admit. “Not the ‘fearing for my life’ aspect of it, but that ‘I’m seeing something wonderful right in front of my face and I can’t let him go’ part.” I smile dryly. “So far, none of my kisses have been like that.”

“Mine were.” Rory stops, his eyes looking out ahead. “Back in District 13, Prim and I…” His fists clench. “Maybe it was because we weren’t sure what was going to happen from one day to the next…but they felt real.”

“I didn’t know Prim.” My hands instinctively go to his to stop him from breaking skin. “But from what you’ve told me and what Katniss tells me whenever she can muster up the courage to, Prim was not the kind of person who would just kiss someone and not mean it.”

“What if it never happens again?” he asks.

I shake my head. “One day it will and if all else fails, I’ll give it a go.”

Rory grins at me. “You’ll take me on?”

“I never said that,” I say. “I’m just realistic. I don’t think that I’ll ever have a kiss like Katniss and Peeta’s from the cave. Love doesn’t come in spades.”

“You sound just like Katniss,” Rory teases. “She was always saying she never wanted kids, especially when the Capitol was up and killing them for show. And she was still adamant after it was all over—took Peeta years to convince to her to have Aster.” We stop and Rory helps me onto a rock overlooking the wide meadow before us. “My mom was there the day Aster was born. She told me as soon as she was in Katniss’ arms, that resistance…that fear…just melted from her eyes.”

“And you think one kiss will change my mind about love?”

Rory grins at me. “I don’t know—but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give a try.”

++++++

“Hi Mama!” I call out into the phone receiver. It’s been forever since I’ve heard from her; my mother has been working tirelessly since returning from District 4. She is a supervisor in one of the orchard fields and it leaves her little time to catch up with me here in 12. “How is it going?”

“Same old, same old,” she replies. “We really miss you out here. I mean, Casey has been doing just fine taking care of the rest of the brood, but he can’t make the roast and potatoes the way the younger ones want it!”

Casey is seventeen and should be focusing on school. Instead he takes care of my younger siblings and takes a night shift at one of our production factories. As beautiful as it is in District 11, it doesn’t come without hard work.

“They shouldn’t be so picky,” I admonish.

“How are Katniss and Peeta? Their little ones?” Mom asks curiously.

I bite back the need to roll my eyes; I am sure that she’s been telling everyone that her oldest is living in the Mellark home, reaping the benefits of some Victors.

It is quite far from that.

Over time, I have come to realize that the rewards don’t necessarily balance out the punishment of winning the Games. Wonderful as Katniss and Peeta are, they work hard to create a semblance of normalcy for themselves and Aster.

It can be a trial for both, but I have seen them work through moments of gripping table edges or counters, biting back tears at memories, and having nightmares that leave them both trembling in cold sweats.

And I am here to take Aster in my room when needed or bring one of them a glass of water or cup of tea after a hard day.

In some ways, it’s important to me that they live as normally as they can—because they’ve fought so hard.

“It’s just fine. Katniss and Peeta are just a run-of-the-mill couple with a different kind of love story,” I tell her. “Aster, their daughter, is just precious. It’s almost time for the next one to come so we’re just waiting.”

“That sounds great,” my mother replies. There’s a long pause. “Sweetheart, Troy has been asking about you.”

I grip the receiver at the sound of his name. “Oh yeah?”

“He’s been asking if you’re coming home,” she continued carefully. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but you’ve been connected since birth. His mother and I practically worked in the orchard side by side when we were having you both—”

“What are you saying, Mama?” I ask abruptly.

“In about a month, a job will open up here in 11,” she tells me. “We miss you. I’m not trying to pressure you—I just want you to think on it.” There’s a sigh and I’m not sure if it’s coming from me or Mom. “And, this whole thing with Troy—you have to make a decision, either way.”

“I know,” I reply. “I have to go. Aster is going to wake up from her nap soon.”

“Alright, Rue.” There’s resignation in her tone. “Talk soon. I love you.”

“Love you too, Mama.” I hang up, biting back the need to sob or scream into the receiver.

I lied. Aster is already awake, sitting on the porch with her parents.

I feel bad for lying, but I’m not ready to face what I’ve left behind.

Stepping out onto the porch, I find Peeta and Katniss sitting on the swing seat. Across the way, Aster is sitting on Haymitch’s lap as he plays a game of chess with Rory.

I sit down on the steps of the porch, leading to the courtyard. The sun is just beginning to set and I close my eyes to take in that last bit of orange warmth.

“You okay there?” Katniss asks. “Did your phone call go alright?”

“Yes.” I let out a breath. “Just going through something similarly like the whole Gale situation, if you know what I mean.”

“So, you ran here,” Peeta says.

It isn’t a question and we both know it.

“I needed a change.” I turn to them. “Troy has been my friend since birth; our mothers worked side by side while we were in their stomachs. So, I guess he always thought I belonged to him.” I open my eyes, finding Rory looking to me, curiosity in his gaze. “I just want to belong to me. I’m not ready to just…give in.”

“Woo!” Aster toddles over to me, perching herself in my lap. “Sing.”

“Sing? What am I—your own personal songbird?” I tickle her and she giggles. “Well, if I’m going to be someone’s songbird, I would love to be yours.” Aster settles against me and I take in that wonderful smell of youth before deciding on a song—one that I heard when I was a child whenever my father came home from work, when my mother still danced.

“Something in your eyes, makes me want to lose myself

Makes me want to lose myself, in your arms…”

I’m not much of a singer, but Aster nestles herself against me contently. Haymitch and Rory have paused their game to listen and though it should scare me, I feel light singing this song.

It reminds me of better times.

“If you knew how lonely my life has been

And how long I've been so alone

And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along

And change my life the way you've done…”

“You’re dancing with me, Katniss.” Peeta helps her stand carefully. “I don’t want our last dance to have been at Snow’s Ball.”

Katniss doesn’t argue instead letting him lead her into the courtyard to dance along the fireflies.

As I watch them, they look lightyears away, wrapped up in nothing but each other.

“It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me

It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me

It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong…”

I close my eyes once more, rocking Aster against me. I fall into memories of warm fall nights and the smell of coffee on the stove. I can’t even make a pot sometimes without wanting to burst into tears. It just evokes memories of a man who would drink coffee to stay up so he and my mother could have a conversation to themselves sans their six children.

“But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me

And I can almost see, through the dark there is light…”

I open my eyes just as Katniss embraces Peeta and for a moment, I don’t see them.

I see my mother and father dancing to their wedding song.

“Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me

And how long I've waited for your touch

And if you knew how happy you are making me

I never thought that I'd love anyone so much…”

I always told myself that I wouldn’t settle for anything less than what they have. Seeing Katniss and Peeta with one another strengthens that resolve, nothing less than having someone look at me the way that they look at one another.

Like they’ve found home in one another.

I finish my song, and everyone applauds softly as Aster has fallen asleep in my arms.

“You’re crying.” I didn’t even notice that Rory has found himself on the porch steps. He reaches forward to brush away the stray tear that managed to hit my cheek. “I never pegged you as the sentimental type.”

“My parents used to dance to that song every night after us kids went to bed,” I find myself admitting. “If I close my eyes, I can still picture them as I peeked behind my door. Then Dad was gone, and the music just stopped.”

“Makes you wonder if love like that could even last forever,” he says. “Or are we all just destined to muddle through half-lives and half-loves.”

“Half-lives and half-loves.” I find myself almost laughing…or weeping. “If there was ever a more appropriate word for how my life is currently going.”

“No.” Rory shakes his head, gazing into my eyes until my skin tingles. “Someone like you could never do anything but live fully and love fully. You’re just afraid.”

“Afraid of what?”

“Afraid because you already know everything that you need to be happy.”

++++++

The arrival of the fourth Mellark comes when the first leaf of autumn hits the ground. I am sitting in the kitchen with Katniss having a cup of tea; her stomach has reached its limit at this point and so has she.

“So, this…Troy…” She takes a sip and sighs in contentment. “What made you run away?”

I try to gather my words before responding, “I think he only really saw me as a woman when others started to notice.” I smile crisply. “It bothered me, too—this ownership he thought he had—like I was just waiting for him to decide that he wanted me. Love shouldn’t be an obligation; it should be an honor. In the end, all I want is for someone to look at me the way my father looked at my mother. Like Peeta looks at you.”

“I understand,” Katniss replies gently. “Sometimes, when you feel the world is falling apart around you, you tend to keep who and what you know close to you. Because it’s just too scary to see what might be on the other side—” She suddenly grimaces before letting out a breath. “Just some stretching pain, nothing to worry about.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. “No, I think it’s more.” I help her up. “I’m going to help you up to bed and then call Peeta.”

“You sure?” she asks doubtfully. “It didn’t feel this way with Aster.” Another gasp escapes her mouth. “Oh, that felt different.”

“My mother had six children,” I tell her. “No two births will feel ever feel the same.”

Together, we make our way upstairs and into the master bedroom. I go to her wardrobe, taking out a nightgown and handing it to her.

“Aster is still down for her nap,” I inform her as I turn and give her privacy. “I’ll check on her, call Peeta and Mrs. Hawthorne then come back. Is there anything you need while I’m downstairs?”

Katniss shakes her head as she gets into bed. “No, I’ll be okay.”

“I’ll make you a sandwich and bring up some water,” I tell her. “You’ll need your strength.”

She smiles gratefully. “You think of everything.”

++++++

Peeta and Mrs.Hawthorne arrive quickly. After a quick exam, it seems that Katniss has a long while to go. We all continue throughout the day as normal; Peeta bakes in the kitchen knowing that we will need sustenance throughout the next few days. Mrs. Hawthorne sits at Katniss’ side knitting a swaddle blanket for the little one while I care for Aster.

Aster comes to visit her mother a few hours into the labor. She jumps onto the bed and nestles at her mother’s side.

“Hello wuv,” she says, her bright blue staring up at her mother.

“I’m bringing you a little brother or sister,” Katniss informs her as she lets out a small exhale. “Will you be good for Daddy and Rue?”

Aster nods, her blue eyes solemn. “Yes, wuv.”

There’s a knock and Peeta emerges from behind the bedroom door. He places a kiss on his wife’s forehead and gives her a bright smile.

“How are you doing, love?” he asks.

“Oh, you know the usual—trying to push your child into the world,” Katniss answers with a small grin.

“Rory and Posy are downstairs,” Peeta tells us before holding his arms out to Aster. “Why don’t you come downstairs with me so you can have dinner?”

“I’ll take her,” Mrs. Hawthorne offers. “I want to check in with the kids, anyway.” Going to Peeta, she offers her arms to Aster. “Come on honey, let’s go.”

“Thanks Hazelle,” Peeta tells her gratefully.

“No problem.” Mrs. Hawthorne holds Aster protectively. “I sure miss them at this age.”

They disappear into the hallway, leaving me with the couple.

Peeta looks to his wife. “How are you really feeling?”

“Like someone is grabbing my lady parts and just twisting away.” Katniss grimaces. “Here comes another one…”

I immediately go to support her back. “Breathe out slowly.”

Katniss clenches her teeth. “Oh, this feels intense.” She looks between Peeta and me. “Someone distract me.”

“Well, we got a new custom cake order—”

“No! Peeta, I love you, but I can’t get excited about frosting the way you want me to,” she tells him.

“I left District 11 because Troy proposed to me.”

Peeta and Katniss turn to me in shock.

“Besides my Mom, you’re the only other people who know,” I continue quietly. “I sometimes go to lay out in a field near my home…it’s my spot. One day, Troy was there and before I could even think, he was down on his knee.”

“Then what?” Katniss asks.

I shake my head. “All I could think is…get the hell out of my field.” I look between the couple. “Is that bad of me?”

Peeta shakes his head. “What was your other option? Just say yes to save his pride? No offense, but from what you’ve been telling Katniss, it doesn’t seem like a match made out of love—but out of obligation.”

“I just feel bad because…I don’t want you to think that I came here to run away—even if it sounds like it,” I explain. “The truth is that I never felt like I was more home than when I came to District 12. When I came to stay with you three…almost four, I started to feel like myself.”

Katniss takes my hand, giving it a squeeze. “You do belong here.”

Peeta covers her hand and grins at me. “This is your home now—if you want it to be.”

I tried to hold my back my tears, but my thank you still sounds a bit watery.

++++++

“Okay, Katniss…push!”

Mrs. Hawthorne stands at the edge of the bed, ready and waiting for the newest Mellark to arrive.

Night came and went as we can now see dawn coming in through the bedroom window. I put Aster down to sleep many hours ago while Posy, who volunteered to stay the night, stayed in the bed adjacent to her. I then took a quick nap when—at around three in the morning—Peeta roused me because Katniss was requesting my presence.

Currently, I am holding one of her legs while Peeta holds the other.

“I can’t…I’m too tired…” Katniss is exhausted and delirious…tears and sweat intermingling her flushed face. She looks to Peeta. “I’m sorry…”

Peeta shakes his head. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. You are tired and you’ve had no rest. I am a rotten husband getting you into this situation.”

Katniss nods. “You kind of are!” Her face crumbles. “I want Prim.”

We all go silent at her admission.

Because as much as we want to give her comfort, there is no way to get her sister back.

Tears fill my eyes thinking of the many occasions that I have wished for my own father. I think of all the important moments that he won’t be there for: my wedding…the birth of my children—

“You can pretend I’m Prim,” I tell her softly. “Close your eyes and just imagine that you’re gripping her hand…” Katniss looks to me, smoky eyes filled, before doing what I say. “And, just imagine what she would tell you at this very moment.”

“She would say to suck it up. There are more important things to do right now,” Katniss says.

I move closer to her ear. “Suck it up. There are more important things to do right now.”

Katniss nods, eyes still closed. “Okay, I think I’m ready to push again.”

“At the count of three,” Mrs. Hawthorne begins. “One…two…three!”

Katniss bears down and it is a long, tense-filled moment as we wait to see if there is any progress—

A shrill cry breaks the moment.

“It’s a boy.” Mrs. Hawthorne grins before taking the little one and putting him on Katniss’ chest. “Looks like he’s got a little gold on him.”

Katniss lets out a content sigh, her eyes on the sticky, little thing currently laying on her. “Hello there.”

“We have a son,” Peeta says in a thick voice. He gives Katniss a kiss on the forehead. “Thank you, love.”

“Always.” Katniss then turns to me. “Thank you.”

“It’s my job,” I tell her before wiping the tears from my eyes.

++++++

Stepping out into the hallway, I am surprised to discover Rory coming up the stairs.

“What are you doing here?” My voice is hoarse with exhaustion and I lean against the wall to keep my body up.

“I slept downstairs in the den,” he explains sheepishly. “So, the baby is here?”

“A boy.” I smile to myself. “Beautiful like the rest of his family and golden-haired like Pr—” I stop, struggling to suppress the emotion churning inside of me. “Why did you stay?”

Rory goes scarlet. “I stayed…for you.”

I shake my head. “You stayed because you were helping Prim’s family. I’m nothing but a glorified babysitter. Remember?”

I turn away so he won’t see me cry over the dumbest reason in the world—I don’t want to be Prim’s substitute.

Suddenly, Rory crosses the space between us and pulls me into his arms.

“I came here for you.” His hand reaches gently into the tangle that is my hair. “The person who cared for Prim—who loved her—was still just a boy. He will always love her in some way, but he had to grow up.”

“And now?” I ask into his chest.

A wisp of a kiss brushes against my forehead. “The man holding you stayed for you.”

I hold him closer to me, never wanting to leave this feeling of belonging—of home.

“Thank you for staying.”

For now, this is the closest I can get to ‘I love you’.

++++++

“Careful now,” I instruct Aster as I help her hold her little brother. “He’s still very fragile.”

“Ohh…baby,” Aster says in awe. The newborn in her arms let out a yawn and she giggles. “Hello wuv!”

“I guess you’ve been dethroned,” I tell Katniss with a laugh as I settle into the chair next to the bed. “Maybe she’ll start calling you Mama now.”

“I’ll gladly relinquish the title,” she replies, looking at the children by her side. “They look like they’re going to be a handful.”

“Aster is a spitfire in herself!” I look to the little girl who I’ve come to love like one of my own siblings. “But she’ll protect her little brother—like you protected Prim.”

Katniss meets my eyes. “Listen, Peeta told me what you did before I had the baby. I was tired and I say things that I don’t mean. When I had Aster, I asked to see my dad…”

“It’s really not a problem,” I say in what I hope is a light voice.

“It is, because you’re not Prim…she’s gone,” she says in a tight voice. “And because we all care for you, not just as some replacement Prim—but because you’re you.” Katniss places her hand over mine. “Peeta and I hope you will stay for the long haul. Aster needs you…so does Oak.”

“I still can’t believe you named him that,” I tell her.

I jokingly told her and Peeta weeks ago that since they’re into flower names for girls, they should look into tree names for boy.

When they asked for an example, I gave them Oak—my father’s middle name.

“It sounded right,” Katniss responds with a wave of her hand. “Anyway, the point is we need you.”

I settle back for a moment, taking in her words, before finally answering.

“May I make a phone call?”

Katniss’ mouth widens in a grin. “Take all the time you need.”

I leave the room, heading down the stairs and go into the kitchen first to place the kettle onto the stove to heat some water and then take Katniss’ favorite cup out of the cabinet. Making sure that Peeta’s lunch is packed, I then head into the den where the telephone is.

Taking a deep breath, I reach for the receiver and dial.

The call is answered immediately.

“Hello Mama.”

++++++

We walk around the forest, steps steady as we head towards an unknown destination.

“So, you’re staying?” Rory says, his eyes ahead.

I nod, letting the smile rise on my lips. “I’m staying.”

He reaches, his hand taking mine, our fingers intertwining with ease. It feels right. “Now what?”

I stop and Rory follows suit turning to me.

My hand reaches to the nape of his neck, pulling him close enough so that I can push onto my tiptoes to press my lips to his. He pulls me closer and I sink into him, losing myself as we fall deep into the kiss.

Moments…hours later, we finally separate, breathless and grinning.

I take his hand once more.

“How about you show me the rest of our home?”

FIN.

  This is different, but I enjoyed writing it.

I hoped you enjoyed reading it.

 Song: “Feels Like Home”- Chantal Kreviazuk

Thank you again if you even got through this. Aster and Oak really appreciate it.

Please feel free to message me with any questions, comments, or requests.

 Until the next story,

JLaLa

[shabre-legacy]

Starbird’s Calm (revised)

Corin braced her feet and leaned across the grated floor to push her weight into the wall across from her as the captain barely gave warning before pulling the starship into another barrel roll. 

As everything stopped spinning, she continued hurrying down the corridor. Her footsteps echoed along the metal and she kept her hands braced on the walls. The Captain was a brilliant pilot; however, three ships from Galactic Customs were chasing them with orders to bring down the ship regardless of crew casualties. Getting out of this situation required some fancy maneuvers. Luckily for the crew, the artificial gravity was still working, even if the ship bucked like a plane in low atmo., at least they could still walk. Finally, she made it into the engine room and dropped to the lower platform next to the ship’s mechanic. “Captain sent me” 

“Great,” grumbled the mechanic, Aster, from under part of the containment chamber holding their ships AB Drive, “That last hit knocked the whole damned drive offline and fried half the damned connectors.” Aster didn’t look like what Corin had thought a mechanic would look like when she’d joined. Instead, a tall, lean, red-haired man in his mid-twenties. He’d been brought on as ship's mechanic before Corin had joined this crew and tended to be a good-natured, cheerful man. 

Their crew was in a particularly nasty place just now and this job had proven much more difficult then they’d thought it’d be. Who would have thought getting stolen medical supplies from the planetary corporations out to the refugees from the western quadrants would be this difficult? Sure, they didn’t exactly buy them first…. But people needed those supplies and the Starbird could outrun any of those private security or Galactic Customs ships. At least, they could when the space-damned AB Drive was fucking working. GC didn’t have FTL capable ships on security watch. If they could get the drive up, they would be in the clear. She handed Aster a wrench and started trying to figure out how to best help get the star-damned thing online again. 

AB drives were the best for faster-than-light travel, but this one seemed to always give them fits.

The Captain hadn’t stopped the ridiculous stunts that she called ‘evasive maneuvers’. The ship twisting around like they’d been hit by solar winds. The internal ship’s comms beeped online and, based on nothing but the string of curses, she could tell it was Duro, the Starbird’s navigator and Aster’s father. The old man was usually serious and quiet, but clearly pissed off at Aster. “What are you doing down there? Get that fucking drive up now! Do your damned job or I swear I will throw you out the fucking airlock myself.”

Duro devolved into more curses as the Captain yanked the ship straight up, if up could exist in space. Corin fell back and staggered a bit as the ship leveled out for another moment. This would almost be easier without the artificial gravity. Moving like they were on a planet was nice, except for now. Why was she still even on this ship? She could barely remember why she’d signed up anymore. She’d always been the type to hold her tongue and work, but this fighting made her want to start shoving people into the airlock. She wouldn’t, but she sure did feel like it.

Aster and Duro started swearing at each other again as soon as they stopped bracing themselves, The bridge, and the rest of the ship and crew, could probably hear Aster more clearly than she could, what with him having moved further under the drive’s containment in the process of his repairs. “I am doing my damn job, you old bastard!” A hand popped out from behind the unit. “Connector.”

She grabbed one from what appeared to be the ‘new connectors’ pile and rolled it to him, nearly tripping in her speed. She was not sure how much more the ship could take. She really didn’t want to die because some GC ship managed to get a lucky shot.

Duro and Aster were still cursing at each other. She honestly couldn’t pinpoint when they’d started this. he last few months had been worse, with the two of them in near constant conflict. The in-fighting had spread to the crew too. A lot of them had started snipping at each other. Turning minor issues into big fights and days of shouting matches and insults.

Corin had left home because of this. Well, not entirely because of the fighting. The constant fighting in and around her home had made it really easy to leave. If it hadn’t been for Caithi, she’d probably have left this crew now. She could barely remember why she’d come to space to begin with. This job, this crew had pushed it out of her mind. If these two, and the rest of the crew, couldn’t get themselves together long enough to finish this run, she’d kick them out herself. Kick them right into dark space.

She grabbed new tools and started another set of repairs. If they couldn’t get this online, then there’d be trouble. Their ship didn’t have the fuel capacity of the Galactic Customs ships and one vs. three usually worked out poorly for the one. 

“ENOUGH! You fucking idiots are done with this now!” The Captain's voice burst over the comms, clearly having had it with their loud, vulgar fight across the small ship. “Aster get that drive up. Duro, coordinates ready now. I want to hit FTL the fucking second that damn Drive’s good.” 

Corin ignored the men and their responses, trying to focus on her job. Space wasn’t somewhere to mess around. One wrong move, and they could be dead. The Starbird kept tilting and rolling, which slowed the work as Corin and Aster frequently had to brace themselves or hold onto whatever engine piece they could reach, so they didn’t fall across the room or into the AB drive. She’d seen what crashing into an active AB drive does to a person; it wasn’t pretty. There was also the possibility of exploding into space dust if they screwed this up. They had artificial gravity in here, but that didn’t matter much with the stunts their Captain pulled out to keep them from being shot into oblivion. 

After what felt like hours, but likely less than a minute, Aster flung himself out from under the unit and began flipping switches. Corin tightened the last containment bolt as Aster hit the primary activator and yelled at the comms “She’s up! She’s up! We’re good to go.” Corin slammed the panel on the containment unit shut and jumped back to the controls as the warbling hum began and the ship prepared to hit FTL. 

“Woo! We out, see ya jackasses!” The Captain's typical sarcastic and arrogant tone echoed from the comm as she activated the FTL controls. The ship jolted as they entered lightspace, leaving the GC ships far behind. 

Corin clapped Aster on the shoulder as he ran more scans and headed back up to the bridge, tucking a stray lock of dark brown hair back behind her ears. The corridor from the engine room rounded around the whole ship with a short hall and two steps up to reach the bridge. The Captain was leaning back in the pilots seat and relaxing a bit after their successful heist and escape. She didn’t really look like much. Captain Caithi wasn’t the striking beauty that the captains in those old pre-contact vids were. Corin had heard her described as rather plain, with long black hair tightly tied back from her face and dark amber eyes. She had a strong jaw and brow and a nose she always said was too big for her face. She seemed to be always laughing though, laughing or bragging or joking around. Corin would follow her to the depths of hell itself. 

She’d meet Caithi when the corporate freighter she’d been on ended up in a port taken over by a multi-species criminal gang. They’d taken the ship, the cargo and the crew. Caithi and her boys had shown up and rescued the ship and crew. They’d taken the cargo for themselves, but Corin had been offered a job with them. She’d probably fallen for the reckless starship captain the moment Caithi put her gun in the biggest gangster’s face and backed them down. Her threats had been bluffs, but they’d worked and Corin walked onto the Starbird and had been at Caithi’s side for the last three years.

Duro had the same red hair as his son and maybe a foot or more shorter, probably twice as broad in the shoulders though. He sat at another one of the consoles near the main piloting console, tapping away at the navigator’s screen and angrily muttering under his breath.  Another of the other crew members, Jaren, stood nearby. He was mostly muscle, a good shot, better at keeping the cargo bay organized. Short, with dark hair that curled around his ears and eyes almost darker than Corin’s own. He stood right where she’d left him when she’d been sent to help Aster; leaning against one of the few open wall spaces watching the blurred lines that space always became during FTL travel. Lightspace looked weird and strangely beautiful, by far the fastest way to travel and one of the more dangerous. 

As she stepped onto the bridge, she could hear Caithi lecturing both Duro and Aster. The same lecture they got every time they did something stupid like fighting instead of working together. This time though she seemed serious. Usually, some kind of lecture on crew cohesiveness and small spaces and compromises, but today…. “Get your shit together and figure out how to exist together without clogging the comms with your fucking fights or you’re both off this ship at the next port. AM I CLEAR!” the quiet murmurs of “Yes, Captain” from both of them were the only sounds from the crew for a few seconds. Caithi never shouted at her crew in anger. Fear, excitement, drama, sure, but never anger. She meant this threat. 

The moment of stunned silence broke as a loud crack sounded through the ship. Aster’s cursing from the engine room drowned out by the shouts of the crew as the ship spun around and shook violently as they fell out of lightspace. It took a few minutes, but the Captain managed to stabilize the Starbird and bring her to a stop, or as close to that as space allowed. Corin could almost feel the whole ship take a collective sigh of relief as the movement they could feel stopped and everyone realized they’d survived. 

The crew erupted into yelling and debating about what had happened. The sound of many feet heading towards the bridge echoed; only pausing when Aster popped onto the comms. “Looks like one of those Customs ships got a shot nearly to us when we made the jump. It caught up and hit the exterior portion of the AB Drive. The shields deflected most of the damage, but there’s still a lot and the main engine’s down too. I’m bringing ‘em up for repairs, but I don’t know how long it’ll be.” The tone in his voice left everyone a bit shaken as what he’d said sunk in. No engine. No AB Drive. No clue how long repairs would be. Their only hope being that they were near enough to somewhere populated to get a signal out. But the view out the bridge windows didn’t offer any solace. They’d been lucky not to fall out into a sun or worse. No one would come for them.

This area was beautiful though. The darkness of space around them highlighted the imploded star maze off to one side and the blues, pinks, whites and reds of nebulae and distant star systems on the other. Ahead of them they could see distant trails of light blending into the backdrop of stars and galaxies you could only see this far from civilization. They sat in what seemed to be an empty spot, safer from gravity pulls, far enough from phenomena and suns, black holes and other dangers, that they could just pause for a few minutes. The nearest nebulae, four from what she could see, painted the stars in vibrant colors and left her nearly speechless. This! This was why she’d come to space. This beauty, this freedom. The endless possibilities of seeing this. How had she ever forgotten this! This was everything and she’d found it again.

Most of the crew though, seemed caught in their worries about survival, cramming onto the bridge as they argued and cursed about what they should do. A few seemed to be in awe of the sight as well, but years in space made many a bit jaded to its beauty.

The heated arguments came to an abrupt end as the ship rocked. It stabilized for a moment and then rocked again. “What the fuck was that?” She called out into the suddenly quiet bridge. Around her, the crew shifted to prepare for whatever was coming. She saw Jaren move towards the door. You didn’t get moved in dark space by friendly things.

The crew was tense, hands on the guns tucked into their belts, ready to head to the cargo bay or up to the ship’s guns. Whatever decided to bother them wouldn’t take them down without a fight.  “Got something on the scanners” Duro tapped rapidly at the scanners display screen as though that would clear up whatever had been detected. 

“What do we got? Pirates? More GC? Space Debris?” Captain Caithi didn’t even give him a chance to answer before hitting the comms back on. “Aster, get us one of those damn engines NOW! I’m sending Jaren and Tigg down to help. Corin, if this goes bad, I need you on the front guns.”

A quick echo of “Yes, Captain” came from Jaren and Tigg as they slipped past the others and took off running to the engine room as another soft rock hit the ship. 

Aster answered with the irritation he’d had all day. “I’m fucking working on it, Captain. It’ll be ready when it’s fucking ready. It’s not my fault the damn things half-fried.” 

The Captain seemed about to hit Aster with a verbal lashing he wouldn’t soon forget when they heard it. Duro had activated the audio scanners to try to figure out what they were picking up. The song was a haunting warble. She’d only heard things like it in the nature vids from earth. Corin leaned even closer to the window and stared as the creatures finally moved into view. “No fucking way!!”

There must have been 50 of them. Massive creatures, the babies were nearly the size of the Starbird and the adults at least four times the size. Fins or wings or whatever gently moving through the empty vacuum that should kill them and yet there they flew. “Space Whales.” One of her crewmates behind her whispered as they stood stunned. 

The Captain softly called down to the engine room. “Hey boys, you gotta see this.” They all watched, crowded around the few windows. It was easy to see why people, or humans at least, called them space whales. It wasn’t only their song that reminded people of earth’s gentle giants, they looked like whales too, sort of.  Aster and the other two joined them on the bridge. All nine members of the crew crowded together watching the show. 

The pod danced and flew and played together with the colors of the nebulae and all the glittering stars behind them. Their song continued as they called to each other. An ageless melody that few would hear or believe to exist. In this moment, Corin found herself feeling completely at peace. As the whales danced among the stars, she noticed Duro moving softly. He placed a hand on Aster’s shoulder and they simply stood there; silently watching one of the rarest views in the galaxy. 

Too soon for her liking, the pod moved on. Twisting around each other and moving away as they, for a fraction of a second, appeared to blur into lines of light before vanishing. They disappeared faster then they’d arrived. The crew of the Starbird simply stood there. Staring at the nebulae and soaking in the shared experience. Many had believed that space whales didn’t exist. To have this experience, to almost literally stumble onto the pod, it felt like that first moment you see space from your first ship. Pure awe at the beauty and incredible surprises that the galaxy is capable of. 

The silence was only broken by a soft whisper from the back of the group. “Hey Dad, care to help out getting everything working again?” Corin glanced over and out the corner of her eye she saw Aster staring straight ahead as though slightly embarrassed to not be yelling. 

Duro squeezed his shoulder gently, “Of course, kid.” The warmth in his voice so unlike the tone he had lately. It was a moment like in the old stories, the ones where people looked at some old place and found they could understand each other better for a little while. The whole crew had been affected.

It would not last, there’d be more problems. They still had to fix the engines and finish the job. But this, they might make it to port now. They could work everything else out there. They’d drink and fight out their issues, so much was due to close quarters and getting distance would help. For now, calm and peace and cooperation among the crew. Maybe, just maybe, this moment of peace and reflection had been exactly what they needed.

[wildwhiskey236]

Character Interview Tag

I was tagged by @albarnesauthor!

We will be interviewing my OC’s from my NaNo WIP Embracing Shadows. (A/N- I wanna do this a little differently than what I’ve done before, so it may get long but stick with me.)

Our five assholes sit in the laughably nondescript room, scowls immediately crossing their faces, protests on their lips at the description. The author reminds them of their current behavior in their story and all protests die on their lips, several of them muttering an agreement that yeah, maybe they were assholes. 

1: What is your full name?

“Hector Greatsnarl.”

“Lauren Rosewing.”

“Lindsey Hallowedstrike.”

“Davy Evenflaw.”

“Natia Stoutblossom.”

Eyes turn to Natia, Hector and Lauren giving her a flat stare while Lindsey smirked, Davy commented, “We all know that isn’t your real name, no need to lie about it anymore.”

“Fine. My real name is Aster- but I prefer Natia.”

2: What does your full name mean?

“Well Aster means star and Natia means light, which is why I chose it.”

“Ever the romantic. Lindsey means from an island, which is appropriate I guess but I think my parents were trying to pick the least elven name possible.”

“I like your name. Davy means beloved.”

“Lauren is vaguely based off of a tree, Laurel.”

“Not surprising for a fairy. Hector means to hold fast.”

3: What are your other names/nicknames

“Most of us respond to ‘that asshole’.” Lindsey leaned back in his chair. “I call Davy my vhenan.“

“You have literally never called me that.”

“Maybe I should start. It means ‘my heart’ in elven.”

“No offense,” Lauren cut in, “But you two are about as far away from elven as I have ever seen.”

4: What’s your gender?

Everyone glanced at each other. Hector, Lindsey, and Davy were all men, built like the soldiers they were. Natia was lithe and strong like the assassin and hunter she was, but she still took hold of her own femininity. Lauren, ever the academic, was softer and had the gentler curves of someone who didn’t spend her life training and fighting with weapons. 

5: What’s your sexuality?

“In case you didn’t pick it up, I am Not Straight (TM). Men, women, elf, dwarf, fairy, human, nymph- but I’m taken.” Lindsey said, casting a soft look to Davy.

“I’m gay.” 

“I’ve never been interested in romance or sex. What the word for it? Asexual?Aromantic?  Yeah, those are me.” Lauren offered up, somewhat satisfied that she finally got to say it.

“I’m straight.” Natia said, followed by Hector’s “Me too.”

6: Where are you from?

“I’m from the Highlands, just East of Provda and Ebarria. I’m here to study human and dwarven magical practices.” Lauren perked up before quieting herself and rambling. 

“I’m from Ilseburry up north. It’s much better here in Provda.” Lindsey said.

“Natia and I are half-Provdan half-Ebarrian.” Hector offrered. 

“But you grew up in Provda and I grew up in Ebarria. They are very different places.”

“I’m also half Provdan- my mother was an elf from the Highlands, but I’ve never been there.” Davy added.

7: How old are you?

“Go ahead Lauren. Tell them hold old you are.” Natia smirked, heat rising to the fairy’s face. 

“Fairies mature slower than humans or elves. Just because I’m in my forties-”

“Really? I thought I was the oldest one at 28.” Davy signed in relief. Lindsey smirked.

“I’m 27.”

“I’m 25.” Hector said, eyes turning to Natia again, who had sunken down in her chair. 

“I didn’t realize how old all of you were.” She muttered. “I’m only 23.”

“So Lauren, how’s the baby-sitting going?”

“I’m going to outlive all you humans and elves.”

8: What is your magic form/what species are you?

“Well, I’m a fairy with a natural affinity for magic.” Lauren restated.

“I’m elven. But not a stuffy, traditional, better-than-you elf. ” Lindsey’s pointed ears twitched.

“I’m half elven. The worst kind of elven apparently.” Davy commented, a slight bitter tone tracing his words.

“Better than us humans.” Natia offered, her own tone lighter and more playful as she glanced at Hector.

9: What does your human form look like?

“I take offense at that.” Lauren joked, her long brown hair curled over her shoulder, green eyes practically sparkling with humor.

Lindsey also snorted, his own blue eyes rolling at the question. Above his brow his straight blonde hair was slicked back as he ran a hand over it, stretching out in the chair. Davy sat still beside him, brown eyes and curly brown hair speaking for themselves, his slightly pointed nose giving him an impish, elvish effect, the tips of his smaller pointed ears just visible through the curls. 

Hector also leaned back in his chair, his longer black hair curling around his neck, his deeply tanned skin and dark brown eyes speaking for themselves. Natia’s skin was darker, her long dark brown hair pulled back in a braid and lighter brown eyes watching me with an exasperated face that said, “Move on to the next questions already.”

10: What’s your aesthetic?

Natia fingered her daggers, exquisitely crafted from silver and decorated with obsidian, heavily enchanted and small diamonds inlaid to represent the gods she worshiped. 

“Beaches with gold sand and dark blue water. We didn’t have beaches like that in Ilseburry.” Lindsey said wistfully, longing to be there instead of answering more questions. 

“The forests at sunset, the dark green and golden pink skies.” Davy added quietly. 

“I miss the flowers that grew in the Highlands, with blue petals and pink centers. They were really pretty.” Lauren picked at her dress of the same colors. 

“I like when night turns into a red daybreak before a storm.” Hector said, giving no other explanation.

11: Who’s your best friend?

“Lindsey,”

“Davy,”

The two of them said together, Hector poutning. He wasn’t sure what he expected from them but he muttered, “Davy and Lindsey,” anyway, sad still that they were his best friends but he wasn’t theirs.

“My brother Zach.” Lauren said.

“...” Natia hestiated. “Probably Hector.”

The group glanced at each other and then at me, indicating that it was time to move and make a sharp change of subject.

12: Would you ever get a piercing/ tattoo?

“I’ve got a few piercings.” Natia indicated to her ears with several studs placed up an down her ears. “I was never into tattoos.”

“I’ve got a tattoo of my parents names in respect for them.” Hector indicated to his forearm where the two names were inked.

“I always thought it would be sexy if-” Lindsey started, but Davy cut him off.

“No. I said I wouldn’t do that.” Blood rushed to Davy’s face and ears. 

13: When are you happiest?

“In the tavern with my friends.” Hector was the first to speak up.

“With Lindsey, after getting back from a hunt or scouting mission and just getting to eat or fall asleep together.” Lindsey looked at Davy again with soft eyes, nodding.

“When I finally perfect a spell or potion or enchantment, seeing my effort turn into something.” Lauren continued. 

“I don’t feel like answering this question.” The others gave Natia a look. “Fine, bickering with you all, you assholes.”

They awed. 

“The baby enjoys our company.”

14: What’s your biggest secret?

Everyone looked to Natia. 

“I mean, it's not a secret anymore.” She started, sighing. “I was part of a group of assassins and my kill count is somewhere in the hundreds. I ran away, changed my name, and lied to everyone about it for two years. Anyone else got a secret?”

“My parents were killed by said assassins.” Hector said darkly. 

“This is supposed to be a light-hearted interview not couples therapy. My biggest secret is that my father was King of Ilseburry.”

“You’re just now mentioning this?!” Davy gasped, a grin breaking across Lindsey’s face.

“No, I’m just a notorious trickster. Davy’s secret is that he gets very cranky when his socks get wet.”

“It’s an unpleasant feeling!”

“Back in the Highlands, I’m actually considered to not be very pretty according to fairy standards. I’ve never told anyone that.” Lauren casually dropped, the others once again glancing to each other. Somehow that seemed unbelievable but no one knew enough about fairies to object.

15: What was your first impression of your S/O?

“What a giant dork.” Davy muttered, earning a laugh from everyone but Lindsey, who looked away, slightly embarrassed. “He was trying to flirt with me and tripped over a tree root, falling face first into thistle bush.”

“Thanks, babe. Here I was going to say you were the exact image of what I thought an elf should be- graceful, good looking, and into nature shit, if not just a little short. Are we done here yet? We have people to kill now.”

Lindsey didn’t wait before getting up and leaving the room, Davy and Hector following after him, Lauren profusely apologizing as she left, closing the door behind her.

I started gathering my notes before- hey? Where did Natia go?

“Don’t move.” I heard the voice after I felt the press of a cool blade against my neck, Natia grabbing my hair to hold my head back and expose my neck better. 

“This is a warning. You better finish this damn WIP and you better give them a good ending. If not I’ll reach through the computer screen and give you the worst writer’s block you’ve ever experienced.”

In an instant the knife was gone and I sucked in air, breathing heavy before turning around, Natia just gone.

I, uh, I’ve got work to do.

I’ll tag @weathershade, @crypticsx, @emdop, @milkyway-writes if any of you feel like doing one of these!

[katlyn1948]

An Unexpected Journey: Part 11

So here is part 11! Thank you to everyone who has been so patiently waiting for this one! It is long, I want to warn you, but I won’t be posting for at least a week because I am very busy this week at work with training. I will try to post this upcoming Sunday, but IDK TBH because it is my birthday weekend. Anyway, I hope you like it and if it emotionally tears you up, then message me and we can get through it together. Happy Reading! 

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Chapter 11: The Ravens

 Storm’s End was thriving since Lady Arya Stark had arrived; even more so than just with the lonely Lord. In the three moons that she has been there, soldiers were being trained properly; women and men alike. There was revenue coming in instead of going out. The town’s people were slowly coming out of debt and the changes around the castle were welcoming.

Lady Rena had been made the new stable’s master; her brother, Aster, relieved when he no longer had to deal with the bloody beasts. In fact, he took up a new job helping Septa Joanna with the children, although who could really tame Lyra and Ginger?

Some of the liege lords had been hesitant with Lady Arya, but after seeing that she indeed did know what she was doing, all of their concerns seemed to have vanished. Lord Swann, on the other hand, had remained distant. His presence at the castle had decreased; he could not stand to be talked down to by a woman; especially a woman the likes of a Stark. His dislike for the she wolf had only grown and his determination to take Storm’s End had begun to nag at his inner most thoughts. All of his plans had been squandered the moment Arya Stark had shown up. He was close to trapping the Stag with a marriage with his daughter; so close to being able to take what he believed he was owed.

Although Lord Swann’s absence was noticeable around the castle, not a single person seemed to mind that the overzealous man had kept himself away. It was a breath of fresh air for Gendry, for he didn’t have to deal with the squabbles and debacles that were led by Lord Swann. For once in his time of being Lord, he actually looked forward to the weekly meetings with the other liege lords. There is not to say that there were not disagreements that pushed to the surface during these meetings, but at least there was no one trying to embarrass him in front of the other lords. It was a comfort to him that Arya was always by his side; keeping the lords in their place.

Arya was always by Gendry’s side; aside from when she trained the new recruits. Whenever Lady Rena or Ser Davos would see one, the other was right beside. They were learning each other again; learning the way the other moved, or talked, or smiled. And although there were in no rush to get married, they did act as if they already were.

Lyra was leaning Arya as well. She never had a mother in her life and the idea of having Arya as a mother swelled the little girl’s heart. She had learned that Arya loved to shoot arrows. She had always wanted to learn, but her father had been hesitant. Arya had somehow convinced Gendry that it was best for Lyra to start early; she was going to be 4 namedays in just a few short moons and wanted to be the best archer she could be. She wasn’t even three days into her lesson when her father nearly stopped the lessons; she had shot an arrow that narrowly missed Septa Joanna, giving her a near heart attack.

“Lyra Baratheon, you watch were you aim that thing!” She scolded the young girl.

“I think you scared Septa Joanna out of her shoes!” Arya laughed.

Lyra giggled at the sight of her Septa screaming in fear. She hadn’t meant for the arrow to go beyond the target; it was mere accident, but still laughable none the less.

Gendry happened to be across the courtyard at the time of the accident and couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his two girl laughing with amusement. Although he was absolutely terrified that Lyra would one day put an arrow in someone’s leg; he enjoyed the time that she was spending with Arya. Lyra had always been the type of little girl who was not afraid to let people know how she felt; her septa could attest to that, for she has received the blunt of Lyra’s quips.

It had always taken Lyra a time to warm up to anyone that she did not know, but with Arya it was different. The moment she saw Arya her lit up with admiration. It could be due to the fact that Arya wore breeches instead of dresses, or that she could shot and arrow with precision from hundreds of feet away. Whatever it was that drew Lyra to Arya, Gendry was grateful. He no longer had to worry about Lyra growing up without a mother, or even him growing old without someone to spend life with.

There was one night in particular that he was extremely grateful to have someone to talk to at night; to decompress the day prior. Lyra had just finished her first archery lesson with Arya and Gendry had been dealing with wining lords all day. It was the first weekly meeting that had gone a disarray since Lord Swann had not been attending.

The idea that Arya had purposed to the liege lords a moon prior had been flourishing and revenue was gaining, there was no need to worry about how town’s people would pay their taxes or rents. The crops had even managed to heal and sprout.

But what had the Lord Paramount so worried was a raven that he had received that morning before the weekly meeting. It was from Dorne; their neighboring kingdom. Gendry had decided not to tell his liege lords the contents of this letter leading to some squabble amongst several of the lords. He had promised them that once the situation was handled, he would inform them of what was going on.

The letter had been nagging him all day going into the evening. Arya had noticed that he was deep in thought and not fully there at dinner. Later, when they went to their chambers she had asked him what was on his mind.

“It’s nothing. Really.” He dismissed.

Arya gave him a look that he knew all too well.

“You’re lying. Tell me.”

He gave a long sigh and moved from the bed he was laying on. There was a pitcher of wine that the two had kept in their chambers; he grabbed a nearby goblet and took a long drink.

“I received a letter…from Dorne.”  

Arya’s eyebrows rose in surprise.

“And what does our neighboring kingdom say in this letter.”

“Well, it was a letter from Edric Dayne to be completely honest.”  Gendry took another sip.

Arya had joined her betrothed at the table and took a goblet herself.

“And how is Ned Dayne? Wasn’t he here nearly a moon ago?”

Gendry nodded, “Aye, he was visiting from Dorne as an emissary for the prince. He visits nearly every moon to see how our crops are doing. We do trade with Dorne and here recently they have been trading the usual amount we had agreed upon, while we’ve been…lacking.”

Arya came to a realization, “They are threatening to stop trade with the Stormlands, aren’t they?”

She didn’t need confirmation. She had already known the answer because it was something she had warned Gendry about.

“If we don’t come up with at least three moons worth of crops, they will cease all trade coming into the Stormlands.” Gendry looked up from his goblet. His eyes fixated on Arya’s and he could tell that she was worried for him.

“Arya, we cannot have that trade stop. That is how I was able to pull the Stormlands back when I first took over. Some of the liege lords were not happy with the trade, but I thought it necessary at the time. I still think it necessary.” He confessed.  

Arya grasped his face, she leaned in and gave him a small kiss, “We will figure it out. We always figure it out. Besides the crop thrived this moon. I’m sure we could manage to get trade more.”

“The crop was good. But not enough to send three moons worth. Maybe one; two if we are lucky, but not three.”

Arya sighed and dropped her hands from his face. She rose from the table and began to pace the area in from of their bed.

“Is there anything else that we could trade? We have fish from the harbor or…or,” Arya hesitated. She exactly what they could trade, but Gendry wasn’t going to like it.

“Or what?”

“If I have learned anything from my travels, and that includes the ones from the King’s Road when we were children, then steel is as good as gold.”

Gendry’s expression was that of confusion, “What in seven hells will the Prince of Dorne do with steel? It’s just scrap metal Arya.”

Arya groaned, “Oh you stupid bull! Not scrap metal, but forged steel.”

Realization dawned on Gendry’s face.

“Weapons!? You want me to make weapons for Dorne!? I can’t be in that forge all day, I have a holdfast to take care of. Besides, we don’t even know if they’ll agree to it.”

“Firstly, you can spend all day and every day in that damned forge. The Gods know you do when you are angry. Secondly, you are the best blacksmith I know and you trained nearly all the men in the forge. If anyone can do it, you can. And it will only be until we have enough crops to supplement what was lost.” She assured him.

Gendry took a beat to think about it. It was a good plan, he had to admit. They would be able to keep the trade between the Stormlands and Dorne, as well as have enough food to feed his people.

“Alright, I’ll send the raven in the morning. But you’ll have to take care of things for a while. Can you do that.” He asked her.

She smiled and made her way over to him. She straddled his hip and whispered, “Don’t worry about me. Worry about your liege lords who will have to deal with me.”

Gendry laughed and swept her to the bed.

That was nearly two moons ago and Prince of Dorne had agreed to this proposition. Gendry had been making weapons nonstop and couldn’t wait for the crops to be ready for harvest.

Arya had done a fine job of dealing with the lords. There were still a few that did not like the idea of a woman commanding them, but it did not faze Arya one bit. She was used to the incompetence of men; she had enough of them on her ship Nymeria when sailing west.

And even though both were busy with their respective duties, they knew when to make time for one another.

“You almost done?” A familiar voice had startled him as he was swinging his forge hammer against steel.

“With next moons shipment, Aye. When is Ned Dayne supposed to leave?” He asked her.

She walked over to him. “He already left. He said that he will be here in exactly one moon to pick up the last shipment and that the Prince of Dorne appreciates the weapons.”

He gave a crude laugh, “I bet he does.”

He continued to bang the searing hot steel into submission. He and his fellow smiths had been hard at work to complete the agreed weapons that they were nearly finished with the last shipment a whole moon early. As much as Gendry enjoyed the smithy, he could not wait to go back to his lordly duties and spend some time with his girls.

“Will you be at dinner, tonight? Or must Lyra and dine alone again?” She asked him.

He looked up from his work, “Well, I have few more to get finished and the boys and I will finally be done with the weapon making. As for supper tonight…I think I can make it.”

A smile spread onto Arya’s face. “Good. I’ll see you in the solar shortly.”

Arya turned out of the forge leaving Gendry to finish his work. She made her way to the stables to check on the newly birthed foal that had joined the ranks of Stormland Horses.

Since Rena had become the stables master the animals had been prospering. They were fed regularly, and their shoes were changed when they were supposed to be.

“How are mother and foul?” She asked Rena.

Rena jumped. She hadn’t heard a single soul come into the stables. This wasn’t the first time that Arya Stark had snuck up on Lady Rena. When she was first made stables master, Arya had nearly killed her with fright while she was brushing a mare.

“Gods! I didn’t hear you come in.” Rena was clutching her chest, trying to steady her beating heart.

“Sorry. It’s habit. But, how are they?” Arya shrugged.

Rena smiled, “The are doing well. Mother is exhausted, as expected, and the foul is taking its fill of milk.”

Arya nodded, “That is great to hear. You’ve been doing a wonderful job with the horses. Your father would be proud.”

Rena’s eyes began to fill with hot tears. She hadn’t meant to cry in front of Arya, but the kind words she spoke to her felt truer than any words she’s heard before.

“Thank you, for everything. If It were not for you, I would not be doing what I love to do. Archie and I owe you and Lord Baratheon so much, I do not know how to ever repay you.”

“You do not owe us anything, and Rena, how many times must I tell you to call him Gendry? If you can call me Arya, you can call him Gendry. He will not mind.” Arya said to Rena as she grabbed her hand. She gave it a tight squeeze of reassurance.

Rena gave a quick nod and wiped the tears from her face. “I truly do not know why I am crying. I’ve been so emotional lately its absurd.”

Arya laughed, “Have a cry! I heard it was good for the soul. Gods know I need a good cry.”

“Arya Stark, crying? That’ll be the day the seven hells freeze over.” Rena let out with a laugh.

The two women remained laughing in the stables. Over the last few moons the two have grown close and have truly become fast friends. It was nice for Arya to feel that type of relationship. Growing up, all she had were her siblings and the few friends she did have either ended up dead or being sold to a red witch.

It was comfort to truly feel what friendship is like. With Gendry it had been different. They were so different and had no choice to become friends; their lives depended on it. Then she began to fall in love with him before she even knew what falling in love meant. Of course, she did have Sansa, but their relationship had been strained since Arya departed west. Even as children they didn’t have the relationship she had wished they had.

With Rena it was truly a breath of fresh air. They could talk about similar interests and hobbies, and although they grew up quite differently, they seemed to share the same filer when it came to looking at the world. Rena was a true friend that Arya could rely on no matter the situation.  

“I should be going.” Arya said to Rena as their fit of laughter had quieted.

“It is nearing supper and Lyra will be expecting me to save her from her Septa and your brother, Aster.”

“Ah!” Rena said in realization. “I call them the dynamic duo, those two.”

Arya crinkled her eyebrows, “Which ones? The children or the adults?”

Rena took a moment to think. “Both.” She concluded.

“I cannot argue with that one.” Arya stated.

Rena gave a smile chuckle before turning back to the mother and foul.

Arya turned from the stables and made her way to the library. Being housed right above the Round Hall, there were always so many damned steps to take, much like there were to get to her chambers that she shared with Gendry. She did appreciate the privacy, considering how long it could take someone to get to their chambers, but she cursed them every time she tried to hastily get to their chambers to devour each other’s bodies after a long day.

It was truly the only that that Arya hated about Strom’s End; well that and the heat. It was always so hot that by her third day in the Stormlands she had shed her long cloak, doublet, and jerkin. She had opted a life pair of breeches and tucked in white cotton shirt. Rena had suggested that she wear a leather vest over her shirt to appease the lords. As much as Arya hated the idea of appeasing lords and wearing leather in Storm’s End, it did help cover what needed to be cover; it also gave a good grip to her belt that housed Needle and Cat’s Paw.

On her travels west, she always had the sea breeze and winds to cool her heated body. In the Stormlands the only relief from the heat was the rain, but even after the storms, it left the air sticky and humid. The only true escape, however, came from her chambers. The large window allowed the sea breeze to enter and cool the hot stone that covered the entire castle. It was a welcoming comfort when her and Gendry slept, especially if they acted in certain proclivities that may be deemed improper.

Since her return, they hardly kept their hands off each other. Nearly every night their clothes from the work day would be thrown askew across the floor. There were even times when they could not wait until the night to be in each other’s arms. The spare room located in the forge or even the grain sacks that were housed behind the kitchens made perfect spots of fun for the two. Even a table in the back corner of the library was an invigorating spot for their vehement love making.

They had made sure that the table was securely out of view and well hidden from would be prying eyes, or by the off chance that it was needed to sit the children during their lessons.

“I don’t want to!” Arya heard a yell from the library. She was nearly to the door, and it seemed not a moment too late.

Lyra was beginning to get frustrated with her Septa and by the looks Ginger was giving her uncle, so was she.

“It is only a few more words, Lyra. Just read them and you will be done for the day.” Begged Septa Joanna.

Since the undertaking of two children rather than the one, Septa Joanna had begun to get increasingly agitated. Her perfectly kept veil was askew nearly ever time Arya saw her and her cheeks would flush with exhaustion. Septa Joanna loved Ginger and Lyra, but they were truly two beasts out to make her life miserable. She had been ten and seven when she decided to take the vows, thinking it was her destiny. She had always cared for children in her village, but never the likes of these two girls. Now, nearly three years later, she was thinking if perhaps she had made a rash choice.

“I’ve come to save you!” Arya announced as she entered the library.

“Oh, thank the gods.” Septa Joanna had said a little too loudly.

“They giving you trouble, Septa?” Arya inquired.

Septa Joanna shook her head, “Not more than the usual. They are children and prefer to play than to study.”

“Don’t worry too much, they’ll grow out of it…eventually.” Arya gave the Septa a questioning smile.

“Did you give your septa trouble?” She asked.

“Loads. Probably would’ve annoyed her for the rest of her days, if she were still here.” Arya hadn’t thought about Septa Mordane in years. She had scolded Arya on her needle work; always comparing it to Sansa’s exquisite lines. Although she got on Arya’s everlasting nerve, she couldn’t help but love her and miss her all the same.

“Well then I have much to look forward to.” Septa Joanna spoke, bringing Arya from her thoughts.

“Aye, you do. But I can tell that you love her.” Arya inquired.

“Of course, I do! I’ve been with her since she was nothing but a babe. Lord Baratheon had hired me shortly after his wife’s death to help care for child and teach her proper. I probably would have said no if I knew how much of a handful she would be.” The Septa confessed.

“At least you have help, with Aster and all.” Arya motioned to the young man. He was playing some sort of game with the two hellions, making them giggle with all their might.

“Yes, he has been a tremendous help. He told me that he wants to be a maester.” Arya had noticed the slight blush that had creeped to the septa’s face.

“Does he? I think he’ll make a fine maester someday. You know that maester’s can now have families thanks to my brother’s new ruling. I think Aster would also make a fine father someday, seeing as he loves the children so much.” A sneaky smile had tugged at Arya’s lips.

Septa Joanna was quick to notice the hint, “Are you implying something, Lady Stark?”

“I would never imply for you to break you vows, Septa Joanna. Of course, what you do on your own volition, it is another matter entirely.” Arya shrugged.

Septa Joanna looked down and this time she noticed the heat that rose to her cheeks. If she was being completely honest with herself, she had thought about vacating her vows for some time. She loved what she did; teaching the young girls was a delight, but she couldn’t help but feel unfulfilled. Maybe it was the way that she saw Lord Baratheon and Lady Stark stare and each other, or even Ginger’s parents. She hadn’t the opportunity to feel that. Most know what they want to do with their lives, but for Joanna she never really knew; at least not until this point.

“Aster?” She called out.

He looked up from the children, “Yes, Septa Joanna?”

“Would you like to take a walk with me later? After supper?” She asked, her blush ever more present.

“I-I…well, I-I suppose.” He stuttered.

Arya couldn’t help but smile at the encounter. She was watching young love blossom and it was an enjoyable sight.

“Come, Lyra. Let us set up dinner in your father’s solar. He said he will be joining us tonight.” Arya held out a hand for Lyra.

She skipped towards her and grasped the outstretched hand.  

“Bye Ginger! See you tomorrow!” She waved to her friend.

“Bye!” The auburn-haired lass waved back.

They exited the library hand in hand and made their way up the steps to Arya’s shared solar and chambers.

“How were your lessons?” Arya asked Lyra as they entered the solar.

“Boring. I wanted to shoot more arrows with you.” She confessed.

Arya smiled at the girl, “You knew of our agreement. We would shoot in the morn and in the noon, you would do your lessons.”

“No. You and papa came up with that. I did not agree.” She said matter of fact.

Arya chuckled, “When did you get so smart?”

Lyra shrugged while twisting a booger in between her fingers. She wiped it on her dress and returned the finger to her nose.

“Yet, you are just a child.” Arya said more to herself, than to the lass sitting on the chair across from her.

Arya began to set up the table for the dinner that the chambermaids would be bringing up at any moment. She knew Gendry would be a tad late, for he liked to bathe the forge away before he ate his meal. With Arya and Lyra being in the solar, he would most likely bathe in the spare tub located in the forge.

With time needing to pass, Arya decided to tell Lyra more about her family. She wanted the girl to know as much as possible for when she met with them. She hadn’t told her family where she was going or that she was even in Storm’s End. In fact, she hadn’t even told her family that she was getting married. She had sent only one raven to them and it was to tell them she was safe and okay. Arya knew that eventually she would have to make her way back to King’s Landing. She had promised Sansa that she would be there in time for the birth of her babe.

She knew that Bran would remind her. It was just a matter of when she would receive that damned raven baring the Stark sigil.

“Lyra, do you like princesses?” Arya asked.

“Hmm, not really. The only princesses I like are Sansa Stark and Daenerys Targaryen. Papa told me what they did, and they are pretty. Oh, and you too! You are a princess, so I like you too.”  

Arya chuckled, “Well, it is funny you say that. I happen to know them.”

Lyra’s eyes widened. Arya loved the innocence of the child and the fact that she did not put two and two together that all three women were related.

“You do!? Can I meet them?” She exclaimed.

“Of course! They will be here when I marry your father. And Daenerys has two daughters just a nameday older than you. You’ll be fast friends.” Arya explained to the child.

“How do you know them?” Lyra was all kinds of curious.

“Well, Sansa is my sister and Daenerys in my marriage-sister.”

Realization began to come to the little lady.

“So, when you and papa get married, then they will be my aunts?”

Arya nodded, “You are right. That will make Rhaella and Lyarya your new cousins. Sansa will also have a new babe soon, meaning a new cousin.”

“That is exciting!” Lyra squealed. She jumped into Arya’s arms and gave her a giant hug.

“I’m glad you approve.” Arya laughed.

Arya had told Lyra all about her sister and Daenerys; at least everything up until she left Westeros. She had detailed their bravery and willfulness, as well as their beauty and strength. Arya loved watching Lyra’s eyes light up with admiration. It was the same look that she had given Arya when she taught her how to shoot. Arya even told Lyra about her brothers; dead and alive. It didn’t surprise her that Lyra enjoyed the stories of the battles more than the stories of her pretty sister.

It truly amazed Arya that even though she was not Gendry’s by blood that Lyra was a fierce stag through and through, but Arya couldn’t help but think that she may have some wolf in her too.

A soft knock came from the door. Arya rose from her seat and opened it, revealing Isa, the chambermaid.

“Pardon me, milady. I ‘ave your supper.” Her heavy southern accent came through.

“Of course, please come in.” Arya pushed the door aside for Isa to enter.

“Just set it down there. I can serve it once Gendry comes from the forge.” Arya instructed.

“Milord instructed me to tell you to begin without him, milady. He’s still forgin’ and he told me to tell you to not expect him tonight.” Isa said.

Arya sighed with frustration. “Of course, he did. Thank you, Isa. You may go.”

Isa gave a small bow and left the solar.

Arya slammed the door shut. She knew better than to expect him tonight, but she was still hoping.

“Is my papa not coming tonight?” Lyra asked.

Arya sighed and took her seat beside the little lady. “No, sweetling. Not tonight. But you will see him tomorrow, when you sneak into our chambers.”

Arya tickled her stomach and the Lyra’s face twisted into a wide laugh.

“Come, now. Let me feed you.” Arya grabbed the sweet bread from the tray of food that Isa had brought in. She scooped up the warm stew into a bowl and placed it in front of the child.

“Stew, again?” Lyra wined.

“Yes, again. But you see this time, it is chicken, not boar.” Arya pointed to the floating chicken leg.

“We need better cooks.” Lyra said to Arya as she shoved a spoon full of stew into her mouth.

Arya nodded in agreement, “Yes, Lyra we do.”

Arya pushed her own bowl of stew away. She was suddenly feeling queasy and her appetite fled her stomach. She had been ravenous moments ago, but now that Lyra had pointed out that it was stew yet again, the thought of putting a spoon full of that in her mouth made her stomach churn.

She had been feeling sick these last couple of weeks and had made a mental note to see the maester, but with her new duties she had been so busy that it just slipped her mind. It was strange for Arya to be sick. The last time she felt ill was a couple of years ago on her ship. They had hit rough waters, causing the boat to sway back and forth violently, giving her the unruliest seasickness, she had ever experienced.

It had begun to interrupt her daily tasks. Just the day prior, she had been giving Lyra her shooting lesson when her stomach churned, and she emptied the contents of her morning meal. It was becoming a nuisance and she really did need to the maester.

Arya brought her gaze from her discarded bowl to the child that was falling into the bowl. Little Lyra could hardly keep her eyes open; the day finally catching up to her. Arya lifted the child into her arms, Lyra’s head immediately resting on Arya’s shoulder. She could hear soft snores come from the child as she went towards her chambers. They were located just below the library; two floors from lord’s chambers.

Arya pushed the door open and gently placed the child in her bed. She brushed some hair out of her face and leaned to place a small kiss atop her head. At that moment Arya was grateful for her training at the house of black and white. It trained her to be quiet as a mouse and footsteps as soft as a cat. This came in handy for sneaking out of sleeping children’s chambers.

When she returned to her shared chambers Gendry had been seated at the table, eating not only his bowl of stew, but her untouched one as well.

She made her way to their bed and began discarding her outer clothing, leaving her in just her cotton shirt.

“It is nice of you to join us.” Arya stated as she climbed into bed.

“I’m sorry.” Gendry said was he took a swing of goblet.

“The men and I decided to make a few extra, just in case.”

“You could have told me, instead of sending Isa with a message.” Arya stated mater of fact.

Gendry sighed and turned in his chair, so he could face her.

“I did not have time, Arya. I am sorry, truly,” He paused, looking at her face. Her eyebrow was raised. He knew he wasn’t getting out of this one easily.

“How long did you wait?”

“We waited for at least three hours. Poor Lyra was falling asleep into her dinner bowl!” Arya exclaimed.

Gendry pushed from his chair and made his way to Arya’s bedside, taking her hand.

“I am sorry. Can you ever forgive me?” He pleaded, with a joking manner.

“Of course, I can,” Arya grabbed his face. “Just not tonight.” She gave a playful slap on the side of his face. She turned from him and got settled into bed.

Gendry sighed. He deserved that, he knew. He began to disrobe from his cloak and clothing. He pulled his night breeches on and climbed into bed next to Arya. He settled next to her and began studying her face. It has changes slightly in the last five years. It was longer and thinner; but here of late, it had become rounder and fuller. The scar on her forehead had faded a bit and there was new scar just above the right side of her lip. Her hair was longer, too. It was well past her shoulders and reached just above her hips.

“Don’t cut it.” He said to her.

Her eyes fluttered open to give him a quizzical look.

“Don’t cut what?” Her voice was laced with drowsiness.

Gendry pulled a loose strand of her hair into his hands and began twirling it at the ends. “Your hair. Don’t cut it.”

Arya fully opened her eyes. She lifted herself up, so she was staring at him completely. “You make it very difficult to be mad you. Besides,” she pulled the strand that was in his hands away. “I wasn’t planning onto; at least not yet.”

He grabbed the strand again and began twisting it once more. “No, don’t ever cut it. I’ve seen with short hair for nearly the whole time I’ve known you that the long hair is a welcoming sight.”

Arya yanked the strand from his hands once more, “Will you stop playing with my hair? And I will have to cut it eventually. It is becoming difficult to put it up in a tight bun, since there is so much of it.”

Gendry sighed, “Fine, just don’t cut it too short.”

“Good, now that we have that clear, can you please let me sleep.” She pushed herself deeper into their bed and began to drift. It wasn’t long though, before a knock came at their chamber door.

“Enter.” Gendry said.

Arya groaned and sat up.

Maester Cragen had entered their chambers. He too was in his sleep clothing and his face looked as if it was just coming from sleep.

“I do apologize, my lord, for waking you and Lady Stark. But the cook’s boy who sleeps in the ravenery came to me with an urgent letter that arrived not even an hour ago.”

“Very well, what is it?” Gendry asked.

“Well, my lord, the letter is not for you. It is for Lady Stark.” The maester held the scroll up and Arya could plainly see the Stark sigil on the wax seal.

Arya immediately jumped out of bed. The only two people who knew where she was were Bran and Daenerys. It wasn’t difficult to place who sent the letter, considering a direwolf had been imprinted onto the wax seal and not a dragon.

She swiftly walked over to the maester and took the scroll, breaking the wax seal.

Dearest Arya,

I do hope that you are enjoying yourself in the Stormlands. I see that you have kept an open mind and have taken the Little Lady of Storm’s End into your heart as if she was yours born of blood. I know you were planning on making the journey to King’s Landing soon, but I fear that Sansa’s babe has decided to come early, unbeknownst to me. Do not fear, the babe will come in four days’ time. Giving you plenty of time to make it to King’s Landing. Do not take the ship; it will be faster on horseback on the King’s road. Even with the extra person you’ll be brining, you should be here by the end of the morrow.

With deepest sincerities,

Your brother,

Bran.

Arya dropped the scroll on the table and began pacing the room. She thought that she at least another moon before she had to explain to Gendry why she was leaving to King’s Landing. She hadn’t said a word to him about her family since she’s been in Storm’s End and he’s been smart enough not to ask. Except for tonight.

“It is from Bran, isn’t it?” He asked her after he escorted the master out of their chambers.

“Yes.”

“What does it say?”

Arya picked up the scroll from the table and handed it to him. He took it from her hands and began to read it. It took him longer than usual, considering he had just learnt how to read only four years ago, but he was able to make out what was being said.

“Sansa’s pregnant? I didn’t know that.” He stated. “Pod must be excited.”

Arya looked at him with surprise.

“You knew she was married? To Pod? How?”

“I was at the wedding, Arya. Nearly every Lord Paramount was, expect Yara Greyjoy. Her and Sansa don’t get along; some squabble they had about a year after you left.” He stated.

“Now, I am the one who should be saying sorry.” She confessed.

Gendry shook his head. “No, I understand. It is your sister and I know you’ll not want to miss this. I’ll have Rena prepare a few horses for in the early morn.”

“No.”

“No? You don’t want me to go?” He was confused.

“You need to stay here. There are certain things that are fragile that could be taken advantage of if you leave.” She told him truthfully.

“Is it that or are you afraid of what your family will think? I am assuming you haven’t told them about us.”

Arya groaned. “You’re right, I haven’t told them about us, but I was planning on to when I got to King’s Landing. And I am not afraid. I just wanted it to be us for a while, without anyone outside of Storm’s End knowing.”

Gendry sighed and took a seat at the table in his chambers. He knew Arya was right and that he needed to stay in Storm’s End in case something or most likely someone decided to take advantage of the missing lord.

“Alright. But what did he mean about an extra person? If it is not me, then who?”

“He means Lyra. I told her all about my family when we were waiting for you. She seemed really excited about them and this would be a perfect opportunity for me to take her to meet them.” Arya suggested.

Gendry was hesitant. He trusted Arya wholeheartedly with Lyra, but he couldn’t say for others. This was his child and if anything were to happen to her, he wouldn’t know what to do. He knew that she would be safe with Arya and it would be good for her to experience other places than Storm’s End, but traveling on the King’s Road was dangerous, even if was only a day’s ride.

“I don’t know, Arya. She’s never been outside of the castle walls. And what if she isn’t well received by your family? Because she is not of your blood?” His worries were getting the best of him.

Arya could tell he was nervous and worried. She made her way to him where he was seated at the table and grabbed the chair next to him. She pulled his hands from his lap and held them close to her.

“My family will love her, you know that. And I will protect her with my life. She is mine now, just as much as she is yours. Please let me take her to King’s Landing. They are going to be her new family, as well as yours. And she will not be alone. Jon and Dany have children her age; she’ll love it!”

With a defeated sigh he nodded his head. A bright smile pulled at Arya’s face and she quickly embraced her soon to be husband.

“You play dirty, you know that?” Gendry said into Arya’s neck as they embraced.

“I do know such thing. Besides, you had already agreed the moment the idea left my lips.” She chuckled.

Gendry returned the laugh and they stayed embraced for awhile longer.

“Come, let us go to bed. We have an early morn.” He said as he let go of her. Arya nodded, and they walked to their bed together.

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Lyra was excited when she heard the news the next morning. She was expecting her day to go as it always had the last three moons. Wake up, get bathed, practice her shooting, complete her lessons, then eat supper and head to bed. But this morning, instead of her Septa waking her, her papa had surprised her.

He had told her that she was to ride to King’s Landing with Arya, so she could meet the princesses. It had made Lyra jump with glee out of her bed. She was surprised to see that her things were already packed and the carriage ready for departure.

She was nervous, but excited, and ready to venture outside of the Storm’s End walls. Arya had been waiting for her by the castle’s entrance and the moment she saw her she jumped out of her father’s arms and straight to hers.

“Well, someone is excited.” Arya said to her as she picked her up.

“Very! I can’t wait to play with Rhaella and Lyar-Lyarry!” She struggled to pronounce the last name, being so like Arya’s she couldn’t say it.

Arya laughed, “I don’t know if Lyarya will like the playname you have for her, but I guess we will find out.”

Gendry walked over to his girls. He looked down at both Arya and Lyra placing a kiss atop both of their heads.

“Be safe. And write me as soon as you get there.”

“We will, and I promise.” Arya stood on her tiptoes and planted a soft kiss onto Gendry’s lips. Lyra couldn’t help but giggle at the exchange. She loved seeing her papa and Arya in that manner. It truly made her heart swell.

Lyra and Arya bid farewell to Gendry and the rest of Storm’s End. Lyra stuck her hand out of the carriage window and began to wave as the horses pranced, exiting the castle gates.

It wasn’t a long journey, Arya knew that. But she also knew that the small child seated beside her would most likely be asleep by the time they reached the Red Keep. It took a full day by carriage to reach King’s Landing. If Arya had ridden a single horse by herself, she would have reached King’s Landing in just a few short hours.

She was planning on taking only one horse and have Lyra ride with her, but Gendry had insisted for them to take the carriage. He had made a good argument that Arya had no choice but to accept. He was right in saying that they would be there for a few days and wouldn’t be able to take their belongings if it had been one horse. Arya had argued that she and Lyra didn’t need that many things to take, but Gendry had pointed out that Lyra was a busy child that never stayed clean for long.

With some resistance, Arya agreed, and the carriage was prepared. She was nervous at how her family would perceive Lyra. She had no doubt in her mind that Daenerys and Jon would love her. Bran was cryptic, and although he never showed emotions, Arya felt certain that he wouldn’t mind the child. Her nervousness came from how Sansa would take the news. She would certainly ask Arya all kinds of questions even if she was writhing in pain from her labor.

One thing Arya was certain of, was that Lyra would truly thrive. She was hoping that her and Dany’s children got along, for Lyra’s sake. She couldn’t stop talking about them the whole carriage ride to King’s Landing.

“Do you think they will like me?” Lyra asked Arya. They were nearly half way through their journey and still had a little way to go.

“Of course, they will! Who could they not like you?” Arya assured her.

Although, Arya believed she was trying to convince herself and not Lyra. She never had a chance to properly introduce herself to her nieces and had no idea if they were kind. She was hoping that they were, considering Jon was their father, but Arya still had reserves.

Lyra was very much like Arya when she was that age and if that gave any inclination of how things would go, then maybe it wasn’t looking to good. Arya never really had may friends that were girls when she was Lyra’s age. All the other liege lords daughters were too preoccupied with their sewing lessons, while Arya would play around in the mud with her younger brother.  

She was hoping that Dany and Jon didn’t raise their children that way, but she had no way of knowing. All Arya could do was pray to the old gods and new that they would accept Lyra as a friend.

Night had finally fallen once the carriage had pulled up the gates of the Red Keep. Lyra had fallen asleep nearly an hour prior and Arya couldn’t help but smile and the sleeping child in her lap. She hated that she wouldn’t be able to see the grandness of the keep until the sun rose, but it kept the spectacle of the surprise fully intact.

Nothing had really changed in the three moons that Arya had been away; in fact, the only thing different about the keep was that it was no longer red, but rather the dull grey of the Stark house. That made Arya smile. She had always hated the color red and seeing still on the keep when she arrived from her travels gave her a sickening feeling. Now, she could truly call it a second home; the reminder of that had happened seemed to have washed away with new coloring.

The carriage drew to a stop. Arya slid from under Lyra’s sleeping form and exited the carriage. Much like her first arrival, Lord Tyrion was there to greet her.

“Welcome, Lady Stark. We have been expecting you.”

Arya gave a slight nod, “Thank you. I assume Bran notified you of my impending arrival?”

“King Brandon Stark does have a way of informing us small council folk of arriving members.” He noted.

Arya scoffed, “Such formalities, Lord Tyrion.”

“Yes, well, when you are in the presence of the King’s sister and soon-to-be Lady of Storm’s End, then such formalities must be used in the company of low borns.” He motioned to the guards surrounding them.

Arya looked around and did notice an increasing amount to soldiers; more so than when she last was here. She wondered why there were more, but she also noticed the small group of towns people gathering outside the castle gates, even in the dead of night.

“I suppose you and the young girl are tired from your journey, please follow me and I will escort you to your chambers for your duration. My squire will direct your carriage to the stables and he will bring your things to your chambers once the sun has risen.” Tyrion waved a hand to a young boy that was standing behind him.

“How did you- never mind.” Arya turned from Tyrion and entered the carriage to get Lyra. She was still sound asleep and didn’t want to wake the child. She lifted her up into her arms and Lyra slightly stirred, but quickly returned her head to Arya’s shoulder.

She left the carriage and watched as it departed with the young squire Tyrion had mentioned earlier.

“So, I suppose Bran told you of my betrothal.” Arya stated.

Tyrion nodded, “Yes, he did. He also mentioned that you would no be alone. At first, I thought the Stag would be with you, but then King Bran had told me that it would be Lyra instead.”

Arya shifted Lyra in her arms and began to ascend the stairs that lead to the main entrance to the keep. Climbing the stairs were tedious enough but carrying a child along with walking upstairs proved to be difficult. Tyrion had noticed Arya’s struggles.

“Perhaps you would like to give her to one of the guards? They can carry her to your chambers.” Tyrion suggested.

Arya shook her head, “No, I can carry her. She is my responsibility.”

“I understand, but maybe you would like the hel-”

“No. I said I have her.” Arya hadn’t meant for her words to come out as harshly as they did. She was grateful that Tyrion wanted to help, she was just frustrated that he hadn’t taken no for an answer.

“Very well.”

They remained silent the rest of the way to her temporary chambers. It was the same one from when she was here earlier, only this time there was a slightly larger table and a secondary bed in the corner meant for Lyra. Arya shook her head, knowing full well that Lyra would never sleep in that bed as long as they stayed. She would beg Arya to let her sleep with her. Arya, unable to say no to the child, would reluctantly agree.

“I hope the chambers are to your liking.” Tyrion said.

“Of course, although you can have that small bed removed. Lyra will be sleeping with me.” Arya mentioned.

“Are you cert-” Tyrion took one look at the raised brow Arya had given.

“Yes, I will have it removed first thing in the morn.”

“Thank you. Good night, Lord Tyrion.” Arya said.

Tyrion gave a bow, “Good night, Lady Arya.”

He shut the door behind them and Arya moved to the bed to set Lyra down. She quickly curled under the furs Arya had placed atop her and continued her light snores.

Arya undressed and before she laid in bed next to Lyra, she took the scrolls and ink from the desk in her chamber and began writing Gendry, letting him know that they were safely inside the keep.

My dearest bullheaded man,

Lyra and I are safely inside the Red Keep, although I don’t think I can call it that anymore. Lyra was talked the whole trip and didn’t quiet until she fell asleep on my lap an hour from getting to the keep. She truly is your daughter! She can sleep through anything. I have yet to see Sansa, but I plan to in the morn. I hope she is fearing well. Anyway, I just wanted to write you and let you know we are safe. I know your weekly meeting is in a few days. Do not let those lords get to you. I will see you when I return in four days’ time. With all my love,

Arya.

She rolled the scroll and sealed with the wax Stark sigil. She was planning on sneaking to the ravenery herself, but before she could even leave her chambers a small caw from a bird on her window seal stole her attention. She gave a small smile, knowing Bran must have directed the raven to her chambers. She secured the scroll to the feet of the raven and let it fly.

Arya watched as the bird flew and hoped that it was get to Storm’s End before the night was over. She wanted to give Gendry some peace of mind, considering his worries over the whole trip.

Once the bird was out of view, Arya climbed into bed next to Lyra. She observed the young girl as she slept. Her brown curls were askew on the pillow and there was a slight string of drool escaping her mouth.

Arya chuckled and kissed Lyra’s head. She turned and blew out the candle sitting on the bed side table, leaving the room in complete darkness. She turned in the bed and pulled the furs close to her body. Her eyes began to get heavy and before Arya could realize what was happening, she was thrust into deep slumber.

Send help! Hurry! They were captured! Hurry!

Arya tossed and turned. The words echoed in her head all night, leaving her feeling more tired than before. She had remembered falling asleep and then hearing heart shattering words in her dreams. It was almost as if it were a warning or premonition of sorts.

She bolted awake, not wanting to hear those awful words any longer. Lyra was still snoring beside her and Arya noticed that the sun was just beginning to rise. She sighed and climbed out of bed, minding that Lyra was still sleeping.

She quickly dressed and exited the room, leaving the little stag to her dreams.

Arya had hoped that her dreams were better than the one that she had. Ever since she woke, she had this undeniable feeling of dread; almost as if something bad were going to happen. She had been fine the whole carriage ride up to King’s Landing, but now being inside the castle, she just felt uneasy.

Arya was wondering the castle, stuck in her mind, when she noticed a chamber maid coming out of her sister’s room with an empty tray.

“Excuse me,” She grabbed ahold of the chambermaid’s arm.

“Yes, my lady?”

“Is my sister- Lady Sansa awake?” Arya corrected herself.

“Yes, she is, my lady. She has been up all night. The poor babe is making her restless and her labor pains have started. I was just dropping off some food for her and Ser Podrick.” The chambermaid’s voice was kind and sweet.

Arya gave her a small nod, “Thank you. Oh, if can, please check on my child sleeping in my chambers? If she awakes, come and fetch me.”

The chambermaid curtsied, “Yes, my lady.” And kept walking to her intended destination.

Arya turned and knocked on her sister’s chamber door.

Arya entered the room that Sansa was staying in. She was laying on the bed with the furs pulled towards the floor. Podrick was seated on a chair in the corner hunched over, snoring.

Arya could see the pain on Sansa’s face and it panged her heart to see her in so much discomfort.

“You look miserable.” Arya stated.

Sansa’s eyes bolted open and she stared at her sister’s grey eyes.

“Arya! I thought you wouldn’t have made it! Bran must of-ow!” Sansa clutched her stomach, holding her breath until her labor pain passed.

Arya’s eyes softened, and she came to sit by her sister on the bed.

“How are you feeling?” Arya asked. She noticed the sweat pooling around her sister’s forehead. She grabbed the wet cloth in the wash basin beside Sansa’s bed and wiped her forehead clean.

“Well, I am fat and in labor. How do think I feel?” Sansa huffed.

Arya smiled. “It seems Pod is resting easily.”

“Poor thing was up with me all night. He was worried that the babe would come, but Bran assured him that it would not be for at least another day.”

Arya nodded. Bran had said as much in the letter he sent to her just a few days prior.

“I am glad you made it. I love Dany, and I am grateful for her helping me, but she is not you.” Sansa grabbed Arya’s hand.

“I would not have missed this.” Arya squeezed her hand in comfort.

They stayed silent for a few moments. Just savoring each other’s company. It has been years since was just the two of them, even if Podrick was in the corner.

Sansa was the one to break the silence. “Are you going to tell me where you have been? It must’ve not been far, considering you are here.”

Arya’s cheeks grew hot and she quickly adverted her sister’s gaze.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you, or rather write you. But I’ve been hesitant.” Arya admitted.

“Well tell me, before I’m screaming in pain.” She urged.

Arya gave a nervous sigh, “I’ve been in Storm’s End. With Gendry…and Lyra.”

Sansa’s eyes widened in surprise. “He told you? I suppose that’s a good thing. Wait…why were you at Storm’s End? I knew you and Gendry were acquainted, but…”

“There is more to it than that. Gendry and I have known each other for years. He-he…I lost my maidenhead to him. I have loved him since before I knew what love was. Sansa, we are to be married.” Arya had finally confessed.

“You are to be what!? So, you’ve been with him these last three moons. Doing what, exactly?” Sansa’s voice became questioning.

Arya groaned in frustration. “Do you really want to know? Because I can assure you that it isn’t deemed proper.”

“Arya! I am being serious. Please tell me.” Her sister pleaded.

“I’ve been helping him run Storm’s End. I have also become a mother to Lyra. Sansa, I love that little girl as if she is my blood and I can no longer imagine my life without both of them in it. Please be happy for me.” Arya’s eyes began to fill with tears.

Sansa looked at her sister. She really looked at her sister. She was no longer the little girl she had once known or even that lonely traveler that wanted to run away for her problems. The girl that was sitting in front of her was a woman grown of three and twenty, capable of knowing exactly what she wants.

She grabbed Arya’s hands and kissed them. “I am happy for you, sister. But I do have one question. Is this what you want? The life of wife? A mother? Are you going to be happy being…still?”

“Sansa, Gendry will never make me do things that I do not want to do. He knows me and if I tell him that I need to sail to where ever for a short time to escape, then he would stock my ship and bid me a good trip. But I have been traveling for five years and I am ready to stop running; have a family. For him and Lyra to be my family.”

Sansa sighed, a small smile coming to her face, “Okay. Then I am happy for you. And I think the twins would love to have a playmate their age.”

“Does that mean you’ll accept Lyra?” Arya’s voice was filling with happiness.

“Well, I really don’t have a say in that matter, but of course! She is a sweet little thing, at least she was the last time I saw her.”

Arya laughed, “She still is! And she is here, in King’s Landing. She came with me and she absolutely loves the twins even if she hasn’t met them yet. She can’t seem to stop talking about them. I hope they like her.”

“They will absolutely love her!” Sansa assured Arya.

She was truly happy for her and couldn’t wait to plan Arya’s upcoming nuptials.

Arya rose from the bed and planted a kiss to Sansa’s forehead. “I will let you rest.”

“Wait! Will you be here? In the room, when the babe is born? Please?” Sansa asked.

Arya smiled, “Of course I will. Now, rest.”

Sansa gave her a small nod and Arya left her sister to rest until the true labor came.

Arya closed the door behind her quietly. She couldn’t bare to wake Podrick and disturb her sister. They had been through so much, the two of them, that she just wanted them to rest easily for a short period of time.

She made her way to her chambers, hoping that Lyra was still asleep. She had asked that chambermaid to fetch her if she was awake, and considering she hasn’t seen her, perhaps Lyra was still curled up in a ball on their bed.

She pushed her chamber door open and noticed that the room was empty. Lyra was not in their bed. Arya’s heart began to race, and the sense of panic was being to take over her body. She franticly searched the room, thinking that Lyra could be hiding. When she finally came to the realization that Lyra was indeed missing, she quickly turned to exit the chambers when she slammed into the chambermaid from earlier.

“Oh, pardon me, my lady.” The chambermaid said as she began to pick up the items she had dropped when Arya ran into her.

“Where is she!?” Arya grabbed the chambermaid and pulled her to her feet.

The chambermaid’s eyes screamed fear and she had difficulty letting her words escape her mouth, “She-she is with Prince Jon and Princess Dany. They-they saw me come to your chambers and-and asked where you were. I let them know you were with your sister, Princess Sansa, and they told me not to disturb you. Your child is with them. I-I thought it would not be a problem.”

Arya sighed and released the chambermaid. “I apologize. I just panicked. You are certain she is with them?”

The chambermaid quickly nodded.

“Thank you. Do you know where they are?”

“Yes, Princess Arya. They are in the small council room. The king likes to break his fast in there when his family is here.”

Arya nodded, “Thank you. And again, I am sorry. Oh, and please just call my Arya. I am no princess.”

The chambermaid nodded. Arya brushed passed her and continued towards the small council room. She was relieved that Lyra was with Jon and Dany, but she couldn’t help but feel slightly panicked. That feeling of not know where Lyra was hadn’t been a good feeling for Arya. In fact, she hated it. It was mixture of fear, sadness, and dread. Arya had only ever experienced each emotion separately, but all at once? It truly terrified her.

She wasn’t sure where these emotions were coming from. Here of late, she has been feeling everything all at once and it was intensified. Perhaps it was due to her nerves of seeing her family and how they would perceive Lyra. What ever it was, it had to go away, because Arya hated the feeling of not having a control on her ever-spiraling emotions.

She finally reached the small council room and pushed the door open. The sight before her eyes made her heart swell.

Lyra was sitting next to the twins and they were giggling and playing with their toys. Jon and Dany were whispering with one another and Bran and Meera were seated at the head just looking on with admiration.

Dany looked up from Jon and noticed Arya standing at the entryway.

“Arya! Welcome back!”

Arya’s eyes darted to Dany, “Thank you. It is good to be back. How is everyone?”

Arya made her way to the table and sat directly across from Jon, Dany, and the children. Lyra hadn’t paid Arya any attention when she sat down. She was completely enthralled with the twins in front of her.

“We are good. I see you brought Lady Lyra Baratheon. She is quite the story teller, that one. She told us all about you and her father.” Dany subtly questioned.

Arya’s cheeks grew red, “Exactly how much has she told you?”

Jon cleared his throat and Arya glanced in his direction.

“Everything. She told us everything.”

Arya studied Jon’s face. He had always been the type of person to wear his emotion on his face, but now, Arya couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

“Everything?” Arya’s voice raised at least an octave.

“Aye. She told us about her shooting lessons, driving her septa mad, and her friend Ginger.” Jon confessed.

Arya’s breathes a sigh of relief, but it for naught, because Jon said, “And she told us how you are going to be her new mother. Care to explain?”

“Do I have to?”

Arya saw Jon’s face turn serious. She gulped and took a deep breath.

“Yes, I am getting married to Gendry. I have been at Storm’s End for the last three moons, if you must know. And before you ask me any other question I wish to not answer, I have known him for years. In due time, I may share more, but for now that is all I am willing to answer.”

It all came out at once. No breaths in between or pauses. She didn’t want her family asking anymore questions. All she wanted to enjoy her time here and see the birth of her niece for nephew.

She heard Jon grumble under his breath and Arya couldn’t help but smile. She could tell that the news of his little sister getting married was an uncomfortable topic for him that, for now, he seemed okay to avoid.

“That is wonderful news, sister. I also believe that Dany has news of her own.” Bran said.

Arya looked over to both Jon and Dany and she noticed Dany’s cheeks flush.

“We’ve already told Sansa last night, but now that the rest of our family is here we would like to share that we are expecting another child!”

“That is amazing! How far along are you?” Arya asked.

“No more than three or four moons. The maester confirmed it a few days ago, before we made our way from Dragonstone.” Dany was beaming, and Jon was looking at her with absolute love.

Arya was truly happy for her brother and marriage sister, but she couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of jealousy. She and Gendry hadn’t really talked about have children of their own, and if Arya was being honest, she wasn’t sure if she could. Now that she was settling down, the thought of having children had begun to enter her mind.

It hadn’t been a priority or even a remote thought when she was younger or even when she sailing around the world. She always thought that she never wanted to have children, it was deep seeded feeling, but that all changed when she came back, and she decided to live. As much as she loved Lyra with all her being, she couldn’t help but imagine what her blood children would look like. No, doubt they would pull Gendry’s genes. The seed is strong, she remembered. But if it was strong, why had she not fallen pregnant?

She hadn’t taken any moon tea since she has been with Gendry and they had been particularly active in their proclivities. She hadn’t confirmed with the maester if she cannot bare children, but by the ways things were going, perhaps her womb was permanently damaged by what the Waif did.

Arya’s hand fell her stomach and her heart sank. The Arya five years ago would have laughed at the thought of having children, but the Arya now couldn’t help but fell sadness.

“Arry!” Lyra had pulled Arya from her thoughts. She was still seated across from Arya and her hands were on one of the twins direwolf toys.

“Yes, Lyra?”

“Ray and Ly were telling me about the dragon! Can I see it?” She asked. Her eyes were bright with wonder and Arya couldn’t help but smile.

“Well, that is something you will have to ask Dany about. It’s her dragon.” Arya motioned to Daenerys.

Lyra turned to Dany and asked the same question.

“I can show you, but you must keep your distance. Drogon is weary to strangers.” She told Lyra truthfully.

Lyra looked at Arya for approval. “If she said yes, then it is fine with me. But listen to everything Dany tells you, you understand?”

Lyra nodded and jumped from her seat across from Arya. She went over to her and gave her hug.

“Thank you!” She turned and Rhaella and Lyarya quickly grabbed each of Lyra’s hands and pulled out of the small council room.

“Let me go before they accidently feed Lyra to Drogon.” Dany joked. She rose from her chair and gave Jon a quick kiss before she chased after the children.

Jon remained along with Meera and Bran.

She noticed Jon’s twitching hands and how they crumbled up the piece of sweet bread on his plate.

“Jon? Are you alright?” She asked him.

Jon’s eyes bolted to hers.

“Yeah, I’m fine, why do you ask?”

She pointed to the mess he made in front of him. “I don’t know, you seem…nervous. Are you not happy about another babe?”

Jon’s eyes widened, “No, I am excited. I am just…” He sighed.

“Tell me. Please.” Arya encourage; her voice soft.

“If am being honest, I am trying everything in my power to not get on my horse and ride down to Storm’s End and knock some sense into that man.” He confessed.

Arya sighed. She knew better than to think that Jon would leave the situation alone.

“Jon. I already told you that I di-”

“I know that you said, Arya. But you cannot expect me to sit here and not wonder how this relationship started. I get it, you’ve known him for years. But how am I not supposed to stop my mind from going to all kinds of places. What did you do all those years ago? Exactly how long have you known him? Seven hells, Arya, how do I know that he did not take advantage of you?” Jon said honestly.

Arya scoffed, “Trust me when I say that if Gendry had ever taken advantage of me, he would not be alive.”

Jon shook his head in frustration. He hated that she never answered his questions. All he wanted to know was how it happened. He hated not knowing.

“I am being serious, Arya. Please just tell me something.” He begged.

Arya groaned, “Alright. But I tell you this one thing and you have to promise to not ask anymore questions. When the time is right, I will tell you all of it. Every last detail.”

With hesitation, Jon nodded, “I promise.”

“Well, I have known Gendry since before Winterfell. I had met him in King’s Landing, after father’s death. The gold cloaks were searching for him; trying to execute him for being Robert Baratheon’s bastard. He was the only one who knew I was girl. I had to disguise myself, so no one would know who I was. He protected me, and I protected him. Then he got sold and I thought I would never see him again. Then there he was, riding on horse back following you. Of course, he would follow you, who wouldn’t? I don’t know, after I saw him again, these feelings started bubbling inside me that I didn’t know I had. We spent the night together before the battle and then I left. That’s the short story anyway. Truth be told, I wasn’t ready to experience those emotions, so I left. Sailed away for five bloody years, hoping that those feelings would vanish. When they didn’t go away, and I accepted that they were never going away, I decided to come home and to see if I could start over. It turned out that I could. Now we are here.” Arya finished.

She looked over and could see tears welling in Meera’s eyes.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to listen, but it was just heartwarming.” Meera said as she wiped her tears away.

Arya gave a small smile to Meera and turned to Jon. He too seemed to have tears in his eyes. Arya’s story had made him realize that she was growing up and there was nothing he or anyone else could do to stop it. He had to stop seeing her as a little girl and see her for the woman that she is becoming.

“Well, I am happy for you. And I promised you that I would not ask anymore questions. So please do excuse me while I keep myself preoccupied so I won’t ask you those questions.” Jon lifted from his chair and exited the small council room.

Arya nodded and saw him leave.

She wasn’t planning on having this conversation with either of her siblings, but she supposed it was for the best. She had a chance to explain herself, and for now that would have to do. She knew that eventually Sansa and Jon would want more answers and she give them. Just at this particular time in her life, she still wanted to keep somethings hidden. Gods, she hadn’t even told Gendry how she got her scars. There were things that she still had to keep hidden deep beneath her and she knew that when the right time comes, she will let it all out.

Arya was grateful for one thing; that she wouldn’t have to tell Bran. He seems to know everything, so she was certain that he knew what she was going through and what she went through.

“Don’t worry, Arya. They will stop questioning. Everything will come to light and they will accept it.” Bran said suddenly.

Arya was just as confused as the first time he said something cryptic to her. She knew better than to question him, so instead she turned to Meera.

“Meera, we haven’t had a chance to properly get to know one another. Please tell me, how is the wedding planning?” She asked.

Meera took a sip from her water before answering, “Well, Bran said that we should wait until the end of the year. He said that things have to ‘calm first’ whatever that means, so I haven’t really been planning anything. How about you? I hear that you are betrothed now. You must be planning something.” Meera inquired.

Arya shook her head, “No, not really. We aren’t in any rush to get married at the moment. We are just enjoying each other’s company.”

“That’s good! I’m sure his liege lords were surprised.”

Arya laughed, “You have no idea. They were too keen on a woman asserting dominance over them.”

“So, Gendry lets you have your input?” she said as she took a bite from her sweet bread.

“Yes, he does. He enjoys it, actually. It gives him a chance to take a break from those lords. In fact, I’ve been looking over the weekly meetings that we have for the last two or three moons.”

“That is truly amazing. I am glad to hear that you are thriving in Storm’s End.”

The two women conversed for several hours. Arya would glance over at Bran here and there to see if he was listening, and although his face was stoic, she could see the faint smiles that touched his face whenever Meera talked about their time together.

She had recounted their adventure beyond the wall and Bran’s journey in becoming the Three Eyed Raven. She even told Arya about the time Bran had contacted her nearly three years ago. It had been two years since they had seen or talked, and she receives a raven asking her to come to King’s Landing.

“I finally come, and he begins telling me everything that had happened since I last saw him. It was astonishing to hear the tales. I had been so enthralled with them that I didn’t even hear him apologize to me. It was surreal, all of it. The next thing I know, I had agreed to marry him!” Meera laughed.

Arya had laughed along. She did love hearing that her brother was happy and content and somewhat his old self. If anyone deserved happiness, it was definitely Bran. After all that he went through, it was nice to see him have a woman to love him for just the way he was.

And Meera was a good fit for him. She was tough but loving at the same time. If anyone could handle Bran’s ways, then it was definitely Meera.

“Well, I am glad to hea-” Arya was about to say when Bran had cut her off.

“It is time.”

Arya’s eyes widened. She jumped to her feet and ran out of the small council room. She could hear the panged screams from down the hall and she quickly picked up her pace. She noticed that Jon and Podrick were both standing outside of Sansa’s chamber door. The children were seated on the floor next to them.

“What happened?” She asked the two men as she reached the door.

“Her waters broke. Sam, Gilly, and Dany are in there now.” Podrick answered.

She turned to Jon.

“Don’t worry, I have Lyra and the girls. Get in there.” He knew what she would ask him even before she had a chance to ask.

She smiled and turned to open the door, but before she went in she turned to Pod.

“What the bloody hells are you doing out here?”

“Well-I-it is not proper.” He managed to say.

Arya grabbed his arm and jerked him inside the room.

“Fuck being proper. You put that babe in her, so you are going to be there when it comes out.”

She shoved him inside and slammed the door behind her. Arya motioned for Podrick to go by Sansa’s side and he complied grabbing a hold of her hand.

Arya went to Sansa’s other side and quickly wiped her hair from her face. Sansa was in pain, Arya could tell, and it took everything in her not to cry. She couldn’t, because if she did then she wouldn’t be able to stop.

“You are doing great Sansa. Pretty soon you’ll have your babe in your arms.” Arya assured her.

“Oh, shut up! I know that you are trying to get my mind off the pain, but it won’t work!” Her sister yelled.

Sansa then turned to Podrick, she was already crushing his by squeezing to so tight, but she needed to make sure he knew how she really felt.

“And you! I will never ever let you put another babe in me, do you understand? I don’t care how magical your cock is!”

Podrick’s face turned white. Arya tried to subdue the laugh that was bubbling in her stomach.

“She doesn’t mean it.” Dany had said from across the room. “I said the same thing to Jon when I was birthing my twins but look at me now. Pregnant with his babe.”

Pod slowly nodded and looked back to Sansa, whispering words into her ear. He was trying to soothe her, but it wasn’t working.

“Oh, seven hells! Get the babe out of me already!” Sansa screamed in pain.

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Arya walked into the small council room with a bright smile on her face. Her sister had labored long, but the birth of Robb Stark came quick. The babe was healthy and strong, much like his mother who birthed him. He was the spitting image of his mother. The Tully auburn hair and the blue eyes were undeniable. If Arya didn’t know any better, she would have guessed that Sansa created this child all on her own.

Of course, Pod had been a blubbering mess, but Arya had remembered Sansa telling her that she like when he got emotional. She was truly happy for the couple and secretly hoped that would be her someday.

Tyrion was in the small council room with a wine goblet in hand. By the looks of it, he must have been on at least his third goblet; his head bobbing almost as if he was falling asleep. When Arya had entered, it seemed as if he found a new-found energy to speak.

“Ah, Lady Arya! How is the new mother?” His words were slightly slurred.

“Well. Thank you for asking.” Arya took a seat across from Tyrion.

Arya looked at Tyrion and wondered why he was still awake. He had no reason to be. It was obvious that he was waiting for something.

“Lord Tyrion, why are you still awake? Shouldn’t you be in bed with your wife?” Arya asked as she took her own goblet of wine.

“I should. But I was worried for our dear Sansa. She is a friend after all. And my son happened to kick me out of my bed, so he could lay with his mother.” He took another sip.

Arya nearly chocked on her wine. “You have a son!? When?”

“Hmm, not too long after Dany had the twins.” He recounted.

“He is um…like you?” Arya asked with a flush.

“You mean is he an imp?” He shook his head, “No, he isn’t. Takes after my wife. Even the coloring of his skin.”

Arya took another sip, “And his name?”

“I have no idea how to pronounce it. It is Dothraki, and I haven’t been able to say it. He has a name with the common tongue; Wiley.”

“Wiley…good name. Maybe Lyra can meet him before we leave to go back to Storm’s End.” Arya suggested.

Tyrion nodded in agreement.

“I must say, motherhood becomes you. She may not be your blood, but she is your daughter.” Tyrion admitted honestly.

“Thank you, Lord Tyrion. It’s strange. From the moment I met her, I felt this connection. I love her deeply. I will kill anyone who ever tried to hurt her.” Arya’s eyes turned dark. The thought of anyone getting near Lyra with mal intention nagged at the back of her mind. Ever since Lord Swann’s outburst, she has had this overwhelming feeling that something bad was going to happen. It was one of the major reasons she had suggested to bring Lyra here to King’s Landing.

She hadn’t shared this thought with Gendry because she felt like it wasn’t necessary. She was wishing she had told him because that feeling only seemed to get stronger as she stayed in King’s Landing.

“Oh!” Tyrion jabbed, breaking Arya from her thought. He was rummaging in his jerkin pocket when he pulled out a scroll with a stag wax seal.  “Before I forget, a raven arrived for you this evening. It was a rather late delivery, if I must say so myself.”

Arya rose from her seat and went towards Tyrion.

“What time did it arrive?” She asked as she took the scroll from his hands. She hadn’t notice that her own hands were shaking with nerves. That feeling of something bad was overwhelming and it coated Arya like hot tar.

“Just shortly before you came in. I doubt it’s nothing. Probably Lord Gendry bidding you a goodnight. Guarantee he misses you warming his bed.” Tyrion joked.

Arya broke the wax seal and began reading the very words she had been dreading. Tyrion noticed the color run from Arya’s cheeks. Her joyous smile was washed from her face and she looked as if she was going to be sick.

“I need to go. I have to-” Her words were cut off when she ran to the nearest window and regurgitated the contents to her stomach.

The scroll she was holding was now on the floor next to Tyrion. He picked up the scroll and began to read its words. Every bone in his body began to ache. He felt like someone had punched him in the abdomen.

“Arya, I-” Tyrion began to say. Arya quickly wiped her mouth and began to make her way to the door.

“I need my brothers. Now!” Arya yelled as she slammed the door behind her.

Tyrion was completely numb. In the five year since the battle of King’s Landing there hasn’t been any sort of problem. No wars, battles, or fights. It had been peaceful. That all changed with what the letter contained. He glanced down at the scroll in his hands and read it again.

Arya, it is truly a blessing that I am able to write this letter. I’ve locked myself in the ravenery and quickly writing this letter to you. Lord Swann has staged a coup. Mutiny has arrived. I wish I could tell you more, but his men are coming. Gendry, Davos, and Archie have all be captured. I fear for their lives! Please send help.

Rena.

[feafankids]

Cato/Tempest Support Log (C-S)

The first two fankids in our long support log are Cato (son of Aversa) and Tempest (daughter of Frederick)! Written by Ruu and edited by Tana.

C Support

Tempest (neutral): Training’s done, the stew is simmering, we have plenty of firewood. Miranda and Jordan say the med tent is finely stocked, and same to the weapons tent.

Tempest (pleased): *sigh* Seems I finally have a second to myself.

Tempest: Ah, how lovely. A moment for me... Hm.

Tempest (neutral): ...

Tempest: No one will notice if I just... * leaves*

((Scene Transition))

Tempest (pleased): Ah, I thought it would be pretty here. I’m glad I could finally investigate.

Tempest: I know Papa will adore these flowers for sure.

(enter Cato)

Cato (playful): Terrifying Tempest, is that you?

Tempest (neutral): Huh?!

Cato (neutral): Of course it is. Why should I suspect anyone else.

Tempest (stern): How did you find me, Cato?

Cato: I looked around camp everywhere for you. Had a question about cleaning weapons.

Tempest (neutral): You were looking for me? Wait—You were going to actually DO something?

Cato (sleepy): Shocker, I know. My sword’s all scratched up.

Tempest: Well, there should be more cleaning rags and wax in the weapons tent.

Cato (neutral): Checked. Nothing.

Tempest: Hmm. That’s awfully strange. I suppose someone must have finished it off.

Tempest (injured): Well I do know one thing—

Cato: And that is?

Tempest: The innards of this plant here is used to make wax and provides a similar sheen. It would make your sword look better until we can see an armourer.

Cato: You’re a flowers-dork?

Tempest (neutral): I dabble in garden management. I spent many a day in my childhood amongst the forests of Ylisse.

Cato: And I’ve got a rag. Mind if I join you?

Tempest: If you wish.

B Support

Cato: Hey Tempest, thanks for that tip. My sword looks better than ever.

Tempest: Hm, I’m glad.

Cato: What was that flower again?

Tempest: Bathing Beauty.

Cato (happy): Pfft.

Tempest (please): Haha.

Cato (neutral): Hey look at me for a sec.

Tempest (carefree): What—*laugh* Cato why are you so close? Gods, just grab my face why don’t you.

Cato (serious): Your eyes are bloodshot.

Tempest (neutral): ...

Tempest (injured): I suppose I’m just tired.

Cato: Come to think of it, I didn’t see you come back to camp last night after cleaning the sword...

Cato: Tempest, were you out there all night long?

Tempest (stern): I don’t think it’s any of your business, Cato.

Cato: We marched today too!

Tempest: I’ve seen much worse in the future. A simple overnighter will not be the death of me.

Cato: Yeah but over-exhaustion will. You really should sleep.

Tempest (injured): I wish I could, but when there’s jobs to do I can’t sleep. And there is always work.

Cato: Why?

Tempest: Because it’s my nature.

Cato (disgusted): Bad Tempest!

Tempest (neutral): I beg your pardon?

Cato: Just because lazy buggers like me do our jobs horribly doesn’t mean you have to pick up the slack. That’s for the adults to worry about.

Tempest (remorse): But we came back to save our parents—

Cato (neutral): And they gotta put in the work to survive. We both do. And are you good to old Freddybear dead?

Tempest (Injured): Gods, you call him that too?

Cato (serious): Would he be joyous and happy if his daughter died?

Tempest: ...I suppose not.

Cato: Right. Now you’re enrolled in Professor Cato’s Relaxation Routine.

Cato (neutral): Now, what makes you calm?

Tempest (neutral): Doing odd jobs around camp.

Cato (serious): Not that.

Cato (neutral): You like nature right?

Tempest: Yes, I enjoy nature.

Cato (flirty): Then c’mon.

Cato: We’re going to pick flowers or something! Lay in a field or whatever! You’re gonna relax!

Tempest (stern): Cato? Cato! Don’t go into that patch!

A Support

Cato (disgusted): A...A...ACHOO!

Cato: This gods-damned rash is burning my whole body. Fuc—

Tempest (stern): I told you not to go into that bush.

Cato (distressed): I was tryna get you relaxed!

Tempest (neutral): It’s on your face too. Here, Brady said to keep applying the lotion every half hour.

Cato (serious): I can do it myself.

Tempest: You can’t see, now come here.

Tempest (neutral): My, you have very pretty eyes. Crimson, just like the autumn leaves in the north.

Cato (flirty): Sounds like you’ve been spending time with Kimi...

Tempest: ...

Tempest (pleased): There.

Cato (neutral): Why are you sitting back down?

Tempest (neutral): Because I’m going to stay with you.

Cato: You ain’t gonna run off and save the rest of the camp?

Tempest: No.

Tempest: My friend needs my help. A knight pledges herself to the people before the kingdom.

Tempest: A kingdom is nothing without its people.

Cato: ...

Tempest: Do you need anything?

Cato (disgusted): I want this freaking rash to stop flaring up but that’s not happening.

Tempest: Well I suppose we have time to kill then.

Tempest: May I ask questions about you?

Cato (neutral): Shoot.

Tempest: Why do you shy from my touch?

Cato (distressed): Gods.

Tempest: I’m serious. Every time you come close you seem pained. And when I approach you move away like I burnt you.

Tempest (remorse): ...Do I make you uncomfortable?

Cato (serious): *sigh* Gods...

Cato: No Tempest, it’s just some junk from childhood.

Cato: Nothing I want to get into.

Tempest (injured): Ah. My apologies.

Cato (neutral): I’m trying to get better. Hence why I was so touchy with you before. I thought you could help me with it.

Tempest (neutral, blush): Do I ease you?

Cato: You have a presence I enjoy.

Tempest: Thank you.

Cato: I probably should’ve told you.

Tempest (pleased): Perhaps.

Cato: I’ll try to do better. But, as a friend, could you just be a little easier with me?

Tempest: I will be as gentle as buds on a blooming flower.

Cato (happy): Thanks Temmie.

Tempest: You’re quite welcome.

Tempest: Truth be told, this confession makes me want to take your lessons to heart.

Tempest: We could both become better people together.

Cato (neutral): Oh?

Tempest: Yes. So you have to hurry up and get well so I can learn how to relax.

Cato: If it’s the healer’s orders...

S Support

Cato (neutral): Asters, violets, Black-eyed Susans... There’s scorpion grass and baby’s breath... Think that will be okay?

Tempest (neutral): What do you have there?

Cato (happy): Temmie! Hey...

Tempest: What have you behind your back Cato?

Cato (flirty): It’s just a little thank you gift. For taking care of the camp and me.

Tempest: I can go if it’s not ready...

Cato (neutral): Nah, just... Close your eyes? For me?

Tempest: Of course.

Cato: ...

Cato: There.

Cato: Okay, open ‘em.

Tempest (blush, pleased): A flower bouquet! How sweet.

Cato: I grabbed them for you. Astrid gave me some guidance.

Cato: I even gave her a high five after.

Tempest: That’s wonderful progress!

Tempest (neutral): I also stopped training with Kjelle before we both fell over. A vast improvement from working to exhaustion.

Cato: That’s really great Tempest.

Cato: I’m sorta proud of both of us...

Tempest: As am I. We’re both making great improvements in short time.

Tempest: These flowers look wonderful.

Cato (blush): You like ‘em?

Tempest: I adore them. May I?

Cato: *breath in* If I can try something after.

Cato: Thanks, but they’re your flowers.

Tempest: Yet you look lovely with them. Scorpion grass looks wonderful with your shade of hair…

Tempest: Anyways, you wanted to try something?

Cato: Right.

Cato: Close your eyes?

Tempest: All right.

Tempest (injured): …

Cato (eyes closed): ...

Tempest (blush, neutral): Cato, you took my hand and kissed it!

Cato (serious, blush): I tried my damnedest okay...

Tempest: No, no, don’t take it the wrong way...

Tempest: I liked it.

Cato (sleepy, blush): *sigh* Thank Naga.

Cato (neutral, blush): I think you’re my strength Tempest.

Tempest (pleased, blush): I was thinking the same thing.

Tempest: Perhaps we should stick together. I would hate to be without my strength.

Cato (happy, blush): Me too.

Ending

Cato, Feigning Fighter

Tempest, Devoted Darling

While still glared at his Plegian roots, Cato learnt to open himself up to touch even further. Scholars say that there was not a time where he wasn’t holding his beloved Tempest’s hand or by her side. When their army service was complete, they found land that backed onto a large forest, at Tempest’s request. The two lived out the rest of their days happily together.

[likingletsplays]

A Date at the Park

Authors note:

Thank you @theofficult for the inspiration

The original post can be found here 

Dark drummed his pencil on the desk, glaring down at his stack of papers. He glanced up at the clock and huffed sitting back in his seat. It was ten fifteen and there was no way he would finish the planning that needed to be done anytime soon. All he wanted to do was crawl in bed and curl up against Wilford’s side. This is part of the life you chose Dark. Things like your love life have to be put on hold for the greater need of the Egos. Yes but sometimes love is more important than this. It’s not like he won’t have time to work on this tomorrow. Damien your love for William makes you blind Celine hissed And your hate for what Dark did to Mark makes you vengeful and you couldn’t give a damn if Dark ran himself into the ground. Stop fighting Dark growled dropping his head into his hands.There was a soft knock on the door. Dark looked up to see Wilford closing the door behind him. Wilford’s eyes always seemed to bring peace to Dark. He had dark brown eyes with a ring of bring pink around his iris and as soon as they met Dark’s Black ones, Dark felt his body relax. “Still working?” Wilford asked walking over to Dark and sitting down on his desk.

Dark sat back a soft smile on his lips, “When am I not Wil?”

“Are we getting a new Ego?” Wilford asked looking down at the pile of papers.

Dark huffed reaching for the papers and extracting a picture from the plie, “His name is Yanderplier, he is from Japan so I have to travel quite some distance for him.”

“Who are you taking with you Darky?” Wilford asked taking the picture from Dark and looking down at the pail skinned, red haired boy.

“I was thinking one of the Googles for translation, and maybe you if you wanted to go…why are you still in work clothes?” Dark asked taking in the full image of Wilford.

“Blue is still editing. He is very distractible today.” Wilford answered putting the picture back on top of the pile, “How old is he?”

“23. He is in college now, Mark said he didn’t even intend of making him but the fans kinda,” Dark answered shrugging, “And distractible how? Is he working on a full episode or half?”

“Half but Bim has also been gone all day so it doesn’t surprise me that he is off his game,” Wilford answered, “ And I would love to go with you Darky but I have too much going on in the studio at the moment.” Wilford took Dark’s face between his hands.

Dark closed his eyes temporally feeling his and Damien’s hearts soar, “I’ll talk with Blue tonight see where his head is at.”

“Spend tomorrow with me?” Wilford whispered pressing light kisses across Dark’s forehead.

Dark grimaced, “There is still so much planning I have to do.”

Wilford shook his head and said softly, “I won’t take no for an answer Darky. Tomorrow is just for you and me. You already know you’ll be taking Red with you; he is the best at translating. There isn’t much left to be done but book your tickets and Oliver could do that.”

“Let me leave an intermarry for Oliver then.” Dark said pressing a light kiss to Wilford’s lips.

“You have fifteen minutes. If I have to come back for you,” Wilford said standing up a glint in his eye, “I will throw you over my shoulder and carry you to bed. Then have my way with you all night.”

Dark groaned softly, “Give me forty-five minutes, I need to talk to Blue first then I’ll meet you in your room.”

“When will you get it through your head that it’s our room Dark?” Wilford asked.

Dark shrugged, “I probably never will Wil.” Wilford shook his head, a knowing smile on his lips as he left the office. Dark quickly began to fill out the few simple tasks he had for Oliver the next day, then walked out of his office to find Blue.

~

“Good morning handsome,” Wilford said his voice raspy from sleep.

Dark opened his eyes and turned to face Wilford, “Good morning Wil, what do we have on the agenda today?”

“Just a simple picnic and more of what we did last night later,” Wilford answered leaning forward to slowly kiss down Dark’s neck and bare chest.

“Wil,” Dark groaned pushing the pink haired man back, “You need to go set things in order in the studio before we go.”

“Get ready then Darky.” Wilford said standing up, pulling a pair of boxers on and disappearing into the bathroom.

Dark sat up, cracking his neck and back into place. He walked slowly to the closet and opened it, “What should I wear today?”

Wilford stuck his head out of the bathroom, a toothbrush hanging out of his mouth, “Wear something casual; jeans and a tee-shirt.”

Dark nodded and turned back to the closet. He barely had anything in there; he really needed to move more of his cloths into Wilford’s room. Wear the black jeans and gray sweater. Do you not know any other colors besides gray and black Damien? Dark rolled his eyes not in the mood to hear their bickering this early. He did take Damien’s advice however.

Wilford wrapped his arms around Dark’s middle, “It doesn’t take you long to get ready.” Dark commented turning his face to see Wilford was already completely dressed.

“I took a shower after you fell asleep last night,” Wilford shrugged. He turned Dark around, grabbed his bare hips and pulled him closer to him pressing a kiss to his lips, “I’ll be back in about an hour.”

Dark hummed smiling softly. He walked into the bathroom and started to get ready.

~

Dark ran around the car opening the door for Wilford, “So why a picnic?” Wilford shrugged carrying the basket and blanket out to the grass. It used to be one of my favorite things to do. That’s saying that William is also somewhere in there. That he is also part of that madness. Can you say he isn’t? How do you know he isn’t kinda like me? Because Wilford is himself and isn’t possessed. His mind is just broken.

Dark sat next to Wilford, “There are a lot of butterfly’s out today.”

Dark froze midway from taking the wineglass from Wilford’s hand, “What?” he asked

“Yeah see.” Wilford said standing up and gesturing around to the many aster bushes

“We need to leave.” Dark croaked his eyes dancing between the many plants.

“Darky they won’t hurt you.” Wilford said bending down and putting the wine glass down. He stood up and walked closer to the bushed

“Wilford, I’m under attack!” Dark yelled out watching as a butterfly landed on his sleeve.

Wilford turned his head frowning in confusion, “Wh?”

“I need assistance!” Dark yelled louder stumbling to his feet holding his arm out as still as a board.

“W-whats going on?” Wilford asked taking a few tentative steps back towards Dark

Dark pointed to the butterfly on his arm, “I am being harassed.”

“Aw- Dark its just a butterf-.” Wilford answered back a look of slight confusion still on his face.

“Unhand me fiend!” Dark yelled swinging his arm madly in an attempt to get the butterfly to get off his arm. Dark’s eyes widened when another one landed next to the first. “Wilford I’m being serious HELP!”

Wilford walked back to Dark, brushing the butterflies from his arm. He took Dark’s panicked face between his hands, “What’s going on Darky?”

“That was a black and brown butterfly Wil.” Dark answered his eyes still wide with fear.

“What does that mean?” Wilford asked a slight frown on his face.

“When butterfly’s land on you its an omen. Those aren’t good colors Wil. Black is illness of a loved one and brown means life changing news. Both of those together could mean a very bad thing for you.” Dark explained quickly.

“Good thing I don’t believe in them then.” Wilford said chucking. He pressed a swift kiss to Dark’s lips, “That’s an old wives tale my love. You can’t believe everything your told.”

“I was an old wives tale.” Dark croaked out wrapping his arms around Wilford’s middle bearing his face against Wilford’s chest.

@tmblr-a-binch

[manysquidsandoctos]

Deepest Underground

( I lost track so-)

(The other parts can be found on @sakura-loves-art , my old blog!)

Aster paced after the meeting in the study room his father told him to stay in. “That girl is Erik Castella’s daughter, hm.....”

-Meanwhile-

After releasing the subjects trapped, she ran up more stairs. Seanna looked up to see at least a few floors of stairs. “Up is the only way out. I can’t stop now.” She gripped her splattershot and began hauling her weight up the stairs.

Two scientists unexpectedly followed her silently.

~~~

Seanna, now panting and out of breath, reached the top of the stairwell. She crouched over the catch her breath. “Hah......” she looked up to see the study room up ahead. And above the door read.....

EXIT

Seanna felt a smile growing on her face. “At last....the surface is so close! I-I can’t wait to see the sun that father told me all about....”

She cautiously opened the door of the dark study room. She looked around, and saw another glowing EXIT sign. “Yes!” She walked in the room, and dropped her weapons at the door, the surface just within reach.

“Going somewhere?”

Aster slowly closed the door behind them, staring into her eyes intensely. Seanna tried to make a quick dash to the weapons she foolishly left behind, but Aster grabbed out his custom pair of dualies and kicked her weapons away.

“Cafeteria girl. I never thought our paths would cross again, but clearly I was mistaken.” He hissed.

“You.......are that boy I yelled at!”

“A foolish decision. I am Aster, elder son of Frederick, which, I’m sure you’ve heard of by now.”

“You’re the one!”

“And to let you know....” he slowly moved across the room and blocked the exit. “That I cannot allow you to come any further. You’ve no right to see the surface.”

“I do! And I’m sure that maybe you could too....if you’d just join me!”

He scoffed. “Join you? And displease father? I don’t think so.” He readied his dualies. “And I will put up a fight if you think otherwise.”

Seanna looked around the room, frantically trying to find something to defend herself with.

A heavy splatling lay on the floor. “Just what a need!” She picked up the heavy weapon and aimed it.

“Hmph. You could’ve just gone back. It would’ve been a lot less painful for you.”

He leaped at her, and she charged it just enough to splat him. Dodging gracefully to the side, he shot the area around her.

“Can’t you just listen to reason?! We don’t have to fight! We are practically the same age, we must have some ideals worth protecting!”

“The only ideals are my father’s! You dare have free will against him?!” He jumped on her, and she pushed him off and flipped around.

“Aster! Please!”

“Silence you! I’m finished with the lies you’ve spread among the soldiers. I will end it all now!” He grabbed her arm and aimed a dualie at her head. “Say goodnight-“

“Brother!!!” Calypso yelled. “Big brother, where are youuuuu?!”

“C-Calypso?!” He Let his guard down, loosening the grip on Seanna’s arm. “Get out! You’ll get in trouble!”

“Big brother, why are you hurting her?! She seems nice!”

“She disobeyed father, and will pay dearly with her life!”

“So what if she broke a few rules? We’ve done that before!”

“Calypso-“ He was interrupted by Seanna’s fist. Calypso cheered. “Go, Go! Get on out of here! Go!!” Seanna smiled and nodded. “Th-Thank you....” she ran to the exit and slammed the door shut behind her.

“ARRRGH!” He held his cheek and ran to the door, and slammed his fists against it. “COD DAMN IT!!!!” He muttered cuss words against the steel door.

“Big brother-!”

“I’m going after her! I CANNOT FAIL FATHER! NOT AGAIN!” He screeched, thrusting the door open. Calypso called and ran after him.

The scientists stood there, smirking.

“Oh dear. Poor Aster.” Tsubaki chuckled.

“Wait till Leader Frederick hears of his.....disappearance.” Tanner cackled. They walked back into the Deepest Underground.

{ END OF STORY }

[gayneral]

All those flowers, my dude

First of all thank you for asking, this will be longAlso as this took me almsot two weeks already I took the liberty of leaving some queastions out so I wouldn’t take even longerSince this was answered over a longer time span some questions that are aimed at certain days may be slightly outdated (ed what are u wearing today and such)

Alisons: Sexuality?I’m gay my dudes

Amaranth: Pronouns/Gender?He/Him, male

Amaryllis: Birthday?My Birthday is in June

Anemone: Favorite flower?This is gonna sound lame as fuck but I rly like roses, red ones in particular

Angelonia: Favorite t.v. show?I can’t choose but here are some favorites:

Peaky Blinders, I’ve watched this one so often,,, Cillian Murphy was what got me into it and I stayed for beautiful scenes and atmosphere and the gang drama

Gotham, Let’s be honest, the best thing abt dc are their villains (also suuuuper into Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Office, i like these because they are easy, nice and satisfy my need to have something running in the background while I’m at home. (Also insanely sweet in the case of BB9)

Aster: What’s one of your favorite quotes?One I still remember strongly is from two boys kissing “you should all live to meet your future selves”

Also many of the poems by keaton st james deeply resonate with me so check those out (most are religious-ish just in case that’s a no no for you)

Aubrieta: Favorite drink?I gotta be boring and say water

I like hot chocolate and a special kind of peach tea and some soda I drank in brazil but water,, yeah I drink that most,, love hydration

Baby’s Breath: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?Nope

Balsam Fir: Have you ever been in love?I am, right now, at this very moment

Baneberries: Favorite song?I can’t give you an all time favorite so here’s a random favorite I currently like listening to: Sedated by Hozier

Basket of Gold: Describe your family.My family is not very big and actually hasn’t been a family for a very long time. Namely it’s my dad, my sister, my grandparents, my dads wife, her son, our dog and I. I have never experienced family in my youth so sometimes when I’m with them it’s all very odd. And sometimes it’s stressful. But it’s the first time I actually miss family when I’m alone at home, far away. I speak about my father and my grandparents further below but my sister is very sweet and I’m pretty protective of her, she and I get along a lot better now than before which is a common trait as ull see later.

We often take care of things, and are probably the most planning of the family. My dad’s wife is very good to talk to, having a very different perspective from my own and will always offer up advice. Her son is currently in pirperty and more interested in playing fortnite than anything which makes for some explosiveness at home. Our dog is cute and perfect that’s it.

Begonia: Favorite color?I like blue tones, but a dark, rusy kind of red is cool too

Bellflower: Favorite animal?Dogs Dogs Dogs. By far my favorite animal, they fill my heart with joy. Next up, Giraffes, funny big boys

Bergenia: Are you a morning or night person?Morning I think, I definitely work best early.

Bloodroots: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?I actually never really had a dream job as a child. Not that I remember at least.

Bluemink: What are your thoughts on children?While I generally ain’t a big fan, like I’m someone very based on conversations so obviously that’s hard w kids. I am growing more to them. I’m far from wanting one but I think children are special in their.. Like innocence. They are beyond all the bitterness and hatred that we adults have. If only parents would be better lmao

Blazing Stars: What are you afraid of? Is there a reason why?I’m afraid of many things. Change for example. And failure. I think that might be because being perfect was important when I grew up and whatever I did it was never enough to my mother especially. Perhaps that has become so deep rooted that I tell myself I can not fail, which makes me very nervous and makes me worry too much.

Borage: Give a random fact about your childhood.I spend lots of time on building sites and in hardware stores because my grandparents have houses and my parents often would work there too.

Buttercup: Relationship Status?Single

Candytufts: When do you feel most loved?God I don’t know, I think it’s probably when I’m with someone I care about and it’s easy and light and fun and I feel comfortable and they tell me that they like being around me, or that I made them happy with something.

Canna: Do you have any tattoos?Nope,wanted to have some but money and shit

Canterbury Bells: Do you have any piercings?  I have my ears pierced, but it’s the earlobes so the most basic thing

California Poppy: Height?  I insist on 1,70 at least, I will not accept being under that.

Cardinal Flower: Do you believe in ghosts?In a way, yeah

Carnation: What are you currently wearing?My new boots, black pants, winter coat, black jacket, a blue button up and a lord of the rings shirt underneath. Obviously underwear

Catnip: Have you ever slept with a nightlight?When I was a child for sure

Chives: Who was the last person you hugged?A person from school, who’s also in fashion design, but a few years above me that I got to know bc of cosplay.

Chrysanthemum: Who’s the last person you kissed?My Ex

Cock’s Comb: Favorite font?God idk, I like oldish looking ones, elegant ‘n stuff

Columbine: Are you tired?Nah, actually not rn

Common Boneset: What are you looking forward to?Sam visiting me in March

Coneflower: Dream job?I’m not sure, definitely something w sewing but idk if I wanna go theater or my own things

Crane’s-Bill: Introvert or extrovert?Introvert

Crocus: Have you ever been in love?Yeh

Crown Imperial: What’s the farthest you would go for someone you care about?Very very far

I’d say I’m pretty damn loyal and also give myself up easily even without noticing. If someone has my love and my loyalty they have my everything basically. Would I commit a terrible crime? I don’t know. Would I be real mean to someone or punch them? Yeah, if it’s reasonable w the situation I would (would it be affective? Not sure)

Give myself up? If we’re thinking real dramatic..maybe yeah

Daffodil: What’s your zodiac sign?Gemini

Dahlia: Have you done anything worth remembering?Funny or stupid things? MaybeOtherwise honourable stuff, i don’t think so, i don’t view my actions like that.

I mean I survived, that’s pretty cool

Daisy: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?Above mentioned survival. Which includes making it out of my mother and her boyfriends abusive grip and household. Moving away. Being true to myself. Dragging myself out of the hole I had fallen in for a while. Getting close w my dad and family. Believing more in myself and stopping things that are not good for me. Getting an apprenticeship that I like. Moving forward in life

Daylily: What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner(s)?If it’d be my dad I’d sit down with him and ask him why exactly. I have had a relationship before in which I did not see how badly I was treated/ that I basically searched someone like my mother. So I’d listen, perhaps to prevent from making the same mistake again. If it turns out it’s nothing reasonable I think I’d tell him that I will pursue the relationship anyway and ask him to respect that and be as nice as possible to my partner.

If it’d be my mother.. No surprise she doesn’t even like me and honestly I wouldn’t give a shit.

Dendrobium: Who is the last person that you said “I love you” to?Did I say it? Not sure but written it in a letter, it was Sam

False Goat’s Beard: What is something you are good at?If my grades speak for themselves it’d be my apprenticeship, or like idk working hard about something I enjoy. I take this very seriously and give it everything I can. I’ve been told I’m good at talking, not sure if that’s true

Foxgloves: What’s something you’re bad at?I’m envious. It’s not that far that I am not happy for people, I think i generally have it under control but sometimes it gets the best of me and fills my stomach with nasty emotions.

Also saying stop. I do a lot for people, and I’ve been prone to letting people use and step on me for too long xnot standing up for myself

Freesia: What are three good things that have happened in the past month?The past month was actually absolutely terrible so not much to find here.Uhm..the bad thing that happened got our family closerI spend Christmas and new years w my familyI got amazing gifts and letters from my friends

Garden Cosmos: How was your day today?Stressful. I worked on my semester project and I feel like hardly anything worked

Gardenia: Are you happy with where you’re at in your life?I’m moving towards a happy place. But I’m definitely doing a lot better already

Gladiolus: What is something you hope to do in the next year or two?Finish my apprenticeship, surgery, be able to make my own money so I don’t have to rely on my dad so much (he does enough for me already) and so I can get more distance between my mother and I

Glory-of-the-Snow: What are ten things that make you happy/you’re grateful to have in your life?In no particular order

1. Dogs, god whenever I see a dog I’m happy because they are so cute and loyal,,,,,,,

2. probably everyone and their dog says this but my friends, honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without them. They helped me through terrible times in my life, are a constant source of love and joy to me.

3. my family. Since I didn’t have that for a long time I cherish it even more now that I do. It’s amazing to have a family that supports you behind you. I’m super grateful for everything they’ve done for me

4. the possibility to do the apprenticeship that I want to. it’s not always easy,,,I lack the money lmao but I’m so grateful that I can do this, because it makes me feel like I’m actually worth something in the working,adult world. I’m good at this

5. music. I listen to it so often, I can’t imagine not having music

6. sunshine, there’s something wonderful about going outside and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, when it’s spring and winter has just gone by and you just have to smile because everything is bright and you’re surrounded by light

7. myself. Listen I dislike myself as much as the next guy but I’m working on appreciating myself and I am insanely proud of myself for coming as far as I have come. I don’t let myself feel it very often but having myself, it’s a good thing. I know my younger self would be very happy knowing that I did all those things for us.

8. something that makes me happy is creating, might it be art, or sewing or writing, anything really. It’s a pain in the ass and frustrating at times but I love looking at something knowing I did this, finishing it. And then looking back at it later and seeing how far I’ve come again

9. playing video games. It’s just fun to lose yourself in a story sometimes.

10. Christmas Markets. I don’t like Christmas itself. But I love the Markets, it’s the atmosphere of it. The food smells amazing and there are all those lights and there are kids with actual shining eyes because they see Christmas so magical and they are in awe by all the lights and honestly I feel the same awe sometimes when I’m on those Markets

Heliotropium: What helps you calm down when you feel stressed?  Hardly anything lmao. Listening to music. Distracting myself with either talking to someone or playing/watching something. Tho that often makes me feel guilty on the long run. What helps if stress is overwhelming me is writing down what it is that is stressing, like making a list and trying to untangle the mess, looking at what I have to do one by one

Hellebore: How do you show affection?Since I’m A  big fan of honesty I usually just say it. I like to tell people when I get some emotion. Like just telling them that I appreciate them. I think it’s nice to just be told that sometimes. Besides that I do things, like I’ll send anon messages or offer help just assisting somehow. Like not always outright having them know it’s me,like affection from afar. And well I’m helpful when I care abt someone especially, like “I can do this for you”

And being super openIt’s not alway clever as experience has shown but to me offering up things about myself means trust means affection in a way. Like giving a part of myself to someone. lmao

Hoary Stock: What are you proudest of?Making it to this point, I wasn’t in a very good state just a bit ago. But with the help of my friends and family I made it out of it. I have an apprenticeship I enjoy, I have my own flat, I have something to stand up for again. I can appreciate myself some more. I was able to see toxic relationships i was in and get away from them and not let myself be guilted but seeing them for what they are and acknowledging that while I am not a saint it doesn’t mean that I have to accept any treatment. I stood up to my mother, even if just a bit that was a huge step for me.

Hyacinth: What do you like to do in your free time?I barely had  any of it recently so I can very much put what I want to do. Which would be drawing. I haven’t done that properly in so long and I miss it. Like both sketching stuff on paper but mostly full pictures, sketching, lining and colouring somethin. Having a full art piece at the end. Also Play Games. And talk to my friends. Haven’t had a nice hour long convo with Nina or Charlotte or Sam in ages and I hate that.

Irises: Who can you talk to about (almost) everything?That’d be Charlotte and Nina

Lilac: What’s something you liked to do as a child?I would hide away in my room and imagine. Invent stories, characters, anything to distract me from how unhappy I was. I would act them out in my head when I laid in bed so I could sleep.

Lily of the Incas: What is something you still feel guilty for?I did not treat someone that I care about very well a few years ago, I didn’t give them the honesty they deserve. I was an asshole. Even if we spoke about it, I still feel very bad about it.

Lily of the Nile: What is something you feel guilty for that you shouldn’t feel guilty about?Indulging. When I have things to do but take a break I always feel super guilty for not doing anything.

Lupine: What does your name mean? Why is that your name?It seems it comes from the Roman name Julianus, and was the name of a pangan Roman Emperor as well as a name of saints. Sometimes meaning youthful which fits because I look like a baby

Marigold: Where did you grow up? Tell us about it.I grew up in a big city in Germany. Very busy City with high buildings and no time. I lived in a flat when I was very young, a room with big windows where I’d sit and look out ot. Then we moved into the house my dad still lives in. Where houses were built in rows and more people knew each other, I’d walk home and pretend to not see them as to not have to speak to them.

Then I moved in a beautiful flat in a more busy part of the city, with a bookstore in the same building and a supermarket right down the street. My hometown is best described in the colour grey. I dont think it very pretty if I’m honest.Still its full of memories and not half as bad

Morning Glory: What was your bedroom like growing up?Talking about the one in the house. Light peach coloured walls. Small but with big windows to look out of. An old wooden bed in front of one Window, and even older Closet next to the door, already so old that it had been ancient when my dad had been young. A desk in one corner at the other side of the room, above it shelves filled with books, little trinkets on the windowsills. Cabinets filled with paper full of secrets. Posters on the Walls and a round mirror that I hated looking into when I was young.

Mugworts: What was it like for you as a teenager? Did you enjoy your teenage years?  God no. I have repressed most of my younger years. My teenage years were filled with confusion and self doubt. I was a mess, I hated myself, not knowing who I was. And then knowing but being shamed for it, hiding away and keeping my head low to survive. Pushing myself to the limits and clinging to the thought that I could escape at age 18

Norwegian Angelica: Tell us about your mom.My Mother and I are not on good terms. I’ve spend countless of years desperately attempting to please her, hoping for love or anything close to it. I was constantly let down by her. My mother is someone that I fear I’ll never understand, adapting to the men that she is with. Claiming to have reached compassion and selflessness while being the opposite. Acts childish and has never accepted or supported me. Now attempts to lure in my sister whom I fear for as she’s always wanted my mother to love her. I have estranged from her very much and currently I am happy seeing her as less as possible.

Onions: Tell about your dad.  I remember my father as a very autocratic person in my youth. He’d always work and would only be home to cast judgement. We did not get along well, and my mother, like grima wormtongue, had influenced me further into seeing him as a terrible person. Now I see him very differently. In fact I am similar to my father. Hard working, well spoken and crafty. We share a similar humor and I am very thankful for his support over the last year. To me my father is a very good example of how sometimes people can actually change, sometimes second chances will not disappoint you. My father cares very much about our family and I am happy to have gotten close to him again.

Orchid: Tell about your grandparents.I won’t lose many words about my mother’s parents as there isn’t much to say about them.My mothers father was always sick, more often because he believed he was. The years before he died it had only gotten worse. My Grandmother was never really happy in that relationship, something I believe she handed down to my mother.

My fathers parentsWell, when I was young it was difficult, they aren’t exactly children people, despite trying. I especially had my difficulties with my grandmother, who was work above everything and wanted everything to be perfect.I remember her always fixing my clothing. Countless of instances of her and my dad arguing.

When I got older we had barely any contract until I had my coming out to my dad, who told my grandparents. Much to my surprise and I still respect that so much, they were immediately supportive and accepting, perhaps even more than anyone else from my family.

In the last year we grew closer. They helped me with my flat and would come over to set up a few things. I took them to a restaurant that my grandfather would always talk about whenever we talked, happily.

My grandmother and I had phone calls at least once a week, she was also the most interested in my apprenticeship, always curious, sending me old magazines and ideas she had. As well as button ups and shirts she had bought for me or old ones from my grandfather.She offered me support when we talked, told me they’d do anything they could

When my sister and I were getting clothing for my grandpa, as he was saying with us, I found a book on my grandmother’s bedside table.It was an educational oneIn it was also an article she had cut out of a newspaper, the title saying how the support of the family is the most important thing to lgbt children.

I miss my grandmother

Peony: What was your first job?I worked a summer at my mothers workplace. Cleaning watches and watch straps, replacing small things on the straps

Petunia: If you’re in a relationship, how did you meet your partner(s)? If you’re not in a relationship, how did you meet your crush/how do you hope to meet your future partner(s), if you want any?We met 2014 on a cosplay convention in the city I grew up in. We met on the first day of that, where we all hung out in a group and then he and Charlotte spend the next day w us as well.

Pincushion: How do you deal with pain?I bottle it up, focus on something that keeps me busy. Sometimes other people’s pain or doing things for them. Distraction from thoughts really. I’m best when I’m busy

Pink: Where is home?If you’d asked me a couple of months ago my answer would’ve been easy and quick. But now phew, I mean I call my place home as in “I’m going home” and I call my dads place home as in “I was home over the holidays”

But I’m not sure, not really

Plantain Lilies: If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would stop/change?I could go endlessly both about important historical events and tragedies as well as personal mishaps and bad choices. But eventually I actually think this is too big of a question to answer like this. I’m generally better in speech than word when it comes to things like that

Primrose: Describe your ideal life.Steady. As in a job that I like, that provides me with enough money to survive well. Not to worry about everything. Having Dogs, as that I something I always wanted. Living somewhere in the city (always dreamed of a Fachwerk House but yeah…), with the possibility to visit my friends that I am in good contact in. Living with love and happiness. With a connection to my family still as good as now. Perhaps with someone,,,

Rose: What’s your favorite sound?I love the sound of paper, like books, pages turning, things like that. Also soft rain

Sage: What’s your least favorite memory?I’m a Class A represser. So it’d probably be many things centered abt my mother.

Snapdragon: At this moment, what do you want?  I want my semester presentation to go well tomorrow. That’s all I care abt rn

St. John’s Wort: Is it easy or difficult for you to express how you feel about things? It used to be harder in the past but I’ve gotten slightly better at it. I’m still struggling with feeling but it’s a work in progress.

Sunflower: What is something you don’t want to imagine life without?My Friends and Family, cheesy I know but over the last year I’ve become more set in that. Once more I noticed how much strength those can give you. And also noticed how important they are to me by the way things that happen hurt me

Sweet Pea: How much sleep did you get last night?7 hours, couldn’t fall asleep at first but that’s usually my minimum of sleep

Tickseed: What’s your main reason to get up every morning?School. I have a timed, strict schedule thanks to that and it forces me to get up until a certain time in the morning. That helps a lot actually

Touch-Me-Not: How do you feel about your current job?I’m still in an apprenticeship but I enjoy it a lot

Transvaal Daisy: What’s your favorite item of clothing?I have a new pair of shoes that are so beautiful I wish I had the look and body and style to wear them day to day. Also got some cool button ups

Tropical White Morning Glory: Describe your aesthetic.Look at this and you’ll see first hand https://www.pinterest.de/Gayneral/

I’m sorry I’m bad at desctibing my aesthetic. It’s like, historical stuff, museums, snowey Fachwerk, religious themed things, bee themed things, watches…

Vervain: What’s stressing you out most right now?My semester project is due to two and a half weeks and I’m super nervous about finishing it like boooooy

Wisteria: How many books have you read in the past few months? What were they called?Sadly I’ve been super busy recently so I’ve only been able to read a tiny bit in my holidays, Acht Nacht by Sebastian Fitzek

Wolf’s Bane: Where do you want to be in life this time next year?Still in school, doing good, and enjoying it

Still having a good relationship w my father, my sister and that whole family

Still good with my friends, hopefully seeing them more often

(maybe in a relationship pls don’t @ me)

Generally happy, not having to worry too much

Yarrow: Do you know what vore is?Thanks to tumblr I do, and I hate it

Zinnia: Give a random fact about yourself.I take my school very seriously. And I have zero tolerance for those in our school that don’t.

[gx-rivalshippingmonth]

Day 24: A day at the beach

*casually submits something again* I’m so sorry :’D

Alright, that should be my last entry for this year! 

Thanks for having me, it was a honor! (No joke, it makes me so happy to see my posts here^-^)

———

Jaden was definitely a fan of summer, but this August was just too damn hot.

The heat was insufferable and the air felt thick enough to crush him.

He desperately fanned himself, hoping to get at least some kind of cooling from that, however, there was little point in fanning himself with hot air, so he just let himself fall back into the sand.

Nobody was at the beach at this ungodly hour except himself and Chazz and since it was already so unbearable, he didn’t want to know what it would be like at noon.

“Chazz, are you up for going into the water?”, he asked, fully expecting the other boy to decline.

“Sure, just let me finish this chapter.”

Jaden looked back at him, surprise clear on his face as he examined Chazz who sat under a sunshade with a book in his hands.

He didn’t wear his usual black coat – by the gods, he would have died already – but instead a shirt and shorts and he totally rocked this look.

He rocked every look, but that was beside the point.

The point was, he’d never agreed to come into the water when Jaden had been at the beach with him, he’d always insisted on sitting under a tree or sunshade to keep his natural paleness.

To have him agree was a different situation, but the brunette couldn’t say he wasn’t happy about that, in actual fact it was quite the opposite.

He would get a chance to splash Chazz with water, see his wet skin sparkle in the light, maybe even watch his hairspray wash out and see him in his natural beauty for once.

“How long is this going to take?” His voice was full of excitement and Chazz noticed because he looked up with a smug smile on his face.

“Twenty minutes, it’s a long chapter.”

Jaden groaned.

Twenty minutes was basically an eternity.

“And what am I supposed to do while you finish the chapter?”

“I don’t know, build a sandcastle?”

He said it jokingly, but Jaden was immediately taken by the idea, jumping up in motivation.

Sure, he didn’t have a bucket, but how difficult could it really be?

He moved to a location a bit further away from the water since he didn’t want his creation to be destroyed right away and began piling up wet sand with his hands.

Chazz was torn between laughing or sighing, but eventually opted for the latter.

“What are you, twelve?”

“Yeah, on a scale of one to ten.” He stuck his tongue out childishly before turning his attention back to building the sandcastle.

While he was doing so, he made up a story in his head to go along with it and soon, he let it completely engulf him.

~~

Once upon a time in a medieval kingdom, there was a noble family by the name of Princeton that lived in a castle high on a hill.

The King and Queen of the fine country Domino…nian… had three sons, Slade, Jagger and Chazz Princeton, who were in charge of the country until the King and Queen returned from their vacation.

Jagger was responsible for handling the family’s finances while Slade’s duty was to report about the political situation and relationships of Dominonian to its neighboring countries Battlecity…ford and Duelistkingdomwick.

What the hell kind of names are these anyway?

The youngest son, Chazz, was forced to take over the cardgame- uh, the church.

He took his task very seriously and was a very dedicated follower of the church in hopes of becoming a priest in the future.

Even if that wasn’t what he himself wanted, he needed the approval and appreciation of his brothers more than anything else.

It just so happened that one day, while he was celebrating Holy Mass with other followers he noticed a young boy with brown hair in the crowd of people and he decided to strike up a conversation with him about the holy spirit.

The boy’s name was Jaden and he came from a very poor farmer family that had to pay a lot of taxes to the King and Queen.

Chazz felt pity for this boy as he thought about his castle and the wealth that his family possessed, but before he could make Jaden an offer, a blond priestess by the name of Alexis dragged him away and talked to him about her brother who needed an exorcism done on him.

By the time Chazz had finished scheduling the exorcism, Jaden was already gone.

A few days passed in the kingdom and Chazz couldn’t stop thinking about the brunette boy, so he took a walk through the town, asking the townspeople if they had seen him to which most of them replied no as they were too busy with their own lives to care.

After some more walking, he arrived on a farm with cows and pigs and he politely knocked, certain that this was Jaden’s farm.

It took a while before his parents opened the door, their clothing merely some rags, and asked what they could do for him.

Chazz replied that he would like to see Jaden, but his parents told him that they had already sent him away because they didn’t want to care for him- no, fuck, I mean… they couldn’t afford to buy food for him.

Chazz was shocked to hear this, gave them enough gold to build a new existence and took off to find Jaden.

His search lead him all the way to Battlecityford, the kingdom of Aster Phoenix, where he was captured by border security and thrown into a dungeon.

Meanwhile, back in Dominonian, Alexis failed to exorcise her brother all on her own which caused him to go berserk and invade the Princeton castle.

Guards tried to stop him, but he was too strong for them to defeat, so they had to make way if they didn’t want to get killed.

Atticus broke into the other Princeton brothers’ rooms and cursed them so that they could never pressure Chazz ever again with anything.

A nice side effect of the curse also caused them to rethink their decisions and find something besides world domination to be passionate about.

As a result, they took a trip to Duelistkingdomwick to discover their true selves and they stayed there for the remainder of their lives.

Well, mostly, I do hope they attend our wedding… Should we marry in summer? It’s kinda hot, maybe-… Oh, wait, the story!

As for Chazz, he was still stuck in a dungeon and Dominonian caused a riot because its people were confused and couldn’t think straight without a ruler.

Get it? Ruler? Straight?

So, anyway, it was very hot in the dungeon and Chazz finally started to take a look around and discovered Jaden who was very dizzy from sitting in the sun for so long and making up stories in his head and he was about to fall unconscious when Chazz suddenly chucked water in his face- AH!

~~

Jaden snapped back into reality when he felt something wet hit his body and he tried focusing on his surroundings, only to realize that he was unable to right now.

Everything was strangely distorted and he brought a hand up to his head which had begun throbbing violently.

Ugh, why did he feel so nauseous all of a sudden?

“Jaden? Jaden! Hey!”

Once again, cold water hit him in the face while he was being dragged somewhere.

“Dammit Jaden, how can you not notice a heat stroke?!”

A heat stroke? Was that what was happening?

But his story hadn’t concluded yet…

He wanted it to conclude with something romantic… A kiss maybe?

“Kiss me…” His voice sounded weak and far away.

His world hadn’t stopped spinning yet, so he couldn’t see Chazz’s reaction, but in his mind he was giving him a worried look.

“We have to get you away, now’s not the time!”

Chazz helped him get on his feet and supported him while leading him out of the dungeon.

“Are we going to your castle?”

“What?”

Water began to surround his feet and then his knees.

The ocean? Was there an ocean in Battlecityford?

It went up to his waist and then his chest, small waves gently nudging him while Chazz made sure that his head stayed overwater in case he did fall unconscious.

It was so cold, it felt so good on his heated body, but he still wanted that kiss.

“Kiss me… Kiss…”

There was a moment of hesitation before Chazz leaned forward, but he never closed the distance fully, instead just caressing Jaden’s face softly.

“Let’s do that in the castle when you’re feeling better, okay?”

He nodded, relaxing in Chazz’s arms while trying not to pass out.

“Mhhh… as you wish, your majesty…”

And the prince and the farmer boy lived happily ever after in the castle and adopted two cute puppies.

The end.

[samdukewieland]

Stuck Inside Media Diary Week 3

People ask me (no one asks me) all the time why I don’t include the music or podcasts I listen to or books I read when I put this list together once a week. It’s pretty simple: I’m a huge dumbass.

Sunday, April 5

Better Call Saul, [Season 4] “Wiedersehen”, “Winner”, [Season 5] “Magic Man”

This was a real milestone for me, made me feel real good in a very inconsequential way. I got caught up to a show that is currently airing on TV;it’s true what they say: it’s a sprint not a marathon. It feels silly to say or compare BTS to Breaking Bad, and acting as if you can only like one by saying X is better than Y. The closest comparison that I feel “comfortable” with making is that this is just a real Cheers vs. Frasier debacle. Both are close to, if not, model examples of their type and no one is gonna look down on you if you like them. Though there is a certain type of snobbishness to being a bigger Frasier/Better Call Saul fan-very white collar attribute.

Lady Macbeth, Oldroyd 2016 [as of now this is available on Hulu]

So I really only watched this because Florence Pugh is in this and I saw somewhere on twitter (what a source!) that it was essential viewing for Pugh-heads. Or something like that;I’m probably paraphrasing. Full disclosure: I have an enormous crush on Florence Pugh. Did this influence how much I liked this movie? I liked it fine, at a certain point you kinda go “I get it” and that’s about as much substance as it has, but man oh man, Florence Pugh is really good in this. Curious how much of this played a part in Ari Aster wanting her in Midsommar which she.....might just be too good for? I dunno man, there’s a lot of other things I’d rather do than talk about that movie. It reminded me of Revolutionary Road. How so? My senior year of college I borrowed it from a friend and when we had lunch like three weeks later and I gave it back to her she asked how I liked it and my honest to God reaction was “heh, man, how about that ending” which is 100% not the answer you want to give to a woman you have an innocent crush on who lent you her copy of Revolutionary Road.

Monday, April 6

After Hours, Scorsese 1985

I’ve owned this for a little over a year saving it for a special occasion or like when I feel like I’ve owed myself a little treat (that’s how much I believe in Martin Scorsese) so I watched it on my birthday. And because I am one of those assholes who posts what they’re watching or listening to on Instagram I had done that with this and one of my buddies who I just don’t text back because I’m busy with nothing and am bad at it (Cole and Max amongst others, this is for you!) said “the Safdies owe their whole shit to this and that’s okay.” Couldn’t’ve said it better myself. (Not since Uncut Gems have I felt a very specific kind of *wired* after a movie; granted it hasn’t been very long since I saw Uncut Gems, but let’s consider this one of those if you know you know things)

Tuesday, April 7

Killing Them Softly, Dominik 2012 [as of now this is available on Netflix]

Subtle is not a word I would use with some of the themes of this movie, but that just doesn’t really matter. This movie’s rad as hell and it doesn’t make a ton of sense that I hadn’t seen it until last week. Like, what a tense goldmine of character actors and this might be the first time I’ve heard Mendelsohn speak in his natural speaking voice (the episode of Girls that he’s in where he plays Jessa’s dad might actually be the first, but he’s supposed to be British in that and it’s been a while since I’ve seen that episode, so I’m just guess off the top of my head that he put a twist on his voice). Like Sam Shepard is the 8th guy in this movie! What a great audition tape to submit to Fincher.

The Plot Against America, “Part 1”

David Simon is my favorite dramatist in Television and it takes a lot of effort for me to keep with his shows. I don’t know why. The first time I watched The Wire I watched like 5 or 6 episodes and took maybe a month long break and picked it back up. He makes ear-worms, stuff that get’s lodged in my brain as responding very positively to what he makes (the same thing happened with Treme [never finished], Show Me A Hero [never finished] and The Deuce [never finished]) and I really don’t want it to happen again. He just tends to make stuff you have to be very dialed in for and my brain, for the most part, is mush a lot of the time. I will finish this though. Also I’ve never read the book (but I definitely own it!) so I don’t know how it holds up to source material blah, blah, blah.

Wednesday, April 8

The Running Man, Glaser 1987

I just wanted to watch Total Recall. This was the next best thing available on my DVR. It is not Total Recall (I’m sure it’s a very well known story and I just don’t know it, but is there a story about why Ventura doesn’t fight Arnold at the end? Seemed weird). Also Mick Fleetwood is in this and plays an interracial part to the resistance and his “character’s” name is “Mic.”

Thursday, April 9

Better Call Saul “50% Off”

Brooklyn Nine-Nine “Valloweaster”

For the record, I’ve been watching B99 all season and I just haven’t thought to add this. Same deal with Top Chef (see below). Have loved this season so far, but they’ve hit their stride (which they always do) in the last three weeks. Love that they still incorporate the Halloween heist in different capacities even though they don’t have episodes in the Fall anymore.

Top Chef Season 17, Ep. 4

Great episode. Sometimes it takes Top Chef about 3 or 4 episodes to really get going and the lower tiered competitors are starting to get on the nerves of higher tier chefs and the sense of urgency, re: competition finally has a fire lit under it. I also love that when this show first started whenever they had to do a vegetarian challenge the general consensus was “ah fuck this, I don’t know how to do that.” 

Onward, Scanlon 2020 [as of now this is available on Disney+]

I started watching this at like 1 in the morning, because I needed to watch something for the day, because I’m trying to keep this streak going. Whatever, it sucks that Pixar has to meet a quota or something now-a-days (have I mentioned that I had to travel in the snow when I went to school and that it was up-hill both ways). I guess if there was one for them that they could kind of just shoo off to the Ploos early they got lucky that it was this one. Again, whatever.

Friday, April 10

Best Friends, Jewison 1982

Man, Goldie Hawn was great. Man, Burt Reynolds was an underrated comedic actor and also very hot.

Better Call Saul, “The Guy For This”

Saturday, April 11

Better Call Saul, “Namaste”, “Dedicado A Max”, “Wexler V. Goodman”, “Jmm”, “Bagman”

I’m gonna miss my binge days of BTS, but again, this feels like a real accomplishment that I got here. Love this damn show.

The Untouchables, De Palma 1987

Kevin Costner has such cop-face in this movie and it’s almost like Andrew Garfield in Silence: I don’t know if I particularly like it and this is such a punchable face that I have to stare at for so long, but maybe that’s the point?

I made a DeNiro Top 5 and I might have regrets now for making it before seeing this, because you rarely get to see unhinged Bobby D and it is fun. As fun as the “another coat of glaze” performance Connery has in this movie (that beat out Albert Brooks in Broadcast News, something 1987 Sam would’ve come unglued at). Fun movie that is so bizarrely lauded-maybe a perfect time capsule movie for when it came out. It also made me realize that De Palma is like a better Tim Burton, because he has better friends.